In Oulches, two different travel interests can be distinguished: the history of the lime kilns and the Priory of Notre-Dame de Longefont, with its religious order and architectural history. At the lime kiln site, protected nature is also part of the picture, alongside the area’s industrial past. Longefont adds Romanesque architecture and garden spaces to the experience. Which perspective is most important for your trip depends on whether you would rather focus on landscape history or sacred architecture.

Lime Kilns: Industrial History and Protected Nature

The discovery trail to the Oulches lime kilns is 650 m long and introduces the industrial history of the former Saint-Nazaire quarries. At 650 m, the trail is short; its theme takes visitors back to the quarries’ former use. At the lime kiln site, the limestone grasslands and the protected population of greater horseshoe bats are part of a Natura 2000 site. Industrial history and nature conservation thus offer two distinct ways to explore this site: the trail presents the history of the quarries, while the protected habitats and bat population highlight its nature conservation value.

The Priory of Notre-Dame de Longefont

The Priory of Notre-Dame de Longefont was founded in 1110 by d’Arbrissel, the founder of the Order of Fontevraud. It was a women’s priory belonging to this order. Its date of foundation, founder and affiliation with the order give the priory its own historical context, alongside the architectural history of its church and chapel.

The restored Romanesque church has 48 historiated Romanesque capitals. The term refers to capitals decorated with figurative imagery and points to a specific detail of the church’s furnishings. The priory’s chapel is a separate feature: it was rebuilt between 2006 and 2015. The church and chapel represent different aspects of the complex; the dates place the chapel’s reconstruction in time.

The grounds are also part of a visit to the priory: the route passes through garden spaces and the park to the Font-Bleue, a spring that has existed since time immemorial. The sequence from garden to park to spring adds a distinct focus to the architectural history. A visit therefore takes in both the buildings and the paths through the grounds.

The difference is clear when deciding what to include in your trip: at the lime kilns, the short distance and the combination of industrial history and nature conservation define the experience. At Longefont, the focus is on the history of the order, architecture and a walk through the grounds. If you plan to visit Longefont, remember that you must arrange an appointment in advance.

Visiting and Planning Your Appointment

The church and park can be visited subject to the visiting conditions. Visits to the priory are possible every day except Saturdays by prior appointment; appointments should be made 24 hours in advance. Check the visiting arrangements before you travel, as appointment conditions may change.

Discover more destinations: Gargilesse-Dampierre, Luçay-le-Libre, Chasseneuil, Parnac, Saint-Maur, Saint-Aigny, Giroux, Saint-Denis-De-Jouhet.

For the broader travel overview: Indre.