Savonnières: Walking Trails, River Views and Heritage

If you would like to combine a stay with walking, cycling, river trips and culture, Savonnières offers several specific options. They differ in how you experience the landscape: on foot, by bike, on the water or through the history of local buildings. This lets you choose your destination based on the activities that matter most to your plans.

Walking Trails and River Views

Savonnières has two signposted walking trails, one 6 km long and the other 12 km. The longer route is therefore twice as many kilometres as the shorter one. If you are planning your walk based on the distance you want to cover, the two lengths offer a clear comparison. The Sentier des Cent-Marches offers a different perspective, with panoramic views of the Loire and the Cher. The rivers are therefore more than just names in your route planning: they also shape the views this trail opens up.

Cycling the Loire à Vélo

The Loire à Vélo cycle route runs alongside the Cher in Savonnières and is signposted in both directions. The fact that it is signposted both ways is useful for navigation when planning your ride on this route. The “Confluence Loire et Cher – Circuit No. 14” loop also connects to the Loire à Vélo at the village of Savonnières. The route is completely flat and leads to the “Plage du bout du monde” beach at the confluence of the Loire and the Cher. The two route descriptions therefore differ: the Loire à Vélo runs alongside the Cher, while the loop leads from its connection at Savonnières to the beach at the confluence.

Boat Trips and Views of the Cher

The Bateliers du Cher build and maintain traditional boats. From Savonnières, they offer one- to two-hour trips on traditional boats from the 18th and 19th centuries. These include the Toue “PUCELLE,” the Pillard “GAILLARD” and the Charière “BELLE PASSANTE.” The stated duration gives you a specific time frame for planning; check booking details before your trip. The local water infrastructure is also connected with water sports: the bypass channel at the Savonnières weir makes it easier to use. The landscaping at the “Clos de la Cure” also offers views of the Cher.

Church and Former Tuffeau Quarries

The church of Savonnières is entirely classified as a historic monument. The present building dates from the early 12th century and was built from local tuffeau stone. The 19th-century stained-glass windows depict the martyrdom of Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasius. The building and the windows thus represent two distinct periods: the construction history of the present church building and the later depictions. Other notable places include the “Grottes Pétrifiantes de Savonnières.” These are former tuffeau quarries and are open to the public.

Walking Events Throughout the Year

The municipality organizes two walking events each year: one in April and one in October. If you want to take part in one of these walks, check the exact dates before your trip. Alongside the trails described as available year-round, the event calendar offers an additional way to plan your stay around a particular activity.

Discover more destinations: Charnizay, Le Grand-Pressigny, Candes-Saint-Martin, Rivière, Parçay-Meslay, Céré-La-Ronde, Chisseaux, Château-La-Vallière.

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