In Indre-et-Loire, this troglodyte village hides spectacular cellars

In the Center Val-de-Loire region, many villages stand out for their rich heritage and their atypical environments, but also for their agricultural vines which delight lovers of good wine.

Located near Tours (Indre-et-Loire) and part of the 22 municipalities of Tours Métropole Val de Loire, the village of Rochecorbon stands out for its history and its historical monuments, with their very particular appearance.

The atypical buildings of Rochecorbon

Arriving in Rochecorbon, you will be struck by the numerous troglodyte buildings which adorn the village, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Embedded in the rock walls, they provide a feeling of change unlike any other. One of the most beautiful buildings is undoubtedly Saint-Georges chapelwhich notably contains a crypt, period stained glass windows and Roman frescoes which do not seem to have aged.

More rural, the old Toouvoie mill is a vestige of Rochecorbon's agricultural past, but also an important place for cinema lovers: Jean Cocteau filmed the first sequences of his famous film there. Beauty and the Beast. Another emblematic monument, the Lanternone of the last memories of the medieval fortified castle which reigned over the city in the 10th century. Closed to the public during the year, it is open on the occasion of European Heritage Days.

Cellars and walks

Like many other villages in the region, Rochecorbon is worth the detour for its magnificent cellars which are used in particular to produce AOC Vouvray wine. “Rochecorbon is composed exclusively of independent and family cellarssuch as the Caves Saint-Roch, Château Gaudrelle towards the port of Rochecorbon, or the Domaine Le Capitaine under the Saint-Georges chapel”, we can read on the website of the Rochecorbon tourist office, relayed by the site My Loire Valley.

Finally, many walks are possible from the village center. You can discover the Loire aboard a traditional boat, or take a bike ride on the paths along the Loire to the village of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire. Walking enthusiasts will also be delighted, since there are several circuits to discover the heritage of the village.