The Donjon de Montrichard stands on a natural rocky outcrop above the town, giving it a distinctive historical landmark. Other highlights include the Sainte-Croix church, a protected half-timbered house, Caves Monmousseau and a bike ride in the Cher Valley. These different themes help you tailor your stay to your interests: fortress and architectural history, wine, or a longer cycling activity.

Fortress and architectural history

The Tour Carrée of the fortress of Montrichard was built in the 12th century by the d’Amboise family. The Forteresse de Montrichard was designated a Monument historique in 1877. The Donjon, standing above the town on a natural rocky outcrop, is another historical landmark. It can be visited independently, with a visitor’s guide available. As opening arrangements may change, check the latest information before your visit.

The Maison en bois du 16e siècle dite de l’Ave Maria is also one of Montrichard’s protected historic buildings. It was listed as a historic monument by decree on July 10, 1926. The dates place the different buildings in context in different ways: for the Tour Carrée, they refer to its construction in the 12th century; for the Forteresse, to its designation as a Monument historique; and for the half-timbered house, to its protection in 1926.

The Sainte-Croix church originated as a chapel below the Donjon in the early 11th century. Its stained-glass windows commemorate the weddings of the two daughters of Louis XI, which took place in the castle chapel. The church therefore offers its own historical connection to the weddings as well as its early architectural history. Together with the fortress buildings and the half-timbered house, it shows how different eras can be seen in Montrichard’s surviving buildings.

Wine and visits at Monmousseau

Caves Monmousseau produces sparkling wines bearing the Touraine appellation in galleries stretching for 15 kilometres. Visitors can choose a guided or self-guided tour along a winding circuit of about 700 metres. The two distances describe different things: 15 kilometres of galleries compared with a circuit of around 700 metres. This helps you distinguish the scale of the underground area from the length of the visitor route.

The “Arts et Dégustation” tour combines a guided visit with an in-depth tasting of six Loire Valley wines and regional products. It is a distinct option within the range of visits. Visit formats and booking conditions may change; check the latest information if you are planning a visit or this tour in particular.

Bike ride and access to the route

If you would like to plan a longer activity alongside visits to the historic buildings, try the easy “Plage, écluses et pressoirs en vallée du Cher” cycling route. It is 30 kilometres long and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes; it can be accessed via Cœur de France à Vélo in Montrichard Val de Cher. The approximate duration gives you a separate timeframe for the cycling route, distinct from the shorter visits at Monmousseau. As route details may change, check the latest route information before planning your trip.

Montrichard station is one of the stations served by the Cœur de France à Vélo route. If you are planning to combine train travel and the cycling route, check the latest train and route information. This will help you estimate how much time to allow for the cycling route while choosing the visits that interest you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Maslives, Saint-Viâtre, Concriers, Veilleins, Crouy-Sur-Cosson, Molineuf, Chitenay, Courmemin

For the broader travel overview: Loir-Et-Cher.