Best attractions and places to see around Thilouze include a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes within the Indre-et-Loire department of France. This commune serves as a base for exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Loire Valley. The region offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with numerous marked trails covering approximately 293 km. Visitors can explore preserved nature, history, and picturesque landscapes.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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A charming little town nestled on the banks of the Indre, Montbazon stands out with its medieval character. Its small streets lead to shops of all kinds. The most remarkable remains the imposing fortress in the heart of the city, built from 991 and today accessible to the public. For pilgrims who frequent the Via Turonensis, a number of accommodations, including a campsite on the other side of the Indre, are available in Montbazon.
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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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Montbazon is a medieval town located on the banks of the Indre River and surrounded by greenery. Its historic center houses an impressive fortress that can be visited both in summer and during the holiday season.
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A very nice road
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The Courtineau valley is a valley located in the municipalities of Saint-Epain and Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, in the department of Indre-et-Loire, in the Center-Val de Loire region. Six kilometers long, it has many troglodyte dwellings, water mills, washhouses ... It is classified as a natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest (ZNIEFF) because of its remarkable character. 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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The Courtineau valley is a valley located in the municipalities of Saint-Epain and Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, in the department of Indre-et-Loire, in the Center-Val de Loire region. Six kilometers long, it has many troglodyte dwellings, water mills, washhouses ... It is classified as a natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest (ZNIEFF) because of its remarkable character. 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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In a preserved setting, 20 minutes from Tours, the Domaine de Candé takes you on a discovery of a daringly landscaped castle and invites you to stroll in the heart of an equally unique 230 hectare park. Made famous in 1937 by the marriage of the Duke of Windsor to the American Wallis Simpson, Château de Candé had many owners from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Two of them equipped it with extremely modern equipment that was rare for the time: huge kitchens on two levels; ultramodern bathrooms; a thousand square meters of cellars equipped with the latest presses; a Bell telephone exchange; a fitness room equipped with equipment worthy of the Titanic; a monumental Skinner organ, the only one in Europe. The various tours and walks invite you to contemplate and observe the natural and technical heritage of the estate ... remarkable hundred-year-old trees, protected flora and fauna, telephones, hydraulic station, bathrooms, sports equipment from the 1930s, Organ de Skinner residence… Closed at certain times of the year
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Boisbonnard is a fairly attractive ensemble and was extensively altered in 1856. 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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Thilouze offers several historical sites, including the superb fortified castle of Le Châtelet, a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture. You can also visit the Church of Saint Antoine du Désert, which features a 12th-century nave and a 15th-century choir, with its bell tower listed as a historical monument. Additionally, the former fiefs of La Ripaudière and Le Plessis provide a glimpse into the area's rich past, as do the local washhouses along the Pont Thibault stream.
Yes, the region around Thilouze is rich in natural beauty. A must-see is the Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses, a 6-kilometer valley classified as a natural area of ecological, faunistic, and floristic interest. It features numerous troglodyte dwellings, water mills, and washhouses. The area is also ideal for outdoor activities, with 22 marked hiking trails covering approximately 293 km in the Touraine Vallée de l'Indre.
Thilouze is part of "L'Indre à Vélo", a 250 km marked national cycle route (V49) that offers scenic rides to exceptional sites like Azay-le-Rideau and Chenonceaux. For more specific routes, you can explore options like the "Balzac – Allée des Platanes loop from Artannes-sur-Indre" or the "Montbazon – At your pleasure loop from Veigné". Find detailed cycling routes in the Gravel biking around Thilouze guide.
Absolutely. The medieval town of Montbazon, with its impressive fortress, is a great option for families, especially during summer and holidays. The Candé Estate, with its castle set within a 230-hectare park, also offers plenty of space for children to explore and discover its unique history and modern equipment from the 20th century.
Beyond Le Châtelet in Thilouze, several magnificent châteaux are within a short drive. These include the UNESCO World Heritage site Candé Estate, the stunning Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, and the famous Château de Villandry with its extraordinary gardens. The Boisbonnard Castle, an old fortress extensively altered in 1856, is also nearby.
The region around Thilouze is excellent for hiking, with 22 marked trails covering approximately 293 km in the Touraine Vallée de l'Indre. You can find various routes, from easy to moderate, such as the "Boisbonnard Castle loop from Villeperdue" or the "Moulin des Baladins – Lys Valley Bridge loop from Artannes-sur-Indre". For a comprehensive list, refer to the Hiking around Thilouze guide.
Yes, near Thilouze you can visit the Musée Balzac - Château de Saché, dedicated to Honoré de Balzac who found inspiration there. Another unique cultural spot is the Musée de l'osier et de la vannerie (Wicker and Basketry Museum) in Villaines-les-Rochers, showcasing the traditional craft of basket making. Further afield, the Cloître de la Psalette in Tours is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. The mild climate makes it ideal for hiking and cycling, allowing you to enjoy the preserved nature and picturesque landscapes. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery.
Le Châtelet is a private fortified castle that offers a unique opportunity to experience living history. It can be privatized for guests, allowing for an exclusive visit. For more details on visiting or staying, you might find information on sites like savingcastles.com.
The komoot community highly appreciates the Courtineau Valley and Troglodyte Houses, which is a historical site featuring numerous dwellings and mills. Other popular spots include the Candé Estate, known for its castle and extensive park, and the medieval town of Montbazon with its impressive fortress.
Yes, Thilouze is conveniently located near several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a must-see, and the Val de Loire between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes, recognized for its exceptional cultural landscape, is also within reach. Additionally, the Cloître de la Psalette in Tours is a significant cultural attraction with UNESCO status.
You can find a variety of running trails around Thilouze, ranging from moderate to difficult. Options include shorter loops like the "Running loop from Thilouze" (6.5 km) or the "View of Le Châtelet loop" (8 km), as well as longer, more challenging routes such as the "Lys Valley Bridge – Moulin des Baladins loop" (34 km). Explore more options in the Running Trails around Thilouze guide.


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