Sports and leisure activities Châteaux de la Loire

GLISSEO, an impressive sports complex offering a wide range of activities in Cholet. With its 9 pools and ^1900m2 of water, the swimming pool can accommodate 1150 people simultaneously. The ice rinks cover ^2500m2 of ice for 1700 people. The Gliss'Bar, reserved for skaters, is a real plus. Its fitness area includes a complete wellness area with saunas, hammam, cold bath and relaxation room. With a quality infrastructure that will delight athletes and water-lovers alike, it's the perfect place to have fun and recharge your batteries, whether with family or friends.

As the name suggests, it's the wind that chooses your destination, and if you're willing to let yourself be carried along, a marvellous, unconstrained journey opens up to you. You choose your point of departure, one of the prestigious chateaux such as Chambord or Chenonceaux, to fly over it in a magical way, but then it's the elements that decide your destination, making every flight different. You'll discover a multitude of small castles, manor houses and magnificent sites as you fly.

The Centre équestre du Vieux Château offers a full range of horse-related activities. You and your animal can stay on a full-board basis, with a range of adapted options. For riders, the teaching program enables you to progress from beginner to Galop 7. Training courses organized during the school vacations enable riders to take federal exams. Excursions and rides on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage provide an opportunity to discover the Sologne forest.

Saddle up! From Nevers in central France to Paimboeuf in Loire-Atlantique, the "Loire à Vélo" route offers almost 800 kilometers of signposted itinerary. This journey links the beginnings of the royal river to its mouth on the Atlantic coast. The route, full of unmissable, unusual and little-known places, is a real encounter with yourself and others. At your own pace, with family, friends or on your own, hundreds of establishments welcome you along this magnificent and fascinating route. In Maine-et-Loire, the Loire à Vélo runs from Montsoreau (on the Indre-et-Loire border) to Champtoceaux. The route crosses the département from end to end, combining cycle paths and little-traveled back roads. There are two routes through Angers: the first through the city, where you share the road with other vehicles, or the second through the south (via Trélazé and Les Ponts-de-Cé), where you can enjoy the tranquility of the outlying communes and their lush green landscapes. After Angers, on the way to the Atlantic, you'll have the opportunity to discover Savennières and its enchanting landscapes, or the island of Béhuard and its open-air church, both classified as "Petite cité de caractère". From Bouchemaine, Montjean or elsewhere, join the adventure from wherever you please! Find all the information you need at local tourist offices, or on the "Fan de Loire à Vélo" Facebook page.

Established in 1977, Rillé Lake is now an important water recreation centre located midway between Bourgueil and Château-la-Vallière. No activity is forgotten: sailing, sailing, boat, but also tennis, mini golf… For amateurs, an exceptional ornithological reserve in the part of Des, whose 220 ha are protected and classified by the Council of Europe. A three-star campsite offers the visitor the conditions for a pleasant stay. However, the interest of the village is not limited to these activities: at the northern exit of the village, a broken arch door recalls the importance of Rillé as a strong place from the th century, and one part of the ramparts that surround the whole. Two curiosities remain to be noted: 4 km west of the agglomeration, "the three dogs", strange alignment of menhirs, and the farm model of the Briche, now abandoned but which was a pioneer in the distillation of beet for the manufacture of sugar; it was awarded by Napoleon III before closing, in 1905, defeated by northern competition.

Just a stone's throw from the Deux-Lions district, golf enthusiasts have the opportunity to indulge their passion. Golf de la Gloriette offers two outdoor courses: a pitch & putt and a classic course, each with 9 or 18 holes (rates vary according to the option chosen). There's also a large driving range with 30 stations. And if you'd like to improve your game, individual or group lessons are available. Children are welcome from the age of 7. Alone, with family or friends, grab your club and take your place in a verdant setting.

All wood and glass, the La Riche swimming pool favors relaxation and combines swimming pools (with a 25-meter pool), a play area with paddling pool and water games for children, and a wellness area with relaxing water jets... For an additional fee, you can access the sauna, whirlpool, solarium, etc. On the sports side, there are aquafitness classes in several specialties, available for a single session or as a subscription. And for this type of equipment, the rates are competitive!

In Chambray, handball is king with the CTHB (Chambray Touraine Hand Ball) women's team, which has been playing in the D1 since 2016, and has competed in the 2021-2022 EHF European League Cup. The club attracts top-level recruits every year, in a team that people come to cheer on at home matches at the Fontaine Blanche gymnasium. And for those tempted by the discipline, the club offers children's and adult leisure training.

