Are you on vacation in the Loire Valley? Stop off at the village of Chédigny! If you're lucky enough to pass through during the flowering season, you'll be greeted by the thousands of roses that adorn the village's alleyways. This garden city, renowned for its flowers, enchanted us with its charm and scents!
In this article, you'll find our list of 12 ideas for things to do in Chédigny. Bonus photos, useful tips and extra activities!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the village of Chédigny worth a visit?
Yes! Set amidst the chateaux of the Loire Valley, this small village is a haven of greenery. The only village in France to have been awarded the "Remarkable Garden" label, it is renowned for its exceptional flower display. In fine weather, the streets and houses are adorned with thousands of roses. Like us, you'll be captivated by this garden city. A green setting not to be missed!
It's one of the most beautiful gardens on the Loire, and also one of the most charming villages in the region!
1. Marvel at myriads of roses
Why visit?
Nestled in lush green countryside just a stone's throw from Tours, the charming village of Chédigny is one of the most beautiful gardens in the Loire Valley. Thanks to its former mayor's passion for flowers, the village has transformed its alleys and sidewalks into a place of enchanting flowers. Today, it holds the "Jardin Remarquable" label, which recognizes the value of beautification through plants. We were charmed by the thousands of rosebushes nestling between the stones of the houses. As we do, wander from color to scent and marvel at this floral delicacy!
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour to stroll through the village's flower-lined streets.
- The stone-paved floor is not always even, but rather flat. Bring comfortable shoes.
- The village is open to all.
2. Stroll through the Curé's Garden
Why visit?
Also known as the "Jardin du Presbytère", this hidden garden in the village is well worth a visit. Medicinal, decorative and aromatic, this green space will surprise you with its many facets. After passing through a nave of flowers, we strolled through a kitchen garden of little-known vegetables and the garden of simple plants. A few steps away and depending on the season, the orchard may tempt you with its branches heavy with ripe fruit. Continue your exploration in the Sacred Garden and Cross Garden, evoking the site's former religious vocation. In this place of contemplation and education, we tasted the vigour of plants!
Practical advice
- Allow 45 minutes for the visit.
- No visiting difficulties.
- Accessible to PRM.
- Price: €3, free for PRM and under-18s.
- Open from May to October every day from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 6pm - more info on the official town website here.
- Guided tours available.
WHERE TO STAY IN Tours
In the city center
Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
- Hotel Ferdinand - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hôtel du Cygne - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel L'Adresse - check prices, pictures and availability
Near the station and around the city center
An early train? Or just a little more peace and quiet? Here are our recommendations:
- Hotel Les Trésorières - 5 stars - check prices, pictures and availability
- Aparthotel Central Parc Tours - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Oceania L'Univers Tours - check prices, pictures and availability
In the countryside around
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Tours? Here's our suggestion:
- Hotel Domaine de la Tortinière - 20 min away - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Troglododo - unusual 25min away - check prices, pictures and availability
3. Discover La Vigne du Curé
Why visit?
Facing the Jardin du Curé, the Vigne du Curé has been displaying its superb rows of plants since 2018. Witness to Chédigny's winegrowing past, the former presbytery vineyard and its Chenin vines will spark the imagination of wine lovers. In our opinion, the panorama is also worth a look. We enjoyed this typical regional landscape, which echoes the promising vineyards along the Loire wine route!
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour.
- The stone-paved floor is not always even, but rather flat. Bring comfortable shoes.
- Price: €10, free for children under 16.
- Book via the official website here.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Admire Saint-Pierre-Es-Liens church
Why visit?
As we rounded a bend in the flowering rose bushes, we came upon the charming Église Saint-Pierre-Es-Liens. Nestled in the center of the village, it stands soberly amid lush alleyways. After admiring its exterior architecture and pretty bell tower, we stepped into the coolness of the nave. The colorful stained glass windows caught our eye, as did the large stone vaults typical of the region.
Practical advice
- Allow 15 minutes to contemplate the church's exterior and interior architecture.
- No visiting difficulties.
- Free access.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
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5. Venturing to the washhouse
Why visit?
A little further into the village, the old washhouse takes us back in time! A picturesque reminder of a thousand-year-old tradition, the watering hole is dominated by a magnificent renovated wooden framework. If you listen carefully, you may hear the distant echo of the washerwomen's laughter!
Practical advice
- A 15-minute journey into the washhouse's past!
- No visiting difficulties.
- Free access.
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6. Discover the wine press and its exhibits
Why visit?
A little past the washhouse, the wine press also intrigued us! This former grape pressing room has been transformed into a showroom. The commune regularly renews its program, featuring local artists. Visit this unique room and you might just fall in love with a work of art! The site also hosts events and entertainment throughout the summer.
Practical advice
- Allow 15-30 minutes.
- No visiting difficulties.
- Free access (except for events and activities).
- Click here for program and opening hours.
7. Visit artists' studios and galleries
Why visit?
During our visit to Chédigny, we came across a number of artists' studios in the narrow streets. The village is home to several workshops that can be visited. Photography, painting, sculpture and ceramics. There's something for every discipline and taste. Some of them showcase plants in an original way that will amaze you!
Practical advice
- Allow 15 to 30 minutes per workshop, depending on your affinities!
