2018 Version 3 Sept 2017 Calm, relaxing, and peaceful. Self-catering cottages in the Indre-et-Loire This booklet gives a flavour of the attractions in Touraine du Sud area of France plus additional information such as contact details, location and distance from La Richardière. La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 1
What is the weather like in the Indre-et-Loire? The La Richardière Climate Well, the winters can be quite sharp, but restricted to January, February and March. After that the climate improves. The sun shines and it rains. Temperatures: May to August the day time temperatures average in excess of 20deg Centigrade. La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 2
Location 2 Minutes Le Petit Pressigny is our local commune village and is just under 2 kilometres to the South. There is a Church, Church Square with gardens and a lake. There are two restaurants La Promenade (1 Michelin Star and pictured below); Au Bon Coin café/ bar which also has a restaurant and take away Pizzas on Fridays! La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 3
Local Attractions and Activities. Zoo Parc Beauval An excellent Zoo for all the family. Well kept animals in clean cages and open air environments. Highlights: Daily Bird Shows in the big arena; Seal shows; White Tigers; and Pandas. www.zooparcbeauval.com Twitter: @zoobeauval Location: 50km North of La Richardière. 1 hour drive Haute Touche An excellent outdoor animal environment for all the family. Well kept animals in clean open air enclosures Highlights: Lemurs; Tigers; Red Pandas; Wide open pathways to ride around the park. http://www.zoodelahautetouche.fr Twitter: @InHauteTouche Location: 20km South East of La Richardière. 20 minutes drive Clic Lac Adventure Tree climbing adventures For those who like to swing in the tress. This new wooded climbing environment boasts the latest safety equipment and on of the most creative tree/rope courses we have seen. If you fancy surf boarding, mountain biking or sledging through the trees then this place is for you. Tuition given. https://www.facebook.com/cliclacaventure Location: 20km North of La Richardière. 20 minutes drive Parc naturel régional de la Brenne An excellent place to visit for those who like bird watching. Over a 1000 lakes with bird life of all sorts and different in every season. The lake at Belle Bouche is presented as a sandy beach environment with good swimming. www.parc-naturel-brenne.fr/en/ Distance: 25km South West of La Richardière. 20-25 minutes drive Futuroscope One of the regions most exciting themed parcs. 21 pavilions with experiences for all the family including Space, Magic and illusions and rides with cartoon characters. Plenty of open space and gardens and some fine restaurants. www.futuroscope.com Twitter: @futuroscope Location: 60km South of La Richardière. 1 hour drive Canoeing and Kayaking There are several good social canoeing rivers in this area. The Loire, Cher, Creuse, Indre and the Vienne. Start from various locations nearby and enjoy the tranquillity of countryside from the water. Contact La Richardière for further details. http://www.touraineloirevalley.com/rando-velo-canoe/loisirs-de-nature/canoe-kayak Locations: Various within 30minutes drive of La Richardière. Descartes, Angles-sur- Anglin, La Roche Possay. La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 4
Walking Trails There are many walking trails in and around La Richardière. Information about these walks can be found at local Tourist Offices in the Area or by looking at local maps. (See the La Richardière travel instructions for details about buying maps of the area.) Tourist Office in Le Grand Pressigny Location: Walking from the doorstep of your Gite, plus many trails within 30 minutes drive. Cycling The roads and trails in this part of France are very quiet and, although they are not completely traffic free, the traffic is very light. Great for family excursions (we have bikes you can borrow) and for longer trips on the designated cycle trails. Tourist Office in Le Grand Pressigny Apps: Bike Map has several routes starting and finishing at La Richardière. Wine Tasting There are many wine producers in the area who have regular wine tastings and tours of their Caves. We can organise wine tastings here at La Richardière giving guests a chance Vouvray wine producers: Location 1 hour north of La Richardière. Spa Days La Roche Posay is well-known for its Spa waters, healing and medicinal skin products. At the Spa Source guests can receive the full range of treatments and eat at the Spa The Spa Source La Roche Posay. Twitter: @LaRochePosay86 Location: 20 minutes South of La Richardière. Local Farm Products We are surrounded by local farmers and artisans who make their own products e.g. Goats Cheese; Foie Gras; Wine; Other cheeses, fragrances and soaps. Le Petit Pressigny Village website La Celle Geunand village website. Location Within 10 minutes drive from La Richardière. La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 5