This aquatic center delights the Jocondians, but not only. In the open air, a 25 m pool and a lawn where it is good to sunbathe in summer. Indoors, there is a 25-meter pool, a fun pool with several bubbling zones, and a "pentagliss" slide. Bulle d'O also offers a wellness area with sauna, hammam, whirlpool, hydromassage showers, solarium, and salt grotto, and even massages (by appointment). For sportsmen, aquafitness sessions are varied (aquabox, aquagym, aquatraining...). Swimming lessons for all levels, baby swimming or hydrophobia complete a rich offer where everyone goes at his own pace. Let's jump into the water!

Hiking in Vineuil and its surroundings on road and road trails, the ideal way to decompress!

Distance: 10 km.

Departure: from a. m. to p. m., at the Vineuil sorting room.

Tariff: 5 € per person.

Difficulty: .

Gardening, cultivating, tinkering… For all these activities, better equipped! Thanks to Espace Emeraude, specialized in agriculture, you won't have anything to fear from grease, mud or sweeping stains. This vast store offers professionals and amateurs a wide range of clothing, accessories and security equipment: shoes and boots, helmets, rainwear, trousers and work jackets, gloves, protective glasses… Here you can also find other quality clothing, comfortable on a daily basis (pulls, polos, jackets).

Created in 1926, the FDC41 carries out public service missions as defined by the French Environment Code. Approved as a nature conservation organization since 1992, it helps to promote the department's natural heritage and protect wildlife and its habitats. As part of its mission, the FDC41 has widely developed nature education and offers a wide range of activities for all publics. Through its actions, it makes a significant contribution to raising awareness and preserving biodiversity in the département.

A reference in Tours for lovers of swimming and other aquatic pleasures. For fun activities, you will find a river, a slide and whirlpool areas. Two pools welcome swimmers: one 25 meters (indoor) and one 50 meters (outdoor all year long). Swimming lessons, aquafitness, and baby swimming sessions complete the offer. For relaxation, the spa has a sauna, hammam, solarium, etc. In the summer, the outdoor lawns are ideal for a game of volleyball, sunbathing or for a snack or a drink.

This is a huge, pleasant and complete complex! Indoors, there is a 25-metre sports pool, a 3-lane slide, a paddling pool, a 31°C leisure pool with massaging jets and whirlpools. Outside, open from June to September, a natural swimming pool offers a unique experience to visitors. Numerous supervised activities are offered:aquafitness, aquabiking, aquafusion,baby swimming sessions,swimming lessons, fitness classes... Establishment labeled Tourism and Handicap. Organisation of birthday parties from 6 years old.

The Saint-Blaise leisure park is ideal for your family outings. Free of charge, it offers a plethora of activities to satisfy the energy of your dear children: from the slides to the ponies, not forgetting the pedal boats and the bowling green, they should find something to do. In summer, access the beach and its supervised swimming. To quench your thirst, a refreshment bar welcomes you. For fishermen, it will even be possible to go and tease the trout, the park providing equipment and bait.

Inaugurated in September 2019 and built on former industrial wasteland, the Angers IcePark rink offers an ice surface of over 3,250^m2 with two lanes, one playful, the other Olympic, and modular bleachers that can accommodate over 4,300 people. Living up to the reputation of the famous Ducs d'Angers field hockey players, the venue hosts numerous field hockey matches, figure skating shows and other sporting events. With free access, the rink offers a wide range of activities: ice skating initiation, ice karting...

This public aquatic center offers a full range of water-based activities. Set in lush green surroundings, it's the ideal place to pamper your body. A body that can choose to exert itself in a 25-meter sports pool, have fun in the jets of a leisure pool, or relax in the warmth of a sauna or hammam. The leisure offer is completed by a paddling pool, an outdoor pool with slide and waterfall, and a year-round program of activities

A joyful and relaxed atmosphere in this association of walkers who are determined to discover the country of Gié through the paths of the cross. Every Thursday and Sunday, the club's followers run by Gilbert Chauvin's city center, for ten kilometers through the vineyards, the rowing fields and the surrounding subwoods. Hikers from other places are welcome!

