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That’s what you’ll find in Chouzé, on the riverbanks ...
Here, the scenery changes all the time: the Loire River’s water level is always different, one day some small islands and sandbanks will appear and might be gone the next…
Small rivulets hug superb stretches of sand, covered with birds, or the wide river swells, colours also vary and change with the occasional foggy mornings, or bright sun, red evening light or grey cloudy days…
Traditional houses (as well as all the castles) are made of tufa stone (tuffeau), a limestone of very characteristic colour, which mixed with the river’s reflections gives the landscape an incredibly beautiful luminosity.
In the past, Touraine used to belong to the large and powerful province of Anjou but is now a separate province and Chouzé sur Loire is located at the border, but on the Touraine side.
You can go for a walk or a ride on the marked paths or use the old towpath. Here and there, you’ll encounter traces of the mariners’ past, so important to this little river town. The Mariners Museum on the waterfront will tell you their entire history, if you’re interested. (More details on the paths here and here or on the France Voyage website.)
You can also go on traditional flat-bottom boat trips; there are several options:
-Simple trips with the local associations or with professionals: this kind is available in Chouzé, on board of the Martinienne, a covered “toue” (name of the traditional local boats), belonging to the Association of the Friends of the Mariners Museum. We can suggest others if you want (brochures available at the cottage).
-Longer trips with meals served on board, or ½ day or full day boat rentals, even 2 days with bivouac possible.
This way, you can discover the surrounding villages and some of our architectural heritage, the fauna and flora, seen from the unique point of view of the river. Enjoy watching traditional fishing methods or even how these boats are built. And why not make a stop to visit some of the local vintners?
Do you like antique markets? If so, the Montsoreau flea market takes place once a month, then, if weather permits and several people sign up, you could go there… by boat! Nice, isn’t it?
History and origin of the Chouzé name
Another way to discover the Loire River: through its men and their boats, their lives past and present. Many traditional boat encounters are organized along the river, just to revisit for a day or two the “Marine de Loire”, so dear to the riverbank villagers. The Wharf Festival in Chouzé (last Sunday in May) combines on the riverbanks a fair with food and music, presentation of the boats and possibility of boat trips.
You will also be able to admire exhibitions, museums and other testimonies to these times long gone. Of course you’ll come across some people very fond of these boats and their stories, they will talk to you about them… with love!
The Mariners Museum in Chouzé is a reminder of the importance of the local history. There are plenty of other visits; you’ll find lots of brochures at the cottage.
The men and boats of today also mean traditional or modern fishing, at which you can try your hand on the Loire, Vienne or Indre (only a few km/miles away) Rivers or at the various lakes and ponds around.
A few boat builders might tell you about the men of the river.
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Gîte Flottille de Loire
11 & 13 B rue de Tours 37140 CHOUZE SUR LOIRE
http://laflottilledeloire.free.fr Flottille de Loire : le blog