Attractions and Places To See around Noyant-De-Touraine - Top 13
Best attractions and places to see around Noyant-De-Touraine, a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department of France, include a mix of historical landmarks and natural areas. The region is characterized by its position within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park, offering diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient sites, troglodyte dwellings, and picturesque villages, alongside the Manse River.
Best attractions and places to see around Noyant-De-Touraine
- The most popular attractions is Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses, a historical site and natural monument known for its numerous troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock and historic water mills. This valley is also noted for the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, a 14th-century hermit's refuge.
- Another must-see spot is Ruins of the castle and collegiate church of Roches-Tranchelion, featuring the ruins of a 16th-century Renaissance-style collegiate church and castle. King Charles VII held meetings here to plan the final campaign of the Hundred Years' War.
- Visitors also love Crissay-sur-Manse Village, a settlement recognized as one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages." It boasts ruins of its 15th-century castle and a 16th-century church, alongside white tufa houses.
- Noyant-De-Touraine is known for its historical sites, natural valleys, and charming villages. The area offers a variety of attractions to explore, from ancient castles and churches to unique troglodyte houses.
- The attractions around Noyant-De-Touraine are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses
Highlight • Historical Site
The chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, carved into the rock, would have been the refuge of a hermit in the fourteenth century2. On March 6, 1429, Joan of Arc would have taken shelter there to protect herself from a downpour while she was traveling the Courtineau valley to go to Chinon to see King Charles VII, after two nights spent in Sainte-Catherine-de -Proudwood.
The water mills:
- The Moulin de la Chaise: from 1241 to 1789, it belonged to the Chapter of Saint-Martine de Tours and depended on the Provost of Saint-Epain.
- The Courtineau mill
- The Malicorne mill: in the fourteenth and at least until the seventeenth century, it depended on the seigneury of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. We grew hemp there
- The Souvres mill.
- The mill of Mareille, large building of three floors which appears on the map of Cassini and the Napoleonic land register of 18274. According to the elders, the building was before 1900 a sawmill, the paddle wheel was placed further.
The village of Courtineau is made up of troglodyte houses. In the mid-twentieth century he still owned a café, a grocery store and a school.
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Boisbonnard Castle
Highlight • Castle
This private castle is an old fortress of which only:
- the wide medieval moats in their entirety and which form 2 quadrilaterals and a 3-sided figure
- 5 cylindrical towers including the South-East tower pierced with circular loopholes called the “couleuvrine tower”.
The surrounding walls disappeared, the eastern ones were pulled down in 1856.
Access is controlled by 2 entrance towers, capped with pepper shakers, guarding the wooden footbridge which replaced the drawbridge. A portal with a curved pediment connects them.
The enclosure demolished in the last century has retained 3 corner towers.
The current castle was built in several stages. The residential building, which dates from the 16th century, had its facades completely redesigned in 1856. Part of it disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century.
To the south-west, a main building covered with a 4-pitched roof and presenting stone windows on the ground floor had been lined with another building in 1731; these buildings were demolished in 1979.
The outbuildings near the front door were built in Renaissance style around 1856 in place of the old farm buildings.
Numerous renovation and restoration works have been carried out since 1994.
During the cleaning of the moat an oak door was discovered under the water level. We can assume that there was an underground passage between the castle and the village church or to other undergrounds.
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Courtineau Valley
Highlight (Segment) • Other
The chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, carved into the rock, would have been the refuge of a hermit in the fourteenth century2. On March 6, 1429, Joan of Arc would have taken shelter there to protect herself from a downpour while she was traveling the Courtineau valley to go to Chinon to see King Charles VII, after two nights spent in Sainte-Catherine-de -Proudwood.
The water mills:
- The Moulin de la Chaise: from 1241 to 1789, it belonged to the Chapter of Saint-Martine de Tours and depended on the Provost of Saint-Epain.
- The Courtineau mill
- The Malicorne mill: in the fourteenth and at least until the seventeenth century, it depended on the seigneury of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. We grew hemp there
- The Souvres mill.
- The mill of Mareille, large building of three floors which appears on the map of Cassini and the Napoleonic land register of 18274. According to the elders, the building was before 1900 a sawmill, the paddle wheel was placed further.
The village of Courtineau is made up of troglodyte houses. In the mid-twentieth century he still owned a café, a grocery store and a school.
