Razines: Architectural History, Winegrowing and Hiking Trails

Razines brings together historic buildings, winegrowing and hiking trails. If you are looking for a hotel in Razines, these themes can shape your travel plans: Château de Chargé and Ancienne église Sainte-Catherine represent the area’s architectural history, La Garrelière its winegrowing, and the Veude Valley its landscape. This allows you to tailor your stay to your cultural or scenic interests.

Historic buildings and their timelines

Château de Chargé is located in Razines. The estate dates back to the 11th century; in 1070, it was donated to Noyers Abbey. The chapel of Château de Chargé has been listed as a historic monument since September 17, 1986.

Ancienne église Sainte-Catherine is also connected with Noyers Abbey: it belonged to the abbey, which received it as a donation at the beginning of the 12th century. The church is on the road from Faye-la-Vineuse to Razines. On the west façade, there is a round-arched doorway with traces of its moulding still visible. Its archivolt is decorated with a festoon pattern and a checkerboard design. The building comprises a timber-roofed nave with a flat-ended choir. A side aisle was added on the north side in the 15th century. The church was listed as a historic monument on August 28, 1950.

The dates mark different milestones: 1070 refers to the donation of the estate, while the beginning of the 12th century marks the donation of the church to the abbey. The 15th century saw a later structural addition to Sainte-Catherine; 1950 and 1986 are the respective years it was listed as a historic monument. This helps distinguish the buildings’ histories from their heritage protection dates.

Winegrowing in Razines

La Garrelière in Razines has been used for winegrowing for more than three centuries. At Domaine de la Garrelière, tours and tastings are available by appointment from Monday to Saturday. Arrange your appointment before you arrive if you plan to take a tour or enjoy a tasting.

Landscape and hiking

In Razines, stands of poplar trees line the Veude Valley and shape the plateau landscape. The hike through Bois de Saint-Gilles begins at Carroi des Sept Chemins. The trailhead can be reached via a drivable track between the centre of Razines to the west and the D20 or D107 roads to the east.

Along the way, meadows alternate with sections of trail along the edge of the forest; at one point, three rows of vines run along the right-hand side. The route is not marked, so a detailed map is essential. There is a picnic table at Carroi des Sept Chemins, the starting and finishing point. Check its condition before your visit. No water point was found on the hike, and there are no shops in the immediate area. Plan your supplies before setting off and check local trail conditions.

Circuit 1 is a hiking trail in the commune of Razines, approximately 8 kilometres long, with an average duration of 2 hours. Its description provides specific guidance on distance and time, while the route description through Bois de Saint-Gilles focuses particularly on trail markings, the route and preparation.

Discover more destinations: Luzé, Rigny-Ussé, Bléré, Château-Renault, Paulmy, Trogues, Descartes, Bournan.

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