Explore Poulaines, Indre, Centre: nature and culture

This is a lovely walk through the Sologne woods where you can often encounter game and wild animals. Sainte-Montaine is the smallest village in the Sauldre and Sologne territory. Very little is known about that Saint after whom the village was named. According to a legend, some mirraculous water springs at the Belle Fontaine (the Fine Fountain) which is the last stop of a pastoral pilgrimage on Whit Mondays amidst a lovely setting.

A former Gallic or Roman camp (castra), and then probably the site of a feudal castle; the origins of the town are still much debated. By the 11th century the Lord of La Châtre is finally identified: Ebbes VI, youngest son of Raoul de Déols, Lord of Châteauroux. Cistercian monks settle along the river Indre and initiate economic development with the construction of mills. 13th to 15th century: the town becomes the property of the Chauvigny family who, in c.1424, have a seignorial castle built within the stout walls of the town. Only the keep remains today. The Charter of 1463 gives more freedom to the burghers. In the 15th century, at the end of the Hundred Years War, the town develops significantly. Situated between the estates of the King of France and former English provinces, it becomes a centre trade, facilitated by the presence of the court at Bourges. Beautiful mansions are built. Early 18th century: at the boundary of low and hugh salt tax zones, La Châtre becomes a garrison town and magistrates build private residences. 1788: the Council decides to tear down the remaining gates of the town, whose walls were already three quarters demolished. 19th century: prominent leather industry. Located in a cattle-breeding region watered by the river Indre, the town, by the Middle Ages, already possessed numerous tanneries, and a district is still so named today. Marked by the presence of George Sand the novelist, who used to come to La Châtre to meet her friends, even if she confessed to deploring the conformance of the town. In the sixties, La Châtre is transformed, as complete suburbs are established around the od town. Today, La Châtre is a dynamic sous-préfecture with more than 4700 inhabitants.

Aubigny-sur-Nère, Small City of Character and "Ville Fleurie" (flowers distinction in a city), is a Scottish city in France. It maintains its close links with Scotland during the Franco-Scottish Festivals which take place each year around July 14. For a weekend, kilts bagpipes and pipe bands invade the City of the Stuarts to celebrate the Auld Alliance.

This walk enables you to cross Eastern Sologne, a region where you can often encounter wild animals. Aubigny-sur-Nère, Small City of Character and "Ville Fleurie" (flowers distinction in a city), is a Scottish city in France. It maintains its close links with Scotland during the Franco-Scottish Festivals which take place each year around July 14. For a weekend, kilts bagpipes and pipe bands invade the City of the Stuarts to celebrate the Auld Alliance.

A partly shaded walk across cultivated land. Aubigny-sur-Nère, Small City of Character and "Ville Fleurie" (flowers distinction in a city), is a Scottish city in France. It maintains its close links with Scotland during the Franco-Scottish Festivals which take place each year around July 14. For a weekend, kilts bagpipes and pipe bands invade the City of the Stuarts to celebrate the Auld Alliance.

This trail takes you to Lésigny. This charming village enjoys a picturesque location on the left bank of the Creuse, which acts as a natural border with Touraine. Discover the Château de Boutelaye and cross the "La Luire" stream along an ancient Roman road and Gallo-Roman bridge. Don't miss the Fontaine Sainte-Néomaye on your way back to Lésigny and its legend. Starting point: Parking de la Place Notre-Dame 86270 Lésigny

A country walk awaits you, with its pretty undergrowth, little bridges, a beautiful stream and magnificent views over the Indre-et-Loire hills! Starting point: Place Notre-Dame 86270 Lésigny-sur-Creuse

La Roche-Posay, a charming resort equipped with all shops and services, offers many activities: the casino and its slot machines, a golf course, the racecourse of La Gâtinière, the equestrian center and a fitness center: Le Spa Source. When you arrive in Angles-sur-l'Anglin, through the lower town, a postcard landscape will seize you, justifying in itself the title of most beautiful Village in France. This small town has preserved its medieval character, old stone staircases, a river, an old water mill and the silhouette of an imposing ruined keep of the Château Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop.

