Attractions and Places To See around Ports - Top 9
Best attractions and places to see around Ports include historical villages, natural valleys, and significant architectural sites. This region features troglodyte dwellings, medieval churches, and listed castles. Visitors can explore a mix of cultural heritage and natural landscapes, offering diverse points of interest. The area provides opportunities for exploring historical sites and natural monuments.
Best attractions and places to see around Ports
- The most popular attractions is Les Ormes, a village known for its listed castle, Château des Ormes,…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Courtineau Valley
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Les Ormes
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Les Ormes
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Saint-Sulpice Church
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Large Rock with Tree near Marcé
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This site is the Chillou dolmen and is not located at this location. It is situated on the border of Marcé and Descartes at a place called La Barbotiniere.
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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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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 natural attractions can I explore around Ports?
The region offers diverse natural landscapes. You can visit Courtineau Valley, a natural area of ecological, faunistic, and floristic interest, featuring troglodyte dwellings and water mills. Another notable natural monument is the Large Rock with Tree near Marcé, identified as the Chillou dolmen.
What historical sites can I visit in the Ports region?
Ports is rich in historical heritage. Explore Les Ormes, a village known for its listed Château des Ormes, an old post house, and a wash house. The village also features an 11th-century church. The Courtineau Valley also contains historical elements like the rock-carved chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette and ancient water mills. Additionally, the Saint-Sulpice Church is another impressive historical site.
Are there hiking opportunities near the attractions in Ports?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find various trails, including a moderate 'Tour of Les Ormes' and an easy 'Rilly sur Vienne loop'. For more options, explore the comprehensive Hiking around Ports guide.
What kind of cycling routes are available around Ports?
The Ports area offers diverse cycling experiences. For gravel enthusiasts, routes like the 'Faye-la-Vineuse loop' are available. Road cyclists can enjoy longer tours such as the 'Mills Street, Montbazon – Henri IV Bridge loop'. Detailed guides for these activities can be found in the Gravel biking around Ports and Road Cycling Routes around Ports sections.
Can I explore troglodyte dwellings around Ports?
Yes, the Courtineau Valley is particularly known for its many troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock. This valley offers a unique glimpse into historical living arrangements.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Ports?
Absolutely. The village of Les Ormes, with its castle and historical buildings, is considered family-friendly. The Large Rock with Tree near Marcé, a natural monument, is also a suitable spot for families to visit.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Ports?
Visitors appreciate the mix of cultural heritage and natural landscapes. The historical sites, such as the listed castle in Les Ormes and the unique troglodyte dwellings in Courtineau Valley, are highly valued. The natural beauty, like the Chillou dolmen, also receives positive feedback.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for a leisurely stroll?
Yes, for an easier walk, you can find routes like the 'Rilly sur Vienne loop from Rilly-sur-Vienne', which is rated as easy. More options for various difficulties are available in the Hiking around Ports guide.
Where can I find unique geological features or natural monuments?
The most prominent unique geological feature is the Large Rock with Tree near Marcé, which is identified as the Chillou dolmen. It's a natural monument located near Marcé and Descartes.
What is the significance of the church in Les Ormes?
The church in Les Ormes is historically significant, originally built in the 11th century. It underwent expansions in the 15th and 16th centuries and was restored in the 20th century, with its porch dating from the 18th century. It features a thousand-year-old Romanesque nave.
Are there any notable chapels or religious sites in the area?
Yes, within the Courtineau Valley, you can find the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, which is carved into the rock and has historical connections, including a legend involving Joan of Arc. The Saint-Sulpice Church is also a notable religious site.
Can I visit a castle in the Ports region?
Yes, the village of Les Ormes is home to the Château des Ormes, a listed castle built on the edge of the Vienne river. It is typically open to the public between June and September.
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