La Chapelle-aux-Naux combines a strong connection to the Loire with tangible traces of its local history: a Neo-Gothic church, a former Protestant temple and a hemp-drying oven. The natural environment, levee landscape and routes add further points of interest. This makes it easy to choose the destination based on your interest in history or in exploring the Loire.
Location between the Loire and the Vieux Cher
The village lies between the Loire and the bed of the Vieux Cher, formerly known as the Rivière de Boudre. Along the Loire, levees extend for four kilometres; the landscape of the Loire can be viewed from the levees. The Bords de Loire form an extensive natural area open to visitors along the river, between the châteaux of Villandry and Rigny-Ussé. Its characteristic landscape includes a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Check local access before your visit.
Church, temple and hemp heritage
The Église Saint Clément was built in 1855 in the Neo-Gothic style, based on plans by architect Gustave Guérin. The church also houses a figure of Saint Clément in Nevers faience, dated 1713. The year the church was built and the date on the figure refer to two different periods: the church dates from the 19th century, while the figure is older.
A former Protestant temple is also part of the village’s history. It was built following a dispute among the residents. Opposite the municipal school, a hemp-drying oven still stands. It recalls hemp cultivation, which was widespread in the region until the 20th century.
Levee landscapes and birdwatching
A Natura 2000 protected area of ornithological interest can be observed from the levee. Information panels also describe various birds: the common tern is shown with a red beak and red feet, and the little tern with a yellow beak and yellow feet. Other species mentioned include the common sandpiper, gull and plover. Landscape observation and learning about individual bird species are thus presented as distinct ways to enjoy nature.
Routes with different focuses
The Sentiers des Varennes circular trail starts at the harbour and follows the Loire, through the Varennes and along the Vieux Cher. The 16-kilometre “De port en port” cycling loop is estimated to take 1 hour 30 minutes. In the Bords de Loire area, it offers the opportunity to watch birds. While the route description is the main focus of the Sentiers des Varennes, the cycling loop combines a specified distance and estimated time with birdwatching. Check current route conditions before setting out by bike.
Another detail to consider when planning your visit concerns the Clémence II, operated by the Association des Bateliers: since May 2023, the boat has had a gangway that allows people with reduced mobility to board. If you are planning a trip on the Clémence II, check availability in advance.
To decide whether La Chapelle-aux-Naux suits your travel interests, its attractions can be easily distinguished: local history is reflected in tangible traces of buildings and crafts, while the Loire offers landscapes, nature observation and routes described in different ways.
Discover more destinations: Richelieu, Seuilly, Pouzay, Mazières-De-Touraine, Saint-Paterne-Racan, Langeais, Montlouis-Sur-Loire, Céré-La-Ronde.
For the regional travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.
