Parçay-Meslay brings together traces of medieval architecture, Vouvray vineyards and a trail through an area of caves and houses built partly into the rock. This offers something for a range of interests during your stay: architecture, outdoor activities and wine. The specific sites can help you decide which theme you would like to spend more time exploring.

Architecture through the ages

The Church of Saint-Pierre was first mentioned in a document issued by an archbishop of Tours in 968. The apse features a fresco in the calotte vault, rediscovered in 1924. These two dates refer to different historical events: 968 is the year the church was first mentioned, and 1924 the year the fresco was rediscovered.

La Commanderie is a former manor house of the Lord of Parçay. It was built between 1460 and 1490 in the Flamboyant Gothic style. La Grange de Meslay, by contrast, dates from 1220. It is protected as a historic monument and considered an example of 13th-century civil architecture. At 60 metres long and 25 metres wide, its dimensions give a concrete impression of the scale of the building. When comparing the dates, it is worth distinguishing what they refer to: a construction year is given for the Grange, while a construction period is given for La Commanderie.

The Grange de Meslay is also a venue for a classical music festival. As programme dates vary, check the latest dates before planning to attend a concert.

La Parcillonne through vineyards and rocky landscapes

The La Parcillonne walking trail starts at the Salle des Fêtes on Rue des Sports and runs through vineyards in the Vouvray AOC-AOP appellation. Along a small slope, it passes numerous caves and houses built partly into the rock. The route thus brings together vineyards and distinctive architecture. The southern section is marked in red; check the trail markers on site before setting off.

Green spaces for walks and exercise

Parc de Grand'Maison offers a shady area for relaxation and leisure, as well as a renovated bandstand. If you would like to see the bandstand during your visit, it may be helpful to take a quick look at its current condition on site.

Bois de Château Gaillard is a walking area with rich biodiversity. It also has a fitness trail with exercise equipment of varying difficulty levels. This offers two distinct options: a walk in a biodiverse woodland or a workout using the equipment. If you would like to use the trail, check on site whether the equipment is available.

Vouvray as a landscape and a wine

The Caveau des Perrières – Caves Gautier in Parçay-Meslay offers wine tastings in tuffeau stone caves. The cellar, which is more than a kilometre long, is used to make Vouvray AOC wines. The arrangements for tastings may change, so check in advance. The connection with Vouvray is evident in different ways: La Parcillonne passes through vineyards, while the Caveau is associated with winemaking and tastings.

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