The 155 steps of Saint-Jean connect the Pâty district with the Château des Comtes du Perche. This direct link leads to a central theme of Nogent-le-Rotrou: the history of the Perche. Churches and Renaissance architecture add to this, while paths along the Huisne, Parc Daupeley and local produce outlets appeal to other interests. When planning your stay, you can choose between culture, outdoor activities and regional products without turning them into a fixed itinerary.
Château and the history of the Perche
The Château des Comtes du Perche has seven towers and a surrounding wall that were added to over several centuries. More than 200 objects can be viewed in the château. These include seals belonging to Richard the Lionheart and Blanche of Castile, as well as coins, weapons and armour. The collection thus offers specific examples to explore alongside the architecture of the site.
The Musée de l'histoire du Perche is housed in the Renaissance residential wing adjoining the keep. In the château, the museum traces a thousand years of history, from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution. The architecture and museum visit highlight different periods—from structural additions made over centuries to the Perche’s long historical development.
Churches and Renaissance architecture
The churches in Nogent-le-Rotrou recommended for a visit include Saint-Hilaire, Notre-Dame and Saint-Laurent. At Notre-Dame, the age of the nave can be pinpointed more precisely: it dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. The Église Saint-Laurent was listed as a historic monument by decree of 9 July 1927.
The Maison dite du Bailli is another Renaissance landmark. This listed monument has a stone staircase flanked at its four corners by round columns with Renaissance capitals. The façade was classified as a historic monument by decree of 10 July 1926. The graves of Sully and Rachel de Cochefilet are located in the courtyard of the former Hôtel-Dieu in the town centre. These places add further specific points of interest in the town’s architectural and urban history to a visit to the château.
Routes, rail and outdoor activities
Nogent-le-Rotrou is served by the Paris-Montparnasse–Le Mans railway line. If you are travelling by train, check the timetable for your travel date. For cyclists, a cycling route runs from Nogent-le-Rotrou along the Huisne on a voie verte; check the route conditions before setting out. Another connection is provided by Parc Daupeley, which links Nogent-le-Rotrou town centre with the Château des Comtes du Perche for pedestrians and cyclists. The information thus distinguishes between a cycling route along the river and a connection between the town centre and the château.
Events and regional products
Percheval has been held annually in Nogent-le-Rotrou since 2002, over the Ascension weekend. The event includes medieval and Renaissance shows and activities. As dates and programmes may change, check the details for the year of your trip before planning your stay around it.
Local food also offers a distinct way to discover the Perche. The Saturday market in Nogent-le-Rotrou is one of the markets in the Perche; producers’ stalls offer vegetables, cheese, cider, apple juice and honey. Check the market date before your visit, as the schedule may change.
Le Chardon is a cooperative shop selling directly from organic farms in the Perche. Products from more than 60 farms and craft businesses in the region are available there; the range may vary. The market and shop thus offer two different ways to discover regional produce.
Discover more destinations: Chartres, Saint-Germain-Le-Gaillard, Nogent-le-Roi, Hanches, Mézières-en-Drouais, Mainvilliers, Saint-Maixme-Hauterive, Courtalain.
For the broader travel overview: Eure-Et-Loir.
