The most beautiful villages

Azay-le-Rideau compass rose

To the North, at 11 km, via Vallères and Villandry, whose gardens you will walk along, you will reach the charming village of Savonnières. There, you can visit the petrifying caves or the interesting St-Gervais St-Protais 12 century church, you can dream on the banks of the Cher river while resting in front of the ballet of traditional boats, or eat in a friendly guiguette or on the terrace of the few bars and restaurants bordering the river (including the famous “Maison Tourangelle”). From the north shore, close to the reach from the Napoleon I period, you will enjoy a scenic view over the whole village, towards which the green hillsides plunge.

To theEast, at 7 km via the bucolic D 84 road along the meanders of the Indre river, discover Saché. This crooked village has a remarkable church of St-Martin de Vertou (between the 12th and 15th centuries) and an equally remarkable inn (L’Auberge du 12ème where Balzac had an open table). It also houses a mobile from Alexander Calder's (place de la Mairie) and his studio (route du Carroi) as well as a charming castle, transformed into a museum, where Balzac loved to recharge his batteries and write the most beautiful pages of his work, including “The Lily in the Valley”.

To the South, 12 km via Villaines-les-Rochers (the most important basket weaving center in France: nearly 30 workshops in addition to an interesting cooperative) continue on to Crissay-sur-Manse, classified among the most beautiful villages in France. High place of the Hundred Years War, Crissay dominates the countryside valley of the Manse. If its fortified castle has suffered severely (restricted access - theatrical performances in summer) its beautiful tuffeau stone houses and its narrow streets have retained all their character. It is good to stroll there and make your pleasure last in the shade of the hundred-year-old chestnut trees on the terrace of the village inn.

To theWest, 9 km away, follow the Indre river to the southern “levee” of the Loire to discover Bréhémont. Ce village typiquement tourangeau mais dont l’architecture évoque déjà tellement le pays Nantais, a servi de port à Azay-le-Rideau jusqu’au 18ème et demeure à jamais sa porte ouverte sur l’océan. Après s’être fait une spécialité dans la batellerie (dont subsiste quelques bateaux-cabane) Bréhémont se taille désormais une belle réputation par la pèche de poissons de Loire (saumon, alose, mulet, silure, etc.). Vous ne pourrez en tout cas pas décemment quitter Azay sans avoir dîné au soleil couchant dans l’un des deux restaurants de Bréhémont (La Clé d’Or : cuisine simple dans l’esprit guiguette – La Cabane à Matelot : cuisine soignée proposant la pêche du jour de Romain Gadais).