I have had the opportunity several times to go to Ingrandes-sur-Vienne, north of Châtellerault, half an hour from Touraine and Berry. And I thought: this town ticks all the boxes for a “Slow” destination!
It benefits from numerous gentle paths including along the banks of the Vienne, nearly 40 kilometers of marked trails for hiking pedestrian and cycling,a landscaped lake to stroll by the water, and even an electric charging station.
Ecotourism when you have us! So I decided to share with you my three favorites in Grandais…
Ô Petit Marché de Steph: supplies for locavores
Each time I pass the counter, I swoon over the mock-up “L’Épicerie d’autreviens” croquignolette, made and given to the manager by a loyal, attentive customer.
After 17 years working as a production manager, Stéphanie Plault decided to open a local products store in early 2019. His choice fell on a former pharmacy in the town center of Ingrandes, on the passenger axis of the Nationale 10.
Passionate about market gardening, the dynamic young woman grows a large part of the summer vegetables on the shelves herself, in a field just behind her business O Steph’s Little Market. It’s difficult to make a shorter circuit! Every week, Stéphanie publishes on Facebook page the contents of the seasonal basket to be collected at the store. Practical, for visitors and locals alike.
Its other suppliers? Mainly producers from Vienne and the neighboring department of Indre-et-Loire. I particularly recommend the bell pasta from Alice's Fabric (Sénillé-Saint-Sauveur), walnut oilHuilerie Lépine (Availles-en-Châtellerault) or even the shortbread of the Lencloître biscuit factory.
9 rue Nationale in Ingrandes. Tel: 05 49 15 12 84
Open all year. Monday from 15 p.m. to 19 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 15 p.m. to 19 p.m. Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Camping Le Petit Trianon: 4-star green break
When I enter this green park of an 18th century manor, in the heart of the Châtelleraudaise countryside, I immediately think: “What a haven of peace! ". Space is not a luxury here. Calm, comfort and nature reign supreme. With the blessing of the owners of course.
Marine and Olivier Dervyn, previously computer engineers in Grenoble, fell under the spell of Domaine du Petit Trianon in 2017. Since then, they have provided high-end equipment and services in an exceptional setting, while remaining faithful to their values.
Thus, the campsite's membership in the Les Castels chain constitutes a good indicator for fans of sustainable tourism. Other labels displayed at the entrance to the area: Green Key, Bike Welcome, LPO refuge and Qualité Tourisme.
An eco-friendly paradise for slow holidays.
In Saint-Ustre, holidaymakers have the choice between pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, a latest generation mobile home with wooden terrace or unusual accommodation (glamping, tipi, treehouse, 19th century stone cottage). ). Everyone enjoys the beautiful swimming pool at the foot of a small feudal castle, the playgrounds, the sports fields...
Special mention for the summer activities: creative activities during the day for children, friendly atmosphere in the evening for the whole family, farmers' markets on Monday evening, concerts...
Faith of Sissi your ambassador: a stay here represents a nice gift, to offer or to treat yourself, to get away from it all and relax, even just a stone's throw from home.
1 rue du moulin de Saint-Ustre in Ingrandes
Open from April 15 to August 31, 2022
Aigle factory store: handmade boots
You certainly know this master rubber maker, ambassador of made in France. But did you know that these boots, which fashionistas around the world love, are made in Ingrandes-sur-Vienne?
The Aigle International workshops have been established since 1963 on a 30-hectare site, a former American military base. Every day, 200 artisans make 4000 pairs there. The most famous rubber boot is cut, glued and assembled by hand. Real know-how!
The return to nature, walks in the forest and holidays on the farm require good equipment. So twice a year I take my little tribe on a trip to the elegant factory store. What a pleasure to stroll through the colorful aisles, to try on technical models combining style and function, to read the joy on the faces of Arthur and Hugo! The icing on the cake: at the checkout, the prices are low.
Factory store open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.
ZI de Saint-Ustre RN 10 in Ingrandes-sur-Vienne
Factory visits by appointment
So, are you ready to slow dance in Ingrandes?
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