Bourre: Galleries, Wine and Village History

Bourre offers different ways to explore its troglodytic and cultural heritage: a nature-focused trail, underground tours, wine tastings and historical details in the village. When planning a stay, these activities can be distinguished by theme and duration. The trail combines a connection with nature with insights into the village’s history; the tours explore underground galleries from different perspectives. Église Saint-Germain and the village streetscape also offer their own cultural and historical highlights.

A trail between nature and local history

The “Entre Cher & Coteaux” trail in Bourré is 3.5 kilometres long and close to nature. It features 40 informative and interactive panels. The route offers insights into Bourré’s material heritage, including troglodytic homes, geology, quarries and historic buildings. The panels add information and playful prompts to the walk. Their condition may change. Before setting out, check local information about the trail’s current access conditions.

Tours of underground galleries

La Cave des Roches offers guided tours of its underground galleries throughout the year, lasting about an hour. Check the current dates and access conditions before your visit. Mushrooms have been cultivated for more than a century in the 120 kilometres of galleries carved by people.

Troglo Degusto offers a different focus: private tours of troglodytic galleries carved into tuff, with a history stretching back more than 1,000 years. The tasting includes four AOC wines from the Touraine and Touraine Chenonceaux appellations, from Domaine des Tabourelle. Shared platters of charcuterie and cheese are served, along with a dessert from the patisserie. The tasting format may change; check the latest information before your visit.

The church and traces of the past in the village

The village itself also holds cultural and historical details. The choir of Église Saint-Germain à Bourré has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 21 June 1971. The church also contains a carved wooden tabernacle dating from the 17th century. A stroll through Bourré reveals numerous troglodytic homes, small private châteaux and remarkable washhouses. Private properties are not necessarily open to the public.

La Magnanerie and planning your time

La Magnanerie offers visitors a troglodytic experience, with galleries carved into the rock and troglodytic buildings set into a south-facing hillside. The guided tour is conducted by local residents and lasts about 75 to 90 minutes. Check the current dates in advance. For planning your time, you can compare this duration with the approximately one-hour tour at La Cave des Roches: La Magnanerie is the longer of the two tours mentioned.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Anne, Saint-Laurent-Nouan, Couture-Sur-Loir, Vendôme, Santenay, Chailles, Seur, Suèvres

For the wider travel overview: Loir-Et-Cher.