Rochecorbon: Loire Heritage, Vineyards and Historic Routes

Rochecorbon brings together historic buildings, vineyards and routes with different themes. When choosing your stay, you can consider whether you mainly want to explore heritage, learn about winegrowing or spend time on and along the Loire. Visiting options range from historic walking routes to seasonal tours.

Heritage and Visits

La Lanterne is a square tower built around 1472. It was intended to signal the lordly toll station to ships on the Loire. As a surviving tower of the former fortified castle of Rochecorbon, La Lanterne was included in France's first list of Monuments historiques in 1840. The tower is privately owned and not open to the public. During the European Heritage Days, it is regularly a stop on the Marche du Patrimoine organised by the municipality. Check before your trip whether the date suits your visit.

At the Chapelle Saint-Georges, a distinctive architectural feature takes centre stage: its roof frame was installed in 1028 and is the oldest in France to have been recognised using dendrochronology. The chapel was fully classified as a historic monument in 2016. Guided visits take place from 15 May to 31 October on Sundays and public holidays, between 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm. Self-guided visits are free; from April to September, you can collect the key from the Rochecorbon tourist office. Check the seasonal opening times and key arrangements before your visit.

Walking Routes through Vineyards and History

Two circular routes explore different themes of the surrounding area. “L'Histoire dans la rue 3 – De Vauvert aux Patys” is 3.8 km long and leads to a Gallic oppidum, Castelroc, AOC Vouvray vineyards, the Loire and troglodytic settlements on the hillside. “L'Histoire dans la rue 4 – De vallons en vignes” covers 4.8 km. The route runs between vineyards and valleys and includes troglodytic cellars and stables.

The routes differ in both length and the stops mentioned: the shorter route links, among other things, the oppidum, Castelroc and hillside settlements; the longer one brings vineyards, valleys, cellars and stables together. This lets you choose according to the themes that interest you on your walk. The Voie de Tours, also known as the Via Turonensis, also passes through Rochecorbon. Its 39 stages run from Paris to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle.

Winegrowing, Gardens and Loire Landscapes

Rochecorbon has around 300 hectares of vineyards on steep slopes and is one of seven communes entitled to claim the AOC Vouvray designation. The wine cellars invite you to explore them and learn more about the wines from the winemakers. Before your trip, find out what visiting options are available and whether any winemakers are taking part.

The Jardin du Manoir des Basses Rivières also combines garden design with a historic estate. Its terraced gardens open out towards the Loire and are arranged around an 18th-century country pavilion. The garden holds the “Jardin Remarquable” label. Nearby lies the Île de la Métairie, formerly called Île de Rochecorbon. This natural area of the Loire is characterised by sandy meadows and alluvial forests; parts of the banks dry out depending on the season and water level.

Market and Activities on the Water

The Marché de Rochecorbon takes place on Saturday mornings at Place de l’Observaloire. Local producers are at the centre of the market, inviting you to discover and taste their products. As market times and offerings can change, check the details before your trip.

La Rabouilleuse offers boat trips throughout the year, by request, to explore the natural environment of the Loire. Whether a trip is possible also depends on the season and river conditions. La Rabouilleuse also organises sailing lessons and dinghy departures on the Loire with partner sailing clubs; canoe support is available. Some trips are reserved for experienced participants and must be arranged in advance.

For another outing, Lulu Parc is a shaded outdoor amusement park for children of all ages, set in the natural surroundings of the Val de Loire. Check opening times before your visit. The variety of destinations in Rochecorbon—from listed historic buildings and winegrowing to routes and activities along the Loire—gives you several concrete themes to guide your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Lignières-de-Touraine, Saint-Épain, La Chapelle-Blanche-Saint-Martin, Savigné-Sur-Lathan, Saint-Jean-Saint-Germain, Pernay, Céré-La-Ronde, Descartes.

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