Augerville-la-Rivière combines a direct connection to the river with several different themes for a trip: the Essonne flows through the village, and parts of the municipality lie within the Natura 2000 site “vallée de l’Essonne et vallons voisins” (FR 2400523). Other attractions include the Château d’Augerville, the Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, a hiking route, golf and chocolate made locally. This gives you a choice of different focuses, from local history to outdoor activities, rivers and landscapes.
The Essonne and the Natura 2000 site
The Essonne flows through Augerville-la-Rivière, and fishing is possible along its banks. The river is therefore both a geographical landmark and the setting for a specific activity. The protected-site designation should be considered separately: Augerville-la-Rivière lies partly within the Natura 2000 site “vallée de l’Essonne et vallons voisins.” The fact that this applies only to part of the municipality is important for understanding the area; it does not mean the entire village is a protected site. If you are interested in nature, you can distinguish between the river as a reference point for fishing and the protected-site designation covering part of the municipality.
Château, church and mill: different traces of history
The Château d’Augerville was originally a castle surrounded by moats. In the 15th century, it belonged to Jacques Cœur. The French kings who visited or stayed at the château included Louis XI, Charles IX, Henri IV and Louis XIII; Catherine de Médicis is also said to have been there. The history of the château thus links its original form as a castle with its history of ownership and visits.
The Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul offers a different historical perspective: it was built in the 12th century and substantially expanded in the 16th century under Marie Cœur. The Tingrain mill also adds to the historical picture. It was operational from the 12th to the 20th century and was subsequently restored. Each of these three buildings highlights a different aspect: the château’s original form as a castle, the church’s construction and expansion, and the mill’s long period of use and later restoration.
Hiking trail and golf: practical options for planning your trip
The PR Jacques Cœur hiking trail is 6.03 km long and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It joins the GR32 and runs alongside the wall of the Château d’Augerville park. The time given is approximate, and trail conditions can change. Check the current route and conditions before setting out.
For golf enthusiasts, the Château d’Augerville golf course offers individual and group lessons with a professional golf instructor, as well as public green fees for 18-hole rounds. There are two different options: lessons or an 18-hole round. Green-fee details may change; check them before your visit. You can decide between planning your day around a hiking route with a specified distance or playing golf, using these practical options as a guide.
Locally made chocolate
Les Douceurs du Château d’Augerville makes pralines, ganaches, orangettes, traditional-style marshmallows, confectionery, biscuits, cookies, cakes and chocolate bars on site. The range extends from sweets and baked goods to chocolate products. Local production adds a culinary dimension to the history and activities on offer. As you weigh up your travel interests, this option sits alongside local history, hiking and golf, without requiring all these activities to fit into the same day.
Discover more destinations: Nogent-Sur-Vernisson, Barville-En-Gâtinais, Faverelles, Triguères, Ferrières-En-Gâtinais, Cléry-Saint-André, Bonny-sur-Loire, Briare.
For the regional travel overview: Loiret.
