Top 10 sensitive natural areas life-size touraine!

Between ponds, lush forests and islands, treat yourself to a beautiful escape in Touraine’s Espaces Naturels Sensibles. Discover unique landscapes where flora and fauna are revealed at every turn. Biodiversity and serenity are the order of the day! Accessible all year round, with the exception of the Domaine de Candé, these ENS combine nature conservation with visitor enjoyment. Hiking, birdwatching or a simple family stroll: the choice is yours!

1. Île de la Métairie La Ville-aux-Dames

To the east of Tours, this 70-hectare site offers remarkable biodiversity, with alluvial forests, meadows and riverbanks home to a wide variety of fauna, including several rare species of birds and insects. Thanks to 3 trails (from 600 metres to 1.8 km) equipped with educational panels, you can explore this natural environment on a family walk, while enjoying a magnificent panorama of the wild Loire and the troglodyte dwellings of Rochecorbon. Ideal for a picnic!

On site: games for children.

Hiking

©Sensitive natural area ENS Le Louroux|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND

2. The Louroux pond Le Louroux

Created by the monks in the 11th century, this sensitive natural area is one of the largest, covering 110 hectares. Built for fish farming, a medieval dyke bears witness to the ancient use of water as a resource. Stand in the observatory (accessible to people with reduced mobility) to watch herons, coots, grebes and other birds in their natural habitat. Then take the 5.2 km interpretation trail around the pond. You might come across a few fishermen enjoying the peace and quiet.

Nearby, La Table du Prieuré restaurant welcomes you to the charming village of Le Louroux.

3. The Choisille Valley Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire

The Val de Choisille is a haven of peace nestling to the north of Tours. This sensitive natural area combines wet meadows, wooded hillsides and riverbanks to offer a rich biodiversity. Follow the paths and you’ll discover a mosaic of natural environments and landscapes.

Walking trails of 3, 7 or 10 km.

Hiking

The joys of canoeing

Cycling routes in Touraine

Hire a bike and set off along the back roads of Touraine, with around sixty nature trails to choose from!

Cycling loops

4. Les prairies du Roy Beaulieu-lès-Loches

Take a stroll along the interpretation trail through this wetland area on the banks of the Indre. It’s part of the ” In the footsteps of Foulques Nerra ” trail (7 km), which takes in Loches (a town of art and history and one of France’s most beautiful detours) and Beaulieu-lès-Loches (Petite Cité de Caractère).

At the initiative of the B2X association, artistic installations line the route. Each year, a call for projects brings new creations to the fore.

[#ENVIRONNEMENT] Les animaux des Prairies du Roy

5. Les Rouchoux Semblançay

In Semblançay, even further north of Tours, test your orienteering skills by setting off on one of the 3 orienteering trails that wind their way through old-growth forest, home to a large pond and pastoral meadows. Here you’ll find some unusual mushrooms and lichens.

Perfect for getting teenagers out walking!

Discover

6. La Pomardière Chinon forest

In Saint-Benoit-la-Forêt, the Pomardière site is set in the middle of the great state forest of Chinon. Follow the 4.5km interpretation trail: a guaranteed nature experience!

Nearby activity: the Saint-Benoit Aventure tree courses.

Ile de la Métairie

Une oeuvre monumentale au Domaine de Candé

7. The Candé estate Mountains

Plan a full day at the Domaine de Candé:
– Morning: visit the château with its luxurious 1930s atmosphere, where the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson were married.
– Lunch: picnic (and games for the children).
– In the afternoon, opt for one of the 2 trails that run through the estate. The estate boasts many ancient trees, as well as a number of art installations.
Don’t hesitate to borrow some outdoor games (skittles, croquet, etc.) from the reception area!

8. Indre shingles Rivarennes

The local term “les bardeaux” refers to the levees on the River Indre used to control flooding and protect local residents. Come and admire the rural landscapes shaped by man on this vast alluvial plain, by following the 12km walk starting from Bréhémont (Entre Indre et Loire), for example. Pastoral landscapes guaranteed!

And don’t forget to visit the nearby Haute Couture gardens!

Espace Naturel Sensible - L'étang d'Assay

9. The Assay pond Assay

A choice stop-off point on the Richelieu Chinon greenway, the Etang d’Assay is a fish farming complex built in the early 17th century. For a number of years now, it has boasted a spectacular ornithological observatory known as “le nid”. Here you can watch swans, mallards and coots! There is also a footpath around the pond.

A nature outing that could be a great addition to your discovery of Richelieu (Petite Cité de Caractère) and the Château du Rivau.

©Etang d'Assay ENS du Conseil Départemental d'Indre et Loire|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND-MEHEUT

10. Taligny marsh La Roche-Clermault

Classified as a regional nature reserve, the Marais de Taligny is home to no fewer than 1,290 species, including otters and the agrion de Mercure (a rare dragonfly). Take a stroll along the 4.5km-long trail, with its educational panels!