What better way to discover the region than by horseback? A ride in a horse-drawn carriage in the forest of Brissac, on one of the many hiking trails, or on the banks of the Loire at Blaison, will give the whole family a nice change of scenery. To deepen this adventure, Anjou Brissac Attelages also offers one or several days harnessed rides. On the program: discovery of the vineyard, visit of picturesque villages but also care of the horses. A beautiful experience 100% nature to live and to share with your family.

The Layon and Aubance hillsides, famous for their sweet wines, are a delight for two-wheelers. 13 circuits are listed according to their level of difficulty. Here, routes for all levels (blue, red, green) will take you through the many vineyards of the area to discover where it is good to taste the local wines, with moderation if you have to get back on your bike..

The circuit from Beaulieu-sur-Layon to Bonnezeaux, with a difference in altitude of more than 300 m and 38 km, promises strong sensations, doubled with aesthetic joys.

The interpretation trail of the Hyrôme valley is one of the many marked footpaths in the Loire-Layon-Aubance area. You can follow it over a vast area, leading up to the tower of the Guérin mill. There, in the heart of the vineyards, a large circular panorama reveals a landscape that seems to stretch out to infinity, as far as the Mauges when the sky is clear. It takes about 45 minutes to hike the 3 km of trails. A nice walk for young and old.

At 2 km from Beaufort-en-Vallée, this small village will be the starting point for recreational walks on an average hilarious of locomotion: The authentic Citroën Dyane with its lively colours. Six vehicles are to be rented all year round for a different discovery of the region, in love or group. We are embarking on a road book with several circuits with proven pleasures: route of the Loire Rim, pleasant forest, tourist sites (the tour is included in the ticket price), unavoidable picnic corners, etc… You can even book restaurant and lodging, or even get a picnic basket for an extra 10 € per person.

At the exit of Vendôme, on the route of Tours, shooting stand of 10, 25 and 50 m. Possible access without license or club card. Rental of pistol, 10 m rifle, compressed air.

The tourist office offers numerous marked mountain bike circuits (loop) between 18 km and 53 km, in the valley and slopes of Loir for connoisseurs and 4 bike circuits on mountain roads between 11 km and 30 km. Tours in Loir-Haut-Vendômois.

Les canoës-kayaks du Vendômois offers you a range of canoe and kayak river trips, either for beginners or advanced levels. This activity is supervised by a federal instructor on request, at certain times of the year only. Minimum 8 people. Please note that this activity is by reservation only: remember to plan ahead for full-day or half-day activities. With family or friends, it's a great way to discover the Vendôme area on the river Loir!

Free hikes (free) or accompanied by the Saint Ouen valley as well as nearby communes are offered through fifteen marked nature paths allowing for the observation of fauna and flora. For each of these trails, a pouch with a map and a description is available on a simple telephone request. Theme exit possibilities with observation equipment. Refer to the calendar of outputs, to be consulted on their site.

This association offers in season, but also off-season, the gorges of the Loire with discovery of castles, wild landscapes ligériens, but also heritage, and the possibility to combine nature animations and itineraries. Several formulas are proposed to you: mini-runs over 5 km of length of about 1 hour, running half-day or day with the possibility of stopping on the islands of the wild river. With a little luck, a beaver will pass at the time of your stop!

Who hasn't dreamed of discovering the Loire Valley and its castles from the air? Art Montgolfières offers you a magical adventure aboard friendly hot-air balloons that can carry from 2 to 15 passengers. Departing from Chenonceau, Amboise, Loches or Chaumont, during an unforgettable one-hour flight, you'll reconnect with nature and become aware of your surroundings. Afterwards, you'll be able to leave with your certificate of ascent and enjoy the traditional toast of the balloonists. Art Montgolfières can also arrange accommodation for you after the flight.

Ideally located on the banks of the Loire, just a stone's throw from Blois town center, this equestrian center offers beginners and experienced riders alike a wide range of activities: lessons, courses, rides, trekking, Loire bathing, show jumping, dressage, acrobatics for leisure or competition... Our little ones haven't been forgotten either, with introductory lessons from the age of 2, to introduce them to the joys of horse riding. A wide range of packages are available. Your mounts can also be boarded.

Around the town of Mondoubleau, there are many marked trails which can be enjoyed at leisure in order to discover the surroundings, you will only have an embarrassment of choice: various landscapes, méandres of the Perche Perche and the Loir valley. You will also have the opportunity to visit different castles, as well as Plessis-Dorin's swimming pool or leisure base.

