Le Grand Pressigny

The village of Le Grand Pressigny, 7km from Barrou , with its chateau ruins and prehistoric history, is not only a destination for palaeontologists but also the discerning tourist. The village has a charm of its own with all the practical features of an active community such as a bank, chemist, doctor, butcher, baker, grocer, tabac / newsagent, florist, hairdresser and post office.

There are three bars in the village 'Le Jean Bart'  the ' Prehisto', to link to the town's  history and one in 'Chez Grand Ma's' restaurant.

There is a very good tourist office in the centre of the village giving information on the delights of the Loire Valley, Touraine and also of its close neighbours in the department of Vienne. The staff speak English and are very helpful.  

There is a small Market day here every Thursday morning.

  

The town throws up a few surprises as you walk around it, no matter what time of year, like, -- Spring by the stadium -- the Summer sun behind the chateau -- the wild flower field behind it in Autumn -- the narrow streets sheltering from Winter, an all-year round delight!

  

There is a heated Municipal swimming pool in the village  It has a standard pool plus  paddling pools for younger swimmers. It is open from the end of June to the end of August from mid morning, though as with  most things in France, closes at lunchtime!

The Chateau

The quality of its architecture and gardens make the chateau an interesting place to visit. The keep, built at the end of XIIth century was later enhanced by a strong defensive enclosure with towers. The chateau was restored around 1560 by Honorat de Savoie, a loyal lord to the Kings of France.

The arcaded gallery built during the wars of religion around the main courtyard shows the care devoted to this restoration.

  

You can walk around the chateau grounds free of charge and take in the great few of the village.

The chateau also contains the Palaeontology Museum located in a more recent building. The reason for its location here is that Prehistoric man lived in this area for four hundred thousand years, attracted by the abundant high-quality flint which could be fashioned into superb tools. Their reputation spread to other countries; in the later Neolithic age large blades were exported, particularly to the Alps. Models, an interactive display and videos complete the exhibition and give much information on the life of prehistoric man.     

The public transport system within the countryside of Touraine is well subsidised making access to the city of Tours from villages affordable. So you can still take advantage of this lovely city without using the car.  To travel up from Le Grand Pressigny  you will be charged only € 2.00  - great value and a good day out ! The bus stop is at the 'Salle de fete' where you can park your car safely to pick up on your return.