Mesland offers several starting points for a trip: the Église Notre-Dame, the Grange de la Perdrière, winegrowing, springs and the signposted “Les Buttes de Mesland” hike. Its attractions range from architecture and wine to water and outdoor activities. You can plan your trip according to whether architectural history, wine or landscape is your main focus.
Church and architectural history
The Église Notre-Dame de Mesland was founded in 1060. Its single-nave hall, narrower choir and flat end to the chancel describe its layout in clearly defined successive sections. The portal dates from the 12th century and features concentric round-arch archivolts. Its sculpted capitals depict griffins and grimacing heads. The church’s spatial layout and the finely crafted portal details represent two distinct architectural aspects. Since 16 September 1946, the portal has been partially protected as a historic monument.
The Grange de la Perdrière has a roof structure in the style of Philibert Delorme, dating from the late 18th century. There appears to be no comparable example in the Loir-et-Cher département. Unlike the church, the emphasis here is on the roof’s construction rather than spatial layout and portal sculpture. By decree of 1 March 1989, the Grange was partially listed as a historic monument.
Hiking and nature
The “Les Buttes de Mesland” hike starts at the church car park and is signposted by FFRandonnée 41. The church is therefore also the starting point for a signposted route. This adds outdoor activity to the architectural attractions and can be included as a separate part of your trip plans.
The local wildlife also offers a connection with nature: Mesland lies at the edge of the range of the western whip snake. This is a regional detail in addition to the specific, signposted hike.
Wine, water and the regional setting
The Petite Cisse flows through Mesland, which also has numerous springs. One spring at the foot of the village has been developed as a communal washhouse. The river and the washhouse represent different connections with water: the Petite Cisse flows through the village, while a single spring is associated with a shared facility. Together, they bring a landscape feature and a built use into view.
Winegrowing in Mesland is part of the Touraine-Mesland d’Origine Contrôlée appellation, established in 1955. You can taste these wines at the local winegrowers. The appellation gives the wine theme a clear connection to the place; a tasting adds a culinary perspective to the architecture and landscape.
Mesland lies on the Loire Valley châteaux tourist route between Chambord and Chenonceau, and near Chaumont-sur-Loire with its famous gardens. These are regional points of interest alongside local attractions such as the church, Grange, springs and winegrowing. When planning your trip, you can decide whether the village’s architectural history or the wider context of Loire châteaux and gardens matters more to you.
Discover more destinations: Chaon, Bourre, Saint-Julien-De-Chédon, Chambord, Renay, Fougères-Sur-Bièvre, Noyers-Sur-Cher, Courmemin.
For the broader travel overview: Loir-Et-Cher.
