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Recreational opportunities abound in the region. Biking on the almost traffic-
free country roads alongside the wide rivers, privately-owned châteaux and red-
roofed villages, certainly qualifies as one of the most delightful activities.
The many rivers which honeycomb the area, from the Creuse to the Gartempe to the
Anglin, will be of special interest to swimmers and those who enjoy fishing.
Bird watching is especially well-rewarded in the Regional Park of the Brenne, a
wildlife refuge. Amateur spelunkers will be able to explore numerous caves
inhabited during the Stone Age, and rock climbers will find the limestone cliffs
a major challenge. Other outdoor activities include horse-riding, tennis and
golfing. |
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Attractions The Loire Vally: This incomparable valley, also known as the "Valley of the
Kings" for its many châteaux (or castles), is certainly one of the best-known
tourist attractions in the world. Tours, the main city of the Loire, is a 50
minute drive from Les Frippières. Major châteaux such as Chenonceau, Azay-Le-
Rideau, Blois, Villandry, Chaumont, Loches, Ussé, Amboise (where Leonardo da
Vinci spent his last days working for the great Renaissance king, François I),
are about one hours drive. During the summer months, some of the châteaux
present their own "Son et Lumière", a spectacle of light and music - not to be
missed!
The Area
Local Golf
Chateaux Recommendations: Our personal favourites to visit from the outside:
Chenonceaux, Chambord and Azay Le Rideau, (Azay Le Rideau features a special
"son et lumière"). Beautifully furnished are: Ussé, Cheverney and Azay Le
Ferron.
Fontevraud: Royal Abbey of Fontevraud. One of the largest monastic cities
remaining in Europe (12th - 18th century). On 35 acres of territory.
Richelieu: Next to the palatial castle, preceding the erection of the town by 6
years, the Cardinal Richelieu nourished the ambition of building a town which
would become the exclusive residential quarter of his followers and courtiers.
It was indeed achieved in 1631. Park of the former palatial castle of Richelieu,
destroyed during the Great Revolution of 1789.
The Limousin(1½ hour): This is the famous porcelain-producing region of Limoges
with its many showrooms, museums, and consumer outlets. The deeply affecting
World War II monument at Oradour-sur-Glane is also located here.
Paris(1½ hour from Chatellerault): With the TGV high-speed train, it is even
possible to leave from Les Frippières for Paris in the morning and return that
same night!
La Rochelle(2 hours): As popular a vacation destination for the French as the
better known Riviera, this entirely preserved medieval city remains a well-kept
secret to most other tourists. Site of a decisive battle In 1628 between French
troops let by Cardinal Richelieu and the invading English, the glorious harbour,
dominated by twin stone towers, is now the biggest yachting center on France's
Atlantic coast. The local seafood, particularly the justly famous "fruits de
mer", is a treat you will not want to miss.
Dordogne (2 hours): Home of the Lascaux cave and other ancient sites, the
Dordogne is also known for some of the best cuisine in France.
Museums Le Grand Pressigny: Important prehistorical museum, which is established
in the Renaissance wing of the château. It displays prehistoric tools and other
artifacts excavated locally (collection of over 10'000 objects) and examples of
reconstructed terrain to illustrate how prehistoric men lived. A large
collection of fossilized shells found in the region is displayed separately.
La Celle Guenand: Tool and traditional crafts museum, devoted to tools,
implements and machinery used in more than a hundred different crafts and
trades, illustrates life in rural France in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Marnay/Azay Le Rideau: "Musée Maurice Dufresne". 2,000 machines and technical
instruments from the last 3 centuries.
Festivals And Music: It is impossible to list the large number and variety of
festivals held in the region during the summer season, including "Son et
Lumière" at the châteaux. Bastille Day (National Holiday, July 14) is itself one
continuous "fête" or party, featuring dancing, regional food, and fireworks.
Horse Racing at La Roche Possay with seven meetings duringthe summer. Music
ranges from jazz in clubs and castles, to classical performances in local
churches.
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