Athée-sur-Cher is a town of Indre-et-Loire, in the Center-Val de Loire region, 18 kilometers south-east of Tours.
The communal territory of 34 km² is located on the left bank of the Cher, tributary of the Loire, in the heart of the plateau of Champeigne. The village takes its name from the Gallic huts that were discovered there.
Crossed by a Roman aqueduct, Athée-sur-Cher is then seat of a prosperous lordship held by a line that lasted until the nineteenth century. The agriculture and the traffic related to Cher have always been the wealth of the municipality which also benefits from its proximity to the great historical and architectural sites of the region. A renowned vineyard and a heritage of quality now also participate in its economy.
And if Athée-sur-Cher suffered during the second war to be positioned on the line of demarcation, today is a town of about 2,700 inhabitants appreciated by lovers of green tourism.
A stage in Athée-sur-Cher can begin with a discovery of a historical heritage sweeping two millennia. Thus in the town are still visible portions of the Roman aqueduct of Fontenay which supplied Tours.
To see then, the church Saint-Romain, built in the twelfth century. Its steeple surmounted by a stone spire is composed of two floors pierced with semicircular windows. In the sixteenth century, the building was enlarged with a side aisle and a choir with apse. Inside, we will notice a beautiful statuary set and stained glass windows.
At the back of the church, you can not miss the Magnanerie, a round tower dating from the sixteenth century for the breeding of silkworms. It was Louis XI then installed in Touraine who encouraged this "industry" to limit imports of expensive Italian silks. On Athée-sur-Cher and its surroundings this allowed for two centuries to supplement the income of agriculture.
Also a cylindrical building, the Brandon Tower, 20 m high, is the remnant of a larger fortress built in the 12th century that suffered during the Hundred Years War. In addition to the tower, there are also some elements of the ancient wall but especially vaulted undergrounds that have since been transformed into wine cellars!
Built in the early 16th century in terms of its main building with gables rondelis (kind of stone rolls beyond the roof), overlooking the valley, the castle Nitray Renaissance is worth a visit. Restored in the nineteenth century, we note in particular its remarkable entrance door framed by a tower and a chapel. The 43-hectare park also dates from the First Empire. The castle is today the jewel of a wine estate. Visit every day from June 1st to September 30th and the rest of the year for groups only by appointment. Entry: 5 euros. Information on +33 2 47 50 29 74.
We can then admire another castle, that of Chesnaye, which dates from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, but unfortunately can not visit. The main building is now home to a retirement home and the old communes are vested in a wine cooperative.
Finally, it should be noted in terms of built heritage that many fountains have been preserved on the town as in the hamlets that surround it.
In terms of natural heritage, the plateau of Champeigne on both sides of the Cher has many protected areas for their fauna and flora (orchids, harriers, insects, butterflies).
With the banks of the Cher, these ecological areas can be the object of hiking or mountain biking. Several circuits include the town, including the interpretation trail of the Cher, which allows to understand the history of the river and boatmen. Documentation and information on +33 2 47 23 84 85.
For fishing enthusiasts, the river is also a bargain. Learn about the developed sites and the regulations at +33 2 47 05 33 77.
Finally, athletes have at their disposal petanque and tennis courts (book with the local club at +33 2 47 35 64 81).
In terms of culture, the library regularly organizes activities (children's stories) and cinema screenings. Information on +33 2 47 35 62 94.
In March or April, on the occasion of the week-end of Rameaux, feast of the andouillette. On the program, carnival, gourmet and musical events and garage sale.
July 14, on the occasion of the national day, pétanque competition and fireworks.
The third weekend of July, the festival Day Cher Program animations (nautical parade) and shows on the banks of the river.
The third weekend of September, garage sale.
The first weekend of October, collectors' fair.
