Futuroscope (76km) – quite simply a tremendous day out for all the family, with a spectacular range of rides, incredible buildings, geographical & historical cinematic shows, gardens, restaurants and so much more….a real day out and full of fun for all ages, finished off by the evening/night-time spectacular.
Golf – local 18 hole courses are at La Roche Posay & St Cyr near Chatellerault and a 9 hole course at Verneuil.
Vineyards & Wine Tasting – local ones open to the public are in Bossay sur Claise or travel further north to visit the famous Vouvray, Chinon, Saumur and so many others along the Loire
Local Markets – there are just so many to see but Loches is always worth a visit on Saturday, Wednesday & Thursday. The markets become a must for an excellent range of goods manufactured or grown in the area including local wines, fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, meats and fish. There is also a charming market at La Roche Posay twice a week & another at Chatellerault on Thursday & Saturdays.
Zoos – Le Haute Touche at Azay Le Ferron is famous for its specialisation of protecting some endangered species, you can hire bikes and take a picnic or there is Beauval Zoo at St Aignan, a tremendous day out for all the family.
Go-Karting – Outdoor Karting in Chatillon or indoor Karting at Joue les Tours. The course at Chatillon is superb and offers some tremendous thrills for those of us with aggressive driving habits.
Cycling & walking - the lay of the land here makes it simply superb for those of you who wish to explore the area by bike or walking, with so many communal paths and roads that take you off the beaten-track. Bikes are available at both of our gites
Local towns & Chateaux of interest
La Roche Posay: Roche Posay is a 5 minute drive from La Forge and is one of the cutest little towns you will ever find. It is a beautiful, busy spa town founded by the Romans in the 15th century. Many people visit the town for its so called 'healing' waters. People travel worldwide for their spa 'cures' and you can book in to the day spa to enjoy a relaxing massage facial or many other beauty treatments. There is both a 9 and 18 hole golf course, a casino, and horse racing.
Roche Posay is also a world renowned producer of beauty products. They are some of the most natural & amazing beauty ranges that you can find on the market and are available at all the chemists throughout the area. They have also just started to be sold in the UK due to high demand. Bag yourself some gorgeous shampoos, moisturisers, face masks & make- up out there!
Loches: The town is very picturesque and is dominated by a fortified medieval city. Louis XI created a state prison here which can still be visited. An ancient house nearby contains the Lansyer Museum, dedicated to this famous 19th century landscape painter and two of his famous friends. The royal residence here, was lived in by Charles VII, Louis XI, Charles VIII and Louis XII, and was visited by Joan of Arc.
Tours: Capital city of Touraine founded in Gallo-Roman times. Tours is the home of the tomb of St. Martin. A town full of Art and History, with numerous museums, and a flower market. Narrow streets with many stalls that cluster round the famous Place Plumereau. A square surrounded by half timbered houses dating to the 15th and 16th century.
Angles sur L'Anglin: 15 minutes from La Forge, the French Tourist Board have declared that this is one of the prettiest French villages. It has a 15th century castle ruin and a millwith spectacular river views. The ladies here still carry out traditional needlework.
Rigny Ussy: The inspiration for 'Sleeping Beauty' is said to have been found here. A real fairy tale atmosphere here with many towers, spires and chimneys with the forest of Chinon as a beautiful back ground. Built by the Loire river this is a very 'dreamy' setting.
Chenonceau: By far one of the most famous of the Loire Chateaux. The castle is built across the Cher on neatly designed arches. This is an elegant castle which is reached by an avenue of trees, surrounded by dykes.
Chinon: This was the first stop for Joan of Arc on her path of liberation. The town of Chinon with it's cobbled streets and medieval buildings is towered by the half ruined castle. Acres of vineyards stretch across this area. A stop in this region is a must for all wine lovers.
Villandry: The Castle was built in 1530 and is well known for its exceptionally kept gardens. Vegetable garden planned in squares. Ornamental garden with a maze full of right angles and a water garden that is planned around a pool 90 metres long and 75 metres wide.
Langeais: This is a much celebrated and much visited castle, that dominates Langeais itself. There is folk history, but no proof, that Francois Rabelais lived in a house standing between the huge grey towers of the main facade. If you cross the river here you will do so by a suspension bridge of the 19th and 20th century, that has been disguised as a medieval one.
Valencay: All the period furniture has been retained in this beautiful Chateau. The gardens which include an English one are enlivened by the many parrots, peacocks and other animals. Historic animations take place throughout the season. A 'son et lumière' is also a special event.
Azay-le-Rideau: Built on an island in the middle of the Indre. This Castle is a good example of French Renaissance. It is bordered by trees on the outskirts of a small pretty town. A 'son et lumière' is shown throughout the season.
Amboise: One of the first truly 'royal' residence. It is here that Leonardo da Vinci is laid to rest. Charles VIII had two enormous towers built, guarding the front entrance, allowing mounted horsemen and carriages direct access to the terrace. The castle dominates the entire town, and gives one of the best views to the Val. Five minutes away you can find 'Le Clos Lucé', a museum dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci.
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