Departing from the spa town of La Roche-Posay, you follow the banks of the Gartempe to the pretty village of Vicq-sur-Gartempe, where you can take a break by the river and discover the famous "Sérénity" cookies. The journey continues through fields dotted with pretty hamlets to the village of Pleumartin, with its large covered market and the beautiful village of Crémillé. After a few views over the valley and a few woodland passages, you'll come back to the resort and perhaps finish with a moment of relaxation at the Spa Source.

Situated at the confluence of the Creuse and Gartempe rivers, head for the heights of La Roche-Posay, where stunning views await you! An ideal hike for those who love relief.

Be carried by the wind during this hot air balloon flight over the Loire Valley! BE CARRIED BY THE WIND DURING THIS HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER THE LOIRE VALLEY! You will discover castles and extraordinary sites in this region, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As soon as you arrive, you will see the balloon get inflated, then slowly fly up to discover the region. Flying over the treetops near the clouds, enjoy a scenic view from the hot air balloon. This excursion, an aerial journey through time, will offer breathtaking views over the Loire and its prestigious châteaux, mansions, and abbeys. Your landing is sure to be pleasant and sociable, as you will share the traditional hot air balloon pilots' toast. An unforgettable experience guarenteed!

ArrayYour Experience Visit Château Chenonceau, an elegant white castle built on the piers of an old mill in the famous Loire Valley region. Chenonceau is a stunning representation of late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture, featuring a long gallery bridge that spans over the Cher river. Skip the long ticket lines and gain direct entry to the castle with your priority entry tickets. Explore Chenonceau at your own leisure, or opt for an audio guide to listen to as you wander through the castle. Also known as the “Ladies’ Château” because of the notorious women who built, decorated, restored and maintained it throughout the centuries, Chenonceau boasts a fascinating royal history that dates back to the 13th century. Feel like true royalty as you stroll through the castles’ rooms, which are lavishly decorated with exquisite tapestries, paintings and furniture. See the guard’s room, where men-at-arms were constantly on duty to protect the royal family, the Chapel with its stunning stained glass windows, and the royal bedrooms, study, library, and kitchens. Stroll through the gallery, a magnificent ballroom with 18 floor-to-ceiling windows and a slate-tile floor. Round off your visit with a walk through the extensive royal gardens alongside the Cher river, featuring a maze, a 16th century farm, a carriage gallery, and a vegetable and flower garden. With its elegant gallery bridge, Renaissance architecture, lavishly decorated interior and extensive gardens, a visit to Château Chenonceau offers an unforgettable glimpse into the luxurious lives of the French royals.

Discover the secrets of piloting an ultralight aircraft and take the controls during an introductory session. Fly above the Châteaux and other exceptional sites in Val de Loire! DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF PILOTING AN ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT AND TAKE THE CONTROLS DURING AN INTRODUCTORY SESSION. FLY ABOVE THE CHÂTEAUX AND OTHER EXCEPTIONAL SITES IN VAL DE LOIRE! Start your training by meeting your pilot instructor, a native of the region who is passionate about its history. Learn about the universe of ultralight aviation with your instructor and learn the intricate details of flying. Board the passenger side and observe how the plane is controlled while familiarising yourself with the take-off, turns, landing, and other flying techniques. As you ascend through the sky, appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the region, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, take the controls and have an exciting expiring piloting the aircraft as you see historical sites that have given Val de Loire its fame and prestige. Choose between: * The Châteaux de Chaumont-sur-Loire, Cheverny and Chambord * The Châteaux de Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise and Chenonceau Have an unforgettable and exciting moment as you discover the locations that played an important role in French history.

