The two villages circuit from Saint-Jean-St-Germain

Departure from the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Saint-Jean. Parking available in the church car park.

Yellow signposts

(S/E) When leaving the church car park, take Rue du Déversoir to the right to leave the village. Cross the Indre and take the road on the right after the bridge. In the bend, continue straight ahead on the path, then cross the D492 with caution and continue opposite on the path that climbs towards the woods.

(1) At the intersection, turn left onto the road, then right onto the straight path through the fields. Follow it to the end, where it turns left into the hamlet.

(2) At the crossroads, turn left onto the road, then right onto Rue du Chemin Blanc. Follow the road to the end. Turn right onto the path, then left away from the houses. Continue to the top of the hill.

(3) At the end of the road, turn right until you reach the crossroads.

(4) Continue straight ahead until you reach the intersection with the D592.

(5) Turn right onto this road, then at the three-way junction at the corner of the woods, take the road on the right. Continue straight ahead until you reach the hamlet of Les Places.

(6) Turn left onto the road, then immediately right onto the path. Follow it as it veers to the right, then continue straight ahead to descend towards Saint-Germain.

(7) At the end of the path, turn right onto the road. Follow it to the third bridge.

(8) Turn left onto the road towards Saint-Jean (D492). Take the path on the left and go up towards the bridge, then return to the starting point (S/E).

Parking, public toilets, restaurant.

For more information about points of interest (panoramic views, monuments, heritage sites, etc.), please refer to the descriptions of the photos on the route.

The Château de Saint-Germain.
Built between the^15th and^17th centuries, this castle dominates the Indre valley with its two round towers and square keep. Peace talks were held here in 1575 between Catherine de Medici and her son François, Duke of Alençon, to end the^fifth War of Religion. These discussions resulted in the fragile "Peace of Beaulieu", which lasted only a few months... Open in July and August by appointment.

The Château de Bridoré.
Not far from Saint-Jean-Saint-Germain, in the village of Bridoré, discover another castle, built between the^14th and^15th centuries. With a 30-metre-high keep and four caponier towers unique in France, the fortress still stands proudly today. The interior also houses a medieval steam bath system. Open in July and August or by appointment the rest of the year.

For longer walks...
The GR® 46 hiking trail passes through Saint-Jean-Saint-Germain. Several loops are also available in neighbouring towns.