Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Dreux, France

In Northern Central France, Dreux is located just over an hour west of Paris at the border with Normandy.

Despite being a relatively small town, it offers numerous attractions, including the burial chapel of the noble House of Orléans and a richly adorned belfry from the 1500s.

Dreux also boasts an eclectic array of museums, covering diverse subjects from painting to medieval winemaking, as well as the art of comb making.

Extending your exploration to nearby Chartres and its remarkable World Heritage cathedral will ensure that you are never short of activities.

Let us examine the noteworthy attractions in Dreux:

1. Chapelle Royale de Dreux

This chapel, established in 1816, serves as the mausoleum for the House of Orléans.

The structure was erected post-Revolution by the widow of Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, who met his end via guillotine, being the father of the future King Louis-Philippe I. During the Reign of Terror, the family crypt at the Collégiale Saint-Étienne had been violated, necessitating the relocation of the remains to a mass grave.

Subsequently, these remains were exhumed and interred within this magnificent chapel, housing 75 members of the House of Orléans, inclusive of Louis Philippe I.

This splendid edifice displays expertly crafted recumbent tombs surrounded by stained glass windows produced at the renowned Sèvres Manufactory.

2. Belfry

Located at the old town hall, the Belfry of Dreux is the sole structure of its kind in Eure-et-Loir and dates back to the early 16th century.

Notably, Clément Métezeau, royal architect under Louis XIII, was involved in its construction and had also contributed to the design of the seawall at La Rochelle.

An intriguing aspect of the belfry is its architectural transition from Gothic to Renaissance style; the lower levels exhibit a somber demeanor, contrasting with the ornate upper stories adorned with intricate filigrees and mullioned windows.

Inquiries regarding guided tours can be made at the tourist office.

3. A Walk around Town

The majority of Dreux’s center is pedestrianized, allowing for a leisurely exploration.

Along Rue Illiers, a charming alley stemming from Grand Rue Maurice Viollette, one can observe a pair of corbelled timber-framed homes, connected by spanning beams.

While several buildings may not be accessible to the public, they still warrant a photograph, such as the Hôtel-Dieu, a hospital dating back to the 1600s, and the Pavilion Louis XIII from the same era.

Additionally, when visiting the Royal Chapel, do not forget to meander through the surrounding gardens, formerly part of the lost Château de Dreux, an ancestral residence of the House of Orléans.

4. Musée d’Art et d’Histoire

This small yet captivating museum resides within a vibrant 19th-century chapel and features exhibits that reveal the region’s history, as well as an impressive collection of artworks.

The highlight here is Monet’s Wisteria Study, created in his garden at Giverny.

The museum also boasts works by notable 19th and 20th-century artists such as Montézin, Vlaminck, and Le Sidner.

The archaeological section showcases decorative items and architectural remnants from churches, monasteries, and châteaux.

Among its possessions is furniture from the Château de Crécy, once owned by the Marquise de Pompadour, along with Romanesque carved capitals and a pair of Merovingian earrings, among other artifacts.

5. Église Saint-Pierre de Dreux

Commenced in the 13th century, this church has undergone numerous adaptations and expansions over the centuries.

Construction persisted until the 1600s when the transept was finalized, yet the overall aesthetic remains cohesive and harmonious.

Clément Métezeau was again involved in 1524, enhancing the facade’s decor.

Noteworthy decorations include the organ case adorned with polychrome sculptures from 1614, a 16th-century sculpture of Christ on the cross, and a Romanesque capital recovered from the lost Collégiale Saint-Étienne church.

6. Ecomusée des Vignerons et des Artisans Drouais

This museum, located in an 11th-century winemaking priory, offers an intriguing insight into the viticulture and craftsmanship prevalent in Dreux.

Monks once excavated cellars from the soft marl stone, utilizing them to store wine, which was subsequently transported via the Eure river to Paris and even England.

The museum features a replica of a 13th-century boat known as a cabotière, along with a collection of antique winemaking instruments, including a press and a 7150-litre barrel.

On the upper floor, you can discover tools utilized in local trades like lace-making, saddle-making, and watch-making. Outside, you can stroll through the vineyards and a historically accurate medieval kitchen garden.

7. Château d’Anet

This palace, constructed in the early 1550s, was commissioned by King Henry II for his mistress, Diane of Poitiers.

The renowned architect Philibert de l’Orme, known for his work in Paris and the Loire Valley during the Renaissance, designed it.

