Rillé brings together nature by the water, a historic railway, and clearly identifiable traces of the town’s history. When planning your trip, you can focus on the birdlife by the lake, a cycling trip, a train ride, or individual cultural sites. The cycling loop is 18 kilometres long, and the historic train ride takes 30 minutes—two different ways to shape your stay.
Nature at Lac de Rillé-Pincemaille
Lac de Pincemaille is part of the Natura 2000 network; more than 200 bird species have been observed there. The artificial Lac de Rillé-Pincemaille is now recognised for its ecological richness. Visitors can discover the local wildlife and plant life by the lake. The nature theme therefore ranges from specific birdwatching opportunities to a broader look at fauna and flora. If you plan to make this a firm part of your visit, check the dates before travelling.
Explore by bike or historic train
The “Nature et sculpture – Boucle vélo n°25” cycling loop starts on the shore of Lac de Rillé and is 18 kilometres long. Its route follows forest tracks and very small country roads. Green-and-white signs indicate the loop number. The distance, route, and signage provide practical details for planning the ride; as route details may change, check the route and signs before setting off.
The Train de Rillé runs along a route of around three kilometres by the lake and through forests and wooded areas. It operates seasonally. A 30-minute ride on the authentic historic Train à vapeur de Rillé also runs along the lake. The collection includes four steam locomotives, ten diesel locomotives, and around thirty historic passenger and freight carriages. The railway experience therefore includes both a ride through the landscape and a diverse historic collection. Check the operating dates before your trip.
Buildings and stone heritage
The Église Saint-Loup incorporates architectural elements from the 11th, 12th, and 16th centuries. The church contains two reliquaries holding relics of Saint Loup and Saint Urbain. The fortified gateway provides another historical reference: it dates from the 13th century. Rillé’s surviving fortifications also include defensive walls and towers from the 15th century.
Another local connection can be seen at the Fontaine Saint-Loup: it feeds the communal washhouse below. In an open field on the border with the Maine-et-Loire département, the Pierre Saint-Urbain is visible and accessible. The triangular menhir is 1.25 metres high and is also known as the “Pierre pointue.” Its size and shape clearly distinguish this stone monument from the town’s buildings and surviving fortifications.
More activities by the lake
The Mini-golf aux oiseaux at Lac de Rillé is an educational 18-hole course about the lake’s wildlife. It was designed by the CPIE in collaboration with the LPO. Rillé Wake Park offers wakeboarding on a water-ski cable lift accessible to beginners and advanced riders. Canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats are also available to rent there. Le Baud'Rillé Parc aventure offers treetop courses and a zip line that crosses the lake. The activities offer a range of focuses: wildlife, water sports, and movement among the trees or over the water. Operating details may change; the Wake Park, rentals, and adventure park operate seasonally. Check dates and availability for your chosen activity before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Ports, Dolus-Le-Sec, Braye-Sous-Faye, Courcelles-De-Touraine, Montlouis-Sur-Loire, Chinon, Anché, Crouzilles.
For the regional travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.
