La Chapelle-Sur-Loire: Loire, port and Saint-Martin

The commune of La Chapelle-Sur-Loire stretches for nearly 11 kilometres along the Loire, which is listed by UNESCO. In the town centre is the Port dit port de la Chapelle; the parish church of the Translation of Saint-Martin is another historic landmark. There is also a signposted walking trail, a cycling loop and a protected natural area. This means visitors can choose between different kinds of stays: river and local history, a walk with an approximate duration, and a longer cycling route. For planning purposes, these options can be distinguished by theme and mode of transport.

The port and church as local history

The Port dit port de la Chapelle is a so-called levee port on the Loire in the town centre. It lies on the right bank below the church and includes a sloping quay and a simple watering trough. The port thus provides a point of connection with the Loire, while the church has its own building history.

The predecessor of the parish church of the Translation of Saint-Martin was destroyed by a Loire flood in 1450. Reconstruction followed in 1519–1520. The dates refer to two separate events: 1450 marks the destruction of the earlier building, while 1519–1520 refers to its reconstruction. The local history thus links a river event with a later phase in the church’s construction.

Walking trail and cycling loop

The Sentier d'interprétation is a signposted walk lasting approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The route is accessible to people with reduced mobility, as well as to bicycles and pushchairs, except in the area around the church. The approximate duration can help you plan your schedule; when planning, also bear in mind the stated exception around the church.

The “Au gré de la Loire – Boucle n° 22” cycling loop is 49 kilometres long. Its highlights in La Chapelle-Sur-Loire include the port and Saint-Martin church. The walk and cycling loop therefore differ both in mode of transport and in the planning information provided: an approximate duration is given for the Sentier, and the route length for the Boucle. No cycling time is specified.

Nature and boat trips on the Loire

The Bois Chétif–Marc Jacquet area, protected as an Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS), comprises departmental plots in Huismes, La Chapelle-Sur-Loire and Avoine. The area and its facilities are accessible year-round to all visitor groups. Temporary restrictions may apply for safety, ecological or maintenance reasons. Check the current limits and rules before your visit.

Private boat trips can be arranged on the traditional Toue “Brise Chapelonne II” to discover the Loire landscape in the surrounding area. If you are planning such a trip, check availability and booking conditions with the provider in advance; both may change.

A place to learn about river navigation

The Maison des Bateliers, formerly Maison Loire et Nature, is located at 5 rue de Tours, 37140 La Chapelle-Sur-Loire. As a meeting place, it offers exhibitions and activities about river navigation. Visitors can also find information there about local wildlife, flora and history, and book various excursions and services. The programme and visitor offers may change; check the latest information before visiting. The Maison des Bateliers thus complements the history of the port and church with topics relating to the river, nature and the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Gargilesse-Dampierre, Eguzon-Chantôme, Bouesse, Chalais, Lye, Pouligny-Saint-Pierre, Le Magny, Baudres

For the broader travel overview: Indre.