Montrichard: History, Wine and Cycling

Montrichard offers several distinct starting points for a trip: the keep on a rocky outcrop, the Sainte-Croix church, a protected 16th-century timber-framed house, Caves Monmousseau and a cycling route in the Cher Valley. If you are looking for a hotel in Montrichard, these themes can shape the focus of your plans. You can choose what to focus on based on history and architecture, wine or a bike ride.

Donjon de Montrichard and Forteresse

The Donjon de Montrichard stands on a natural rocky outcrop above the town. Its location and the historical dates associated with the fortress offer different points of reference: the fortress’s Tour Carrée was built in the 12th century by the d’Amboise family. The Forteresse de Montrichard was designated a Monument historique in 1877. The two dates therefore refer to different events: the 12th century refers to the construction of the Tour Carrée, while 1877 refers to the designation of the Forteresse.

You can visit the keep independently; a visitor’s guide is available. As visitor arrangements may change, check the latest information about visiting before you go. This helps distinguish the architectural and historical aspects from the practical question of how you would like to visit the keep.

Sainte-Croix: Origins and Remembrance

The Sainte-Croix church originated in the early 11th century as a chapel below the keep. Its history places the church building in relation to the keep. Stained-glass windows in the church commemorate the weddings of Louis XI’s two daughters, which took place in the château’s chapel there. Sainte-Croix thus brings together two distinct historical associations: the early chapel as the origin of the church building and the weddings as the subject of the windows. When viewing the church, you can consider its architectural history and commemoration separately.

Wine and Visits at Caves Monmousseau

The sparkling wines of the Touraine appellation are made in the 15-kilometre-long galleries of Caves Monmousseau. A winding route of about 700 metres is available for visits, either guided or self-guided. The two lengths refer to different things: 15 kilometres describes the galleries, while about 700 metres is the length of the visitor route. This distinguishes the size of the site from the distance covered during a visit.

The “Arts et Dégustation” tour includes a guided visit with an in-depth tasting of six wines from the Loire Valley and regional products. You can choose between a self-guided route, a guided visit and a tour with a tasting. Visit options and booking conditions may change, so check in advance whether your preferred option is available and what conditions apply to the tour.

Cycling Route in the Cher Valley

The easy “Plage, écluses et pressoirs en vallée du Cher” cycling route is 30 kilometres long and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Distance and approximate duration go together when planning your day: the number of kilometres describes the route, while the time provides another indication of the time required. The route is accessible via Cœur de France à Vélo in Montrichard Val de Cher. Montrichard station is one of the stations served by the Cœur de France à Vélo route.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Theillay, Authon, Montrieux-En-Sologne, Saint-Gourgon, La Chaussée-Saint-Victor, Angé, Tour-En-Sologne, Concriers.

For the overview of the wider region: Loir-Et-Cher.