• Nature outings...

  Close to the forest of Chinon, large variety of footpaths and cycle tracks voir « La Loire à vélo ». Great possibilities too in the countryside around Chinon et Marçay.

  Trips on water in a « gabare » on the rivers La Vienne or la Loire with a departure in Chinon or Candes St.Martin, www.loireterroir.com.

  Unusual strolls to discover wild flowers and birds on the banks of the Loire.

  Visit of the « Maison du Parc » at Montsoreau and of the « écomusée » in Savigny en Véron. And for the smallest ones, why not a walk with a donkey…

• Tourism

  Not too far away, many castles : First of all, Chinon, Villandry and its famous gardens, Azay le Rideau, Ussé the castle of the sleeping beauty, Langeais and its tapestries, Montsoreau et Saumur, the royal abbey of Fontevraud, the writers houses : Balzac in Saché, Ronsard in the Priory St.Cosme and Rabelais, in la Devinière.

  The castle of Oiron and its contemporary art collection.

  Nearby, the town of Richelieu, the Cardinal’s dream, « une ville nouvelle du XVIIe siècle ».

  Finally, the Futuroscope in Poitiers (one hour drive).

  And if the best way to see the castle was from the sky, why not try a balloon flight ? www.loire-et-montgolfiere.com or www.art-montgolfiere.com.

  And of course, don’t forget the vast cellars in Chinon or Bourgueil with the possibility to meet a wine grower in a vineyard (make a reservation).

• Sports

  Swimmingpools in Chinon (Quai Danton / 02 47 93 40 78) and in Avoine, with open air pools, relaxation areas, www.cc-veron.fr/piscine/.

  Horse riding club at 5 kms : Ecole d’équitation du Noisillet.

  Golf 18 holes at 18 kms www.domainesainthilaire.fr

  Tennis, in Chinon (Digue St. Jacques /02 47 93 40 78) or Avoine (Route de Bourgueil/02 47 58 81 41)

  Canoë, kayak and bike rentals in Chinon www.loisirs-nature.fr) or Bréhémont (www.loirevelonature.com)

  Accrobatic adventures (suitable for young people) in the forest of Chinon (www.saintbenoitaventure.com)

  Fishing, at 3 kilometers, in the ponds of Marcay

• Gastronomy

  Many and very good restaurants at affordable prices in Chinon, Richelieu or Loudun.

  Gastronomic restaurant (Château-hôtel de Marcay****) at 3 kms.

If you want to learn more : www.tourism-touraine.com »