In Cheillé, striking traces of architectural history meet a landscape shaped by woodland and the Indre. Cave dwellings carved into tuff stone, a church with unusual details and several historic routes give the area its varied character. Viticulture and regional cuisine are also part of the picture, with visits and culinary opportunities whose conditions you should take into account when planning.
Landscape, River and Cave Dwellings
Cheillé lies in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park and includes several protected areas, including two Natura 2000 sites. Most of the area is covered by the Forêt de Chinon and opens onto the Indre. The woodland and river are therefore key features of the landscape around Cheillé; the Circuit Agnès Sorel reflects this connection in its description as a discovery trail between river and forest.
The cave dwellings reveal another side of the area's history: they are carved into Touraine tuff stone and are still used as homes. They are therefore not just historical remnants, but also represent a way of living that continues to this day. The connection between stone and habitation adds a distinctive perspective on Cheillé's character alongside its visible buildings.
Church and Châteaux
The Église Saint-Didier dates from the 12th century and was altered in 1770. Inside are 40 tombstones and a polychrome wooden Christ. An English oak grows through the buttresses directly beside the church; it is classified as a remarkable tree. The building's history, its furnishings and the tree are distinct, closely identified aspects of this place.
At the Château de la Cour-au-Berruyer, too, it is worth distinguishing between the earlier estate and the present building: a 12th-century fortress preceded the current structure, which dates from the 16th century. The Château de la Cour-au-Berruyer and its entrance pavilion were listed by decree on June 3, 1932. The château's manor house was classified by decree on July 13, 1942. The two dates therefore refer to different parts of the property and different protection statuses.
The Château de la Roche is a château dating from the 16th and 17th centuries that formerly belonged to Turpenay Abbey. As a wine estate, it is open to visitors; tours and wine tastings are available by appointment. Arrange a visit before you arrive. The Château La Roche comprises a contiguous 35-hectare estate bordering the Forêt de Chinon.
Routes with Different Historical Connections
The Circuit Agnès Sorel is a discovery trail between river and forest. Parking du vieux chêne is designated as the parking area for this route. Another circular trail starting from Cheillé is the Circuit des caves. These named routes offer different starting points for finding your way around the area.
The Chemin de Jeanne d’Arc is an old route from Chinon to Tours. Joan of Arc used it on April 5, 1429, before crossing the Indre at the ford of Port Huault. This historic connection therefore includes the route between the two towns, a specific river crossing and an exact date.
Wine and Regional Cuisine
The Association La Poule Couasse promotes fouée as part of Cheillé's traditional local cuisine. Fouée is baked over a wood fire and is offered at local festivals or by private individuals by reservation. These opportunities are tied to an event or a reservation. If you would like to include wine and regional cuisine in your stay, you can take this into account alongside the Château de la Roche tour and wine tasting, which are available by appointment.
The Loges de Vigne are also part of the history of vineyard work. These shelters gave winegrowers a place to take their lunch while working in the vineyards. Their historic purpose offers a glimpse into everyday working life in the past, complementing today's wine and food experiences, which are tied to a specific time or occasion.
Discover more destinations: Abilly, Rivière, Genillé, Le Boulay, Anché, L'île-Bouchard, Trogues, Pocé-Sur-Cisse
For the broader travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.
