Top 7 Castles around Saint-Avertin

The Tours Castle is open to the public and houses multiple exhibitions throughout the year. The Château de la Bourdaisière is privately owned but can be visited by staying as a hotel guest, paying an entrance ticket, or dining at its restaurant. The Château de Cangé, owned by the municipality, functions as a cultural hub and its grounds are open for events, though specific public visiting hours for the interior may vary. Manoir de la Sagerie and Manoir de Roidemont are private properties and generally not open for public visits, but their exteriors can be appreciated from a distance.

Yes, the Tours Castle is considered family-friendly and hosts various exhibitions. The Château de Cangé, owned by the municipality, has a leisure center and its grounds are a popular spot for locals and visitors, hosting events like the "Festival des Horizons" and "Nature en fête," which often include family-oriented activities.

The castles and manors in Saint-Avertin have rich histories. The Château de Cangé, for instance, dates back to the 13th century and notably served as the temporary presidency of the French Republic for five days in June 1940 during World War II. The Tours Castle is an 11th-century medieval fortress, partially rebuilt, that now houses cultural exhibitions. The Manoir de la Sagerie is a 17th-century Monument Historique, and the Manoir de Roidemont, built in the 16th century, features a unique circular dovecote.

Yes, there are several opportunities for hiking and walking. The Châteaux Trail is a popular option that crosses shady woods and passes by castles like Château de Leugny and Château de Beauvais, offering picnic tables along the way. For more routes, you can explore the Hiking around Saint-Avertin guide, which includes routes like the 'Stone Bridge on the Cher River – La Bergeonnerie Lake loop'.

The best time to visit the Loire Valley castles and hike around Saint-Avertin is generally during spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it might be busier. Winter opening hours for some castles may be reduced, so it's advisable to check specific schedules.

While specific dog policies for individual castles can vary, many outdoor trails around Saint-Avertin are dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. The grounds of Château de Cangé are popular for walks, and the Hiking around Saint-Avertin guide offers routes that are generally suitable for walks with dogs.

Parking availability varies by location. For the Château de Cangé, as a municipal property and cultural hub, there is likely public parking nearby. For other sites like Montbazon, there might be small bicycle parking lots or general town parking. It's recommended to check local signage upon arrival for specific parking information.

Yes, there are cycling opportunities. For example, you can reach Château de la Bourdaisière from Tours by the banks of the Cher or via a greenway. The Gravel biking around Saint-Avertin guide includes routes like the 'Château de la Bourdaisière – Tours Castle loop from Tours' which connects multiple historical sites.

The Tours Castle, an 11th-century medieval structure, now houses multiple exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions cater to lovers of painting, sculpture, engraving, drawing, photography, or video, offering a diverse cultural experience within a historical setting.

While the Manoir de la Sagerie and Manoir de Roidemont are private and not open to the public, their historical architecture and unique features, like the dovecote at Roidemont, offer a glimpse into the region's past away from typical tourist crowds, even if viewed from a distance. Nitray Castle, a typical residence of the French First Renaissance with its vineyard, might also offer a more intimate experience compared to larger, more famous châteaux.

The castles around Saint-Avertin are often set within beautiful natural surroundings. The Château de Cangé is situated within a 15-hectare park overlooking the Cher valley. Nitray Castle is located on the left bank of the Cher and features a 10-hectare vineyard. The Châteaux Trail passes through shady woods, offering a pleasant natural environment for exploration.

Public transport options to specific castles can vary. Saint-Avertin itself is well-connected within the Tours metropolitan area. For destinations like the Château de Cangé, which is within Saint-Avertin, local bus services might be available. For castles further afield, you might need to combine bus or train services with a short walk or taxi ride. It's best to check local public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.