The Circuit des cartes postales is a 3.6-kilometre walking trail marked by 39 old postcards and passing former medieval homes. It combines a walk with insights into the history of the town. The Collégiale Sainte Marie-Madeleine and the paths along the Claise and its diversion canal also offer different ways to enjoy a stay.
History in the collegiate church and townscape
For more than three centuries, Mézières-en-Brenne was the country seat of the Lords of Brenne. The Collégiale Sainte Marie-Madeleine was founded by Alix de Brabant and consecrated in 1339. Its stained-glass windows from the 14th and 16th centuries depict the family fortunes of many of the lords who ruled over Brenne. They thus tell the story of several generations and connect the history of the town with that of its former lordship.
The surviving traces of the castles also invite a closer look. Two towers and an old dovecote remain from the town’s original feudal castle. Classified remains of a 15th-century castle lie close to the Claise diversion canal. The Circuit des cartes postales passes former medieval homes that attest to the town’s great age. The 39 old postcards mark the 3.6-kilometre walking trail. Those interested in history will find several different points of interest here: religious art, architectural remains and homes.
Walks by the water and natural areas
Les bords de Claise No. 42 also offers a walk with a connection to the landscape: a waterside trail through a green landscape designated as an Espace Naturel Sensible. The paths of Les prés du canal offer a different perspective on the surroundings. The wetland lies between the Claise and its diversion channel and includes various wooded areas and wet habitats, including ponds, fish spawning grounds and ditches. Shady paths run beneath the trees, close to the water.
The two descriptions emphasise different features: Les bords de Claise focuses on the walking trail through the green, protected landscape, while Les prés du canal also offers a variety of wet habitats and shady paths. This makes it easy to choose according to your interests: whether to focus more on the waterside trail or on a landscape of woods, ponds and ditches. Trail details may change; check the latest information before setting out.
More activities and local life
At the Base de loisirs de Bellebouche, activities include an adventure course with a 17-metre jump, a zip line and five treetop courses. Pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are also available to hire. These activities complement the walks with options on the water and among the trees. As availability may change, it is advisable to check the current offerings before your visit.
Crafts and changing exhibitions provide another activity: La Boutique du Moulin showcases original works by around ten artisans and has a space for temporary exhibitions. If you enjoy discovering regional products, you can also plan a visit to the weekly market. The selection ranges from food to textiles; individual vendors may vary.
Planning your stay
The Destination Brenne tourist information office is located at 6 place Jean Moulin, 36290 Mézières-en-Brenne. It is a starting point for walking and cycling routes. This gives you a choice of different themes when planning your trip: historic architecture in town, walking trails through the landscape, activities at the Base de loisirs, or regional products and crafts. You can decide which to make the focus of your trip based on your interests.
Discover more destinations: Pouligny-Notre-Dame, Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, Valençay, Maillet, Vigoulant, Oulches, Aigurande, Clion.
For the broader travel guide: Indre.
