Ambillou: Forests, Water and Village History

When choosing a destination for a hotel stay, Ambillou offers several points of interest: its landscape, church history and horse-riding activities. Depending on your interests, the village reveals different sides of itself.

Water and Woodland Landscape

The Braineau stream runs through Ambillou, flowing through a deeply incised valley. Numerous ponds are also part of the landscape, including Braineau, Radoire and Givry. After the Massif des Essarts, Ambillou has the highest proportion of woodland in the entire northwest of Touraine. The Bois d’Ambillou is rich in red deer and roe deer and also extends into Cléré-les-Pins. The valley, ponds and forest represent different facets of the natural environment; the regional comparison of woodland coverage adds a broader perspective to the description.

Église Saint-Martin and Its Building Phases

The Église Saint-Martin was first founded in the 11th century. In the 15th century, the church was given a transept and a choir with a flat end wall; the nave was built in 1881. Inside are a round stone baptismal font dating from the 12th century and a wooden altarpiece for the high altar from the 17th century. The building elements and furnishings therefore come from different periods: the baptismal font is considerably older than the present-day nave, while the altarpiece dates from between the two. The church’s history cannot, therefore, be reduced to a single building phase.

Traces of Former Forest Use

The Loges de bruyère, also known as Ballets or Lorgeaux, were agricultural buildings used in the last century. Historical activities carried out by forest workers in Ambillou included charcoal-making, clog-making and processing wood into barrel staves. Heather was also cut to thatch the roofs of the Loges de bruyère. This link between forest work and roofing brings a tangible part of the village’s rural history to life.

Fishing, Rest and Festivities

At Ambillou’s largest body of water, night-time carp fishing is only possible with a prior reservation. As reservation arrangements may change, check them before your visit. The Aire de stationnement de la petite chaussée by the lake has picnic tables and a children’s play area. Its organizer describes the Fête du Plan d'eau as a traditional annual festival; the program may vary from year to year. When planning your visit, fishing, taking a break by the lake and attending a festival are therefore different options, each with its own conditions or dates.

Horse-Riding Activities in Ambillou

Les Ecuries d'Ambillou offers horse-riding activities and facilities, with options ranging from beginner lessons to competitions. These include instruction and activities for groups and individuals with motor, sensory or intellectual disabilities. If you are planning to take part in a specific activity, confirm the arrangements and conditions in advance, as programs and participation requirements may change. Horse riding thus adds another distinct focus to the landscape and cultural features when planning a trip.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Règle, Chouzé-Sur-Loire, Chaveignes, Limeray, Reignac-Sur-Indre, La Ville-Aux-Dames, Ports, Rivière

For the broader travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.