Chemillé-Sur-Indrois: Church, Lake and Charterhouse

Chemillé-sur-Indrois can be explored through several interests: sacred art in Saint-Vincent Church, the history of the Chartreuse du Liget, and nature and leisure activities. When choosing a hotel, consider whether historical sites or outdoor activities will play a greater role in your stay. Individual and guided visits to the Chartreuse are available on request; leisure activities and watersports rentals may vary seasonally.

Church and monastic history

Saint-Vincent Church stands in the village. Its 12th-century stained-glass window depicts the Entombment of Christ. This clearly defined subject gives the building a distinctive art-historical feature. If you are interested in sacred art, it provides a clear point of interest. The church is also home to Marie, the oldest bell in the Indre-et-Loire department; it dates from 1367.

The window and the bell offer two differently precise points of reference in time: the window is dated to the 12th century, while the bell has a specific year. This lets you consider a century-based date and a precise year side by side, without assigning the two objects to the same period.

The Chartreuse du Liget complements these church-related sites with the history of a Carthusian monastery. Henri II Plantagenêt had it built in 1180; it is considered one of the earliest Carthusian monasteries built in Europe. Its foundation year and its place in Europe’s history answer different questions: when the complex was built and where it stands in the early history of the order. The surviving remains are open to visitors. There is a car park on site; individual and guided visits are available on request. If you are planning a visit, check the current arrangements beforehand, as visiting arrangements may change.

Nature and leisure activities

Lac de Chemillé-sur-Indrois is designated an Espace Naturel Sensible (sensitive natural area). This protected natural status is a distinct aspect of the lake alongside its leisure opportunities, and complements the area’s historical themes.

The Base de loisirs de Chemillé-sur-Indrois offers children’s play areas, as well as opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. This means activities on foot, by bike or on horseback are available alongside the play areas for children. Facilities and activities may change seasonally; bear this in mind if you are planning to take part in a particular activity.

At Lac de Chemillé-sur-Indrois, the Base nautique - plan d'eau offers pedal boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for hire. You can choose between pedal boats and paddle-powered options. Rentals are subject to seasonal operating conditions; check current availability if hiring a particular type of boat is important to your trip.

An easy hike

For a hike, the route “Des rives du Lac à la Chartreuse” is a clearly identified option: it starts and ends in Chemillé-sur-Indrois and is classified as an easy hike. Unlike the activities at the Base de loisirs, its difficulty level is specified. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Beaumont-En-Véron, Avoine, Bournan, Saint-Cyr-Sur-Loire, Marray, Ligueil, Orbigny, Monnaie

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