The best traffic-free bike rides around Chouzé-Sur-Loire

The Clock Tower is the emblematic gateway to the Château du Milieu, which it defended in the Middle Ages with a drawbridge and portcullis. These defensive elements have now disappeared. Slender and slender, it rises over five levels and is crowned by a patrol path.

History in brief Antiquity: the site is strategically located on a promontory and has been inhabited for 3,000 years. It was not fortified until the end of the Roman Empire. Middle Ages: in 1154, the new King of England, Henry II Plantagenet, became ruler of an empire stretching from Scotland to the Pyrenees and made Chinon his continental capital. He had a large palace built next to the fortress, which has now disappeared. In 1189, abandoned by his sons, Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland, and fleeing from the King of France, he eventually died there. Philippe Auguste had the defensive Tour du Coudray built there after the siege of 1205. Renaissance: in 1454, the fortress became the main residence of Queen Marie d'Anjou, who lived there without her husband. She spent lavishly on decorating the house to her taste. From the 16th century onwards, the fortress was gradually abandoned and fell into disrepair. Despite the dangerous nature of the terrain, it became a public promenade in 1824 and was listed as a monument in 1840. The restoration of the estate began in 1854 thanks to the efforts of the writer Prosper Mérimée. Source: https://loirelovers.fr/en/visit-royal-fort-chinon/

Magnificent view of the Loire. Possible stopover (picnic, meal, bar)

The graceful cobblestones spit out deliciously fresh water. Thirsty people can refresh themselves here at the upper water jets. The bubbling water is then again practical to refresh the neck, neck and face. In other words, a source to look forward to.

Bréhémont, a former annex of the parish church of Rivarennes, only became a parish in 1789. The church was built in 1843 in the neo-Gothic style. Three years later, five stained glass windows for the choir and the side chapels (bays 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) were ordered by the Parisian Émile Laurent, who had ties with Auguste Galimard and who had designed the plans. Source: https://patrimoine.centre-valdeloire.fr/gertrude-diffusion/dossier/IM37003094

The church of Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt is linked to an important period in history: Louis XI, King of France, suffered a stroke during a mass there shortly before his death in 1483. This historical link gives the building a unique character. Situated in an exceptional natural setting, in the heart of the Chinon national forest, this church is surrounded by a rich heritage, including the Grammont priory and the Notre-Dame de Turpenay abbey, precious remains from the Middle Ages. The forest, popular for its walks, was once feared for its wolves, which claimed several victims in the 17th century, including two children from the village. The church is an undeniable witness to this cultural and natural wealth.

Endless enjoyment of the mighty Loire river.

On the horizon, when the weather is clear, you can see the silhouette of the Château de Ussé. This fairytale castle has a magical appearance that overlooks the Indre and the Loire. It is so beautiful that it inspired Charles Perrault for his Sleeping Beauty. Triggered? Drive there and you will end up in a fairytale world. Young and old, immerse yourself in castle life and the scenes from this fairytale come to life before your eyes. Follow in the footsteps of Vauban, Perrault, Chateaubriand, Le Nôtre and the Blacas family, who still live in this illustrious castle in the Loire Valley.