Go green in south Touraine

Start your trip in Descartes, the village where the famous French philosopher was born, then head up the Claise Valley to Tournon-Saint-Pierre. Immerse yourself in nature and charming villages for a day (or more!) on foot or on your bike.

This trail, a former railway track, is reserved exclusively for cyclists and hikers. It weaves its way through 8 villages that boast amazing built and natural heritage: Descartes, Abilly, Le Grand-Pressigny, Chaumussay, Boussay, Preuilly-sur-Claise, Bossay-sur-Claise and Tournon-Saint-Pierre.

From René Descartes to Cro-Magnon

The Greenway crosses through some of south Touraine's prettiest picturesque villages between the Claise and Creuse valleys. Your trip begins in Descartes, the birthplace of the famous 17th-century French philosopher. Visit the René Descartes Museum, then discover the wonderful René Boylesve botanic garden, laid out across the banks of the Creuse.

Check out Descartes' leisure centre before or after your visit and enjoy some of the numerous facilities including a swimming pool and canoe hire!

Next stop-off: Abilly! Stop off for a break on Claise Island. Leave the Greenway for a moment and discover Archéolab, an archaeology interpretation centre.

As you head for the village of Le Grand-Pressigny, you'll see the Museum of Prehistory on the horizon, which offers exhibitions and workshops for kids. The village overflows with charming old houses and its Saint Gervais and Saint Protais Church is well worth a visit.

Pursue your route towards the east by crossing through Étableau and Chaumussay, two pretty villages nestling along the Claise. The ruins of the medieval castle reign over the valley in Étableau. Take time out and enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Claise in Chaumussay. The church and the fountain "of miracles" are worth a look.

Now, it's time to discover Boussay, a picture-postcard village and its Saint Laurent Church. The castle has reigned supreme in the centre of its park for 1,000 years.  Although the castle isn't open to the public, the park is freely accessible every day of the year.

Now, it's time to head for Preuilly-sur-Claise. Its well-preserved old village centre, with its imposing Saint Peter's Abbey Church and Burgundy glazed-tile bell tower, is a great attraction.

Discover the village with your family by downloading the entertaining "South Touraine Explorer*" app which will take you through little alleyways to unravel clues.

*Downloadable for free on App Store and Google Play.

After your leave Preuilly, enjoy a stroll through Bossay-sur-Claise. The recently-restored Saint Martin's Church with its beautiful wooden vault is well worth a visit. And, if you'd like a gourmet treat, stop off at Blanc Capri and taste their goat's cheese. The final section of the route takes you to Tournon-Saint-Pierre, last village in south Touraine before crossing over into Berry. Welcome to La Brenne!

This Greenway, perfectly located between the Creuse and Claise valleys, is directly connected or via waymarked linking roads to Loire à Vélo (Loire by Bike), Indre à Vélo (Indre by Bike), Saint-Jacques à Vélo (Santiago de Compostela by Bike) and the Scandibérique. In 2025, the Greenway will comprise a new national bikeway from Chinon, in Touraine, to Argenton-sur-Creuse, in Berry.

Discover the South Touraine Greenway