L'ÎLE DE TOURS
Between two arms of the Vienne, facing Chinon, this island shelters a picnic area, a call to stroll in the nature.
Between two arms of the Vienne river, facing Chinon, this island is so named because the archbishopric of Tours took possession of it in the 12th century to lease the land. It is then an island with a flourishing trade where basket makers work the wicker and where fishermen live. Until 1970, it was used as a pasture. The island of Tours is the only survivor of the islands downstream from the bridge which were gradually absorbed from the 1980s. Moreover, its left bank is silted up more and more, linking it to the south bank of the Vienne and to Chinon. The island of Tours is 720 m long and 150 m wide, and includes a few houses, a picnic area appreciated by residents and visitors, allotments and especially natural areas where biodiversity is important both in terms of fauna and flora (150 plant species listed). This wetland is a refuge for beavers. One comes to observe their tracks and with a little luck, at nightfall, the beavers themselves. The mallard ducks can easily be seen. A path invites you to stroll and relax in the middle of the gardens and this natural space between land and water. Like the people of Chinon, come and enjoy the shade of the ash trees and the peaceful atmosphere along the water in summer. This is the time when dragonflies shimmer and dance in the vegetation. In winter it is a completely different atmosphere, magical too! A natural space that should be observed in all four seasons.
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