:: the country of the ball of fort! It is a popular tradition of Anjou. So, enter one of the village circles. Go and see what's going on there. The department has more than 360 sports companies which have their federation (based in Mazé, so), their competitions and challenges… The ball of fort, here is a cultural institution! The goal of the game? Throw the ball gently on a curved track, preferably beaten. Méplate, that is, flattened on each side, traditionally made of wood and ringed iron, this ball weighs just over a kilo. Once launched, it will weigh from left to right to close closest - if the player is skilful - from the "master" (or "small", the equivalent of the jack). For players, the game, which is played in ten points, is most serious. She asks for address, concentration and patience. But it is also user friendly. Did you know? Wearing slippers is mandatory. You should not risk damaging the terrain! She often ends with a glass of wine, if that is the way it starts. Local friendliness and pride, you have been told!

The Funny Birds organize air baptisms, à la carte tours and photo flights. It's also a flying school where you can learn to handle these fascinating gears. Flights accompanied by a pilot, only.

To discover the Loire, what could be more fun than to sail at your own pace aboard Canadian canoes, accompanied or not by Monitors or Brevet d'Etat canoe-kayak. Let yourself be tempted by the adventure with family or friends, during the day or in the evening, guided or on your own. There is something for everyone depending on the time you have available. During your trip, you will be able to stop for a picnic, discover the sights and the nature of the Loire.

A beautiful leisure base to spend a relaxing time with the family. Because in the summer, the lake and the beach come alive! Many activities are offered: pedal boat, supervised swimming in July and August, from 1pm to 7pm, canoeing, fishing, miniature golf, table tennis, picnic areas, bar, fast food at the Bistrot Capitaine, petanque and volleyball courts. The park is accessible all year round and of course free of charge: enough to go jogging or to walk in this pleasant greenery and contemplate nature. A good breath of fresh air guaranteed!

Feel like taking to the skies? Discover the magic of a flight... in a hot-air balloon! Rediscover Touraine in a whole new light: castles, gardens and beautiful homes are gently unveiled in the wind. You'll have a breathtaking view of all its monuments and magnificent châteaux. Chaumont-sur-Loire is one of Touraine Terre d'Envol's fifteen hot-air balloon launch sites, but you can also take off from Chenonceaux. Please note that the launch site also depends on the weather. Magical moments for the whole family.

10 km south of Loches, a superb ecological golf course of 9 holes on 25 ha in the middle of nature at the edge of the forest of Verneuil twinned with the golf of Saint-Andrew (Scotland) which respects the environment in its shape, its contours and its vegetation. Supervised by a state-qualified instructor, you will particularly appreciate the environment of the green, facing a magnificent castle. The Club-house has a reception area with drinks, fast food and changing rooms available. It will also be possible to rent a cart.

The team offers horseback riding along the Cher and the Loire, on the paths and undergrowth of the beautiful Touraine. Les Petites Rivières also offers training courses and lessons with an instructor who has a state diploma in sports education. Disciplines range from dressage to acrobatics and horse-ball. Everything is done so that you are ready the day of the competitions! To know, you can leave your horse in pension. Gift vouchers are also available.

A unique experience in communion with the sky... and with the splendors of the Saumur region's heritage as the winds blow overhead. Vineyards, castles, slate and waterways are revealed at dawn, in daylight or at sunset. In a shared gondola (up to 10 people) or on a private flight, allow between 1h30 and 3h to see, from a unique angle, the sun rise, shine and set over the countryside and rediscover superb landscapes. The team is always ready to adapt to your needs. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

How not to be charmed by the Loire, when your canoe slips silently between two sandbanks, under the flight of herons? These magical moments are proposed to you here, accessible by different formulas ranging from a simple trip or guided hikes to bivouacs lasting several days. On-site initiations, more sportive, are also possible. Outings are also organized by the club, on other French rivers and even abroad.

The BB Plouf association is now over 30 years old! If it has changed several times a pool, it is now located in aquavita, in the learning basin specially designed for this purpose, and enjoys water at 32 ° C. As it itself defines itself, the association is not there to form champions: its role is to supervise children (from 4 months to 6 years) and parents to familiarize themselves with the aquatic environment, discover the joys of water but also exchange, learn in group, take pleasure, all respecting the rhythm of the child, its needs and desires… On derogation, the age limit may be extended to 9 years for children in disability. The association emphasizes a great deal of learning. Inscriptions are made at the reception of the aquavita center, Renee Street or Jean Bouin (on the ground floor, therefore under the entrance of the swimming pool Jean Bouin).

