Grand-Pressigny is a charming village with a very long history starting in the Neolithic Age. During that period, its inhabitants were skilled flint knappers. Over the centuries the village has developed around the foot of the castle, which itself has a dominant position overlooking the Claise valley. Conveniently situated along the South Touraine greenway Grand-Pressigny offers a beautiful tourist experience.
The prehistory museum in Grand-Pressigny is a unique and exciting resource centre for flint where the whole family can find out about the customs and practices of the Palaeolithic era up to the Bronze Age.
The museum’s collections showcase the social, technical, and economic aspects of Prehistory illustrating why the Touraine is renowned in the world of archaeology: Le Grand-Pressigny flint.
BE SMART, BUY YOUR VISIT TICKETS CHEAPER HERE!The ancient church as well as the village belonged to the Collegiate Church of Saint Martin of Tours. It is named after twin brothers who lived during the reign of Emperor Nero and who witnessed the martyrdom of their parents. They were in turn sacrificed to the Roman gods to ensure a battle victory for the Emperor’s troops. The church’s development spanned from the 12th to the 16th century. Architecturally, it is a complex building to understand, because of the difficulty of dating the different stages of its construction. It is of Gothic and Romanesque style. Inside, you will discover a magnificent altarpiece dedicated to Saint Barbara.
The Claise Valley, characterized by its flat tiled roofs, medieval castles, prehistoric sites, oak forests, and winding streams, evokes the essence of the 'Dordogne' while nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley.
Following the charming meanders of the Claise River, the South Touraine greenway leads the visitor from the train station in La Celle-Saint-Avant to the entrance of the Brenne Regional Natural Park.
A former railway line, this nature and heritage trail crosses the town of Descartes, birthplace of the famous philosopher, René Descartes, as well as the beautiful villages, Le Grand-Pressigny Chaumussay, Boussay, Preuilly-sur-Claise, Bossay-sur-Claise and Tournon-St-Pierre.
