Bréhémont combines Loire landscapes with traces of its trading history: at the harbor, ramps and tuff-stone sculptures recall the former movement of goods, while the Bardeaux de l’Indre nature reserve offers a cycling route along the Indre. This lets you choose your own focus for your stay, between riverside scenery, observing nature and historic details.
Loire landscapes on the southern bank
Bréhémont lies on the southern bank of the Loire, in the Val de Loire UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the river creates vast, open spaces that are ideal for taking in the landscape, observing biodiversity and enjoying outdoor activities. The open river landscape and the protected nature reserve offer different experiences: one centers on views of the Loire, while the other invites you to discover an area along the Indre.
Cycling and nature in Bardeaux de l’Indre
A cycling path more than five kilometers long crosses the protected Bardeaux de l’Indre nature reserve and runs along the Indre. It invites you to go for a bike ride. If you plan to follow the route, check the path’s condition before setting out. Some information panels in the nature reserve describe its natural richness and cultural aspects. Cycling and the panels thus offer two different ways to explore: exercise along the river and information about the area’s nature and culture.
Harbor, trade and tuff stone
Bréhémont harbor bears witness to significant trading activity in the 18th and 19th centuries, which grew out of hemp cultivation and fishing. Its architectural details also give the place a distinct character: two ramps face one another; opposite the quay, the house façades and lintels feature tuff-stone sculptures. A visit to the harbor offers a glimpse of both its trading history and the visible forms of its buildings. History and architecture are closely connected in this same place.
Church and fishing boat
The Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine was built in 1843; its choir faces west. Five stained-glass windows, created in 1846 by glass painters Galimard and Laurent, add specific artistic details to the architectural history. A covered toue, considered the last fishing boat used for salmon and shad, can also be seen at the quay. Its visibility may vary. The harbor, church and boat appeal to different interests: architectural history, stained glass and memories of fishing.
Guinguette and riverside offerings
La Guimbarge is a floating guinguette on a barge terrace on the Loire. You order and pay for food at the La Cabane à Matelot restaurant, then eat on the barge terrace by the river. The offering is seasonal, so it is worth checking opening times before your trip. La Cabane à Matelot also offers boat trips organized by Romain and cooking classes led by Ambroise. Check seasonal availability if you would like to include these offerings in your plans. You can also sample Loire fish in Bréhémont.
Discover more destinations: La Châtre, Limeray, Souvigné, Sonzay, Joué-Lés-Tours, Gizeux, Berthenay, Savigné-Sur-Lathan
For the main travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.
