Manthelan combines its long-standing carnival tradition with tangible evidence of local history. The old Logis, a church window, the Fontaine Saint-Martin and the former presbytery each represent different historical themes. The Espace de l'Echandon adds a natural and recreational area with a pond, playground and pump track. This raises two questions for planning your trip: should you plan your dates around the carnival, or focus on buildings, art and recreational activities?

Carnaval de Manthelan: tradition and parade

The Carnaval de Manthelan was officially founded in 1869 and traditionally takes place on the Sunday after Shrove Tuesday. Since Shrove Tuesday falls on a different date each year, the calendar date of the parade changes too. If you would like to make this event the occasion for your trip, plan your visit around the relevant Sunday and check the exact date for your travel year.

The parade features around ten giant papier-mâché floats, reaching up to six metres in height. The floats are often powered by engines and accompanied by bands and brass bands from across France. With its floats and musical accompaniment, the carnival has a distinctive character as well as its fixed connection to the Shrovetide calendar.

Buildings, art and local history

The old Logis at 11 Rue Nationale dates from the 15th century, was remodelled in 1626 and served as the town hall in the 19th century. These dates distinguish its construction, remodelling and later civic function. This makes it possible to place the building within several periods of its history rather than assign it to just one phase of construction.

A stained-glass window in Manthelan’s church, created by Lobin, depicts the martyrdom of Saint Barbara. Here, the focus is not on the building’s former use but on a specific artwork with a named artist and subject. Together, the Logis and the church window offer different perspectives on local history.

When the Fontaine Saint-Martin was uncovered a few years ago, a perforated limestone basin came to light. Nearby, several large, carefully hewn stones lie in the clear water. The description of this site centres on its materials and workmanship: the basin and hewn stones provide a different point of interest from the history of the Logis or the subject of the church window.

The former presbytery included a 60-are garden with a centuries-old cedar of Lebanon. This historical feature is distinct from the information about the Logis: here, the focus is on the garden and its single notable tree.

Pond, playground and pump track

The Espace de l'Echandon is a natural area with a pond where fishing is permitted. The area also includes a children’s playground and a pump track. These three features cater to different recreational interests: fishing at the pond, playing in the playground and getting active on the pump track. This distinction can help you decide which of the activities mentioned matters for your trip planning, without grouping them together as a single activity.

When looking for a hotel in Manthelan, your preferred focus can also be a useful first step in planning. If you want to experience the carnival, your travel dates will depend on the Sunday after Shrove Tuesday. If you are more interested in local history, art or the Espace de l'Echandon, these themes can guide your decisions about when to travel and where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Bléré, Crissay-Sur-Manse, Notre-Dame-d'Oé, La Membrolle-Sur-Choisille, Preuilly-Sur-Claise, Ingrandes-De-Touraine, Cravant-Les-Côteaux, Bossay-Sur-Claise.

For the broader travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.