Three arms of the Loir, a 9 km walking route and distinctive cultural sites give a stay in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir a variety of highlights. There are also unique wine experiences and a travelling cinema.
Arms of the Loir and walking routes
Three arms of the Loir run through La Chartre-sur-le-Loir. The 9 km “Patrimoine et Bords du Loir” walking route combines a visit to the town with riverside scenery. It passes through the town and offers a way to discover the town and numerous washhouses along the different arms of the Loir. Its length provides a clear framework for planning your walk.
Fishing from the bank is possible at the Plan d'eau de la Rougeraie. From 1 July, non-motorised boats and float tubes are also permitted there. A pontoon, a slipway and picnic tables are available for anglers and walkers. As rules for boat access and the condition of the facilities may change, check the current conditions before your visit.
Church, tower and former shops
The Church of Saint-Vincent is neoclassical in style, was built in 1830 and has stained-glass windows dating from the late 19th century. The church as a whole has been listed as a Monument historique since 8 October 2007. The organ has its own history: Henri Thébault built it specifically for this church in 1860. It was listed as a movable cultural property under the Monuments historiques on 3 May 2022, then fully classified on 26 March 2023.
The Tour Jeanne d’Arc is a medieval-style tower above the former feudal motte of La Chartre Castle. It houses a chapel commemorating those who died in the wars of the first half of the 20th century. The Musée de boutiques anciennes et cabinet de curiosités offers another glimpse of former businesses: for visitors, it recreates, among other things, a chemist’s shop, a milliner’s workshop and other former shops.
Wine experiences and tastings
La Maison “Voyages & Vignes” is an immersive experience centred on the wines of the Loir Valley. Tastings can include up to six wines chosen from 72 selections from around 20 wineries. The selection may change.
The Le Jasnières wine bar offers tastings of Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir AOC wines from various producers and vintages, by the glass or bottle. Handcrafted rillettes on toast are also available. As opening arrangements may change, check the current options in advance.
Cinema and other routes
The travelling cinema Cinéambul screens films in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir every three weeks, including titles recently released in French cinemas. Dates and frequency may change, so check the schedule in advance.
Cycle route No. 4, “La Vallée de la Dême,” is connected to La Chartre-sur-le-Loir. Check current route details before setting off. The “Au pays de Ronsard” trail starts in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir.
The Maison du Tourisme et du Vignoble is located in the central square of La Chartre-sur-le-Loir.
Discover more destinations: Crosmières, Jupilles, Saint-Aubin-Des-Coudrais, Saint-Michel-De-Chavaignes, Arnage, Chaufour-Notre-Dame, Saint-Germain-D'arcé, Villaines-sous-Malicorne
For the broader travel overview: Sarthe.