Fly over the Château in Chambord or Chenonceaux on an introductory flight aboard an ultralight aircraft! Have a unique experience in Val de Loire, a region registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. FLY OVER THE CHÂTEAU IN CHAMBORD OR CHENONCEAUX ON AN INTRODUCTORY FLIGHT ABOARD AN ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT! Your pilot instructor, an enthusiastic and well-informed native of the region, will welcome you upon arrival. He will accompany you throughout your initiation session. Discover the universe of ultralight aviation before taking flight on a breath-taking aerial escapade above the prestigious Renaissance Châteaux. Choose one of two locations: The Château de Chambord: fly over sites in Blois, Cheverny, Ménard, Chaumont and Chouzy The Château de Chenonceau: fly over sites in Chaumont, Amboise and Montrichard Feast your eyes and enjoy this sensational and unique experience above the essential historical sites in Val de Loire, a region registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Soar above Val de Loire and discover the prestigious Châteaux of the Loire Valley on a royal 90-minute flight on an ultralight aircraft! SOAR ABOVE VAL DE LOIRE AND DISCOVER THE PRESTIGIOUS CHÂTEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY ON A ROYAL 90-MINUTE FLIGHT ON AN ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT. Val de Loire, a region registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for the numerous castles built on its territory. Start your introductory session by meeting your pilot instructor, a native of the region who is passionate about its history, and who will accompany you throughout the day’s activity. After you discover the universe of ultralight aviation, go on board the plane and fly over the historical sites that give Val de Loire its prestige and fame. You will have the unique opportunity of flying over: * The Loire Valley * Château de Chaumont sur Loire * Amboise * The Pagoda of Chanteloup * Chenonceau * Montrichard * The Pontlevoy Abbey * The Medieval Château de Fougères sur Bièvre * Château de Cheverny * Villesavin * The Estate of Chambord * Château de Ménars * Château of St. Denis sur Loire * Blois, the Town of Art and History. Spend an unforgettable and exciting moment as you discover the locations that played an important role in French history.

Soar above Val de Loire on this ultralight-aviation initiation session. Admire the Châteaux and Towns of Art and History! SOAR ABOVE VAL DE LOIRE ON THIS ULTRALIGHT-AVIATION INITIATION SESSION. ADMIRE THE CHÂTEAUX AND TOWNS OF ART AND HISTORY. An enthusiastic pilot instructor from the region will guide you throughout this unique experience. After being introduced to the universe of ultralight aviation, you will visit exceptional sites. Once comfortably on board the motorised ultralight aircraft, start flying over the Loire Valley and head towards the famous Renaissance Château in Chaumont-Sur-Loire. Then, fly over Blois, the Town of Art and History, and its famous castle, before heading back to the base in Chouzy. A thrill-filled escapade through the air above a UNESCO World Heritage Site awaits you!

ArrayYour Experience The château in Chaumont-sur-Loire has lived a colorful history. It was burned to the ground by King Louis XI in the 15th century and changed hands from Catherine de Medici to Diane de Poitiers in the 16th century. Unusually for a French castle, the castle managed to escape significant damage during the revolution. Still, it is a place full of surprises, being both a historical monument and an art and nature center. Both the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and the International Garden Festival make up the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. During your visit, you will get to admire the beautifully furnished rooms, the grand spiral staircase and several works of art on display. The most impressive feature of the chateau, though, is the stunning view over the Loire from the terraces. Another highlight is the stables. Prince Amédée de Broglie is credited for upgrading it with running water and electric lamps at a time when even the grandest chateau had none. There is also the International Garden Festival that takes place every year. It brings together garden designers from all over the world to use their imagination to create a garden based on the annual theme. In 2020, the theme is “Return to Mother Earth”. It is open until 1st Nov 2020.

DISCOVER THE CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD AS WELL AS ITS FRENCH GARDENS WITH A SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET! DISCOVER THE CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD AS WELL AS ITS FRENCH GARDENS WITH A SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET! Enjoy a visit at your own pace at one of the most famous castles in the Loire: The Château de Chambord. You will discover its history since the start of its construction back in the 16th century. As a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, the castle is a known site for its Renaissance architectural style. Inside, you will have access to more than 60 rooms and see over 4500 artworks. Among the stunning decor, you will have the chance to admire a double-revolution staircase, arches and terasses. you will also have access to the castle's temporary exhibitions. You will then have the opportunity to visit the castle's french gardens. Renewed in 2017, they spread over 6 hectares and have a wide variety of trees, flowers and plants.

