Preuilly-sur-Claise

Here in Southern Touraine we are lucky to be surrounded with many interesting and picturesque villages. One of our favourites being Preuilly-sur-Claise,15 minutes from Barrou, which we have walked around and enjoyed many times over the years. It has a number of attractive features, not least the river Claise which flows through it, the chateau and it wonderful abbey church of Saint Peter's.

Like most townss in the area it has a rich past which has left its mark on the landscape. The village is overlooked by the private chateau of 'Chateau du Lion' which sits on a site that has had a chateau of some form or other there since as far back as 930.

The original church in the town dates from 1009 with modifications in the 15th century followed by extensive reworking, including the new tower, unique in Touraine, during the 19th century. To appreciate its Romanesque-Byzantine style architecture we suggest you first take a walk around the streets of the the village to get the different views of the church before stepping inside.

The village has the typical charm of many Loire Valley towns and simply walking around is a pleasure.

Love this little street - you may not be surprised to learn it's a dead-end!

The village boasts restaurants (of varying styles and menus) plus 2 hotels with bars.

The bridge over the river Claise is a delight and provides a number of great photo opportunities.

The village has a small, twice weekly market, on Thursday and Saturday mornings.

The village also has an open-air pool (heated) which is open during July and August.

*You can find more details re St Peters abbey church here

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Author: Jim Craig