The gîte is ideally located to discover all the riches of the Loire Valley: the châteaux of course, but also troglodyte sites, wines, cycling along the Loire, hiking… Every activity below links to its official website.
Azay-le-Rideau, a charming village in the heart of the Loire Valley, boasts one of the finest Renaissance châteaux — surrounded by a dozen others, each with its own character. Many châteaux organise family-friendly visits: we will gladly advise you.
A Renaissance jewel set on the Indre river, minutes from the gîte. An absolute must-see.
Visit the official website →
The most famous formal gardens in the Loire Valley, superb in every season.
Visit the official website →
The castle of Sleeping Beauty, which inspired Charles Perrault. Magical with children.
Visit the official website →
In the footsteps of Joan of Arc and the Plantagenets, with superb views over the Vienne.
Visit the official website →
Medieval fortress and royal residence, famous for the re-enactment of the wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany.
Visit the official website →
The "Ladies' Château" spanning the Cher: the most visited château in France after Versailles.
Visit the official website →
900 km of signposted cycle routes along the royal river. Loops accessible directly from the gîte.
Plan your route →
Troglodyte farms carved into the tuffeau stone: an unusual journey into underground Touraine, perfect for families.
Visit the official website →
Fly over the châteaux and the Loire Valley at sunrise or sunset. Unforgettable.
Book a flight →
Treetop adventure courses and canoe trips down the Indre or the Loire: thrills for young and old.
Discover the activities →
The gîte sits in the heart of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park: waymarked trails from the hamlet.
Discover the Park →
3,000 vintage machines and vehicles in an old mill on the banks of the Indre: surprising and fascinating.
Visit the official website →
Tastings at the winemakers' estates and cellars carved into the tuffeau, in the land of Rabelais.
Discover Loire wines →
Two more beautiful appellations to explore, including the Azay-le-Rideau vineyard right next to the gîte (the Vaujoint cellar is just a few hundred metres away!).
Plan your wine route →
A unique local speciality of pears dried in wood-fired ovens, to discover in the troglodyte cellars of Rivarennes.
Discover this speciality →Our magnificent region is renowned for its gastronomy, and one of our great pleasures is trying out as many local restaurants as possible… We will be delighted to point you in the right direction, whatever you fancy!
Our favourite tables in Azay-le-Rideau and the surrounding area — ask us for the up-to-date list, it changes as we discover new places! (Personal recommendations on arrival.)
The Azay-le-Rideau market and the producers' markets of the neighbouring villages: goat's cheeses, rillettes de Tours, seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Winemakers, potters, basket weavers… we personally know many artisans in the hamlet and nearby, and will be happy to introduce you.
"Do not ask me again why I love Touraine. I love it neither as one loves one's cradle, nor as one loves an oasis in the desert. I love it as an artist loves art." — Honoré de Balzac, The Lily of the Valley
Book your stay at Les Écureuils and enjoy the advice of passionate locals.