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Crissay-sur-Manse Village
Highlight • Settlement
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Ruins of the castle and collegiate church of Roches-Tranchelion
Highlight • Other
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Tips from the Community
Crissay-sur-Manse is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The Manse River, which gives the village its name, flows through the southern part of the municipality. Sights: - Saint-Maurice Church (early 16th century) - Houses from the 15th and 16th centuries - Castle ruins (15th century)
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free access to the ruins
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This private castle is an ancient fortress of which only: the large medieval moat in its entirety and which forms 2 quadrilaterals and a 3-sided figure 5 cylindrical towers including the South-East tower pierced with circular loopholes called “couuvrine tower”. The current castle was built in several stages. The residential house which dates from the 16th century had its facades completely remodeled in 1856. Part of it disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century. To the South-West a main building covered with a 4-sloped roof and presenting stone casement windows on the ground floor had been joined by another building in 1731; these buildings were demolished in 1979
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Here you will find the ruins of the collegiate church and the 16th century castle. The Renaissance style church was built between 1510 and 1524. It was here that Charles VII met twice with the Great Council to decide on the last campaign against the English which ended the War of Hundred years. A fascinating place to visit.
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A very nice road
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Crissay sur manse is one of the most beautiful villages in France. These stone houses, its church, its washhouse make it a must in the area.
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The Courtineau valley is a valley located in the municipalities of Saint-Epain and Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, in the department of Indre-et-Loire, in the Center-Val de Loire region. Six kilometers long, it has many troglodyte dwellings, water mills, washhouses ... It is classified as a natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest (ZNIEFF) because of its remarkable character. The chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, carved into the rock, would have been the refuge of a hermit in the fourteenth century2. On March 6, 1429, Joan of Arc would have taken shelter there to protect herself from a downpour while she was traveling the Courtineau valley to go to Chinon to see King Charles VII, after two nights spent in Sainte-Catherine-de -Proudwood. The water mills: - The Moulin de la Chaise: from 1241 to 1789, it belonged to the Chapter of Saint-Martine de Tours and depended on the Provost of Saint-Epain. - The Courtineau mill - The Malicorne mill: in the fourteenth and at least until the seventeenth century, it depended on the seigneury of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. We grew hemp there - The Souvres mill. - The mill of Mareille, large building of three floors which appears on the map of Cassini and the Napoleonic land register of 18274. According to the elders, the building was before 1900 a sawmill, the paddle wheel was placed further. The village of Courtineau is made up of troglodyte houses. In the mid-twentieth century he still owned a café, a grocery store and a school.
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The Courtineau valley is a valley located in the municipalities of Saint-Epain and Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, in the department of Indre-et-Loire, in the Center-Val de Loire region. Six kilometers long, it has many troglodyte dwellings, water mills, washhouses ... It is classified as a natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest (ZNIEFF) because of its remarkable character. The chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, carved into the rock, would have been the refuge of a hermit in the fourteenth century2. On March 6, 1429, Joan of Arc would have taken shelter there to protect herself from a downpour while she was traveling the Courtineau valley to go to Chinon to see King Charles VII, after two nights spent in Sainte-Catherine-de -Proudwood. The water mills: - The Moulin de la Chaise: from 1241 to 1789, it belonged to the Chapter of Saint-Martine de Tours and depended on the Provost of Saint-Epain. - The Courtineau mill - The Malicorne mill: in the fourteenth and at least until the seventeenth century, it depended on the seigneury of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. We grew hemp there - The Souvres mill. - The mill of Mareille, large building of three floors which appears on the map of Cassini and the Napoleonic land register of 18274. According to the elders, the building was before 1900 a sawmill, the paddle wheel was placed further. The village of Courtineau is made up of troglodyte houses. In the mid-twentieth century he still owned a café, a grocery store and a school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Noyant-De-Touraine?
Beyond the well-known sites, you can visit the Boisbonnard Castle, an ancient fortress with medieval moats and cylindrical towers. The Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses offer a glimpse into unique rock-carved dwellings and historic water mills, including the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, reputed to have been a 14th-century hermit's refuge. Additionally, the Ruins of the castle and collegiate church of Roches-Tranchelion are significant, as King Charles VII held meetings here during the Hundred Years' War.
Are there any unique architectural features or villages to visit?
