La Petite Chartrie

La Petite Chartrie
House from the Garden
The local area

Within 15 mins drive are the market towns of Buzancais and Chatillon sur Indre each have large traditional markets every Friday, supermarkets and a selection of restaurants. . Chatillon has a modern indoor swimming pool, with jaccuzi, sauna and slides.

Chatearoux the Departmental capital about 20 miles away has every amenity including regular trains to Paris, which is a two-hour journey, making possible a day trip to Paris.

The unique Brenne national park of a 1000 lakes is close by where fishing is available, and at the Etang de Bellebouche swimming, water sports and a pleasant restaurant. There are excellent restaurants in nearby Meziers the capital of the Brenne. Riding is available.

The Loire valley and many of its famous chateau are within easy reach, including the historic chateau of Amboise (the town also has a wonderful park and manor house dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, a good day out for all the family), and the unique chateau of Chenoneaux (the chateau that straddles the Cher river)

Loches 45 minutes away is a well-preserved medival town with an impressive chateau and amazing Norman donjon (castle keep) and evocative royal palace associated with Jean of Arc and Agnes Sorel.

The unique Espace Animalier de la Haute-Touche at Obterre 45 minutes away has 900 animals of 85 species living in 100 hectares of natural habitat.
Zoo Parc Beauval the largest and prettiest zoo in Europe is also 45mins away and for good measure is surrounded by vineyards of Touraine. Wines can be tasted and bought direct from many producers’ caves in the area.

Further afield,

Examples of easy day trips include Bourges (arguably some of the finest cathedral stained glass in France); Poitier and Futoroscope Theme Park (Fun and thrills for children and adults alike); Valencay Chateau (home of Tallyrand, Napolean’s chief minister) and the local classic car museum. Places associated with the writer Georges Sand include her home where she played host to Lizt and the uniquely atmospheric Chateau of Sarzay. Drive along the Creuse near Argenton sur Creuse for the scenery and visit Fresselines a pretty artist’s colony where Monet painted in the late 19 C.

The list of attractions is endless and we recommend the Lonely Planet guide The Loire, which covers the entire region in detail.