Discover Saint-Rimay

Saint-Rimay brings together the history of the W3 complex, several route connections, and individual cultural objects in the church. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the guided W3 walk, the temporary diversion of the Vallée du Loir à vélo – V47, and the Chemin de Trèves separately: each option has its own practical considerations.

The W3 walk and the site

The historic W3 walk is a guided 6.5 km walking route. It starts at the Saint-Rimay tunnel and also passes through Le Gondré. There you will find a spring capture and pumping station built by the Germans to supply the W3 site. As a result, the route covers not only the headquarters but also an element of the site's water supply.

The W3 walk can also be completed by mountain bike or by car; route conditions may be a factor. Check the dates of the guided tour before your trip. A flashlight and walking shoes are recommended for visiting the W3 site.

History of the W3 complex

Construction of the German W3 headquarters in Saint-Rimay began in July 1942 and ended in August 1943. The W3 complex includes two large bunkers, a power station, a telephone exchange, anti-aircraft positions, shelters, wells, cisterns, and blast walls. The different types of structures show that the complex comprised more than a single building.

The telephone exchange measured 42 × 12.6 m and was connected to Le Mans, Orléans, Tours, and Berlin. Its dimensions give a concrete sense of the building's scale, while the four connections mentioned bring the complex's communications role to life.

Routes through Saint-Rimay

The Chemin de Trèves, associated with the life of Saint Martin, passes through Saint-Rimay. A 2016 description places the route among the routes passing through 14 municipalities in the Loir-et-Cher département. If you are planning to take the trail as part of a longer leg, check the route markers on site before relying on them.

A temporary diversion of the Vallée du Loir à vélo – V47 starts at the hamlet of Piquant in Saint-Rimay. Before setting out, check whether this temporary route applies on your travel dates. The two route connections therefore require different planning: for the Chemin de Trèves, current trail markings matter; for the V47, check whether the diversion is in effect.

Art and heritage

Saint-Rimay church houses the oil painting “Le Martyre de saint Pierre” and a bell. The bell was listed as a protected object on 12 July 1943. The two objects offer a different focus from the technical installations of the W3 complex: here, the emphasis is on a painting and a bell with a precisely dated protected status.

Discover more destinations: Seigy, Couffy, Molineuf, Renay, Saint-Denis-Sur-Loire, Oucques, Josnes, Sambin.

View the broader travel guide: Loir-Et-Cher.