Long live the holidays!
We all look forward to our summer holidays and it will soon become a reality! It means having a few days to rest, relaxing, getting together with family or friends.
What about staying in Chinon and discovering the area? You will find all the ingredients to have fun and have a good time: a huge forest for walks or bike rides, a renowned vineyard and delicious wine to taste, authenticity and heritage, high quality accommodation for your comfort.
An accommodation where you feel comfortable
In Parcay-sur-Vienne, « La Fabrique de Parcius » is an eco-friendly gite. Christophe and Olivier rent a gite for 14 people. They propose a natural swimming-pool, vegetables from their private organic garden and local produce: a special mention to « Mille et une confitures » and their sweet delicacies.
At your arrival, Christophe and Olivier will be pleased to share with you their ecological approach and their passion for theater and wine.
La Fabrique de Parcius
The natural swimming-pool
Pic Epeiche and Tertuf are 2 other eco-friendly gites for 24 and 12 people located in Lerné. Their owners are very careful about the use of energy, water and the waste management. They have restored both houses with ecological material and now, thanks to their authentic bread oven they organize special evenings during which they bake a local specialty called “fouée”. It is a small loaf of bread, delicious when warm that you can stuff with cheeses, beans, rillettes, paté, butter or salted caramel…
Enjoy fresh air
Enjoy the beautiful landscapes around Chinon by bike! Several cycle routes are at your disposal: between Chinon and Candes-Saint-Martin (24 km), from Chinon and along the Vienne river (20 km), between the Vienne and the Manse rivers, through small villages (24 km) and the green path between Chinon and Richelieu. Use your own bicycles or rent some on-site. And if you prefer walking, there are many hiking routes in the area.
And as you are on holidays for one week, you have got plenty of time to discover and admire the old areas of Chinon (city of Arts and history) dated from the Middle-Ages and the Renaissance time. Chinon is also a charming place to relax, to have a drink on a terrace or enjoy the Thursday weekly market. And you mustn’t forget the large choice of restaurants offering their seasonal cuisine prepared with local produce.
On the green path from Richelieu to Chinon
The streets of Chinon
Tasting, visiting!
Plouzeau cellar – Chinon
You may know that the area of Chinon is renowned for its wine, the chinon AOC, the largest Loire Valley protected designation of origin for red wine, meaning that 13 million of bottles are produced each year. Go and visit the “domaine de Noiré”. Max has decided to offer his visitors the possibility of a tasting either during a trip on the Vienne river on board a traditional boat or during a horse-drawn carriage ride. It is important to note that the wine production is organic which is also the case for other nearby producers: the “cave Plouzeau”, the estate of Pascal Lambert or the estate of Wilfrid Rousse.
Please note on your to-do list: a visit of the Royal fortress of Chinon, a walk in the Rivau gardens or the discovery of the Rabelais museum. A last suggestion would be the city of Richelieu. The place has totally been imagined by the Cardinal Richelieu (prime minister of King Louis the 13th), during the 17th century and has been a perfect example of the classical architecture of this period of time. Nothing remains from the chateau, the cardinal’s residence, apart from the charming park, open to the public (free entrance).
The Rivau gardens
The park of Richelieu
One more week…
And if ever you decide to stay 2 weeks, you would have the opportunity to plan a canoe trip or a trip on board a traditional boat, a tree climbing in Saint-Benoit-la-Forêt, a visit at the “Véron ecomuseum”, (family-friendly place with plenty of animals) or go swimming at the aquatic center nearby. Well, come on! 😉