In Bélâbre, several routes offer a way to explore local history and the landscape: the “Les bords de l'Anglin n°22” hiking route, the “Mémoire de rues” cultural trail and historic buildings. The route along the Anglin is 7.5 km long and marked in blue; the cultural trail compares Bélâbre through historic postcards with the town today.
Hiking along the Anglin: route and directions
“Les bords de l'Anglin n°22” starts at the Bélâbre Tourist Office and at the entrance to the campsite. It is 7.5 km long and marked in blue. Before setting out, it is advisable to check local trail conditions.
The route passes along sunken lanes and riverbanks. Along the way, it goes past traces of former millraces, forges and mills. These stops give the hike a historical dimension as well as its landscapes: the route passes places associated with work and use in the past. If you enjoy looking out for such traces while hiking, the route offers more than just a series of trail sections.
The Bélâbre Tourist Information Office is the starting point for two hiking routes and a cycling route. Check its seasonal opening hours before your trip. Check the current trail conditions for route n°22 before setting out.
A cultural trail featuring images from Bélâbre’s past
“Mémoire de rues” leads through the streets of Bélâbre and contrasts the town at the beginning of the 20th century with Bélâbre today. The cultural trail uses 18 reproductions of historic postcards, each accompanied by explanatory text based on archives and local memory.
The cultural trail and the hiking route have different focuses. “Les bords de l'Anglin n°22” centres on the route, sunken lanes, riverbanks and traces of former milling activity. “Mémoire de rues” focuses on the streets and changes to the townscape. If you are choosing between the two, consider whether you would rather follow a marked hiking route or explore Bélâbre through historic images and accompanying texts.
Bridge construction and church history
The Vieux Pont de Bélâbre is a very old, picturesque bridge. Its distinctive features include a humped roadway, numerous arches of different shapes and parapets made of oak planks.
The Église de Nesmes is also shaped by its history. It is at least as old as its neighbouring church in Jovard. It was probably not rebuilt after the time when Pierre II, Bishop of Poitiers, donated it to the Benedictines of Saint-Savin in 1092.
Which focus suits your plans?
The options differ mainly in what they draw your attention to: the hiking route has a specified distance and passes landscape features and historic traces. The cultural trail uses 18 postcard reproductions to contrast Bélâbre at the beginning of the 20th century with the town today. The bridge and church add specific buildings and their histories to these themes.
Discover more destinations: Jeu-Maloches, Ecueillé, Chalais, Concremiers, Montierchaume, Mézières-en-Brenne, Tournon-Saint-Martin, Bommiers
See the overview of destinations in the wider area: Indre.
