Île Buda, where the Bresme flows into the Loire, is home to flora and fauna typical of the Loire.
Anyone associating Saint-Étienne-de-Chigny with the Loire and the Bresme may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture
The Church of Saint-Étienne was classified as a historic monument by decree on 21 July 1942. It contains a 16th-century stained-glass window depicting the Crucifixion, with portraits of Jean Binet and his wife. The church in Vieux Bourg was rebuilt at Jean Binet’s request between 1542 and 1543.
The Manoir d’Andigny has been known since the 12th century and is partly protected as a historic monument. The protected features are the façades and roofs of the manor house, two monumental stone fireplaces, and the façade of its troglodytic chapel. The estate houses a collection of small historic ironworks dating from the 12th to the 18th century, which can be viewed during opening hours.
The Moulin du « Pot au Beurre » on the western plateau of the municipality dates from 1789. Above its entrance is a depiction of a house surmounted by a cross, with a monstrance; this could indicate that the mill ground wheat for making communion wafers.
Restored houses, partly integrated into the rock, at Pont de Bresme are home to several artists. In Touraine, caves excavated from tuffeau stone were used, among other things, as mushroom farms, villages, and troglodytic houses.
Nature
The protected Vallée de la Bresme area encompasses Saint-Étienne-de-Chigny and covers an area of 1,996 hectares.
Parc des Grillets offers 25 hectares of shaded walking trails, as well as opportunities for orienteering, Nordic walking, archery, and a fitness trail. The park is home to flora and fauna typical of the Loire.
The Théâtre de verdure is also home to flora and fauna typical of the Loire. It was created on the site of a former clay quarry and offers a programme of performances during the season.
Activities
The Les Bateliers de Saint-Étienne-de-Chigny association and its traditional boats have been based at a former boatmen’s station since 1993. Since 2022, in cooperation with the Tours-Val de Loire Tourist Office, it has offered more regular educational excursions on the Loire.
The Pony self-service bicycle system is intended to be introduced in Saint-Étienne-de-Chigny, one of the 19 municipalities within the jurisdiction of the Syndicat des Mobilités de Touraine.
Food and drink
At Château de Beauvois, an introduction to oenology is available by reservation only. It includes a visit to the troglodytic cellar, a tasting of three wines – two local references and one wine from the owner – as well as a platter of cold meats and cheese.
Other destinations: Villaines-Les-Rochers, Anché, Bréhémont, Le Louroux, Orbigny, Yzeures-Sur-Creuse, Noyant-De-Touraine and Dolus-Le-Sec.
