Attractions and Places To See around Crissay-Sur-Manse - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Crissay-Sur-Manse include its well-preserved medieval architecture and natural settings in the Manse Valley. This village in the Indre-et-Loire department is characterized by its historical charm and Renaissance houses built from local white tufa stone. The area offers a blend of cultural sites and picturesque landscapes, providing opportunities to explore historical landmarks and the surrounding countryside.
Best attractions and places to see around Crissay-Sur-Manse
- The most popular attraction is Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses, a historical site known for its numerous troglodyte dwellings, water mills, and washhouses. This valley is classified as a natural area of ecological interest and features the 14th-century Notre-Dame-de-Lorette chapel carved into the rock.
- Another must-see spot is Crissay-sur-Manse Village, a settlement recognized for its 15th-century castle ruins, 16th-century church, and white tufa houses with square turrets and mullioned windows. Visitors can explore its flower-adorned streets and discover its authentic medieval character.
- Visitors also love Boisbonnard Castle, a castle that was extensively altered in 1856. This private castle retains its wide medieval moats and 5 cylindrical towers, including the "couleuvrine tower" with circular loopholes.
- Crissay-Sur-Manse is known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and architectural heritage. The region offers a variety of attractions, from ancient castles and churches to unique troglodyte dwellings and scenic valleys.
- The attractions around Crissay-Sur-Manse are appreciated by the komoot community, with 36 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses
Highlight • Historical Site
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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Boisbonnard Castle
Highlight • Castle
This private castle is an old fortress of which only:
- the wide medieval moats in their entirety and which form 2 quadrilaterals and a 3-sided figure
- 5 cylindrical towers including the South-East tower pierced with circular loopholes called the “couleuvrine tower”.
The surrounding walls disappeared, the eastern ones were pulled down in 1856.
Access is controlled by 2 entrance towers, capped with pepper shakers, guarding the wooden footbridge which replaced the drawbridge. A portal with a curved pediment connects them.
The enclosure demolished in the last century has retained 3 corner towers.
The current castle was built in several stages. The residential building, which dates from the 16th century, had its facades completely redesigned in 1856. Part of it disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century.
To the south-west, a main building covered with a 4-pitched roof and presenting stone windows on the ground floor had been lined with another building in 1731; these buildings were demolished in 1979.
The outbuildings near the front door were built in Renaissance style around 1856 in place of the old farm buildings.
Numerous renovation and restoration works have been carried out since 1994.
During the cleaning of the moat an oak door was discovered under the water level. We can assume that there was an underground passage between the castle and the village church or to other undergrounds.
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Courtineau Valley
Highlight (Segment) • Other
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.
Translated by Google •
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Azay-le-Rideau Moated Castle
Highlight • Castle
Azay-le-Rideau, which seems to rest on the surface of the water, is for many the most beautiful castle in the Loire.
The last restoration was completed in 2017, visits are now possible all year round.
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Crissay-sur-Manse Village
Highlight • Settlement
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Tips from the Community
Crissay-sur-Manse is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The Manse River, which gives the village its name, flows through the southern part of the municipality. Sights: - Saint-Maurice Church (early 16th century) - Houses from the 15th and 16th centuries - Castle ruins (15th century)
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The origins of the castle Do you know the story of this castle that stands on a small island in the Indre? Built during the reign of Francis I by Gilles Berthelot, the king's financier, the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a subtle combination of French traditions and innovative Italian decorations. It became an icon of the new architecture in the Loire Valley in the 16th century and is today considered one of the jewels of the architecture of the first French Renaissance. More information on https://www.azay-le-rideau.fr/decouvrir/histoire-du-chateau
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The circuit itself is certainly nice to cycle. Perhaps better to park a few kilometres further on at Château de l'Islette if you drive here. Parking is free there.
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Nice to visit if you don't have much time to visit other castles in the Loire region. There are certainly some that are more beautiful to see, have nicer gardens and also show more history on the inside. You can better go to Château de Villandry. There you really get more value for your money.
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This private castle is an ancient fortress of which only: the large medieval moat in its entirety and which forms 2 quadrilaterals and a 3-sided figure 5 cylindrical towers including the South-East tower pierced with circular loopholes called “couuvrine tower”. The current castle was built in several stages. The residential house which dates from the 16th century had its facades completely remodeled in 1856. Part of it disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century. To the South-West a main building covered with a 4-sloped roof and presenting stone casement windows on the ground floor had been joined by another building in 1731; these buildings were demolished in 1979
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What a superb Renaissance castle, with this central staircase on the facade which creates balconies in the main courtyard! A typical organization of Renaissance palaces. Having become state property at the beginning of the 20th century, the restoration of the castle is an absolute success and puts Azay-le-Rideau in majesty. The visit to the castle begins under the framework, and takes us down the centuries of residence from the 16th to the 20th; masterful, what a testimony! We will obviously take the time to tour the castle through its gardens, to discover Azay's unique architectural plan.
