Loir en Fête

Loir en Fête: A Day of Discovery Along the Water in Bonneval

Every summer, the charming town of Bonneval, nicknamed the "Little Venice of Beauce", hosts Loir en Fête, a day celebrating the natural and fluvial heritage of the Pays Dunois. Organized by the Syndicat du Pays Dunois in partnership with local tourist offices, this friendly event invites visitors to rediscover the riches of the Loir valley in a warm and family atmosphere.

Nature Walks Along the Loir

Throughout the day, guided walks are offered to explore the fauna and flora of the Loir's banks. Naturalists and environmental specialists accompany walkers to discover birds, insects, and riverside vegetation. These walks, accessible to all, depart at regular intervals and allow visitors to appreciate the peaceful beauty of the Beauce landscapes crossed by the river.

A Local Produce Market and Artistic Activities

On the two main sites of the event — the Parking de la Grève near the Capitainerie and the Moulin du Pont — a festive village takes shape with stands from local producers offering cheeses, honey, jams, and specialties from the Beauce region. Painters set up outdoors to capture the landscapes of Bonneval, while photographic exhibitions and nature film screenings complete the cultural offerings.

Bonneval, a Heritage Gem on the Banks of the Loir

The event is also an opportunity to (re)discover the remarkable historical heritage of Bonneval: its medieval ramparts, its former Benedictine abbey of Saint-Florentin, its watermills, and its picturesque washhouses lining the arms of the Loir. A digital treasure hunt in the form of an outdoor heritage escape game, accessible via a free smartphone app, offers the chance to solve historical riddles while exploring the town's alleys.

Slow Tourism at the Heart of the Event

Loir en Fête is fully aligned with the slow tourism approach promoted by the Pays Dunois territory and Eure-et-Loir. The event invites visitors to take their time to stroll, observe, taste, and marvel at the simple beauty of the Beauce landscapes crossed by the Loir. This philosophy of slow, environmentally friendly travel makes this day a special occasion for nature and heritage lovers.