Molineuf brings together a variety of travel interests: the Promenade des Rinceaux explores a natural landscape along the Cisse, while the church, art exhibitions and amateur theatre provide cultural highlights. The specific trail sections and recurring event formats offer useful pointers for shaping your stay around nature, outdoor activities or culture.
Wetland and trails along the Cisse
On the outskirts of Molineuf, towards Chambon-sur-Cisse, lies the Promenade des Rinceaux, a wetland of around ten hectares. It follows the left bank of the Cisse for just over 400 metres. The site also includes 450 metres of wooden boardwalk and 1,200 metres of landscaped paths. The riverside stretch and the two path measurements refer to different sections and distances. A footbridge built in 2018 connects the promenade to walking trails near the Church of Saint-Secondin.
The “Entre moulins et châteaux de Valencisse” walking trail follows the banks of the Cisse for some of its route. These sections run in the shade of the slopes; FFRandonnée 41 waymarks identify the trail. If you are parking for the walk, you can use the Molineuf town hall car park, which is near the Cisse. Another option is the Trail des Moulins: its start and finish are at Parc du Moulin des Charmes in Molineuf. As individual routes may change, check the details for the relevant event if you are planning around it.
The La Molineuvoise association also organises walks and mountain-bike rides in Molineuf and the surrounding area. This gives you a choice of different ways to explore: the boardwalk and path sections of the promenade, a marked walking trail, and organised outings. These features can help you choose the right format without assuming a particular walking time or distance.
Church, art and theatre
The Church of Saint-Secondin offers a glimpse into different architectural periods. It is thought to date from the 12th century, a dating suggested by the west portal and the sculpted corbels on the south wall. The stone bell tower was built against the same south wall in the 14th century. The church as a whole has been listed as a Monument historique by decree since 8 July 2008. The presumed age of the church, the date of the bell tower and its later protected status therefore refer to different aspects of the building.
The annual Promenade Artistique de Molineuf welcomes more than fifty artists, although the number may vary from one edition to the next. Works of art are exhibited at around twenty different locations, including exhibition halls, cellars and gardens. If the event is a reason for your trip, check the dates for the relevant edition in advance.
The Théâtre du Hérisson de Molineuf is an amateur theatre group founded in 1979. It stages plays in a range of styles every year, usually in March. Its repertoire includes comedies, crime plays and café-théâtre; in some years, it also puts on an outdoor performance. As individual programmes may vary, check the schedule if you would like to plan your stay around a theatre performance.
More local highlights
La Ferme des Oliviers is an animal sanctuary and educational farm in Molineuf, home to 250 to 300 animals. Visiting arrangements may vary, so check the visiting options in advance if you are planning to go there.
The name Molineuf is associated with the expression “moulin neuf” (“new mill”). The wider municipality of Valencisse is also home to Château de Bury. It was built by Florimond Robertet and was recognised in the 16th century as a precursor to the Renaissance château. It is now a ruin.
Discover more destinations: Chitenay, La Ville-Aux-Clercs, Lunay, Montrichard, Couffy, Montlivault, Contres, Vallières-Les-Grandes.
See the wider travel guide: Loir-Et-Cher.
