Discover Saint-Laurent-De-Lin

Saint-Laurent-de-Lin combines rural heritage with trails through the bocage landscape of the Val de Loire. A 12th-century Romanesque church and a 17th-century château are among the village’s heritage sites. Other highlights include examples of technology, traditional demonstrations and nature conservation topics.

Heritage and rural traditions

The protected, working Merlin steam traction engine is located at Le Chêne-Pilé. It was built in 1923 by the Merlin workshop in Vierzon, in the Cher department. It is used every year, particularly during the village’s main festival, the Fête Paysanne, in August.

The Fête Paysanne takes place annually over a weekend and showcases customs from the previous century. Skilled craftspeople give demonstrations of traditional rural trades. The programme also includes traditional threshing, powered by a steam traction engine. Visitors interested in rural technology and former ways of working can explore different aspects of the subject here: a preserved piece of technology as well as demonstrations of traditional work. Check the event dates for your planned travel dates.

Another highlight is the Ferme du Chêne Pilé in Saint-Laurent-de-Lin. Its grounds cover twelve hectares, with more than 1,500 square metres dedicated to preserving old machines and tools. The Traditions et Loisirs association aims to preserve the farm as a rural cultural eco-museum and open it to people interested in history. Alongside the Fête Paysanne, the collection and preservation of historic work equipment are therefore central to its activities.

Nature conservation adds to the area’s cultural themes: the regionally extinct large-flowered orlaya finds refuge in the La Morellière conservation garden in Saint-Laurent-de-Lin. The La Morellière Conservatory offers visits and community workdays.

Trails, views and nature in the surrounding area

Three signposted walking trails lead from the village through the bocage landscape of the Val de Loire. They are 7.3, 11 and 18 kilometres long. The different distances make it easier to compare the scope of a hike when planning your day. Before setting off, check that the trail markers are up to date.

Croix du Chêne Pilé, at an elevation of 116 metres, is the highest point in the commune. From there, the view extends over the forest, heathland and the Savignéen basin. In the wider region, Touraine Nature offers around 700 kilometres of hiking trails, as well as downloadable routes for cycling, horse riding, hiking and mountain biking. These route options cover the wider region.

The Maulne Valley lies near Saint-Laurent-de-Lin. Trout fishing is possible there in a river classified as a first-category waterway. If you are planning a fishing trip, confirm the conditions and access locally.

Plan your journey

Regular route R connects Saint-Laurent-de-Lin, Château-la-Vallière and Tours. Check the timetable for your specific journey. Together with the festivals and heritage attractions and the walking trails of varying lengths, this provides an overview of the different highlights to consider when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lémeré, La Celle-Guenand, Pocé-Sur-Cisse, La Celle-Saint-Avant, Saint-Michel-Sur-Loire, Cinq-Mars-La-Pile, Rigny-Ussé, La Chapelle-aux-Naux

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