Thoury is a commune of Loir-et-Cher in the Center-Val de Loire region, 22 km east of Blois.
The territory of the locality, with an area of some 15 km², is partly occupied in the west by the wooded area of the Château de Chambord.
Thoury is part of the natural region of Sologne, known for its forests and lakes, while being close to the course of the Loire.
According to historians, at the beginning of the sixteenth century, Countess Claude de Thoury, from the great Breton family of Rohan, was appreciated and even courted by King Francis I. This would have prompted the ruler to enlarge Chambord Castle to get closer to the residence of the noble lady... Note also that with his second husband, Julien de Clermont, she is at the origin of the famous family of Clermont-Ferrand. Thunder.
The locality, which has about 430 inhabitants, remains rich in its forests and its environment. It also has some interesting heritage features: Thoury is a pleasant stop in the immediate vicinity of the Château de Chambord and other major sites of the Loire Valley.
The village church was built in the eleventh century before being rebuilt during the sixteenth century. The fact is quite singular: originally dedicated to St. Peter, it was in a second time dedicated to St. Roch, from the seventeenth century. On the architectural level, we note that the facade which is framed by cylindrical buttresses, a rarity in the region, is partly original. Inside, the building houses a 16th century stained glass window at the choir which ends with a three-sided apse. 18th century gravestones (from the lord of Thoury, then raised in marquisat, among others) are still visible.
After the visit of the church, in the heart of the village, in front of which were once the fairs and markets, the other wealth of Thoury in terms of heritage is located on the road to Muides. This is the Saint-Roch fountain, which has a "niche" housing a statue of the saint represented with his dog. The small monument is surmounted by a wrought iron sculpture of very beautiful bill representing a snake enclosing branches.
This well-kept fountain was in the past the subject of processions, especially the weekend after August 15, Saint Roch is venerated for its ability to overcome epidemics.
The town is also a wonderful training ground for leisure and hiking enthusiasts "nature".
Many hiking trails and mountain biking cross the territory to enjoy the rich forest typical Sologne, punctuated by ponds. The whole composes a pleasant and soothing landscape. The fauna and flora are obviously very rich.
Of course note that some trails can reach the left bank of the Loire (a few kilometers north), and thus be connected to the famous "bike-road" along the river. Maps and information on +33 2 54 90 41 41 and leaflet available in town hall (contact +33 2 54 87 51 37).
The environment of the town is also perfect for equestrian trekking: the stables of P'tit Galop welcome both children and adults to discover the Sologne through horse rides very pleasant. Information on +33 6 88 23 82 86.
In another area, the Chèvrerie farm where angora goats are raised and who produce and sell mohair wool products is open to visitors. It apprehends a sector and a remarkable know-how. Open on appointment. Price: 5 euros (free if buying a product in the shop). Information on +33 2 54 87 05 07.
Two major events punctuate the life of the town during the year:
The last Sunday of June: the flea market organized by the UST.
The last Sunday of October: the flea market proposed by the Friends of the School.
