Wheelbarrow Race in Marboué
A fun parent-child race featuring decorated wheelbarrows during the Marboué night market. A great community event for the whole family!
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Châteaudun
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ℹ️Practical info — Châteaudun
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Grottes du Foulon located under the town for a unique underground experience; check the seasonal opening times beforehand.
- Walk up the steep historic stairs from the lower riverbanks to the old town to appreciate the limestone cliff architecture.
- Parking near the Château de Châteaudun is limited; leave your car in the lower town or the main squares and walk the short distance.
- The town's historic quarter is best explored in the late afternoon when the sunlight highlights the ancient timber-framed houses.
🍽 Food
🍽
Rillettes
Try the regional pork rillettes, a savory spread first-rate with fresh baguette from a local bakery.
🍽
Pâté de Chartres
Look for this traditional meat pie with a flaky crust in the high-quality butcher shops around the center.
🍽
Loir Valley Wines
Enjoy a glass of local Coteaux du Vendômois wine at a traditional bistro in the old town.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Thursday Market
Explore the bustling weekly market on Place du 18 Octobre for regional cheeses, meats, and vegetables.
🛍
Local Crafts
Find unique handmade ceramics and local art in the small artisan boutiques along the winding streets near the castle.
🛍
Beauce Flour
Purchase authentic locally milled flour from the surrounding agricultural region (the Beauce) in specialty grocery stores.
🧘
Les Grands Moulins
Stroll along the Loir riverbank near the old watermills for a tranquil escape and a great view of the cliff.
🧘
Bois des Gâtines
A calm woodland area on the outskirts of town, good for a quiet afternoon walk among old oaks.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
First Aid Workshop for Kids
This workshop teaches children aged 7 to 14 essential first aid skills, including how to help someone in distress through practical demonstrations.
Guided Museum Tour
Embark on a one-hour journey across continents and eras, from antiquity to the present day, at the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History.
Lanneray BBQ Event
A friendly community gathering featuring a barbecue hosted by the former students of Lanneray.
Adieu Barbara Concert
Experience a new Pop-Rock wave led by the iconic voice of MANU (Ex-Dolly) and her band Adieu Barbara, born in Chartres.
Boat Trips on the Conie
Explore the unique flora and fauna of the wild Conie river on a guided boat trip with an experienced nature expert.
Wool Fair - Medieval Festival
Travel back to the Middle Ages for the 25th edition of this famous festival. Enjoy tournaments, historical animations, and a traditional farm experience.
Historic Car Hill Climb
Witness historic vehicles from before 2002 in a 1000m hill climb, plus a car exhibition and animations at Place du 18 Octobre.
Discovery Trip - Embark for the Marshes
Discover the riches of the Conie on a trip through the reed beds and by boat! Experience the river from the shore and along the water. Two departures at 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
Cars & Coffee
A meeting for car enthusiasts and mechanics lovers, organized by Ecurie 28.
Châteaudun sits proudly on a dramatic rocky limestone outcrop high above the Loir River and is widely regarded as the historical gateway to the famous valley of the Loire châteaux. The undisputed main attraction of the town is the majestic Château de Châteaudun, which provides a fascinating architectural journey through time, seamlessly blending the rugged defensive elements of a medieval fortress with the refined elegance of the early Renaissance; the well-preserved keep and the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle make the climb well worth it. However, the historic center has much more to offer: following a devastating fire in 1723, the town was redesigned with broad, strictly geometric streets, giving it a highly distinctive and appealing character today. A unique natural wonder is hidden deep beneath the town's surface: the Grottes du Foulon are impressive natural limestone caves, carved out by water over millions of years, showcasing a variety of striking geological formations. In the small, inviting cafes surrounding the photogenic Place du 18-Octobre, visitors can taste delicious regional wines while watching the relaxed pace of local life. Châteaudun is the great place to delve into the deep history and geological secrets of central France.
- Location: Centre-Val de Loire, France
- Top sights: Château de Châteaudun · Grottes du Foulon · Église de la Madeleine
- Nearby: Cloyes-les-Trois-Rivières (11 km)
- Population: ~15.338
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 57 | 48 | 54 | 44 | 65 | 58 | 53 | 52 | 39 | 64 | 65 | 68 |
Geography
Facts
- The castle's keep (donjon) stands 31 meters tall and dates to the 12th century.
- The 1723 reconstruction plan was designed by architect Jules Michel Hardouin.
- The Foulon Caves cover an area of approximately 10,000 square meters.
- The town sits at an average elevation of 140 meters above sea level.
- In 1870, roughly 1,200 defenders faced a Prussian force of 12,000.
- The local museum houses one of the finest ornithological collections in France.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Châteaudun (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Château de Châteaudun?
It is considered the first of the Loire Valley castles (coming from Paris) and combines Gothic and Renaissance styles.
What are the Foulon Caves?
They are natural caves under the town, used since prehistoric times and now illuminated with geodes for visitors.
Is Châteaudun a medieval town?
Yes, the district around the castle has preserved many half-timbered houses and narrow streets that bring the Middle Ages to life.
Which river flows through Châteaudun?
The town lies on the Loir river (not to be confused with the Loire), which runs picturesquely below the castle's cliffs.
What is the region known for?
Châteaudun is in the Beauce region, France's granary, known for vast wheat fields and windmills.
Châteaudun: where is it located?
Châteaudun is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Châteaudun: what is there to see?
Highlights include Château de Châteaudun, Grottes du Foulon, Église de la Madeleine.
Châteaudun: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Châteaudun: why is it worth visiting?
Châteaudun sits proudly on a dramatic rocky limestone outcrop high above the Loir River and is widely regarded as the historical gateway to the famous valley of the Loire châteaux.
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