ArrayYour Experience King François I built the Château de Chambord after his victory in the Battle of Marignan in 1515. It was constructed not as a residence, but as the symbol of his power and the French Renaissance. The castle is located inside an enormous park of 5,000 hectares and contains about 400 rooms, over 80 staircases, 365 fireplaces, and plenty of towers, high ceilings and pointed domes. A major highlight of your visit here would be the famous double helix staircase. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, the open staircase is designed in a way that you can go up one side without meeting or making eye contact with someone who is descending on the other side! Your ticket also gives you access to more than 60 rooms open to the public and to temporary exhibitions (according to the cultural program of the time). Moreover, you can explore the castle's grand gardens, home to a vivid range of flora and fauna, at your own pace.

ArrayYour Experience The Château du Clos Lucé, formerly called Manoir du Cloux, is located in the center of Amboise, France. Built in 1941, this luxurious residence building has been passed on to several famous owners throughout history. While it stands in all its Renaissance glory, decorated royally on the inside - the Château is most popularly known for being the Leonardo Da Vinci’s last home. With the invitation of Francis I, Da Vinci moved into the royal french residence in 1516 and went on to spend the last three years of his life here. Besides a splendid collection of art and sculptures, the Château boasts a wide display of the Italian Maestro’s best inventions. You will be able to witness and take photos of architectural wonders such as The articulated glider, The Tank, The Catapult, The Mechanical Drum, and more. Learn all about his inspirations and his little secrets that you will only find out here, at your own pace! Wrap up your informative, self-guided tour with leisure time at the lush park and gardens or at your own expense, tickle your taste buds to a delicious meal in one of the three restaurants available on site.

A legend says that one day a young maid came back from the fountain and did not see the brambles at her feet, stumbled and broke her pitcher. Yet it was necessary to return to the house where reigned a bad boss. Angry, this one reproached the servant for her clumsiness and, to mock her, sent her back to fetch water with a wicker basket. The girl obeyed, her tears fell into the fountain... But in all confidence, imploring the Saint, she plunged into water her wicker basket, and MIRACLE ! The basket retained water like the most waterproof bucket and on the path, the brambles were gone forever... You won't find a single one today. So the water from the fountain is said to be miraculous ! Montaine has since become the patron saint of Sologne.

Sainte-Montaine, healer of all ailments and abbess in the region, gave her name to the village and its church. The legend speaks of a beautiful miraculous fountain on the edge of the village which would make all child-seeking couples fertile. The church is closed to the public.

An orphan shepherdess who became a seamstress before reaching literary glory (Marie-Claire, Prix ​​Fémina 1910): Marguerite Audoux (1863-1937) had an astonishing destiny, that her museum traces over 240 square meters, with a completely new scenography.

The bridge takes its distorted name from the Escabignat family, rich burghers who made a donation towards the development of the bridge. On either side, wooden houses can be seen, former tanneries with drying areas extending over the river Indre. The proximity of water made it possible to soak the hides which, after numerous stages, were put in attics to dry. The ise of the leather indsutry in the region developed significantly, and in 1811, there were 18 tanneries in La Châtre, the greatest concentration of this trade in the region. They closed, along with numerous mills along the river, one after another at the end of the 19th century.

This tall house, embellished with stone moulded windows, was the property of the Captain Louis d'Ars, master of arms of the renowned Knight Bayard whom he dubbed himself. He was also the owner o the Chateau d'Ars, two kilometres north of La Châtre. The house, purchassed in 1638 by boarders of the Carmes Convent, sheltered Ursuline nuns in 1855, Dominican Sisters in 1869, and subsequently it became the girls' college.

