Cellettes is a town in Loir-et-Cher, in the Center-Val de Loire region, a few kilometers south of Blois.
Its vast territory of some 21 km² is crossed by the Beuvron, a tributary of the Loire on the left bank, and is surrounded by the large national forest of Russy (3,200 hectares), made up mainly of oaks. The village has retained a rural aspect.
However, it is mentioned since Antiquity (a Roman road crossed the forest) and in the 6th century, it is at the level of the commune that would have settled on the edges of Beuvron Saint Mondry, who lived as a hermit.
In the Middle Ages, it is still on the course of this same river that mills for flour milling were established, which testifies to the prosperity of Cellettes, where vines are already cultivated. Nowadays, the locality is still included in the wine-growing area within the scope of the appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Cheverny.
From the Renaissance, as throughout the Loire Valley, castles and estates were erected on behalf of noble courtiers of rulers who like to stay in the region. Others will be built later for bourgeois from Blois or Paris. The most famous is the castle of Beauregard (16th century): with its gallery of portraits and its large park, it is the major tourist asset of Cellettes. With around 2,600 inhabitants, the town has a leading heritage and the surrounding forest also delights lovers of hiking and green tourism. A step is required.
The Saint-Mondry church is the oldest heritage site in the village. It dates from the 13th century (nave, transept and choir) but was altered in the 16th century (addition of aisles) and especially in the 19th century, when the nave (with the frame in the form of an inverted ship hull) was extended by a gallery and of a porch. From the end of the 19th century, the stained glass windows date back to those of the Romanesque church of Saint-Nicolas in Blois. The interior of the church was restored in 1989. The frescoes in the choir have been preserved. Note that in the nearby cemetery, sarcophagi from the Merovingian period were unearthed during work.
In the village, again, the stone bridge succeeded a wooden bridge in 1852. In January 1871, on the eve of the Armistice, two French soldiers of the Army of the Loire were killed there during an engagement against the Prussians. A small obelisk on the parapet commemorates this event. We also note that on the banks are located the oldest dwellings in the village, including a tower which is said to supervise the crossings of the Beuvron.
Finally, there is an old covered washhouse, an old mill and the remains of the towers of Conon castle.
Next, head for the surrounding countryside: there are no less than 18 castles or mansions across the country! The charm of the Beuvron valley, the proximity of the Loire castles where the kings of France stayed, the forest conducive to hunting explain this wealth which first attracted courtiers and then bourgeois in search of beautiful resorts...
The most notable of the castles is that of Beauregard. Listed as a Historic Monument in 1840, it was built in the 16th century instead of a first manor house built at the end of the 15th century on behalf of someone close to the Duke of Orleans. Used from time to time by Francis I as a hunting lodge, the estate was acquired in 1545 by Jean du Ther, Secretary of State for Finance to King Henry II and known to be an art lover. He had a new Renaissance-style castle built: a central gallery connects the living quarters that include the old house. In the 17th century a new owner, Paul Ardier, had the Galerie des Illustres built and added two low wings, framing the courtyard: this led to the destruction of old elements from the 16th century, these wings being finally removed in the 19th century. At that time, an English-style park was created in which the ruins of a 15th century chapel can still be seen. The whole castle and the park are accessible to the public. We admire in particular the gallery of Portraits where 327 famous figures are represented, the same place having a ceiling in lapis lazuli (ultramarine blue rock) and a paving made up of 5,600 earthenware tiles. A 16th century kitchen which has remained as it is, Renaissance cabinetry pieces, magnificent furniture (especially in the library) are also to be seen. The park is also a beautiful site for walking (40 hectares were thus redeveloped in the 1980s). Open from March 20 to November 15. Free or guided visit. Price: 9 and 12.50 euros. Information on +33 2 54 70 41 65.
In terms of "nature" sports and leisure activities, please note that tennis courts can be reserved on +33 6 07 82 00 02 and that fishing enthusiasts can benefit from the shores of the Beuvron. Information on +33 2 54 90 25 60.
The locality is finally a paradise for hikers. Paths are accessible to explore the 3,200 hectares of Russy Forest managed by the ONF. Former hunting grounds of the kings of France, rich in oaks, it is also open to mountain bikers. It is also possible to walk along the Beuvron in order for example to reach the nearby Loire Valley at Blois. Maps and information on +33 6 08 94 07 42 or +33 2 54 90 41 41.
The first weekend of July, "CELLafETTES" municipal festival with gourmet entertainment, artistic exhibitions, games, parade with lanterns, fireworks, ball…
The third Sunday in September, garage sale.
