Tournon-Saint-Martin: Water, Routes and Heritage

When planning a stay in Tournon-Saint-Martin, there are three different perspectives to explore: activities on the water, routes through the river valleys, and historic sites. The specific routes and activities will help you choose what suits your interests.

Whitewater and activities on the water

The Stade d'eau vive is an adjustable whitewater course that can be fitted with slalom gates. A range of activities are offered there: mini-rafting for groups of four to six people, kayaking with rigid or inflatable kayaks, hydrospeed with fins, and stand-up paddleboarding. The listed stand-up paddleboarding options include both calm and moving water; for kayaking, you can choose between rigid and inflatable kayaks.

Guided introductory and advanced courses in kayaking, rafting, airboating, and whitewater swimming are available under the direction of a state-certified instructor. If you are comparing different types of water sports, you will find both individual activities and instructor-led courses here. Tournon-Saint-Martin also has a freely accessible pump track.

Cycling and walking routes between the Creuse and Suin rivers

The 36-kilometre cycling route “Itinéraire vélo n° 6 – La vallée du Suin” can start at the water sports stadium in Tournon-Saint-Martin. It connects the ponds of the Brenne and passes, in particular, through the Suin and Creuse valleys. The route takes in rural landscapes, farmland, and villages with well-preserved traditional buildings.

The Voie Verte is a route of more than 70 kilometres, reserved for cyclists and pedestrians; one section runs between Tournon-Saint-Martin and Le Blanc. Along this route, you follow the Creuse below limestone cliffs before the path climbs to a limestone plateau with low grasslands rich in orchids. The Voie Verte follows the shaded track of a former railway line and passes farmland and orchards on the way to Le Blanc. The riverbanks, plateau, and former railway line each give this route its own distinctive landscape.

For a walk, the “Balade à pied n° 65 – Entre Creuse et Suin” starts and ends in Tournon-Saint-Martin. The route first follows the Creuse and then enters the Suin valley, which is known for its remarkable flora and wildlife. If you would like to include a pilgrimage route towards Tours, you can also take the Chemin de l’Évêque from Tournon-Saint-Martin.

Historic sites and local tradition

The Château de Soudun overlooks the Creuse and was built on the remains of an ancient Gallic fortress. A public visit may not be possible; take this limitation into account when planning. Maison-Neuve was built in the 15th century. According to local tradition, it housed Joan of Arc for one night in 1429. Together with the château, these sites complement the activities and landscapes that shape Tournon-Saint-Martin as a destination for your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Fléré-la-Rivière, Lignac, Issoudun, Chaillac, Mers-Sur-Indre, Concremiers, Faverolles, Azay-Le-Ferron.

For the broader travel guide: Indre.