Every evening at dusk, the pretty medieval town of Bonneval lights up in a riot of colours. Come and discover Bonneval along an enchanting light trail!
The little Venice of Beauce
Just 1 hour from Paris, on the edge of the Beauce and on the edge of the Perche, Bonneval welcomes visitors to the heart of a remarkable natural heritage. The Loir flows around the fortifications of the historic town centre. The abundance of water in the heart of the town has earned it the nickname ‘Little Venice of Beauce’. With its canals, bridges and wash-houses, fortifications, churches and abbey, Bonneval is a fortified village that has managed to preserve its identity.
Discover Bonneval
There are two ways to discover Bonneval, lights along the water:
* the walking tour, where you can stroll through the streets and see the scenic displays ‘seen from above’ as you walk by;
* take an electric boat trip down the Loir and admire the images projected onto the bridges and footbridges along the way.
Whatever you choose, you’re sure to fall under the spell of the pretty little town of Bonneval!
Electric boat trip
You can also enjoy a calm stroll along the water during the day, before the illuminations at nightfall. Go to the Harbour Master’s Office to hire a boat! You’ll have no trouble piloting the boat as it takes you on a tour of the town, accompanied by the ducks… This bucolic stroll will reveal the many wash-houses that are still there, the bridges and footbridges, the gardens of the houses overlooking the canals… The Loir is a magnificent river, perfect for a leisurely family cruise.
Cycling is possible too
You’ve booked the evening to take in the city’s illuminations. How about exploring the town and surrounding area a little more by bike? You can hire bikes from the Bonneval Harbour Master’s Office. On a VAE (electric bicycle) or a VTC (mountain bike) for the kids, discover the lush green countryside of the Beauce region by cycling along the various routes provided for this purpose. These routes will allow you to see the remains of the old ‘Trompe souris’ mill, or take a picnic break by the water: it’s easy, the bikes are equipped with little baskets.
You can fill your baskets with local produce, at Vergers de Beauce for example. And for the more motivated, you can cycle the 320km Loir Valley cycle route. The choice is yours!
Hiking, canoeing, fishing… there’s something for everyone
Whether you’re a lover of heritage, history or nature, the Loir Valley, Bonneval and the surrounding area have everything you could wish for. Castles, dolmens, plains and woods invite you to discover them in a different way on a walking tour.
On the Loir, in a canoe, kayak or paddle, let yourself be carried along by the river to discover its natural riches. The songs of ducks and other feathered friends will be heard if you pay close attention.
If you’re a keen fisherman, you’ll also find plenty of green, peaceful spots and… fish, of course!
Your questions
Bonneval, Lumières au fil de l’eau, what is it?
It’s an illuminated tour of the town’s heritage. Guide characters, a little monk and a washerwoman, are present along the way. Discover it on foot or by electric boat.
How do I book a boat trip?
To book a boat trip during the Bonneval Lights Festival, contact the Harbour Master’s Office or the Bonneval tourist office.
When are the Bonneval illuminations?
Les Lumières au fil de l’eau take place from May to October, at dusk. Exact dates are available as soon as possible from the Capitainerie de Bonneval or the Bonneval Tourist Office.
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