Go green in South Touraine

Start your trip in Descartes, the village where René Descartes, the famous French philosopher, was born, then follow the Claise Valley down to Tournon-Saint-Pierre. Whether on foot or bicycle, for a day (or more) immerse yourself in nature and charming villages.

This trail, along a former railway track, is reserved exclusively for cyclists and walkers. It weaves its way through 8 villages that boast extensive architectural and natural heritage: Descartes, Abilly, Le Grand-Pressigny, Chaumussay, Boussay, Preuilly-sur-Claise, Bossay-sur-Claise and Tournon-Saint-Pierre.

From René Descartes to Cro-Magnon

The Greenway crosses through some of South Touraine's most beautiful picturesque villages between the Claise and Creuse valleys. Begin your trip in Descartes, the birthplace of René Descartes a famous 17th-century French philosopher. Visit the house where he was born, which is now an interesting museum dedicated to his life. After your visit to the museum wander through the wonderful René Boylesve botanical garden, on the banks of the river Creuse.

Check out the leisure base, before or after your visit to the public gardens, and enjoy the numerous facilities including 5 swimming pools, mini golf and canoe hire!

Next stop : Abilly! Leave the Greenway and stop off for a break on the Île de la Claise before discovering the nearby Archéolab, an archaeology interpretation centre.

As you head towards Le Grand-Pressigny village, you will notice in the distance the Prehistory Museum where visitors can enjoy exhibitions and children may be able to participate in workshops. The village has an abundance of charming old houses and Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church is well worth a visit.

Continue eastwards towards Étableau and Chaumussay, two pretty villages nestled along the banks of the river Claise. The ruins of the medieval castle stand watch over the valley in Étableau. Take a moment to enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river Claise in Chaumussay. Both the church and the fountain, with its ‘miracle powers’, are worth a look.

The next stop is the picture-postcard village Boussay and Saint Laurent Church. The castle has reigned supreme for over a 1000 years in the centre of a pretty park. Although the castle isn't open to the public, the park is freely accessible all year round.

Make your way to Preuilly-sur-Claise’s well preserved village centre. The imposing Saint Peter's Abbey Church with its bell tower covered with Burgundy style glazed tiles, has real charm.

Download the “South Touraine Explorer*’ app, which will lead you down alleyways and through the streets to unravel clues. A fun way to discover the village as a family.

*Downloadable for free on App Store and Google Play.

After leaving Preuilly-sur-Claise, take a stroll around Bossay-sur-Claise. The recently restored Saint Martin's Church with its beautiful wooden vault is well worth a visit. And, if you fancy a gourmet treat, stop off at the Blanc Capri farm and taste their goat's cheese. The final segment of the greenway leads to Tournon-Saint-Pierre, the last village in South Touraine before entering the Berry region. Welcome to La Brenne!

This Greenway, perfectly positioned  between the Creuse and Claise valleys, is either directly connected to Loire à Vélo (Loire by Bike), Indre à Vélo (Indre by Bike), Saint-Jacques à Vélo (Santiago de Compostela by Bike) and the Scandibérique. In 2026, the Greenway will include a new national bikeway from Chinon, in Touraine, to Argenton-sur-Creuse, in Berry.

Consult the South Touraine Greenway map