Discover Saint-Michel-Sur-Loire

Saint-Michel-Sur-Loire lies on the right bank hillside of the Loire; Bréhémont is opposite it on the other side of the river. The village is on the edge of a plateau and overlooks the Loire. Two geographical features are therefore important when choosing a location: its position on the right side of the river and its elevated position above it. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can make the landscape, historic buildings or the hiking route your main focus.

Location, the Loire and the hiking route

The circular route “Le village sur son coteau perché” is an easy 6.5-kilometre hike, with an estimated duration of about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It starts at the foot of Saint-Michel Church. The distance describes the length of the route, while the approximate duration gives you a time estimate—two details you can consider separately when planning your day. As trail conditions may vary by season, it is advisable to check the latest conditions before setting off.

Saint-Michel Church has numerous stained-glass windows. One depicts the triumphant Archangel Michael above the demon; the image was inspired by a painting by Raphael. This means you can combine the starting point of the hiking route with a specific detail of the local heritage.

Buildings and local history

Planchoury lies on the right bank hillside of the Loire, between Langeais and Saint-Patrice, in the commune of Saint-Michel-Sur-Loire. The area was once a fief of the Barony of Saint-Michel-Sur-Loire. The Château de Planchoury dates from the 17th century and is now privately owned; a local hiking trail passes by the estate. Its location, former feudal affiliation and date of construction place the estate in the context of local history, while the hiking trail offers a distinct connection to the landscape.

The Grange de l’Isle dates from the 15th century and may have served as a toll station for the Lord of Saint-Michel. Its possible function remains a historical interpretation; the date of the Grange should be considered separately.

The Manoir de Banchereau, also known as Cave-Banchereau, is a manor house with a long white façade. It stands on a terrace cut into the hillside, on the small road called du Lane. Unlike the Château de Saint-Michel, which was built on a rocky promontory, the Manoir stands on a terrace cut into the hillside.

The Vieux Château is now privately owned. Part of the surrounding wall, a barn and the entrance gate remain. Together, these elements date from the 15th century and are protected as a historic monument.

The Château de Saint-Michel was built on a rocky promontory in the 15th century. It overlooks the right bank of the Loire and was associated with a strategic view across the valley.

Vineyards and cherry history

The hillside of Saint-Michel-Sur-Loire was covered with vineyards for a long time. The “cerise de Planchoury” cherry variety is also part of local history: it was discovered in 1844 in the gardens of the Château de Planchoury. Together, these details offer a glimpse into earlier ways the area was used and cultivated, alongside traces of its architectural history.

Discover more destinations: La Chapelle-Blanche-Saint-Martin, La Membrolle-Sur-Choisille, Saint-Martin-Le-Beau, Truyes, Veigné, Restigné, Saint-Nicolas-Des-Motets, Chambray-Lès-Tours.

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