Savonnières is a city of Indre-et-Loire, in the Center-Val de Loire region, 15 km southwest of Tours.
The territory of the commune, vast of more than 16 km², is crossed in the north by the course of the Cher which flows in the Loire to 5 km in the west. The village has developed on the slopes overlooking the left bank of the Cher.
Already occupied during Prehistory, the site is inhabited during Antiquity, and the Romans establish a soap mill along the path linking Tours to Chinon.
A Gallo-Roman cemetery dating from the third century was discovered in caves of the town.
During the Middle Ages, a parish is created and the city takes off thanks to the fluvial trade.
In the twelfth century, a seigniorial castle was built and until the Revolution, Savonnières is a chatellenie where justice is done.
The traffic and the trade related to the sailors who sail on the Cher make the wealth of Savonnières until the beginning of the 20th century. At the same time, a viticultural activity that has since disappeared has also contributed to the wealth of the locality.
Savonnières now has nearly 3200 inhabitants and enjoys the proximity of the agglomeration Touraine while highlighting its historic and natural heritage. Belonging to the perimeter of the Val de Loire labeled UNESCO, near many famous tourist sites (castles), it is a step of choice for who visits the region.
It is its so-called "petrifying" caves - because the water is transformed into stone - which constitute the jewel of the city. To the west of the village, it was first of quarries used by the Romans as a necropolis and then in the Middle Ages by the craftsmen to extract stone tufa. They were then partially invaded by the waters. Stalagmites and stalactites were formed, but also natural sculptures in the form of draperies or petrified fountains. The caves are now open to the public and offer an amazing sight. Handmade objects made on site are also offered for sale, made in this unusual material. Open every day from February to November. Guided tour: 5.30 and 7.40 euros. Information on +33 2 47 50 00 09.
Listed in its entirety, a historical monument, to be seen next on the built heritage plan, the Saint-Gervais and Saint-Protais church. Succeeding a first building of the eighth century, it was built from the early twelfth stone tufa. We notice his amazing porch style saintongeais with three archivolts (ornaments framing an arcade) carved with foliage and fantastic animals, including. Restored and enlarged in 1812, it was endowed in the late nineteenth century with a cedar altar carved by a student of Rodin, Sergeff. See also, stained glass windows depicting the martyrdom of Saint Gervais and Saint Protais (nineteenth century), a polychrome wooden statue depicting Saint Roch, the patron saint of the sailors (sixteenth) and a painting of the sixteenth also showing Christ blessing.
See also, the House of the Passeur, built in 1580. This inn had an astonishing destiny: from 1613 to the Revolution, the lord of the place used the floor like house of justice whereas the ground floor remained a coffee... In 1850, it also functioned as an office where the right of way was regulated by the ferry when one crossed the Cher. But a bridge was built a few years later. Today, the house houses an art gallery and a shop.
The Maison de l'If, a former religious school now transformed into a restaurant and the town hall, a 19th century building enhanced in 1906 to ward off floods, will also be included in a discovery tour of the historic heritage. Note that the council room houses a remarkable carved fireplace dating from 1908.
Finally, we will not forget the Moulin des Fontaines, located on the site of the soap mill of the Roman era. The buildings and mechanisms of the current mill date back to the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Part of the building houses guest rooms but the mill can be visited by contacting +33 6 47 72 52 92.
These different sites such as the banks of the Cher and the charming hillsides surrounding the city can be the object of hiking. Two trails are specifically focused on local heritage. Other routes include the surrounding area, such as the village of Villandry and its castle or the banks of the Loire, a few kilometers north of Savonnières (also accessible to mountain bikers). Documentation and information on +33 2 47 50 12 66.
For a walk aboard a traditional boat, on the Cher, and find the feelings of the sailors of the past while admiring the landscape differently, the association of the Boatmen du Cher offers from April to October small cruises of 30 minutes at 2 o'clock. Price: from 5 euros. Information and reservations on +33 6 88 74 57 83.
The Cher can also fill fishing enthusiasts. Learn about the developed sites and the regulations at +33 2 47 05 33 77.
Finally, for athletes, a skate park is available and indoor or outdoor tennis courts can be booked on +33 2 47 53 05 86.
In even years, in May, the Savonnières Biennale of Painting brings together hundreds of works by renowned artists with varied techniques.
Odd years, beginning of July, Festi'Rues program of shows related to the street arts (theater, concerts)...
July 14, on the occasion of the National Day, torchlight procession, fireworks and popular ball.
On the first Thursday of August, Flavors market in semi-nocturnal from 17h on the place des Charmilles. The appointment also includes musical entertainment and ends with a firework display.
The second weekend of August, harvest festival and gathering of vintage cars.
Finally, every Saturday, the weekly market allows to discover the richness of the terroir of the region.