Yes, the region is rich in unique architecture. The Courtineau Valley is famous for its numerous troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock. You can also visit Crissay-sur-Manse Village, recognized as one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages," featuring white tufa houses, a 15th-century castle ruin, and a 16th-century church. In Noyant-de-Touraine itself, there's a 15th-century private dwelling east of the church that retains its original appearance.
What natural attractions are there to see in the area?
The region offers several natural highlights. The Courtineau Valley is a significant natural area recognized for its ecological interest, with diverse flora and fauna. Noyant-de-Touraine is also situated within the broader Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park, which features diverse landscapes including valleys, rivers like the Manse, cultivated plateaus, and extensive forests perfect for exploration.
Are there opportunities for hiking around Noyant-De-Touraine?
Absolutely, the area around Noyant-De-Touraine is excellent for hiking. You can find various trails, including an easy 7.3 km loop around Crissay-sur-Manse Village or a moderate 14.2 km loop from Saint Maurice Church. For more options, explore the Hiking around Noyant-De-Touraine guide.
Can I go cycling near Noyant-De-Touraine?
Yes, the region is well-suited for cycling. There are numerous routes for both road cycling and mountain biking. For road cyclists, you can find routes like the moderate 66 km loop from Crissay-sur-Manse Village to Château des Brétignolles. Mountain bikers can enjoy trails such as the moderate 47 km loop from View of Le Prezault to Crissay-sur-Manse Village. Check out the Road Cycling Routes around Noyant-De-Touraine and MTB Trails around Noyant-De-Touraine guides for more details.
Are there family-friendly attractions suitable for children?
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. Crissay-sur-Manse Village, with its charming houses and castle ruins, is a great place for a family stroll. The Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses offer an intriguing historical and natural exploration that can captivate children. The numerous easy hiking and cycling trails in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park also provide excellent outdoor activities for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit Noyant-De-Touraine?
The best time to visit Noyant-De-Touraine is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant for exploring historical sites, enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, and visiting the renowned chateaux and gardens in the wider Touraine region. Spring brings blooming gardens, while autumn offers beautiful foliage.
Are there any lesser-known or "hidden gems" worth discovering?
Beyond the main attractions, you can find several hidden gems. Behind the town hall, a Merovingian sarcophagus with a triple-barred cross is displayed, one of 23 discovered locally. The various historic water mills in the Courtineau Valley, such as the Moulin de la Chaise or the Malicorne mill, offer a glimpse into local history and craftsmanship. The 15th-century private dwelling in Noyant-de-Touraine also provides a unique architectural insight.
What kind of cultural heritage can I discover in Noyant-De-Touraine?
Noyant-De-Touraine and its surroundings are rich in cultural heritage. You can explore the Neo-Gothic Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais Church, built in 1874, featuring 19th-century stained-glass windows. The Ruins of the castle and collegiate church of Roches-Tranchelion highlight the region's medieval and Renaissance past, including its connection to King Charles VII. The Courtineau Valley also holds cultural significance with its troglodyte chapel, said to have hosted Joan of Arc.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Noyant-De-Touraine?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The unique troglodyte houses in the Courtineau Valley are often highlighted for their historical intrigue. The picturesque charm of Crissay-sur-Manse Village, with its stone houses and castle ruins, is also a favorite. The historical significance of sites like the Ruins of the castle and collegiate church of Roches-Tranchelion, where King Charles VII once met, also captivates many.
Are there any famous chateaux or gardens nearby?
Yes, the wider Touraine region is renowned for its chateaux and gardens, many within a reasonable distance. Notable examples include Chateau du Rivau, Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau, Chateau de Chinon, Chateau d'Ussé, and Chateau de Villandry, famous for its elaborate gardens. You can also visit Les jardins de la Chatonnière and Les jardins du prieuré de Saint-Cosme for more horticultural delights.
What is the significance of the Courtineau Valley?
The Courtineau Valley is a significant natural area, classified for its ecological, faunistic, and floristic interest. It is particularly known for its numerous troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock, historic water mills, and the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, which is reputed to have been a 14th-century hermit's refuge and a stopping point for Joan of Arc in 1429.
Can I find information about the local hydrography?
Yes, the local hydrography includes the Manse River, which is approximately 2.925 km long within the communal network. This river, along with several smaller, sometimes temporary, streams, contributes to the natural landscape of Noyant-de-Touraine and the surrounding Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park.
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