Yèvre-la-Ville

Formerly renowned for its vines, then for having been the cradle of Saffron cultivation and finally its rich beekeeping, the village of Yèvre-la-Ville now has a recognized character whose heritage jewel is the Sainte-Brigide church. Its Roman foundations date from the 12th century: at that time the choir was erected, surmounted by the square bell tower, the cul-de-four apse and its oriented apsidioles which were later transformed into chapels. Modifications were carried out in the 19th century: the current vaulting of the nave was then made of bricks and plaster, these works requiring the modification of the roof, the height of which was increased. In addition, a neogothic porch was added. The building is protected as a historical monument.

In the village of Yèvre-le-Châtel, as its name suggests, it is its medieval fortress that is the major site. The site was a stronghold from the High Middle Ages, located on the border of the dioceses of Orléans, to which it belonged, and Sens. In 1112, the castle was attached to the crown of France and in 1200, on the orders of Philippe Auguste, it was rebuilt to integrate the most modern techniques then in terms of military architecture. These are inherited from the Crusades, and relate for example to the relief arches which make it possible to resist sieges. In fact, the fortress which therefore watches over the border between the Duchies of Orléans and Ile-de-France will resist the English troops during the Hundred Years War. From the 15th century, however, the castle proved to be obsolete. However, today, its ruins remain majestic and impressive. Offering the shape of a diamond flanked by four towers, equipped with a covered way allowing to circulate on the top of the curtain walls (ramparts making the connection between the towers), it offers the visitor an unequaled panorama on the village and the surrounding region. Access to the farmyard via a beautiful postern and in the upper courtyard, gardens are laid out in the form of medieval squares where 150 aromatic and medicinal plant varieties are planted.

The romantic setting of the castle particularly seduced Victor Hugo.

Open all year. Admission: 3 and 5 euros. Information on +33 2 38 34 25 91.

Still in terms of heritage, see next, the Saint-Lubin church. Its construction was authorized by the Bishop of Orléans in the 13th century, thus satisfying the demand of the inhabitants. But at the request of the monks of Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire, the prelate reconsidered his decision and the work was interrupted. Thus, even if it resumed some time after the Hundred Years War, the site then remained unfinished. Moreover, at the beginning of the 18th century, the diocesan authorities accepted that certain stones of the church be sold! Since then, it remains a unique building, consisting of a single nave ending in a flat chevet, the whole being incomplete and partly ruined. The romantic atmosphere that emanates from it once again seduced Victor Hugo…

Below the lower courtyard of the castle, the Saint-Gault church, for its part, was founded in the 11th century. Its Romanesque foundations were reworked in the 13th century when a Gothic aisle was built, and other restorations took place afterwards.

The rest of the village is just as charming, made up of houses built in local limestone, lining shady alleys leading to bridges or mills.

During a walk, you will notice the hundreds of rose bushes planted in private gardens and public places: an approach that has earned Yèvre-le-Châtel a place on the Route des Roses du Loiret!

This desire to preserve a village of character with secular charm has seduced many artists after Victor Hugo: from the 1960s, painters, sculptors, plastic artists settled in the small town... Many have left their mark there, hence the grids, sundials, portals or other works that everyone can freely observe. This is also the case in the cemetery where the tombs of Dimas Macédo, whose burial is decorated with a bas-relief, and of Jean Aguera, who made a funerary monument in sculpted bronze, are visible.

Furthermore, in summer, the Châtel contemporary art gallery is open to the public. Contact on +33 2 38 34 15 91.

Outdoors, at the castle or in the square, concerts and exhibitions perpetuate this artistic vocation throughout the year.

For walkers and hikers, finally, marked trails are accessible in the town including heritage elements and the charms of the Rimarde valley with its rich ecosystem.

Larger loops departing from the two villages are dedicated to exploring the Gâtinais countryside… Maps and information on +33 2 38 78 04 04.

On Sunday morning, on the square of Yèvre-le-Châtel, the market showcases the region's terroir...

In mid-March, children's carnival.

Third Sunday in May, garage sale in Yèvre-le-Châtel.

On July 13 in the evening, on the occasion of the national holiday, torchlight procession between Yèvre-la-Ville and Yèvre-le-Châtel. The next day, festivities on the site of the fortress.

The first Sunday of September, hike (over two distances) organized by the festival committee.