Montbazon experience, Val de l’Indre
In the Indre valley, the French Way of Life is fully significant: the famous tables, sometimes starred, and the prestigious accommodations proudly fly the gastronomic colours of the region and those of the French savoir-vivre.
And just a few kilometres from the capital of Tours, the charming banks of the Indre, peaceful and green, being the paradise for hikers, lovers of the little queen and budding explorers, also offer the ideal conditions to get fresh ideas and take time!
Take time to have a break, to admire… to take a breath.
Take time to learn and experience the History differently at the Domaine of Candé or the Fortress of Montbazon. Take time to marvel, to live intensely.
Ideally located in the heart of Touraine a few kilometers south of Tours, Montbazon is recognizable for its magnificent fortress of the Middle Ages. Built at the end of the 10th century by Foulque Nerra, better known as the Black Falcon, the oldest dungeon in France dominates the medieval village with its statue of the Virgin with the Child. Travel back in time and learn its history during a guided tour that brings back to life the trades of yesteryear.
Follow the walking tour of the town from the Grange Rouge near the Maison des Arts and the Espace Atout Coeur, which welcome a multitude of artists during one-off events. At the end of the tour, take a break at the Guinguette of Montbazon, an ideal place to relax and contemplate the green nature by the water while enjoying a glass of Touraine Noble Joué rosé wine, produced mainly south of Tours between the Cher and the Town of Esvres-sur-Indre.
The Indre by bike is a cycle-tourist route that meanders along the river from Châteauroux to Azay-le-Rideau marking out many private properties. Nevertheless, it is accessible in several places for fishermen. On the circuit of mills and beautiful houses towards Monts, look at the white stones of the prestigious Castle of Artigny built by the Perfumer Coty in 1923. A few kilometres away, the Domaine of Candé with its amazing arrangement, full of history is made famous by the marriage of the former King of England, the Duke of Windsor Edward VIII with the American Wallis Simpson in 1937. It is also in its wooded park of 230 hectares that the castle welcomes for 3 days in July, one of the biggest music festivals of the department. Committed to ecological values, the festival Terres du Son supports local artists but also of national and international renown. At the end of the season, its hunting lodge is in the spotlight during the Autumn of Gastronomy highlighting the know-how and gastronomy of Touraine.
Nearby, you will dare to engage in unusual activities. Challenge time, taking the place of a race driver at the Formule Kart in Villeperdue. For young and old alike, enjoy thrills at the Family Park in the Sorigny motorway exit. Those who do not have vertigo, can take a little height at the Sorigny Aeroclub which is one of the oldest aviation clubs in France. Not far from there, the Ecurie du Noyer located in St Branchs welcomes you to whisper a few words in the ear of the horses.
Impacted by history, many pilgrims go to the village of Sainte-Catherine de Fierbois, a milestone during the long route of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. The legend tells that Jeanne d’Arc forgot a mysterious sword in the church during her visit in 1429.
Back along the Indre Valley, the nautical base of Veigné offers canoe, paddle tours and other activities. Lovers of nature, take a walk in the park labelled «Remarkable Garden» of the Arboretum de la Martinière and enjoy this unique setting to tour the world in 80 minutes entirely dedicated to trees and shrubs of all continents.
In Esvres-sur Indre, observe the Bollée wind turbine built in 1898 to supply water to the sublime Castle of the Villaine stood on the hillside.
Finally, go to Truyes where the Castle of Bel Air is a real center of life. This cultural place regularly organizes many activities in its beautiful park of 2 hectares.
Dear Parents,
Be prepared for a sporty day, it’s true, but unforgettable!
My children will long remember, I think, this wonderful moment full of laughter, thrills, and magic... By the way, I especially thank our hosts, Ricky and Violette for their charming attentions and the little "extra" that made the difference.
The Arboretum is a beautiful discovery, the site is classified as a remarkable garden and is completely private.
There are very beautiful species, and the visit offers us a very nice trip.
Need some inspiration...
