Two branches of a river flow around the narrow lanes of this serene village, where bakeries and cafés complement an elegant church and a historic fortress.
THIS NEEDS TO BE REWRITTEN BECAUSE VILLENTROIS IS NOW PART OF A LARGER COMMUNE.
Villentrois is a charming commune with a tranquil ambiance and pastoral terrain. It serves as a quiet base for exploring the surrounding forests, hamlets and castles. Stroll along the main street that passes through the heart of the village and admire the quaint buildings.
Stop at a café or bakery behind a rustic façade and watch people wander by in this pleasant commune. Stay overnight at one of the enchanting maisons lining the street. Among the highlights on the narrow streets is the Église St. Georges, with its tall spire and elegant clock face. Ascend its staircase and enter through the main portal to explore the religious artworks and colorful stained-glass windows within.
Stroll up and down the hilly roads and venture into the parks, where you can set up a picnic on the grass. As you walk northwest, you’ll find more green parkland with the Modon River through it. Cross a bridge and amble along the riverbanks, as you listen to the soothing sounds of trickling water from this narrow waterway.
Continue north past the second branch of the river to get to the iconic Villentrois Fortress. The crumbling ruin has tall cylindrical towers marking its corners. Although it is a private property, you can get fairly close to this impressive structure, which dates back to the 12th century. Notice how the castle has been built into the rocks.
Keep up the theme of châteaux with a 10-minute car ride to neighboring Valençay. Here, you’ll see the spectacular Château de Valençay, with its landscaped gardens and domed towers. Rent an electric cart to take your family around the vast grounds and join a tour of the enormous residence.
Villentrois is just inside the boundary of the Indre department, touching the border with Loir-et-Cher in the center of France. It stands between the villages of Fontguenand and Faverolles. Drive east from Tours or west from Bourges for about 1 hour to reach the village.
