Saint-Genouph between the Loire, Cher and cultural heritage
Accommodation in Saint-Genouph
Saint-Genouph lies between the Loire and the Cher. Vegetable growing and horticulture shape the alluvial zone; historic buildings and a hiking trail offer further perspectives on the town.
Rivers and landscape
The alluvial zone between the Loire and the Cher is devoted mainly to vegetable growing and horticulture. The riverside setting and agricultural use therefore both contribute to the landscape. The specific features associated with the two rivers also differ: on the banks of the Loire, the Saint-Genouph Girouet depicts a grey heron and a fish. On the Cher, the fish pass at Grand Moulin allows shad, lamprey and eel to migrate.
These examples represent different aspects of the town: the Girouet is a local emblem featuring two animal motifs, while the fish pass serves fish migration. Visitors interested in nature and landscape will find both a cultural symbol on the Loire and an ecological feature on the Cher.
The church and local history
Saint-Genouph’s church was first built in the Romanesque period. In 1899, architect Guérin rebuilt it on the foundations of the older church. Its Romanesque origins and its 19th-century reconstruction thus belong to different periods in its architectural history.
Grinning heads, also known as modillions, are set on the exterior apse. The apse marks the end of the choir; the heads form a sculptural detail there. One of the church’s windows depicts the “Woman with Five Knees.” The exterior and the window thus provide different points of interest: the grinning heads on the outside and the unusual figure in the glass.
Other points in time appear in references to Marçay and Marsay. Human settlement in the hamlet of Marçay has been documented since the Bronze Age. A 17th-century bourgeois residence stands in the hamlet of Marsay. These two references range from early settlement history to a specific type of residence from the early modern period.
Manoir du Morier and its setting
The Manoir du Morier lies on the Cher, slightly below the levee. Its entrance is framed by two slender towers topped with small, tile-covered conical roofs. The setting and entrance design give the building two clearly defined features: its proximity to the river and the striking frame around its entrance.
Sentier des Varennes
The Sentier des Varennes starts behind the church in Saint-Genouph and leads to the Loire levee. It is classified as an easy hiking trail; its route options range from 5.2 to 6.7 kilometres. The difficulty rating and route length provide practical guidance if you are planning to include the hike in your itinerary. Check local conditions before setting out.
Nearby, the trail offers views of the Loire and its islands, as well as the Grand Moulin de Ballan-Miré. The mill was built on the Cher during the reign of Francis I. The views thus connect the river and its islands with a historic building in the surrounding area.
Discover more destinations: Louestault, Azay-sur-Indre, La Croix-En-Touraine, Villaines-Les-Rochers, Sainte-Maure-De-Touraine, Courcelles-De-Touraine, Dame-Marie-Les-Bois, Reignac-Sur-Indre.
For the broader travel overview: Indre-Et-Loire.
