Rillé: Nature, Water and Heritage

When choosing a destination, it is worth considering two distinct highlights in Rillé: the nature around the lakes and the town’s historical heritage. There are also water activities, a historic railway and a signposted cycling loop.

Nature at Lac de Pincemaille

Lac de Pincemaille is part of the Natura 2000 network. More than 200 bird species have been observed there. The artificial Lac de Rillé-Pincemaille is now recognised for its ecological richness. Visitors can also discover the local flora and fauna at the lake. The visitor programme may be seasonal; if you are planning to take part, check the dates before your trip.

Birdwatching gives the nature theme a tangible focus: it is not just about the lakeside landscape, but also the diversity observed there. If you are interested in flora and fauna, you can take this into account when planning and distinguish it from the railway, cycling and water-sports activities.

Activities on and around the water

Rillé Wake Park offers wakeboarding on a cable ski lift that is accessible to beginners and advanced riders. Canoes, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats are also available to rent there. Opening times and availability may vary seasonally; check the activities on offer before your visit.

Lac de Rillé is also home to Mini-golf aux oiseaux. This educational course has 18 holes and focuses on the lake’s wildlife. It was designed by the CPIE in collaboration with the LPO. Another way to experience the surroundings actively is Le Baud'Rillé Parc aventure, which offers treetop courses and a zip line that crosses the lake. This adventure park may also operate seasonally.

History and historic landmarks

Église Saint-Loup incorporates architectural elements from the 11th, 12th and 16th centuries. The church houses two reliquaries containing relics of Saint Loup and Saint Urbain. The site therefore brings together different historical periods and a tangible religious heritage.

The history of the fortifications can also be seen in several structures: the surviving remains of Rillé’s fortifications include defensive walls and towers dating from the 15th century. The fortified gate dates from the 13th century. Fontaine Saint-Loup offers another local detail to discover: it feeds the communal washhouse below.

Archaeological landmarks include Pierre Saint-Urbain, also known as “Pierre pointue.” The triangular menhir is 1.25 metres high and is visible and accessible in an open field on the border with the Maine-et-Loire département. Les Trois Chiens, a collection of large stones, is considered evidence of prehistoric settlement in Rillé.

Travel by train or bicycle

The Train de Rillé runs along a route of about 3 kilometres beside Lac de Rillé and through forests and woodlands; services are seasonal. The Train à vapeur de Rillé offers a 30-minute ride on an authentic historic train alongside the lake. The Train de Rillé collection includes four steam locomotives, ten diesel locomotives and around thirty historic passenger and freight cars. Check the train schedule before your trip.

For a bike ride, the 18-kilometre “Nature et sculpture – Boucle vélo n°25” loop starts on the shore of Lac de Rillé. It follows forest tracks and very small country roads. Green and white signs mark the loop number. This route offers a different planning measure from the 30-minute train ride: a stated distance rather than a journey time.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Nicolas-Des-Motets, Restigné, Anché, Pouzay, Marcilly-Sur-Vienne, Saint-Étienne-De-Chigny, Saint-Épain, Chisseaux.

For the broader travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.