About two hours are needed to criss-cross this loop. But plan more time to visit the many sites along the route: Azay and its castle, the troglos of Goupillières, the Balzac museum and, finally, the basketry museum of Villaines-les-Rochers.
Distance: 21 km
Duration: 2h
Difficulty : Easy-to-use
Azay-le-Rideau Castle
Don't miss the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, one of the most famous in the Loire Valley. Built during the reign of François I on an island in the middle of the Indre, a river that feeds a water mirror, it offers all the charm of the First Renaissance. It is surrounded by a romantic park which offers it a real natural setting.
Azay-le-Rideau
You can discover Azay-le-Rideau, land of history and heritage through a heritage circuit (St-Symphorien Church and its medieval interior decor, mill on the Indre). Stroll through the shopping streets to discover all the wealth of local businesses, restaurants and artisans.
Nearby following the RD84 to the west: the Château de l'Islette and its gardens and the Maurice Dufresne Museum.
The Goupillières troglodyte valley
A set of 3 troglodyte farms carved into the tufa, typical of Touraine in the past. Discover in the light of a torch the tricks of an underground refuge from the Middle Ages that the peasants dug in the tufa. Farm animals. Peasant vegetable garden. Children's educational path. Tours fouées cooked over a wood fire.
Saché
Around a central square where stands a mobile by Alexander Calder (an American sculptor who lived on the banks of the Indre), emerges a magnificent XNUMXth century residence. The Château de Saché (Balzac Museum) was the privileged place of inspiration for Honoré de Balzac where he wrote several masterpieces including Le Père Goriot and Le Lys dans la Vallée.
Villaines-les-Rochers
Wicker producers and basket makers, the inhabitants of Villaines-les-Rochers have been able for centuries to make the most of this plant to make objects but also furniture or artistic creations. Discover the scenography offered at the Espace Culturel Osier Vannerie (ECOV) and the workshops offered by the basket makers.
You will also notice the troglodyte houses of the village.