In 1798, outbuildings of the Carmes Convent were converted into an auditorium at the initiation of local amateur actors. Maurice Dupin, the father of George Sand, performed there. In 1809, because of disrepair, it was decided that the theatre would bemoved into the convent church, its present location. Its most glorious period was between 1830-1850 when George Sand attended numerous performances, and some of her own plays, such as Claudie, were staged. In 1904, the Comedie-Française came to perform François le Champi for the 100th anniversary of the writer's birth. In c.1935 the hall was first modernised following the development of the cinema and in 1994 it was fully restored to a manificent Italian theatre seating 200. It is named after the son of George Sand, Maurice, theatre producer and puppeteer.

In 1838 the Town Hall was etablished in the choir of the Carmes Convent, built at the end of the 14th century to recognise the Camelite friars for their dedication during the plague which hit the town in 1348. Some remnants still remain : the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy (present foyer of the theatre) as well as the gothic arched door at the entrance of the Maurice Sand theatre. *Carmes - Carmelite friars

Formerly called Place du Pavé, this old small square is named after Laisnel de la Salle (1801-1871), deputy mayor of La Châtre, author of Beliefs and Legends in the centre of France, and a friend of George Sand. Observe the timbered house, an old residence of La Châtre, dating back to the 15th century. It was built by a rich family of merchants and displays splendid half-timbering and a magnificent ancient studded door with sculpted ogee. The red hue dates from its restoration in the 19th century. In her novel André, the heroine, a florist named Geneviève, lives in this red house. "Before leaving a little winding and deserted street, he showed her an old brick house, whose frames were coarsely sculpted in wood. An extended roof shaded the narrow windows."

In 1877, in homage to George Sand (1804-1876), the Town Council decided to erect a statue in a public garden named after the writer. The statue was conceived in Carrara marble by Aimé Millet and, during a grand celebration on 10th August 1884, was unveiled in the presence of Ferdinand de Lesseps (creator of the Suez Canal who lived in the region), Maurice Sand (son of George Sand), Paul Meurice (friend of Victor Hugo and George Sand). In 1890, two sequoias were planted in her honour. Thus, the town paid tribute to the authoress who once said : I have described La Châtre, and have been critical because deep down I love it.

The whole family is welcome to come and discover this elegant and contemporary place where our team will be delighted to serve you a “Bistro Chic” cuisine, for all budgets. All our delicious dishes are made using fresh and seasonal products.

Traditional catering Full menu served on a plank.

Driven by a shared passion for food and wine, we've created a place where simplicity and quality are the order of the day. Here, fresh, local produce takes pride of place, carefully selected from regional producers.

Les Douves Restaurant-Pizzeria in La Roche-Posay

Croq'Posay Pizza, Grill La Roche-Posay.

Coup de C?ur Fast food restaurant serving vegan dishes in La Roche-Posay.

The Auberge de La Roche offers refined homemade cuisine. Products cooked with the seasons: Semi-cooked foie gras, French scallops, fresh fish, fillet of beef... Not to mention a wide selection of wines. A lunch menu of the day during the week. A gourmet menu in the evening and on weekends. Open from mid-March to the 3rd weekend in November. Menus from €19 to €40.

Traditional cuisine. Possibility of group meals on request depending on availability. Bar pub showing sporting events.

Bar & Brasserie in La Roche-Posay.

Salad shop in La Roche-Posay.

Opening 03/04/2020 > 01/11/2020 Welcome to the heart of the Loire Castles! Huttopia Les Châteaux campsite and its covered pool welcomes you on a magnificent natural park.

Gite located above the racecourse, 2 km from town center and 3 km from the thermal baths. Gite 55 m² - Ground floor: fitted kitchen, living room with sofa bed, wc ? Upstairs: 1 bedroom with 1 x 140x190 bed and 1 x 90x190 bed and shower room ? Private courtyard ? Private garden with breathtaking views.

