Fondettes: Discover Nature Trails and Cultural Heritage

In Fondettes, natural areas and trails meet historic buildings and cultural sites. You can use these different themes to help plan your trip: landscapes and circular trails, or the history of châteaux, a priory and other buildings. If you are looking for hotels in Fondettes, these themes can help you decide which experiences you would like to focus on during your stay.

Nature and trails

The Val de Choisille natural area, designated as an Espace Naturel Sensible (sensitive natural area), lies within the territories of Fondettes, Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire and La Membrolle-sur-Choisille. Its landscape includes the Choisille and its canals, wetlands, wet meadows, wooded areas and steep slopes above the valley. The area is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species. The combination of waterways, open wetlands, wooded areas and slopes defines the landscape through which the trails run.

There are two circular trails in the Val de Choisille. The main trail is 10.4 kilometres long and runs along the river and hillsides and through forests. Its length gives you a practical reference point for planning a hike; check trail conditions in advance. In addition, the walking trails in the town of Fondettes are marked in green and approved by the CTRP under number 104. If you are planning a specific town trail, confirm the markings and approval locally.

The Arboretum de la Perrée offers a distinctive natural setting of its own: it is a botanical reserve focused on flora and fauna. At the Château de la Plaine, the park overlooks the Choisille River to the east. These two details add specific, independent locations to the landscape experience.

Châteaux and historic buildings

The Château de Chatigny dates from the 15th century and was built on a Gallo-Roman settlement site from the 3rd century. The park contains remains of a villa discovered there. The site thus brings together the history of the château and traces of a much older settlement.

Tours of the château grounds, outbuildings, Gallo-Roman ruins and park are offered in July, August and September. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Check before your visit that the dates and times are still valid.

The Prieuré de Lavaray was founded in the 12th century by Marmoutier Abbey. Its 13th-century barn and priory tower were listed as historic monuments in 1965. Guided tours are offered in summer and during the European Heritage Days; confirm the current dates before making plans.

The Grange des Dîmes belonged to the fief of Vallières Abbey. It was built around 1485 and raised around 1550 to support a roof with a steeper pitch. Today, it hosts concerts, performances and exhibitions, including the Salon des artistes fondettois and the Printemps des arts de la grange des Dîmes. As individual programmes may change, check event dates if you are planning your visit around one.

Cultural heritage and traditions

A stone bas-relief depicting a boat from the 16th century is located at the portal of the church in Fondettes. This detail refers to the portal of the Fondettes church; it connects the building to a specific piece of art history without requiring the name of another church.

The story of an early sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary is linked to the discovery of a statue in a tree stump. The sanctuary was probably built in the 13th century and likely destroyed during the Wars of Religion. The chapel in Vallières was rebuilt in 1608. Every year, a grand Mass in honour of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in this chapel on the first Sunday in September. If you are planning a visit, check this year’s dates and arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Limeray, Luzille, Cheillé, Candes-Saint-Martin, Chambray-Lès-Tours, Avon-Les-Roches, Saint-Genouph, La Roche-Clermault.

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