The 70-hectare ĂŽle de la MĂ©tairie offers panoramic views of the Loire, cave dwellings and the Rochecorbon Lantern. This natural area also provides an opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of the Loire riverbanks. La Ville-Aux-Dames also has places to walk, a church with several historical layers and a public theatre programme. This gives you different options when planning your visit: riverside scenery and short routes, local history or a changing seasonal programme of performances.
Loire scenery and walks
The Île de la Métairie, more precisely the Presqu’île de Rochecorbon, can be explored via a hiking trail. Markers and a general information board accompany the route. This natural area combines views of the Loire with the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna along its banks.
For shorter walks, a tourist map from January 2025 lists three easy circuits in La Ville-Aux-Dames: “Circuit Bords de Loire”, “Sentier de la forêt” and “Sentier de la grève”. The stated distances range from 0.6 to 1.8 km. You can compare the routes by their listed distances. Check the route details before your trip.
There are also places to walk in the centre: La Petite Taille et des Cinq Arpents park is located between shops and schools. It offers another option for a stroll, away from the paths along the Loire. You can therefore choose between a natural area with sweeping views and a park in the town centre.
Church, local history and theatre
The present-day church of La Ville-Aux-Dames dates from the 15th century and stands on the remains of a Romanesque church from the 11th century. Those interested in local history will find two widely separated building phases here: the medieval origins and the later construction of the present-day church.
The railway also shaped the town’s historical layout. It arrived in La Ville-Aux-Dames in 1845; the tracks divided the commune into the areas of “Bourg” — the northern part of the commune — and “Grand village”. The two names are part of this historical division.
Théâtre Nouvelle Lune offers a public live theatre programme in La Ville-Aux-Dames, with performances for all audiences. Individual performances and schedules change from season to season. Each year, Théâtre Nouvelle Lune also organises the FestiLune festival and invites other theatre companies to present their latest productions. The individual editions and dates vary, so check the schedule if you would like to plan your visit around a performance.
More activities and amenities
The ESVD Cyclotourisme association offers three free weekly outings by bicycle, mountain bike and gravel bike. Groups are formed according to ability. Dates and participation requirements may change; check them in advance if you are planning to join an outing.
Karting Center Tours in La Ville-Aux-Dames has a go-kart track for people aged seven and over and a 4,000 m² paintball area for adults. Activity details may change; check the conditions before your visit. The age limit for the go-kart track and the adult-only paintball offer are separate participation requirements.
Registration with the Médiathèque Claire Bretécher includes access to the Nom@de online portal. Membership conditions and digital services may change. Check the current arrangements if you would like to use the portal.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Pierre-Des-Corps, Mouzay, Sainte-Catherine-De-Fierbois, Avrillé-les-Ponceaux, Bossay-Sur-Claise, Tauxigny, Mosnes, Braye-Sous-Faye.
To the main travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.
