It is in the department of Indre-et-Loire, in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, that the small town of Sonzay is located. Twenty kilometres north-west of Tours and 70 kilometres south of Le Mans, this charming town has been marvelling for hundreds of years, curious visitors and lovers of history.
Rich in a sumptuous heritage, the town of Sonzay is one of those towns that fascinates lovers of beautiful stones and French heritage. Inhabited since the Gallo-Roman period, this town of the Gâtine tourangelle shelters many absolutely splendid monuments. To begin with, we can only recommend a visit to the Château de la Motte: built at the very beginning of the 16th century, in 1507 to be precise, this castle (which unfortunately cannot be visited but can still be admired from the street) will take you back in history, thanks to its striking architecture and its imposing cylindrical towers. Not far from there, also classified as a Historic Monument, the Château des Cartes was originally, in the Middle Ages, the property of the Abbey of Marmoutier, a former Benedictine abbey located on the right bank of the Loire, near Tours. Rebuilt during the 18th century, this private property has a large building on two levels and two pavilions. Strolling through the village, you will inevitably come across the church of Saint-Genest, whose construction dates back to the 12th century. Built in a superb Romanesque style, it is worth seeing both for its exterior architecture and the treasures it contains. Its 15th century statue of Mary Magdalene, its 16th century stained glass window of the Annunciation, but also its historical paintings and its large 17th century bronze bell make it a must see during your visit to Sonzay. Take the time to walk around the historic heart of the village to see the former Templar chapel in the commune of Le Gast (now converted into a farm), but also the very beautiful brick bandstand, not forgetting the Saint-Genest wash houses.
Sonzay is also the perfect place to stay to discover all the richness and magnificence of the Loire Valley Castles. The Château de Villandry is only 21 kilometres from Sonzay, and the Château de Langeais is 23 kilometres away. It is also possible to reach the sublime Château d'Azay-le-Rideau in only 35 minutes, and to visit the Royal Fortress of Chinon, located south of the Loire River less than an hour's drive from Sonzay. Blois (1 hour away), but also the Chaumont Castle (66 kilometres away), Chambord (96 kilometres away) and Chenonceau (1 hour away) will complete your visit of the Loire Valley Castles region, which you can easily discover during your stay in Sonzay.
The campsite
The 4-star Arada Parc campsite is located in Indre-et-Loire, 20km from Tours. The splendid Centre Val de Loire region brings you close to...
