Attractions and Places To See around La Celle-Saint-Avant - Top 10
Best attractions and places to see around La Celle-Saint-Avant, a commune in Indre-et-Loire, primarily focus on its historical and natural heritage. The area features historical monuments, significant natural sites, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore a valley known for troglodytic dwellings and historical chapels, as well as greenways for cycling.
Best attractions and places to see around La Celle-Saint-Avant
- The most popular attractions is Descartes to Preuilly-sur-Claise Greenway, a cycle_way that allows for car-free travel. This route provides a direct path through varied landscapes.
- Another must-see spot is Les Ormes, a village known for its Château des Ormes, which is listed and open to the public during specific months. Visitors can also discover an old post house, the castle of Fontaine, and historical halls and washhouses.
- Visitors also love Courtineau Valley, a natural area of ecological, faunal, and floral interest. This 6-kilometer-long valley features numerous troglodytic dwellings, watermills, and the rock-cut Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette.
- La Celle-Saint-Avant is known for historical sites, natural areas, and cycling routes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to scenic greenways.
- The attractions around La Celle-Saint-Avant are appreciated by the komoot community, with 10 upvotes and 3 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Courtineau Valley
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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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Les Ormes
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Descartes to Preuilly-sur-Claise Greenway
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Les Ormes
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Saint-Sulpice Church
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This church was built in the 11th century, expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries, restored in the 20th century, and its porch dates from the 18th century. The porch, with its pediment, gives visitors no clue that they are entering a thousand-year-old Romanesque nave. The two western bays are vaulted, like the entire building in the 15th and 16th centuries, with ribbed vaults.
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Small village known for its castle, built on the edge of Vienne: the Château des Ormes, which is listed and open to the public between June and September. You can also discover by strolling an old post house, the castle of Fontaine, the chapel of Falaise but also the very beautiful Halles and the old wash house, in the heart of the village.
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Small village known for its castle, built on the edge of Vienne: the Château des Ormes, which is listed and open to the public between June and September. You can also discover by strolling an old post house, the castle of Fontaine, the chapel of Falaise but also the very beautiful Halles and the old wash house, in the heart of the village.
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Beautiful route that allows you to drive without cars
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New greenway that allows you to drive without a car....
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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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Very impressive church. It also recalls a priest who fell victim to fascism. I have immense respect for such strong people.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in La Celle-Saint-Avant?
You can explore the historic Église Saint-Avant, an 11th-century parish church with significant architectural details. Additionally, the village of Les Ormes features the listed Château des Ormes, an old post house, and historical halls. The Courtineau Valley also holds historical significance with its rock-cut Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette.
Where can I see troglodytic dwellings and unique natural features?
The Courtineau Valley is a remarkable natural area known for its numerous troglodytic dwellings (cave houses), watermills, and washhouses. This 6-kilometer-long valley is classified as a natural area of ecological, faunal, and floral interest.
Are there opportunities for cycling in the area?
Yes, the Descartes to Preuilly-sur-Claise Greenway offers a car-free route for cycling through varied landscapes. For more adventurous rides, you can find various gravel biking and mountain biking routes around La Celle-Saint-Avant. Explore options like the "Château de la Guerche – Saint Martin fountain loop" for gravel biking or the "La Creuse – La Fontaine Blanche loop" for mountain biking on the Gravel biking around La Celle-Saint-Avant and MTB Trails around La Celle-Saint-Avant guide pages.
Where can I go hiking or walking near La Celle-Saint-Avant?
The Courtineau Valley provides excellent walking opportunities amidst its unique natural and historical landscape. Additionally, the local area offers various hiking trails, including the "Le Pont de Saint Jean" trail, which is a 10km route part of the 'Sentiers Pedestres' of Touraine Sud. You can also find several running trails, such as the "Running loop from Marcilly-sur-Vienne," on the Running Trails around La Celle-Saint-Avant guide page.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around La Celle-Saint-Avant?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical and natural heritage. The Descartes to Preuilly-sur-Claise Greenway is praised for allowing car-free travel, while the village of Les Ormes is recommended for its charming historical sites. The Courtineau Valley is loved for its unique troglodytic dwellings and scenic beauty.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the area?
Yes, the village of Les Ormes is considered family-friendly, offering a chance to explore its château, old post house, and historical halls. The Courtineau Valley, with its fascinating cave houses and historical chapel, can also be an engaging experience for families.
Can I visit any other churches besides Église Saint-Avant?
Yes, you can also visit the Saint-Sulpice Church, which is noted for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
What kind of outdoor activities are available near La Celle-Saint-Avant?
Beyond cycling and walking, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore dedicated routes for gravel biking and mountain biking, with options ranging from moderate to challenging. For detailed routes and guides, check out the Gravel biking around La Celle-Saint-Avant and MTB Trails around La Celle-Saint-Avant guide pages.
Is there a specific time of year when the Château des Ormes is open to the public?
The Château des Ormes, located in the village of Les Ormes, is typically open to the public between June and September. It's advisable to check local listings for exact opening hours before your visit.
Are there any unique historical anecdotes associated with the local attractions?
The rock-cut Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette in the Courtineau Valley is believed to have been a hermit's refuge in the 14th century. Legend has it that Joan of Arc sought shelter there in 1429 during her journey to Chinon, adding a fascinating layer of history to the site.
What is the best way to explore the natural beauty of the region?
The best way to immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty is by exploring its greenways and valleys. Cycling along the Descartes to Preuilly-sur-Claise Greenway offers scenic views, while walking through the Courtineau Valley allows you to discover its unique ecological and historical features up close.
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