The estate survived the Revolution intact; however, it was later sold and fell into disrepair before being partially demolished.

A significant restoration occurred in the 19th century, and the château has featured in numerous films, including Thunderball in 1965 and The Pink Panther Strikes Again in 1976. It also houses a Byzantine-style mortuary chapel for Diane of Poitiers, which continues to hold her remains.

8. Hôtel de Montulé

This charming mansion, owned by the town, has been transformed into a cultural center: the Hôtel de Montulé hosts temporary art exhibitions, live demonstrations, educational classes, talks, and engaging workshops for children during school breaks.

The architectural design, crafted in the early 17th century by Jean Métezeau, Clément’s nephew, is striking, featuring the Louis XIII style with pronounced quoins and dormer windows.

The galleries reflect the vibrant artistic community in Dreux; as of this writing, featured works include video art, engraving, photography, and surrealist sculpture.

9. Château d’Ivry-la-Bataille

This area in France is predominantly recognized for its elegant pleasure palaces; however, Ivry-la-Bataille is home to the remnants of a fortress.

This castle, dating back to the 900s, held a strategic position defending the Duchy of Normandy at the frontier with England.

It was destroyed by the English during the Hundred Years’ War in 1424.

Remarkably, much of the structure has been preserved, a testament to decades of excavation efforts.

The castle provides a dramatic setting for a walk, enriched by informative boards and picturesque views of the Eure Valley.

10. Château de Maillebois

This noble château set within 300 hectares was commissioned by François d’O, who served as Superintendent of Finances under Henri III in the 16th century.

A striking feature is its construction primarily of brick, a distinctive quality in the region.

The château was built over earlier defensive fortifications dating back several centuries, and François d’O invested significantly to transform it into a lavish residence.

During summer months, tours are available, detailing the impressive lineage of its various owners, including aviation pioneer Hubert Latham, who made history by landing a plane on the grounds in 1910.

11. Forêt de Dreux

Spanning over 3300 hectares, this ancient forest was a hunting area for Henri II in the 16th century, subsequently owned by a succession of influential families.

The House of Orléans controlled it post-Revolution until it was ultimately sold to the state following the conclusion of the First World War.

Today, it serves as a destination for tranquil walks through an oak forest populated by centuries-old trees.

During Gallo-Roman times, this location was a site of druidic worship, and later, an 18th-century octagonal hunting lodge was constructed at the northwest entrance, adjacent to the village of Abondant.

12. Musée des Peignes et Parures

This unique attraction, located near Ézy-sur-Eure, is celebrated as the Capital of the Comb due to a comb-making industry that began in the 1600s.

Parisian high-fashion designers and hairdressers clamored for these combs.

Ezy’s combs went beyond functional use; they were also exquisitely crafted and visually appealing.

In a factory that shuttered in 1984, visitors can peruse a collection dating back to the 17th century, featuring intricately designed combs made from ivory, horn, and tortoise shell.

13. Chartres Cathedral

Only half an hour’s drive away, you will find a cathedral celebrated as the pinnacle of Gothic architecture.

Indeed, the World Heritage Chartres Cathedral should not be missed.

This architectural marvel captivates visitors, offering countless hours of admiration even before entering.

Pay particular attention to the intricately crafted stonework adorning the facades, especially above the portals and the rose windows.

In total, there are 4,000 sculpted figures, a remarkable detail that can engage a history enthusiast for an entire day.

Arrive on a sunny day to fully appreciate the enchanting blue hue of the 13th-century stained glass windows.

14. Bois des Louvières

This educational farm and shop, located outside the village of Marsauceux, has been breeding chamois (alpine goats) for over four decades.

Their milk is processed on-site to create 15 varieties of cheese available for tasting and purchase at the farm’s shop.

A selection of artisan products, including honey, jams, teas, butter, and even fresh goat’s milk, is also available.

Families visiting can allow children to interact with the goats and kids, while the farm is open to tours at no charge for patrons of the shop.

15. Local Delicacies

At local markets or a fromagerie in Dreux, consider trying feuille de Dreux.

This soft cheese, made from cow’s milk, is easily recognizable as it is typically wrapped in a chestnut leaf.

Available from April to September, it is a delightful treat.

Other local delicacies include artisan honey and macarons, the beloved airy confections originally imported from Venice during the Renaissance.

Additionally, the region boasts a specialty known as pâté de Chartres, crafted from foie gras, pork tenderloin, and truffles, all encased in a pastry shell.