Wine barrels were once loaded onto narrow, flat-bottomed boats at Le Port Ă Vin. Horses pulled the boats along a towpath to the Loire near Vouvray; the path is still preserved today. This story connects winegrowing with earlier transport routes and gives local history a tangible point of reference. Together with the local architecture, it offers a variety of themes for a stay in Vernou-sur-Brenne.
Church, Manor House and Château du Clos
The Church of the Holy Trinity has been classified as a Monument historique since 1870. The current main building of the Logis des Madères dates from the mid-17th century. Troglodytic cellars lie to the north of the courtyard, and the estate also includes a dovecote. Local history therefore encompasses both a classified church building and a manor house with several distinct architectural features.
At Château du Clos, the central main building dates from the 16th century. A pavilion was built in the park in the early 17th century; the present manor house has been converted into apartments. The pavilion thus belongs to a later construction phase than the central main building. The church, Logis des Madères and Château du Clos offer different ways to explore the architectural heritage of Vernou-sur-Brenne.
Wine Country and Ways to Explore
The “Vignes et Patrimoine” trail is 6.5 km long and passes through the AOC Vouvray winegrowing area. It features 15 information panels with descriptions. The route passes troglodytic dwellings and vineyard huts, with views of the slopes of Vernou-sur-Brenne and the vineyards. Here, the landscape and architectural traces come together, accompanied by explanations along the way.
The “Rallye patrimoine entre Loire et Castelrenaudais” offers another way to explore. This playful route is based on a questionnaire booklet and includes Vernou-sur-Brenne. While the “Vignes et Patrimoine” trail has a stated length and information panels, the rally centers on its questionnaire booklet. Check whether the booklet is available before your trip.
Winegrowing by Appointment
EARL Les Vaux Louis is a 26-hectare family-run winery on the slopes of Vaux Louis in Vernou-sur-Brenne, in the heart of the AOC Vouvray. Wine tastings and cellar tours are offered at the winery by prior appointment. This connects the wine country with a specific visitor experience that you should plan in advance.
There is a clear distinction when choosing between options based on format and scheduling: the trail is a 6.5 km route with information panels and landscape views; the rally uses a questionnaire booklet; and wine tastings and cellar tours at the winery require an appointment. You can choose between a trail, a playful question-based activity and a scheduled winery visit.
Discover more destinations: Saché, Villaines-Les-Rochers, Marigny-Marmande, La Celle-Saint-Avant, Vouvray, La Roche-Clermault, Thilouze, Marray
For the broader travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.
