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. Accessible all year round apart from the Domaine de Candé, these ENS harmoniously combine nature conservation and 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, where alluvial forests, meadows and riverbanks are home to a variety of fauna, including several rare species of birds and insects. Thanks to 3 paths (from 600 metres to 1.8 km) laid out and equipped with educational panels, explore this natural environment during 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 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.

Nearby, the restaurant La Table du Prieuré 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. As you follow the trails, you’ll discover a mosaic of natural environments and landscapes.

Walking loops 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” hike (7km), which explores Loches (a town of art and history and a member of France’s most beautiful detours) and Beaulieu-lès-Loches (Petite Cité de Caractère).

On the initiative of the B2X association, art installations line the route. Each year, a call for projects gives the opportunity to see new creations.

[#ENVIRONNEMENT] Les animaux des Prairies du Roy

5. Les Rouchoux Semblançay

At 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 an ancient forest, home to a large pond and alongside bocage meadows. Here you’ll find some unusual mushrooms and lichens

Perfect for getting teenagers out walking!

Discover

6. La Pomardière Chinon forest

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

Nearby activity: thetreetop courses at Saint-Benoit Aventure.

Ile de la Métairie

Une oeuvre monumentale au Domaine de Candé

7. The Candé estate Mountains

Plan a whole 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 possibly games for the children).
– In the afternoon, opt for one of the 2 trails that run through the estate. There are many hundred-year-old trees on the estate, as well as a number of art installations.
Don’t hesitate to borrow outdoor games (skittles, croquet, etc.) from the reception area!

8. Indre shingles Rivarennes

Nearby, a visit to the Haute Couture gardens is a must!

Espace Naturel Sensible - L'étang d'Assay

9. The Assay pond Assay

A choice stopover on the voie verte Richelieu Chinon, the Etang d’Assay is a fish farming complex developed in the early 17th century. For a number of years now, it has been home to a spectacular bird observatory called “le nid”. It’s up to you to watch swans, mallards and other coots! There is also a footpath around the pond.

A nature outing that could be an extension of your discovery of Richelieu (Petite Cité de Caractère) and the Château du Rivau.