Attractions and Places To See around Chezelles - Top 11

The region around Chezelles is rich in history. You can explore the ancient La Pierre Dolmen and Cromlech, a prehistoric funerary chamber. Other notable historical sites include the impressive Saint-Sylvain Collegiate Church in Levroux, often called the 'petite cathédrale du Berry,' and the medieval Porte de Champagne, the last remaining city gate of Levroux. Further afield, consider visiting the historic Buzançais, a village with a rich medieval past, or the ruins of a collegiate church and 16th-century castle at Roches-Tranchelion.

Yes, the area is renowned for its magnificent châteaux. You can visit the fairytale Château du Rivau with its medieval architecture and remarkable gardens. Other impressive castles include the historic Château de Chinon, the stunning Renaissance Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, the imposing Château d'Ussé (associated with Sleeping Beauty), the UNESCO World Heritage site Château de Bouges, and the distinguished Renaissance style Château de Valencay.

Several charming villages are easily accessible. Crissay-sur-Manse is listed as one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages,' captivating visitors with its stone houses and narrow streets. Richelieu is a unique 17th-century town designed with a checkerboard plan. You can also explore Villedieu-sur-Indre, a small village featuring the central square of Jean-Paul Thibault and the Saint-Sébastien church. Montrésor and Gargilesse-Dampierre are also classified as 'Most Beautiful Villages' and offer quaint old towns and picturesque settings.

For nature lovers, the Brenne Regional Natural Park, located about 31 km away, offers a tranquil area of small lakes and fields, ideal for cycling and observing wildlife. You can also explore the beautiful Les Jardins du Château du Rivau, adjacent to the castle, or the pleasant green spaces of Parc de Richelieu. Other remarkable gardens within driving distance include Les jardins de la Chatonnière, Les jardins du château de Villandry, and Les jardins du prieuré de Saint-Cosme.

The area around Chezelles offers various outdoor activities. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Brenne Ponds Loop from Buzançais' or the 'Château de Bouges loop from Levroux'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the 'Buzançais – Buzançais loop' or the 'Le Lac Bleu – Étang de la Vienne loop'. If you prefer running, there are routes like the 'Running loop from Villedieu-sur-Indre' or the 'Château des Planches loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Chezelles, MTB Trails around Chezelles, and Running Trails around Chezelles guide pages.

Yes, there are options for families. The La Pierre Dolmen and Cromlech offers a unique connection to prehistory in a tranquil setting, which can be an interesting educational stop. The Porte de Champagne, a restored medieval gate, provides a glimpse into the town's past. For aquatic fun, the Aquarium de Loudun (28 km) and the Aquarium du Val-de-Loire (51 km) are options for family entertainment.

Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. For instance, the La Pierre Dolmen and Cromlech is valued for its connection to prehistory and its tranquil setting. The Saint-Sylvain Collegiate Church is admired for its grand architecture and unique historical details like the Romanesque side portal and humorous carvings. The Porte de Champagne is noted for its imposing medieval character and recent restoration.

The Centre-Loire Valley region, including Chezelles, is generally pleasant to visit from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild, making it ideal for exploring châteaux, gardens, and outdoor activities. The gardens are particularly vibrant in late spring and summer.

Beyond the châteaux, you can visit the village of Tavant, known for the impressive murals in its church. The Abbey Notre-Dame de Déols, near Châteauroux, is a historical abbey founded in 917. Additionally, local markets in nearby towns like Richelieu (Mondays & Fridays), Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine (Fridays), and Chinon (Thursdays & Sundays) offer a glimpse into local life and regional products.

Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find routes like the 'Running loop from Campanules' (7.8 km), 'Running loop from Vineuil' (7.3 km), or the 'Villedieu-sur-Indre loop from Villedieu-sur-Indre' (10.3 km). For a longer challenge, consider the 'Château des Planches loop from Surins-Carref-RN143' (18.2 km). More details are available on the Running Trails around Chezelles guide page.

Beyond the major châteaux and historical sites, you can explore the unique town of Richelieu, designed in the 17th century with a distinctive checkerboard plan and monumental gates. The village of Tavant is notable for its church murals. For local flavor, visit the markets in Richelieu or Chinon to experience regional life and products.