Get to know Sainte-Maure-De-Touraine through its local history, cheese-making tradition and routes in the valley. A walking tour through the historic town centre reveals the history of the community, while the nature trail and cycling routes offer different points of interest.

Local history and historic walking tours

The “Circuit découverte du centre-ville historique” takes you through the historic town centre on foot or by bicycle and introduces you to the history of the community. Check local access information before setting out. If you are particularly interested in National Road 10, the “Mémoires de la Route Nationale 10” offers a dedicated walking tour: twelve panels tell the story of the road. The tour is available in English and Spanish.

The history of the buildings also provides specific dates. The Chapelle des Vierges was built in the 19th century on the remains of a 14th-century chapel and completed on 24 April 1892. The church of Sainte-Maure Sainte-Britte replaced an earlier church in the 12th century; until the 20th century, it was dedicated to Saint Blaise. The Halles in the centre of the square reveal another chapter of local history: they were rebuilt in the 15th century and restored by Anne de Rohan in 1672. The Maison d’Estouteville also dates from the 15th century and has been protected as a Monument historique since 1947.

Place du Ha-ha opens onto a former road to Spain, which is still used by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. This connection to the route adds another perspective on local history alongside the walking tours and buildings.

Nature trail, outdoors and cycling

The 4.5-kilometre “Sentier d'interprétation des Coteaux” is a family-friendly nature trail with twelve stops and is also accessible with a pushchair. Its topics range from cave dwellings and bread ovens to daffodils and the valley’s flora and fauna. The route thus brings together cultural and natural themes along a clearly described trail.

Parc de loisirs Robert Guignard can be reached via the banks of the Manse and is an area for biodiversity. For cyclists, the 32-kilometre “Les Troglos de Courtineau” loop, Route No. 37, runs from Sainte-Maure-De-Touraine through the Manse Valley towards Saint-Epain and Crissay-sur-Manse. Another route to note is the Scandibérique / EuroVelo 3, which runs between Tours and Sainte-Maure-De-Touraine.

Cheese-making tradition and activities

The interactive “Scénographie des Passerelles” is devoted to the production of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine AOP goat’s cheese and can be explored at your own pace. It also explains the straw in the cheese and its engraving. For AOP cheese, the name of the appellation and the cheese maker’s identification number are engraved on the straw.

At EARL La Haute Piltière, visitors can join guided tours of the goat farm, meet the goats and learn more about cheese-making. Arrange your visit in advance. Another way to discover the town and its history is the “Enquête Game”: this treasure hunt takes you through Sainte-Maure-De-Touraine, combining escape-room-style puzzles with a discovery of the town. A reservation is required.

Whether you focus on the historic walking tours, the nature trail, cycling or cheese will shape your explorations. These interests offer a practical starting point for choosing a stay in Sainte-Maure-De-Touraine; be sure to arrange the guided farm visit and the Enquête Game in advance.

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