Ligueil: History, Hiking Trails and Festivals

History, hiking and events each offer a different reason to visit Ligueil. The Church of Saint-Martin and other historic buildings reflect several centuries of history, while two easy hiking trails pass through different landscapes. The town also hosts an annual celebration at the Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Anges and the Les Percufolies percussion festival.

Culture and Architectural History

The Church of Saint-Martin was founded in the 12th century and remodelled in the 13th and 15th centuries. Its choir has been partially protected as a historic monument since 12 June 1926. The high altar, with its tabernacle and altarpiece, dates from the 17th century. The church brings together several elements of architectural and decorative history from different periods.

La Seigneurie is an imposing building dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. The municipality acquired the building in 1922, and it has served as Ligueil’s town hall ever since. La Chancellerie, a 16th-century building, is also located on Rue Aristide Briand. It was probably the residence of the treasurers of the Barony of Ligueil.

The Château d’Epigny is a small château dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, surrounded by a wooded, walled park. Its façades and roofs have been partially protected as historic monuments since 27 November 1951. Along with the older buildings, it is another focal point of Ligueil’s history.

Chapel and Events

The Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Anges was rebuilt in its present-day neo-Gothic style in 1871. Every year on 15 August, a ceremony, pilgrimage and procession take place there. The exact proceedings may vary. If you are planning to travel specifically for this celebration, check the event details in advance.

The annual Les Percufolies festival is dedicated to percussion and features street performances and concerts. An edition is confirmed for 2026. Dates and programmes may change for future editions; check the details for the relevant year before travelling.

Comparing Two Hiking Trails

The easy “L’Esves dans son écrin” hiking trail starts and ends in Ligueil. It is 9.4 kilometres long and takes about two hours and 20 minutes. The route passes through the Esves valley and follows the river’s meanders. Tree-lined paths, farms and small castles on elevated ground offer views across the rolling countryside.

The easy “Balade entre l’Esves et la Ligoire” also starts and ends in Ligueil. The 9.6-kilometre route is listed as taking about two hours and 25 minutes. It follows both rivers through hilly countryside dotted with farms and hamlets.

The estimated times differ by only about five minutes, but the landscapes have different highlights: “L’Esves dans son écrin” focuses on the Esves valley and its river meanders, while the other route follows the Esves and Ligoire through a landscape shaped by farms and hamlets. Route details and trail conditions may change. Check the latest information before setting out.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Ligueil is served by the département bus network. Check the latest timetables before travelling. Plan your trip around current timetables and the event dates for your travel period.

Discover more destinations: Orbigny, Limeray, Notre-Dame-d'Oé, Bréhémont, Lerne, Jaulnay, Genillé, Pocé-Sur-Cisse.

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