- No visiting difficulties.
- Free access.
- Find the list of village artists here.
8. Soak up poetry
Why impregnate?
Poetry is everywhere in Chédigny! It permeates the alleyways and flower corollas, but also the slate tiles. During your visit, take note of the little poems scattered around the gardens. Sprinkling the village with cooing words, they embellished our escape with their rhymes!
Practical advice
- Allow at least 30 minutes to discover all the poems hidden in the foliage and under the windows!
- You may have to bend down to read the famous verses.
- Free access.
9. Admire the Indrois and its green banks
Why look?
Extend your visit by contemplating the course of the Indrois, the small river that meanders near the village. Its stirring green waters will transport you to the river world of the Loire Valley. We enjoyed the bucolic view! The shores also seem to be teeming with life. Keep an eye out for local wildlife.
Practical advice
- Take 15 minutes to admire the scenery.
- No visiting difficulties.
- Free access.
10. Take the sentier du Marais
Why visit?
Along the edge of the village, the Marais trail takes you deep into the surrounding countryside. We loved this escape to the heart of nature. Spanning more than 1km, this escapade might just inspire you to embark on a longer hike. Chédigny is at the heart of a network of hiking trails and loops that will delight walking enthusiasts!
Practical advice
- Allow a 30-minute walk, taking your time.
- The ground is not always even, so take good shoes!
- Free access.
11. Let yourself be guided on a floral walk
Why let yourself be guided?
Organized by the town council and a local association, flower walks take you on a tour of the village, the Jardin du Curé and the Vigne du Curé with a local guide. An opportunity to learn more about the surprising history of this town that has made flowers its standard! These guided tours will also reveal the secrets of plants and public buildings. We recommend them.
Practical advice
- Allow 15 minutes to admire the scenery.
- No visiting difficulties.
- Free access.
- Guided tours available.
12. Attend the Rose Festival
Why visit?
Every year in May, at the height of the flowering season, the village comes alive with the Rose Festival. Come and take a look! This will be an opportunity to discover the town, filled with roses, but also with local craftsmen and producers who will be taking over the streets for a few days. Unfortunately, we missed this year's event!
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to wander the crowded streets and discover the various stalls.
- Expect the village to be packed!
- Free access.
- The festival usually takes place over 2 days at the end of May. Find out more here.
DISCOVER Tours
- Things to do in Tours
- Where to sleep in Tours: best hotels
- Where to eat in Tours: best restaurants - coming soon
- Rent a car in Tours
- Best castles around Tours
- Visit the Tours Museum of Fine Arts - coming soon
- Visit the Basilica of Saint Martin in Tours - coming soon
- Visit the Botanical Garden of Tours - coming soon
- Visit Saint-Gatien Cathedral
- Visit the Companionship Museum - coming soon
Other activities in and around Chédigny
Chédigny and the surrounding area offer other exciting activities. Here are our suggestions:
- The Festival de Bouche et de Blues de Chédigny, for example, takes place every year. It combines music and gastronomy. Come and enjoy a country-style meal while listening to the blues! Find out more here.
- Hiking: several loops pass close to the village, including the Indrois Valley Loop and the Roses and Mills Loop. All you need to know about nearby steps here.
- Cycling escapades: as part of the Loire à vélo route, the village is a great place to get away from it all!
- Visit the Château de Chenonceau: just a few kilometers from Chédigny, this exceptional site, emblematic of the Loire castles, is well worth a visit. We were transported!
Useful tips for visiting Chédigny
Where is Chédigny?
Chédigny is located in the Indre-et-Loire department in the famous Loire Valley.
- 20min from Château de Chenonceau
- 25 fromAmboise
- 40min drive from Tours
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How do I get to Chédigny?
You can reach Chédigny by car, one of the most comfortable ways to visit the Loire Valley. The village is served by the A85 freeway and the D25 and D10 departmental roads.
It's possible to get to Chédigny by public transport, but times and distances may limit your mobility. Buses from the Tours bus station can drop you off in Loches, from where you can take another bus or cab. Allow over an hour for the journey.
Cycling is also a great option in summer! Chédigny is on the route of the Loire à vélo.
Parking
Chédigny has several public parking lots, including the cemetery parking lot and the Peliau parking lot. You can also park your bike in a dedicated parking lot.
Best time to visit
In Chédigny, the question of when to visit the village arises! A burg with a thousand and one flowers, but only during the flowering season. To make the most of the rose bushes and perennials winding their way through the stonework of the houses, we recommend a visit between May and June. Although more crowded, it's the ideal time to admire the village in all its splendor. To find out for sure, visit the official village website here.
Where to eat in the village
In the heart of the village, you'll find everything you need for a gourmet break:
- Restaurant Le Clos Aux Roses will win you over with its simple, tasty cuisine and bucolic setting!
- The pretty Boulangerie Des Roses offers delicious snacks and excellent bread!
Where to stay in and around Chédigny
Would you like to spend the night in Chédigny? Here's a suggestion of addresses:
- Sleep at the Gîte Le Lavoir aux Roses in Chédigny, a green setting in the heart of the village!
- The Gîte Le Presbytère will open its doors and its garden to you for a stay full of charm!
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
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