Châteaux that care about the environment Châteaux that care about the environment

The châteaux of Touraine Players committed to biodiversity

Green initiatives to discover

In Touraine, châteaux are not only witnesses to history, but also havens of peace for wildlife. A wide range of initiatives are underway, from the creation of LPO refuges to the development of natural areas. Here you can admire not only the architecture of the châteaux, but also the diversity of bird life that surrounds them.

Immersive experiences in the heart of nature

Visiting the châteaux of Touraine is also a great way to take a wellness break in the heart of nature. Stroll through the gardens, listen to the birdsong and breathe in the fresh air. These moments of discovery and relaxation remind you that every gesture counts when it comes to preserving our environment.

Castles alongside the LPO

Château de Villandry

Châteaux such as the Château de Villandry have set up LPO refuges, incorporating areas of fallow land and gardens conducive to biodiversity. These areas become places of education for visitors, who learn to recognise local plants and birds. Why not take advantage of your visit to get involved and create your own natural area at home? Nearly 90 species of bird have been recorded.

Château Royal d’Amboise

Dominating the Loire, the famous Château Royal d’Amboise has been committed to the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux since 2016, and aims to be a model for the preservation of our feathered friends. With its gardens classified as “Remarkable Gardens”, the certification of the Château d’Amboise as an LPO Refuge is part of a desire to protect biodiversity and demonstrate good practices to visitors: around twenty nesting boxes line the garden and no phytosanitary treatments are used.

Le château de Minière

Let’s also mention another château, this time a wine-growing one: the château de Minière, in Coteaux-sur-Loire. Since 2013, the estate has adopted an organic farming approach, and became an LPO refuge in 2017. In addition to the wine, beehives have naturally found their place on the farm, and cohabit with the birds whose song accompanies visitors who push open the door of this tourist winery, or who stay in one of the gîtes.

Château de Minière Coteaux Sur Loire — ©Château De Miniere Coteaux Sur Loire|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND

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Wildlife in Touraine A rich ecosystem to preserve

What birds in Touraine?

Touraine is home to a multitude of bird species, from the most common to the rarest. When visiting castles such as the Château Royal d’Amboise or the Château de Chenonceau, observe up to 90 species of birds, including 35 nesting species, namely, tits, kestrels, familiar robins, tawny owls, black swifts and also window swallows playing hide-and-seek in the castle ramparts.

As a Sensitive Natural Area, the domaine de Candé regularly offers nature outings with specialist speakers. Birdwatching is sometimes on the programme!

More information about the Domaine de Candé

Nature outings

Beyond the châteaux, several natural sites lend themselves to birdwatching. Armed with a pair of binoculars, set up at the observatories on the ponds at Assay and Louroux, or at lac de Rillé, and… admire!”

Take a stroll on the island of Bondésir (Montlouis-sur-Loire), for example after lunch at the Gueuleton restaurant. A number of interpretation panels about the local fauna line a short discovery trail.

Experience: discover the ENS in Touraine

What is the role of the LPO?

The LPO and a number of naturalist associations play a crucial role in protecting birds and their habitats. Through awareness-raising, conservation and research activities, the LPO ensures that visitors understand the importance of preserving this biodiversity. In a variety of remarkable natural landscapes, LPO nature guides lead accompanied outings to observe terns, ospreys and swallows. And to ensure that you can continue to enjoy this spectacle for a long time to come, private individuals and tourist sites alike are playing their part in protecting biodiversity by displaying the “Refuge LPO” label.

Bird-related activities

The Parc Naturel Loire Anjou Touraine, the Maison de la Loire, but also Val de Loire Ecotourisme and Touraine Terre d’Histoire: the accompanied outings offered by the guides from these organisations regularly provide an opportunity to observe (without disturbing!) the bird populations.

The bird mini-golf course at Lac de Rillé is open from April to November. More than just a promise of fun family time, it’s a celebration of nature. The 18-hole miniature golf course is lined with sculptures of local birds. It doubles up as an educational trail created in conjunction with the Parc Naturel Régional, and set up by the Centre Permanent d’Initiatives pour l’Environnement in collaboration with the LPO.

Further south, not far from the Saché forest, is Christine Vincent’s atelier, a veritable temple of wellbeing for all birds. Her space is teeming with adorable wicker feeders and nest boxes. Expect to pay between €12 and €50 for a feeder, and between €40 and €80 for a nesting box, as well as specialist food certified by the LPO.*

Also visit the Plume et brin d’osier, which offers a range of activities such as weaving initiations (all ages, from 3 years upwards, from €12 on booking) and a fun and educational tour of wicker basketry (also by appointment).

RNP activities

A hike through the vineyards, a basketwork discovery course, a outing to meet the Beaver… share moments of exploration and conviviality. Whatever the season, enjoy activities supervised by passionate professionals who are committed to a quality charter with the Park.

Plume et Brin d'Osier

Where can you fall asleep lulled by birdsong?

What a sweet dream to fall asleep to the sound of birdsong!!!

Go near Richelieu to the chambres d’hôtes la Varenne classified as “Hébergement Nature et Patrimoine” by the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, Here you will find this 17th-century gentilhommière is surrounded by 500 hectares of forest and fields, and can enjoy a heated swimming pool in season. On site, Joëlle will give you a warm welcome, providing plenty of advice on walks in the surrounding area, and making bicycles available.

Near Amboise, the Gîte de la Touche is a 17th-century family home in the heart of nature!

Committed to protecting biodiversity, the family has preserved certain natural habitats as well as centuries-old trees. A property labelled a “Bird Garden Refuge” by the LPO, this estate is also a playground for a group of squirrels hiding in an ancient cedar and twirling around deer. In the same area, you’ll find Les Patis campsite, which is also an LPO refuge. So you’ll be spoilt for choice!

The Manoir de la Baillardière is also listed as an LPO Refuge. From this 15th and 17th century gîte, whose chapel and main staircase are listed Historic Monuments. The gardens of Villandry (just 7 km away) and the Loire cycle route are also within easy reach. The passionate owners will be delighted to show you around this manor house steeped in history, once acquired by their ancestors, and which they have managed to preserve.