La Fontenelle offers two distinct ways to plan a stay: the Church of Saint-Loup-Saint-Gilles, with its long building history, and hiking trails that can be compared by distance and approximate duration. The Circuit de Montotin is a longer loop passing through several hamlets; the Circuit des Augerais is shorter. The Ferme de la vieille Fontenelle is another reminder of the area’s earlier history. Visitors planning a trip can choose between heritage and outdoor activities, while taking the time required for a hike into account.
Church Heritage in La Fontenelle
The Church of Saint-Loup-Saint-Gilles was built in the 12th century. Its Grison stone façade was listed as a historic monument in 1971. The construction date and the year of protection refer to different things: one is the date the church was built, and the other is when its façade was protected. The medieval building and its subsequent listing can therefore be considered as distinct milestones in the building’s history.
Among the church’s features is a 16th-century stone baptismal font decorated with lions’ paws and winged genii. These motifs add a clearly datable element to the building’s history. The churches of La Fontenelle are part of the remarkable heritage of the Vendômois. The Ferme de la vieille Fontenelle also recalls the area’s history: it is one of the last remnants of the former settlement of La Fontenelle.
Two Hiking Trails with Different Durations
The Circuit de Montotin is an easy circular trail for walks and hikes. It is 8.5 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes; the starting point is Place de l’Église in La Fontenelle. The Circuit des Augerais is a hiking trail within the municipality of La Fontenelle, approximately 6 kilometres long and taking around two hours. These figures make the difference in distance clear: Montotin is the longer loop, while Augerais takes less time. As both durations are approximate, they are useful for planning but are not precise, minute-by-minute estimates.
Hamlets and the Egvonne along the Circuit de Montotin
The Circuit de Montotin passes through the hamlets of Montotin, Saussé, Les Petites Blatières and Les Reverdières. Several named places are therefore part of the route. Hikers can also see the banks of the Egvonne along the way. The trail can thus be described by more than its length: the hamlets and the river provide specific geographical reference points along the loop. Yellow markings used by the FFRP identify the Circuit de Montotin.
Different details can help you choose between the routes: for Montotin, the information includes its circular route, easy difficulty level, starting point, markings and course through the hamlets. With its approximate distance and duration, the Circuit des Augerais offers a shorter hiking option within the municipality of La Fontenelle. Depending on how much time you would like to spend hiking, you can compare the two trails as different options for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Montrichard, Ouchamps, Lunay, Authon, Talcy, Neung-Sur-Beuvron, Contres, Suèvres.
For the broader travel overview: Loir-Et-Cher.
