Behind the Église Saint-Romain stands the Tour de la Magnanerie: a round tower that was intended for raising silkworms and now houses a permanent exhibition. Together with Renaissance buildings, the Cher and a shaded section of the Cœur de France à Vélo cycle route, Athée-Sur-Cher offers different perspectives on local history and the landscape. This lets you consider culture, the river and cycling as distinct priorities when planning your trip.
Church and silk history
The Église Saint-Romain was built in the 12th century. Around 1635, Philippe Sallier, Seigneur de Chênaie, had it almost completely rebuilt. Its history therefore spans several centuries, from its medieval origins to a major reconstruction. Since the protection order of 22 August 1949, the church has been designated a Monument historique. Those interested in architectural history will find both an early date and a clearly identified later transformation here.
The Tour de la Magnanerie is located behind the church. Its round shape, probable construction in the 16th century and former purpose of silkworm rearing give the tower a distinct connection to local silk history. Since September 2021, it has housed a permanent exhibition on the history of silk production in Touraine and Athée. Its focus thus extends beyond the town, linking its history with regional silk production. The church and tower represent different themes: the building phases of a place of worship on the one hand, and the former use of a tower and the history of a craft on the other.
Renaissance buildings and their history
The Château de la Chesnaye was built in the 16th and 17th centuries and is privately owned. Its Renaissance features include balconies, projecting window bays, balusters and reliefs. The architecture can therefore be identified through specific details rather than only by the general designation of a style. The construction period and design go hand in hand: the dating spans two centuries, while the features listed describe the building’s Renaissance character.
At the Château de Nitray, the buildings and park are the focus: both have been listed in the Inventaire since 1947. The château is described as a remarkable Renaissance ensemble below the Pont de Chandon, overlooking the valley. The listing explicitly applies to the buildings and park, so this designation differs from that of the Église Saint-Romain as a Monument historique. The information about Nitray combines a historical status with its position in relation to the bridge and valley.
The Cher and the cycle route
Athée-Sur-Cher borders the Cher along 5.5 kilometres of its left bank. Fishing is permitted there during the open season, with a licence. Anyone planning to fish should therefore take both the season and the required licence into account. The connection to the river is precisely defined; fishing is permitted on this bank and subject to the conditions stated.
For cycling, a section of the Cœur de France à Vélo route runs from Azay-sur-Cher in the direction of Athée-Sur-Cher. This section is more shaded and passes through wooded areas. Its explicitly described character therefore differs from the fishing opportunity by the river: for cycling, the route and shade are key points of reference, while fishing depends on the season and a licence. This information helps you choose the focus that suits your trip, without combining the two activities into a single route.
Foire à l’andouillette
The Foire à l’andouillette is highlighted as the most important of the local events mentioned. It takes place on Palm Sunday weekend. The date is therefore tied to a movable point in the calendar; for trip planning, the relevant date is the Palm Sunday weekend in that particular year.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Sainte-Catherine-De-Fierbois, La Ville-Aux-Dames, Beaumont-En-Véron, Pouzay, Rigny-Ussé, Louestault, Azay-Le-Rideau, Braye-Sous-Faye
For the overview of the wider travel region: Indre-Et-Loire.