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The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was built during the reign of François I, on an island in the Indre. Azay-le-Rideau, which seems to rest on the surface of the water, is for many the most beautiful castle in the Loire. The last restoration was completed in 2017, visits are now possible all year round.
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A very nice road
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Crissay-sur-Manse?
Crissay-sur-Manse is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of the 15th-century Crissay-sur-Manse Village castle, which overlooks the Manse Valley. The early 16th-century Church of Saint-Maurice, a listed historical monument, houses the tomb of Catherine du Bellay. The village also features numerous well-preserved 15th and 16th-century houses with distinctive architecture, such as the 'Maison du Grand Carroi' and 'Maison de Justice'.
Are there any unique architectural features to see in the village?
Yes, Crissay-sur-Manse is renowned for its distinctive architecture, primarily built from local white tufa stone. You'll find impressive 15th and 16th-century houses with ornate roofs, leaded windows, steep slate roofs, and turrets. A unique feature is a troglodyte house carved into the rock, located just north of the village center, showcasing the region's geological heritage.
What natural attractions are there around Crissay-sur-Manse?
The village is nestled in the picturesque and verdant Manse Valley, offering beautiful countryside views. Just outside the main village, you can find the Fountain of the Huguenots. The nearby Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses is classified as a natural area of ecological interest, featuring numerous troglodyte dwellings, water mills, and washhouses, along with the 14th-century Notre-Dame-de-Lorette chapel carved into the rock.
What outdoor activities can I do near Crissay-sur-Manse?
The area offers various outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can explore marked hiking trails through the Manse Valley and the Crissay Forest. For cycling, the 'Circuit vélo n° 37 - Les Troglos de Courtineau' connects Crissay-sur-Manse to other points of interest. You can find more detailed routes for hiking, gravel biking, and cycling in the region on komoot, such as the Hiking around Crissay-Sur-Manse guide.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in the area?
Crissay-sur-Manse offers a charming and safe environment for families to explore. Wandering through the flower-adorned streets of Crissay-sur-Manse Village, discovering its medieval houses, and visiting the traditional washhouse can be an engaging experience. The nearby Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses, with its unique cave dwellings and historical mills, also provides an interesting outing for all ages.
Where can I find local produce and crafts in Crissay-sur-Manse?
Visitors can discover local flavors and crafts within the village. There's a farm that produces goat's milk cheese, including the famous Sainte Maure, along with natural goat milk soaps, rillettes, and pâté. Local artisans also offer delicacies like Crissay honey and gingerbread. The town's cellar, located in one of the beautiful 15th-century houses, provides wine tastings.
What is the best way to experience the historical charm of Crissay-sur-Manse?
The best way to experience the historical charm is to simply wander through the village's flower-adorned streets. You'll discover its authentic medieval character by observing the well-preserved 15th and 16th-century houses, the Church of Saint-Maurice, and the ruins of the 15th-century castle. Don't miss the traditional washhouse at the edge of a small river for a glimpse into historical village life.
What do visitors enjoy most about Crissay-sur-Manse?
Visitors particularly appreciate the village's authentic medieval character and architectural heritage. The well-preserved stone houses, the church, and the traditional washhouse are frequently highlighted. Many find the village to be a 'nice little village' and a 'must' in the area, especially for its status as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'.
Are there any castles near Crissay-sur-Manse besides the village ruins?
Yes, beyond the ruins within the village, you can visit Boisbonnard Castle. This private castle, though extensively altered in 1856, retains its wide medieval moats and five cylindrical towers, including the 'couleuvrine tower' with circular loopholes. It's an ancient fortress with a rich history, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
Can I find hiking trails suitable for different difficulty levels around Crissay-sur-Manse?
Yes, the area offers hiking trails for various skill levels. For example, the 'Crissay-sur-Manse Village loop from Crissay-sur-Manse' is an easy 7.3 km route. More moderate options include the 'Hiking loop from Crissay-sur-Manse' (9.2 km) and the 'Saint Maurice Church – Crissay-sur-Manse Village loop' (14.2 km). You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Crissay-Sur-Manse guide.
What is the significance of the Courtineau Valley near Crissay-sur-Manse?
The Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses is a significant natural and historical area. It's classified as a natural area of ecological interest due to its remarkable character. Historically, it features numerous troglodyte dwellings, water mills, and washhouses. The 14th-century Notre-Dame-de-Lorette chapel, carved into the rock, is also located here, and legend says Joan of Arc took shelter there.
Are there any cycling routes that pass through or near Crissay-sur-Manse?
Absolutely. The region is great for cycling. You can find routes like the 'Our Lady of Loreto – Crissay-sur-Manse Village loop from Avon-les-Roches,' which is a moderate 43 km ride. Other cycling options are available, including routes that explore nearby castles and scenic landscapes. For more cycling inspiration, refer to the Cycling around Crissay-Sur-Manse guide.
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