Our 220m2 gîte features a large, bright living room with open-plan kitchen, 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Terrace and private garden. You can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool (10m x 4m50), boules pitch, trampoline, ping pong, shared with our other gîtes A spa and sauna area is available (10 euros/hr for 2 people) Wifi Internet access, TV, DVD player, board games Baby equipment on request Cleaning service available (60 euros), bed linen rental (10 euros/bed) We're located just outside the village of Angles sur l'Anglin, one of France's most beautiful villages, and there are many activities available in the area Canoeing, river swimming and fishing, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, tennis, golf, horse riding, parachuting, swin golf less than 15 minutes from the house Futuroscope, Beauval zoo, animal park, medieval villages (Chauvigny, St. Moritz)

This 85m2 gîte for 4 people with a large living room, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and 2 WCs, will seduce you with its calm. Garden, terrace, barbecue. A spa and sauna area is available (10 euros/hr for 2 people) The gîte comprises a large living room with open-plan kitchen (fridge, freezer, oven, microwave, LV) living room with TV, DVD and wifi internet access checkroom and toilet upstairs: bedroom with 1.60 m bed, bedroom with 2 0.90 m beds, bathroom with bath and toilet Laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer Garden table, deckchairs, parasol, barbecue available Baby equipment available on request Outdoor boules pitch and ping pong table, trampoline, bicycles This gîte can be combined with our 3 other gîtes of 10, 8 and 2 pers

Located in Angles sur l'Anglin, 10 minutes from La Roche-Posay, this 40m2 loft-style gîte for 2 people, in a detached house, will enable you to relax in the middle of nature and fields.

This gîte of 120m2 is composed on the ground floor of a kitchen, a very bright living room with fireplace, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom, WC. Upstairs, 2 bedrooms, garden, bike room, barbecue and garden furniture. A swimming pool of 10m by 4m outside and fully enclosed is at your disposal to share with our other cottages Bowling pitch, table tennis, table football, trampoline.. A spa and sauna area (10 euros/hour for 2 people) Nearby you can practice hiking, cycling, canoeing on the many rivers, golf, tennis, skydiving, climbing, balneotherapy at La Roche Posay 45 mn from Poitiers and the futuroscope 15 mn from the Posay rock spa resort 10mn from the Brenne park and its ponds Numerous amusement parks and zoos less than an hour away Wifi Internet Rental 2 nights 390 euros

Our 2 guest rooms are located in an old farmhouse in the middle of fields, on the edge of many hiking trails, and have a private entrance and terrace. A spa and sauna area is available (10 euros/hour for 2 people) On-site outdoor swimming pool, table tennis, boules pitch, bicycles, table soccer Near the village of Angles sur l'Anglin , 15mn from La Roche Posay 50mn from Futuroscope

Detached 76 m2 chalet in enclosed wooded grounds, between Futuroscope and Parc de la Brenne, 2 km from Angles sur L'Anglin (France's most beautiful village), 10 km from La Roche-Posay (European spa). ground floor: kitchenette, 1 bedroom (1 bed 160), shower room and WC. Upstairs: mezzanine with 2 single beds (90cm) and bedroom with 2 single beds (90cm). Label randonnées et cyclos + owner is a randonnee leader. Available on site: wooden games in independent gîte, bike rental, electric bike rental, table soccer, ping-pong, billiards, mini-golf, garden furniture, tower with swing and slide, terrace, garage and covered area, parking, electric bike rental, bed linen rental, pets allowed, prices for 1 or 2 people. Price: Low season: 255? TCC Mid season: 270? TCC School vacations: 285? TCC High season

La Roche-Posay Vacances 5* campsite in la Roche-Posay is set in 8-hectares of natural landscaped grounds on the banks of the Creuse river. Nature and comfort with a pitch or a 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom cottage with all facilities. On-site services to make your stay more comfortable: bakery, bar, restaurant/snacks, WiFi, laundry, ticket office, grocery for basic items. Enjoy our indoor swimming pool heated to 29° all season and outdoor pool with spa benches, a 3-lane water slide and fun children’s paddling pool. During July and August we offer a programme of activities and entertainment: kid’s club, sports, games, tournaments, craft workshops, concerts, themed dinners, karaoke, canoeing, etc. The campsite is 1.5 km from the city centre. A free shuttle to the spa is provided.