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Nogent-le-Rotrou

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City
—°10610
Nogent-le-Rotrou (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Nogent-le-Rotrou

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Château des Comtes du Perche early in the morning to avoid crowds.
  • The Saturday market at Place Saint-Pol is well-suited for discovering regional produce.
  • If interested in equestrian heritage, look into visiting a nearby Percheron horse farm.
  • The town is well-connected by TER regional trains, making it an easy day trip.

🍽 Food

🍽
Perche Cider

Try the local apple cider in one of the traditional crêperies in the old town.

🍽
Boudin Noir

The local blood sausage is a traditional specialty, easily found at the butcher or the market.

🍽
Artisan Cheeses

Pick up fresh goat cheese directly from the farmers' market for an authentic picnic.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Place Saint-Pol Market

Held every Saturday morning, it's the best place to buy fresh products from the Perche region.

🛍
Antique Shops

Wander the central streets to find several appealing shops selling vintage goods and antiques.

🧘
Parc Daupeley

A peaceful park right in the town center, good for a short break.

🧘
Banks of the Huisne

Take a relaxing walk along the riverbanks to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Highlights of 2026

10

Nogent-le-Rotrou is a historic town in the Eure-et-Loir department, serving as the traditional capital of the Perche region. Its skyline is dominated by the massive Château des Comtes du Perche, a fortress that dates back to the 11th century and represents the power of the Rotrou counts during the Middle Ages. The town is located at the confluence of the Huisne and Ronne rivers, providing a scenic backdrop for its well-preserved old quarters. One of its most distinctive cultural hallmarks is the Percheron horse, a powerful draft breed that originated in the surrounding countryside and is still a symbol of local identity. Visitors can explore the pleasant streets lined with timber-framed houses and visit the tomb of the Duke of Sully in the local chapel. Today, Nogent-le-Rotrou balances its rich medieval heritage with a modern economy focused on pharmaceuticals and specialized manufacturing, while remaining a vital gateway for visitors exploring the lush forests and rolling hills of the Perche Regional Nature Park.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3461013171919151174
Rain mm544653426357515341606366

Geography

Population
13,128
Coordinates
48.32170, 0.82170

Facts

  • The town covers an area of approximately 19.37 square kilometers.
  • The 11th-century keep of the castle is one of the oldest in France.
  • It is the sub-prefecture of the Eure-et-Loir department.
  • The town serves as a major rail stop between Paris and Le Mans.
  • Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, died in the nearby castle in 1641.
  • The local climate is temperate oceanic with mild winters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Nogent-le-Rotrou (6)

Saint-Jean Castle🛡️ fortress

A mighty 11th-century fortress with a prominent square keep that towers over the town and the Huisne valley.

Notre-Dame Church⛪ religious

A Late Gothic church famous for housing the monumental tomb of the Duke of Sully, the renowned minister of Henry IV.

Saint-Hilaire Church⛪ religious

A Romanesque church from the 11th century, whose bell tower and architecture mark the early power of the Counts of Perche.

Museum of Perche History🏛 museum

Located inside the castle, this museum showcases the heritage, rural traditions, and crafts of the historic Perche province.

Maison du Bailli🏺 historical

A remarkable Renaissance house in the old town, once the residence of the local judicial officer representing the crown.

Tomb of Sully🏺 historical

A magnificent mausoleum located in the chapel of the local hospital, dedicated to Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully.

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark of Nogent-le-Rotrou?
The Château des Comtes du Perche, an impressive medieval fortress overlooking the town.
What animal is the Perche region known for?
The region is world-famous for the Percheron horse, a powerful draft horse breed originating here.
When is market day?
The large traditional market takes place every Saturday morning at Place Saint-Pol.
What museum can be visited in the castle?
The Museum of Perche History presents the life and crafts of the region over the centuries.
Are there nature parks nearby?
Yes, Nogent-le-Rotrou is the capital of the Perche Regional Nature Park, handy for hiking and horse riding.
Nogent-le-Rotrou: where is it located?
Nogent-le-Rotrou is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Nogent-le-Rotrou: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Jean Castle, Notre-Dame Church, Saint-Hilaire Church.
Nogent-le-Rotrou: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Nogent-le-Rotrou: why is it worth visiting?
Nogent-le-Rotrou is a historic town in the Eure-et-Loir department, serving as the traditional capital of the Perche region.
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