Saint-Paterne-Racan: Abbey, Parish Church and the Escotais Valley

Saint-Paterne-Racan lies in the Escotais Valley, surrounded by orchards and forests. Here, different travel interests have specific points of interest: the Cistercian abbey of Notre-Dame de la Clarté-Dieu, Saint-Paterne Parish Church, Château de la Roche Racan and officially recognized walking routes. You can choose your focus according to whether you are interested in architectural history, scenery or a route linking named cultural sites.

Abbey and parish church: different timelines

The Cistercian abbey of Notre-Dame de la Clarté-Dieu was founded in 1239. The timber framework of its west wing is dated to 1274. These dates refer to different things: 1239 is the year the abbey was founded, while 1274 is the date assigned to this framework. This distinction is useful for understanding the history, since the founding of the abbey and the dating of a specific structural element are not the same thing.

The abbey hosts the Les Clartés musicales festival of jazz and world music every year. If you are planning to travel for the festival, check the current program in advance so you can plan accordingly.

Saint-Paterne Parish Church tells a different historical story: following the fire of 1768, it was partially rebuilt. It houses a group of five terracotta figures depicting the Adoration of the Magi and the Virgin and Child. The church also received an organ in the mid-19th century. The rebuilding, group of figures and organ thus represent different stages in the church’s history.

Château and the Escotais landscape

Château de la Roche Racan was built in 1636 by Honorat de Bueil, known as the poet Racan, on a rocky promontory. It overlooks the Escotais Valley. The year it was built and the name of its builder place the château in a clear historical context, while its location connects it to the valley landscape.

The château grounds also include a 1 km poetic nature trail. The focus here is both on the building atop the rocky promontory and on a nature trail with a specifically stated length. The trail complements the château’s historical significance with a landscape element.

Walking routes and leisure activities

The Sur les pas de Racan circular route is officially recognized by the French hiking federation, FFRandonnée. The Circuit de la Duie et de la Clarté-Dieu is also officially recognized. This route leads to Saint-Paterne Parish Church and the abbey of Notre-Dame de la Clarté-Dieu. If these two cultural sites are among your planned destinations, the Circuit offers a specific route linking them; Sur les pas de Racan is another officially recognized circular route.

Aire de Loisirs de l’Image has a fitness trail and offers activities for children. Alongside the cultural sites and walking routes, there are also facilities for exercise and play. As leisure facilities can change, check the latest information before your visit if these activities are important to your plans.

Wine and regional products

At the Cave de l’Abbaye, you can sample wines and platters featuring carefully selected organic and local products sourced through short supply chains. This offers a distinct culinary experience alongside the architectural history and scenery. As tasting arrangements can change, check the current options before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Château-Renault, Loché-Sur-Indrois, Cheillé, Anché, Ligré, Epeigné-Les-Bois, Saint-Michel-Sur-Loire, Huismes.

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