Saint-Hippolyte (Indre-et-Loire) walks

Leaving Saint-Hippolyte, you set off on a short loop through the countryside. After a short stretch beside the Indre, you'll wind your way through the fields to discover a number of hamlets, as well as the woods overlooking the village.

On this route, after a section exploring the heritage of the market town of Perrusson, you'll head off to explore the countryside. Woods, fields, open countryside, geological curiosities and finally wet meadows - this is a programme that should please walkers looking for a variety of atmospheres.

In the Lochois region, Chédigny, the "Village of Roses", is the only village to be classified as a "Remarkable Garden". I invite you to discover it from Azay-sur-Indre, a small historic village located at the confluence of the Indre and Indrois rivers. The route passes through varied landscapes: woods, meadows and fields, floodplains, marshy areas and riverbanks.

This hike starts at the Renaissance castle of Azay-le-Ferron and takes you into the heart of the Preuilly forest. It offers some unexpected points of interest: a monument dedicated to the Resistance, a pond nestled in the undergrowth and glimpses of the Haute-Touche animal park.

In addition to three beautiful castles, two of which belonged to the Marquis de La Fayette, you will discover a ghost farm, a very old oak tree, a few mills, rocky outcrops, rivers, streams, a spring, a pond and a canal.

The skies above Le Louroux are home to many birds, and the lake has become a must-see spot for birdwatching. But as you explore the countryside, you will also encounter other birds, including birds of prey typical of agricultural areas and strange white birds...

Discovery of the Cher valley near Chenonceaux. Magnificent view of the Château de Chenonceau from the left bank of the Cher.

The commune of Chenonceaux, famous for its world-renowned château, has many other treasures to offer. This easy hike invites you to discover them. Please note: hikers have informed us that the Chenonceaux bridge over the Cher river is undergoing repairs until 15 June 2019. The walk as described will therefore not be possible during the first quarter of 2019. Please check before setting off.

Discover two streams, the Échandon and the Becquet, near where they join the Indre. Along the route, you will see some beautiful houses, a Gallo-Roman bridge and a Bollée windmill.

Near Athée-sur-Cher, the banks of the Cher are dotted with beautiful houses of various periods and styles. These châteaux, manor houses and beautiful farms have mostly been converted into lodges, charming hotels or restaurants. We will leave the riverbank three times to discover three small valleys shaped by tiny tributaries of the Cher.

Walk along the banks of the Cher and in the countryside near Tours. Discover the village of Azay-sur-Cher, the Nitray needle dam and Beauvais Castle.

The city of Tours has three trees and a garden classified as remarkable by the A.R.B.R.E.S. association (Arbres Remarquables: Bilan, Recherche, Études et Sauvegarde - Remarkable Trees: Assessment, Research, Studies and Preservation). Discover them on this walk, which will also introduce you to other beautiful trees in Tours and several small and large public gardens. The tram connects the starting and finishing points.