Anché brings together a distinctive river landscape, winegrowing and buildings from different periods. The village can be explored through several specific themes when choosing a destination: the Vienne and its floodplain, AOC Chinon vineyards, and the church, chapel and château. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Anché, these highlights can serve as a starting point for planning your trip. Visiting conditions vary from place to place.
The Vienne, its floodplain and winegrowing
The Vienne forms Anché’s northern boundary, while the Veude marks its western boundary. Along the Vienne lies a floodplain approximately one kilometre wide. In Anché’s northern third, AOC Chinon vines are grown on sandy soils. These two landscape features have different locations: the floodplain lies along the Vienne, while the vineyards are situated in the northern third. Numerous troglodytic shelters have also been carved into the rock of Anché’s limestone plateau. These shelters add another facet of the local terrain to the picture of the river landscape and agriculture.
The church and historic buildings
The Église Saint-Symphorien has a rectangular floor plan formed by the nave and choir. Its bell tower was built of dressed stone in the 15th century. The church has been listed as a Monument historique since 28 May 1926. Its floor plan, building material and protected status each offer a different clue to the building’s history.
The Manoir du Bois de Veude is also part of the village’s historic character: a chapel already stood there in the 15th century. Another chapel is located at the Château des Brétignolles; it was built in 1507. The chapels in Anché and at the château belong to different buildings and should not be confused.
Château des Brétignolles
The Château des Brétignolles lies one kilometre east of Anché. It is located on the D760 on the left bank of the Vienne, between L’Île-Bouchard and Chinon. Together with its outbuildings and park, the château has been listed as a Monument historique under a decree dated 14 September 1949. The river setting, the protected ensemble and the building’s own history all come together at this site.
Planning visits
During the summer season, the Château des Brétignolles is open for visits; visits are possible only as part of a guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes. Visitors see a manor chapel, a medieval tower and several troglodytic cellars typical of the region. If you plan to take the tour, bear the seasonal opening in mind and confirm the visiting arrangements before your trip.
For a visit to Domaine Jautrou, the winery asks interested visitors to get in touch. It is available to provide information and welcome visitors. Arrange the visiting details directly with the Domaine. The two visit options are therefore governed differently: for the château, the summer season and guided tour are key; for Domaine Jautrou, contacting the winery in advance is the appropriate first step.
When looking for a hotel in Anché, the landscape and architectural history can help you choose the focus of your stay. The Vienne floodplain, vineyards on sandy soils and historic buildings offer different points of interest, without implying a set itinerary. If you are particularly interested in architecture, you can explore the village church, the history of its chapels and the château as distinct aspects of the area. For a planned château visit, the seasonal guided tour is a practical factor to consider; a visit to Domaine Jautrou starts with a direct enquiry.
Discover more destinations: Nouans-Les-Fontaines, Monts, Preuilly-Sur-Claise, Monnaie, Tavant, Chambray-Lès-Tours, Esvres, Saint-Martin-Le-Beau.
For the broader travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.