Chateaux, Villages and Historic Places Château Chenonceau Chenonceau is probably the most iconic Chateau on the River Loire. One of the best ways to see the Chateau is from the river. Book a boat ride or canoe under the arches. Check out the gardens which are stunning in the summer and often illuminated at night. The Chateau de Chenonceau s Website Twitter: @E_Chenonceau Location: 1 hour North West of La Richardière Château de Chambord Château de Chambord is a little further away from La Richardière, but it is well worth a visit. Very historic and it makes the connection with Francois 1st of France and his other Chateau de Chambord s Website Twitter: @domainechambord Location: 85 km North of La Richardière Château de Amboise The Chateau at Amboise was built by Francoise 1st of France. It is a richly adorned Chateau steeped in history and intrigue. Close to Clos Lucé the retirement home of Leonardo Da Vinci. (See below) Website of Chateau de Amboise Twitter: @ Location: 85 km North of La Richardière. 1.5 Hours drive. Château de Clos Lucé The retirement home of Leonardo de Vinci. Look out for modern realisations of his inventions. Planes; cars; tanks; parachutes; double hulled boats; gearing mechanisms and canal lock systems. Website of Clos Lucé Twitter: @closluce Location: 50 km North of La Richardière. 1 hour drive. Château de Chaumont A fabulous Chateau surrounded by the interesting and creative garden installations Look out for the annual garden festival. Flower Power http://www.domaine-chaumont.fr/ Twitter: @Chaumont_Loire Location: 50 km North of La Richardière. 1 hour drive. La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 6
Chateaux, Villages and Historic Places (cont.) Angles Sur L Anglin Angles sur L Anglin is a beautiful village with a historic castle, steep river cliffs with a wide river flowing through the town. There are cafes, English Tea Garden and an Ancient History Museum. http://www.roc-aux-sorciers.fr/ www.anglessuranglin.com Twitter: @Angles_tourisme Location: 30 Minutes South of La Richardière. La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 7
La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 8
Regular Markets Monday Ligueil Smaller market on Monday Mornings in town square. Tuesday La Roche Possay Tuesday Morning Market with a wide range of stalls and sellers. Vegetables, Meat, Clothes, Ready-made Paella; Based on Market Square with two good cafes and restaurants nearby. 25 Minutes from La Richardière. Wednesday Loches Wednesday Morning Market with a wide range of stalls and sellers. Vegetables, Thursday Meat, Clothes, Ready-made Paella; Based on Market Square with good cafes a wide range of restaurants and historical Chateau and Donjon within easy walking distance. 25 Minutes North of La Richardière. Friday Saturday Sunday Descartes Sunday Morning Market with a wide range of stalls and sellers. Vegetables, Meat, Clothes, Ready-made Paella; Based on Market Square with two good cafes. 20 Minutes West of La Richardière La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 9
Annually Recurring Events. January February March April Quiet Quiet Quiet Quiet May Early in May Plant Festivals June 10 Garden Party in Le Grand Pressigny with Crafts and plants. 21 Fete de La Musique: A national festival with music events taking place in most villages. July First weekend Le Petit Pressigny Wine Festival Salon des Vignerons 13 14th Last Sunday Bastille celebrations. Events in many villages usually with a dinner and fireworks to follow. A big village Brocante in Celle-Guenand August 16 L art et Le Matières. Festival of Crafts in the chateaux at Le Grand Pressigny September October 7-8 LÁrt et Lard: A prestigious Arts festival in Le Petit Pressigny with many artists and November sculptors displaying their works. December Middle weekends Christmas Markets in Ferriere Larcon and La Celle-Guenand. Week before Christmas Seasonal Concerts in local churches. La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 10
Places to Eat La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 11
Mark offers one day courses, specifically designed for families, using quick drying clay. This means that guests can take their pottery creations home with them! Why not give him a call and see what he can do for you. Wetlands. The home of local fragrance and soap making. Tours of the workshop are available as well as a chance to visit the shop! Locally made Foie Gras is available at Maison Perrin. Travel to La Celle Geunand (1.5 KM) Take the road to Le Grand Pressigny. Maison Perrin is the first turning to the left after approx. 800 metres. La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 12
Bernadette s Pottery is just 10 minutes to the North of La Richardière at the junction before Ferriere-Larcon. You will be given a warm welcome and a tour of the Pottery Shgow room. For those who wish there is an opportunity to try Pottery or Mozaic work. Please contact us if you wish to book a course. La Richardière Le Petit Pressigny, Indre-et-Loire, France: Information (Ver 17.2) Page 13