Church architecture, protected furnishings, a spring, lime kilns and a memorial site give Avrillé-les-Ponceaux several distinct themes to explore during a stay. You can focus on architectural history, cultural heritage, industrial history or a walking option.

Churches and Cultural Heritage

Several building phases can be distinguished at the Church of Saint-Aubin. Most of the building dates from the Romanesque period; the square bell tower is dated to the 12th century. The choir was built in the 16th century and ends in a flat apse. The dating of the choir therefore differs from that of the predominantly Romanesque church building. The bell is also a point of interest in its own right: it is listed as protected movable cultural property; the listing dates from 10 February 1993.

The Church of Saint Gilles de Saint Symphorien preserves elements from the Romanesque period. Its two-arched bell gable is described as relatively rare in Touraine. This is a specific architectural feature in addition to the more general reference to Romanesque elements. Saint-Aubin is also worth considering for a comparison of architectural forms, with its square tower and later-built choir providing distinct points of reference.

The Church of Saint-Symphorien-les-Ponceaux has a separate protected status: it was listed as a historic monument by decree on 23 September 1949. The altar cross and six 18th-century candlesticks are listed as protected movable cultural property; their listing dates from 29 November 1978. The building and its furnishings thus represent different aspects of cultural heritage. The dates help distinguish the protection of the church building from that of the individual objects.

Spring, Lime Kilns and La Morellerie

The Fontaine Saint-Gilles is also known as the Source des Poutreaux and is protected by a small vaulted structure. A flight of five or six steps leads to it. Check the condition of the steps before visiting. The steps also make the spring a distinct point of interest for practical planning. La Fontaine also has a boules de fort court.

Three lime kilns stood east of the Church of Saint Gilles de Saint Symphorien. Lime production at the kilns ended in 1954. Their number and location, along with the end of production, provide a brief time frame for this chapter of local history. This industrial focus differs from the architectural and furnishing details of the churches.

La Morellerie is one of the places visitors can discover in Avrillé-les-Ponceaux. The Manoir de la Morellerie was the seat of a former fief. A memorial stele was unveiled at the site of the La Morellerie camp on 14 January 2008. The former fief and the stele mark two distinct historical points of reference, each of which stands on its own when exploring La Morellerie.

Walking and Natural Environment

A Natura 2000 assessment from 2010–2011 placed 84 percent of the commune’s area within the “Lac de Rillé et forêts voisines d’Anjou et de Touraine” zone. This figure relates to that assessment at the time. It adds a regional natural area to the cultural themes without implying a specific walking route.

A 2010–2011 inventory listed two PR walking circuits for Avrillé-les-Ponceaux: one 7 km long, the other 12 or 14 km. The 7 km circuit contrasts with a longer one of 12 or 14 km. If route length matters for your plans, check the current route status and the longer distance information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Civray-De-Touraine, Crotelles, Semblançay, La Châtre, Thilouze, Descartes, Azay-sur-Indre, Candes-Saint-Martin.

For the broader travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.