Courville-sur-Eure is a town in the department of Eure-et-Loir, in the Center-Val de Loir region, 24 km west of Chartres.
Crossed on its "southern" part by the course of the Eure, a tributary of the Seine, its territory of 11 km² is still more than 82% made up of agricultural land, mainly cereal crops.
Seat of a châtellenie in the Middle Ages and under the Ancien Régime, Courville became a barony then a marquisate in 1656 when the descendants of Sully took possession of it. At this date, it has been a long time since urbanization made the medieval fortifications of the village unnecessary. And even before the Revolution, it was trustees appointed by the local bourgeoisie (wealthy traders) who administered the city in the name of the king.
In the 19th century, the town benefited from its location on the railway line linking Paris to Brest. And more recently, its demography is boosted by the proximity of the agglomeration of Chartres. With around 2,850 inhabitants, Courville-sur-Eure has preserved a quality heritage. Its leisure offer and an environment between river and wheat fields will appeal to lovers of green tourism...
In addition to the old 15th century corbelled houses still visible in the old town center, which give it a real cachet, Courville has major heritage elements. This is the case of the parish church of Saint-Pierre, protected as a historical monument since 1907. The building dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, rebuilt on the basis of a first place of worship, and has a sculpted frame. with quite remarkable paneling (beams, runners...). The most beautiful of its kind in the department according to a former architect of the Bâtiments de France… The Gothic-style architecture is also beautifully crafted, two side chapels forming a Latin cross plan. However, it is the exceptional quality of its furniture that is now the celebrity of the church. This was for the most part acquired in 1792 during the sale of national property, proof of the prosperity of the town at the time! There are thus stalls to be admired, a triumphal arch in polychrome wood, a number of altarpieces, paintings and wooden statues, some of them monumental (one meter high).
In a very different register, a wind turbine dating from 1902, rue Masselin was also entered in the Inventory. Designed by the engineer Lebert who had acquired the patents of the Bollée company, 20 m high, it operated a hydraulic pump to supply water to the asylum in the town. Although its propeller has disappeared, this machine in the shape of a metal pylon remains exemplary of the wind turbines of the time.
Finally, let us also mention the carved limestone door from the old Saint-Nicolas church (16th century) which was then integrated into the hospital and the contemporary mural fresco which now adorns the water tower.
On the cultural side, frequent events (meetings, readings, exhibitions) are offered at the "L'Eure de lire" media library. Information on +33 2 37 23 35 89.
In terms of "nature" sports and recreation, it is possible to book a tennis court at the local club. Contact +33 6 61 31 43 98.
For hiking enthusiasts, the banks of the Eure offer great potential. Ponds dot parts of the valley, offering a rich biodiversity, and we also notice sometimes old mills. These landscapes can be explored on foot but mountain biking trails have also been set up along the banks. All the landscapes call for bucolic serenity, not to mention possible incursions into the agricultural plains (wheat fields) or towards the outskirts of Chartres, where the cathedral can serve as a landmark...
Maps and information on +33 2 37 23 22 22 or +33 2 37 84 01 00.
The weekly market is held every Thursday morning on the Place des Fusillée la Resistance and allows you to understand the richness of the region's terroir.
The last weekend of June, funfair.
The last week of July, Courvillenscène festival with theatrical performances and concerts.