Angers' swimming pools offer a variety of activities to suit all tastes. Whether you want to relax with the family, learn to swim, exercise or just have fun, you're sure to find a pool to suit your needs. Among the city's five pools, AquaVita is a 5,000 m² aqualudic center offering a multitude of activities and water games. It's important to note that access to the pools is limited to public sessions, and that children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in swimwear. Swimming lessons are also available at all pools.

The Agostini school in Angers, run by Bruno Bordier, welcomes you in the heart of the city center. If you'd like to learn and/or perfect your drumming skills, the school offers serious yet fun teaching. All styles and techniques are covered to develop your playing and musicality. 32 schools are available in France and 7 in Europe. Courses range from one hour of practice to 3 hours per week for academy courses.

The institute's title of illuminator is now recognized by the State. Under the direction of Barbara de Monchy, the course combines history and technical acquisitions to prepare in two years, the future professionals of illumination and medieval binding. The first year is devoted to art drawing, illumination on various media and techniques; in a companion spirit, the second year focuses on perfecting and creating a masterpiece. On the site, videos and photos of creations. Be careful, however, such a quality training has a cost: count €5,000 in the first year, €5,000 in the second, plus €1,000 in registration fees and add the cost of materials; a cost but also a real personal investment: to obtain the title of illuminator, you will need to work some 2,400 hours over 20 months!

It is in the old, but still sumptuous, mansion house of Ollone that the Angers School of Fine Arts established its lair at the beginning of the last century. An exceptional setting, characterized by its intrinsic links to history, art and architecture, of course. A perfect place to host the courses of this school, divided according to specific schedules and age categories, with Wednesday being reserved for early learning workshops for 9-14 year olds. The other slots are intended for preparatory drawing courses (15-20 years old), multimedia courses (Terminale students), and finally sessions dedicated to adults. Be careful, registration, normally limited to a single course, must be done early, as places are expensive and the waiting list long... (final registrations at the end of August, beginning of September). The rates, which are variable, take into account the duration of the course and family income.

Whether you want to take training courses or experience an obstacle race, the Loir Ranch offers a range of activities to satisfy the entire family. For those under 15, prices and walks cost € 5 and packages 10 h and 125 h are also possible (€ 65 and € respectively). For those more than 18 years old, walks and courses are set at 5 € with packages 10 h and 85 h for € 165 and € respectively. Finally, half-day courses are made on reservation. Count € 25 per person. For a pony baptism, it will cost you a small amount of € 8.

Do you want to take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature? Everything is here in this new feature as we like them, which gives pride of place to soft mobility. Since June 2021, this former railway line that crosses the South Touraine has been transformed into a greenway. Between Descartes and Preuilly-sur-Claise, the first 26 kilometres are already open. Eventually, 42 kilometers will lead us to the gates of the Regional Natural Park of the Brenne. Opening planned for the summer of 2022. In the meantime, this route already has many surprises in store for you. Starting with its starting town. The city of Descartes, birthplace of the famous philosopher, welcomes you with its museum, but also in a bucolic botanical garden. We take the pedals and the handlebars towards Abilly and its mill. Then the Grand-Pressigny and its gallery of creators installed in the old station. Don't miss the Museum of Prehistory, perched on the hill. From its terrace, you will find a magnificent view of the whole valley. The journey continues: Etableau and the ruins of the castle, the Chaumussay dam and the Saint-Marc fountain, the Romanesque church of Saint-Médard... Finally, Preuilly-sur-Claise in sight! This medieval town is worth a visit! In the middle of the narrow streets and old houses stands the Saint-Pierre abbey, a jewel of Romanesque art.
A great way to discover the many little-known tourist and heritage assets of South Touraine!

If you don't think it's possible to dive in Touraine, think again! Jean-Pierre passes on his passion through his state-approved training organization. He teaches swimming with fins, static and dynamic apnea in the pool, and diving in the pool and in the open sea. You can also become an instructor, learn lifesaving techniques or offer an original gift voucher! And for those who want to take their adventure even further, we offer stays and courses in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean.