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Le Grand Pressigny

The village of Le Grand Pressigny, in the Southern Touraine region of the Loire Valley, with its chateau ruins and prehistoric history is not only a destination for Palaeontologists but also the discerning tourist. The village has a charm of its own plus all the practical features of an active community such as a pharmacist, doctor, butcher, baker, grocer, bookshop, florist, hairdresser and hardware store.

 There are three bars in the village 'Le Jean Bart'  one in 'Chez Grand Ma's' and the ' Prehisto' to link to the town's  history !

 

There is a very good tourist office in the centre of the village giving information on the delights of the Loire Valley, Touraine and also of its close neighbours in the department of Vienne. You can access the internet from here for a small fee.

 

 

There is a small Market day here every Thursday (am)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are a couple of restaurants in the village, 'Chez Grand Ma' (pictured left) and the the restaurant in the hotel 'Le Savoie Villars'. Both have inside and outside eating areas and lunchtime and evening menus to suit most pockets.

If you are celebrating something special and want a dining experience then you can dine at the 'Mitchelin Star' “La Promenade” in the nearby village of Le Petit Pressigny.

An unforgettable experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Booking is necessary here :

11 Rue Savoureulx, Le Petit Pressigny‎. Tel: 02.47.94.93.52‎
 

The town throws up a few surprises as you walk around it, no matter what time of year, like, --Spring by the stadium --

 

 

 

the Summer sun behind the chateau --

 

 

 

the wild flower field behind it in Autumn --

 

the narrow streets sheltering from Winter, an all-year round delight!

 

 

 

 

There is a heated Municipal swimming pool in the village  It has a standard pool plus  paddling pools for younger swimmers. It is open from the end of June to the end of August from mid morning, though as with  most things in France, closes at lunchtime!

 The Chateau:

 

 

 

 

The quality of its architecture and gardens make the chateau an interesting place to visit. The keep, built at the end of XIIth century was later enhanced by a strong defensive enclosure with towers.

 

 

 

 

The chateau was restored around 1560 by Honorat de Savoie, a loyal lord to the Kings of France. The arcaded gallery built during the wars of religion around the main courtyard shows the care devoted to this restoration. There is a panoramic view from the top of the Vironne tower.

"PAYSAGES NOCTURNES"

For the past eight years, in July,the village has lived a unique artistic adventure,'Night Landscapes',is presented by professional actors plus local volunteers with a variety of entertainment over the three days and nights

The Museum :  

                                                                                                                                                          Photo: Matthias Rummer, 2002

The chateau also contains the Palaeontology Museum located in a more recent (17th century) building. The reason for its location here is that Prehistoric man lived in this area for four hundred thousand years, attracted by the abundant high-quality flint which could be fashioned into superb tools                                                              .  

Their reputation spread to other countries; in the later Neolithic age large blades were exported, particularly to the Alps. Models, an interactive display and videos complete the exhibition and give much information on the life of prehistoric man.  The chateau was restored around 1560 by Honorat de Savoie, a loyal lord to the Kings of France. The arcaded gallery built during the wars of religion around the main courtyard shows the care devoted to this restoration. There is currently extensive works going on at the chateau.There is a panoramic view from the top of the Tower Vironne.

When visiting Tours pop into the The Hôtel Gouin on Rue de Commerce as it also gives some details of the importance of both here and nearby Barrou to palaeontologists. The building itself is worth a look.