Cheillé: History, Forest and Indre

Cheillé brings together protected cultural heritage, cave dwellings, winegrowing and a landscape shaped by the Forêt de Chinon and the Indre. When looking for a hotel in Cheillé, you can consider whether you want to focus your trip on architectural history, the landscape or local food and wine culture.

Cultural heritage spanning different periods

The Église Saint-Didier dates from the 12th century and was remodelled in 1770. Inside are 40 tombstones and a polychrome wooden Christ. A pedunculate oak grows through the church’s buttresses and is classified as a remarkable tree. Here, architectural history, the interior furnishings and a striking tree stand side by side.

The Château de la Cour-au-Berruyer also has several building phases: the earlier fortress dates from the 12th century, while the current building dates from the 16th century. The château and its entrance pavilion were listed by decree on 3 June 1932; the château’s manor house was classified by decree on 13 July 1942. The different dates and protection measures relate to different parts of the property.

At the Château de la Roche, further aspects of local history meet winegrowing. The château dates from the 16th and 17th centuries and was once under the authority of Turpenay Abbey. It is also a winery open to visitors; tours and wine tastings are available by appointment. Château La Roche is a single 35-hectare estate bordering the Forêt de Chinon.

Forest, the Indre and trails

Cheillé is located in the Parc naturel régional Loire-Anjou-Touraine and includes several protected areas, including two Natura 2000 sites. Much of the area is covered by the Forêt de Chinon and opens out towards the Indre. The forest and river shape the landscape in different ways: the forest covers a large part of the area, while the Indre provides another point of reference in the landscape.

The Circuit Agnès Sorel is presented as a discovery trail between the river and the forest. The Parking du vieux chêne is designated as the car park for this trail. Another circular walk starting from Cheillé is the Circuit des caves.

The Chemin de Jeanne d’Arc is an old route from Chinon to Tours. Joan of Arc used it on 5 April 1429, before crossing the Indre at the Port Huault ford.

Cave dwellings, winegrowing and local cuisine

Cheillé’s cave dwellings are carved into Touraine tuff stone and are still used as homes. Their use therefore differs from that of a building preserved solely for its historical value: they are part of contemporary life as well as local architecture. The tuff stone provides a tangible link between the living spaces and the region’s geological material.

The Loges de Vigne also tell the story of everyday work in winegrowing. These shelters protected vineyard workers when they stopped for lunch while working in the vines. Together with the Château de la Roche winery, they reveal a connection between the history of winegrowing and the way it is experienced by visitors today, without equating the two: tours and wine tastings at the château require an appointment.

Fouée, baked over a wood fire, is part of Cheillé’s traditional cuisine. The Association La Poule Couasse promotes this local tradition at local festivals or by reservation with private hosts. Different arrangements apply when planning your visit: wine tastings at the château are available by appointment, while Fouée is available at a local festival or by reservation.

Discover more destinations: Montbazon, Neuvy-Le-Roi, Joué-Lés-Tours, Ligré, Cravant-Les-Côteaux, Saint-Pierre-Des-Corps, Braye-Sous-Faye, Rigny-Ussé

For the overview of the wider travel area: Indre-Et-Loire.