To the west of Grand Châtellerault, at the gateway to Touraine, the heart of Lencloître has been beating strong since the 12thth century.
Even today, this small town has everything a large one has: a former priory created by the founder of the neighboring Fontevraud Abbey, a vast fairground square welcoming up to 300 street vendors every first Monday of the month, around thirty shops, sports and cultural facilities...
Seduced and intrigued by a photo of the convent fringed with flowers, my darling suggests we escape there for a weekend. I'll take you with us...
When we left early in the morning
9am Saturday
Saddle up! We set off from Rue des Loges in Châtellerault, the starting point of The green Line.
We're off for about fifteen kilometers exclusively on cycle paths.
Along this old railway line, numerous information panels guide the Aven'Curieux by telling the story of railway heritage and the reclamation of this space by nature.
During this hour-long bike ride, we pass by the old train stations of Thuré-Besse, Scorbé-Clairvaux, and Saint-Genest-d'Ambière. There are no cars in sight: only a hare crosses our path! My husband is excited to recognize the call of the green woodpecker. What a joy to cycle through the woods!
gourmet break
10h
We leave the Green Line, named Sylvain Chavanel in honor of the Châtelleraudais champion, to reach the town center of Lencloître.
After the effort, a passage through Explore Pastry is a must! At number 8 Place du Général Pierre, it's a family affair. Three years ago, Maxime Raiffé succeeded Sébastien Raiffé, his master craftsman father.
It seems that talent is hereditary since the son was crowned “Best Apprentice in France, Pastry Chef Pierre Hermé Promotion 2013”.
In the elegant boutique, the choice is difficult between the generous pastries and seasonal cakes. We opt for a crookie (a cross between a croissant and a cookie) and a Lencloîtrais (almond dacquoise and praline cream with nougatine flakes).
Wicker basket under the arm
10h30
Satisfied, we head off to the dynamic weekly market installed in front of the town hall.
The ideal spot to browse among the colorful and fragrant stalls in preparation for your midday picnic.
It is also an opportunity to buy directly from Lencloître mustard, made in Sérigny according to the original recipe of the convent sisters. Delicious!
heritage gem
11h30
My husband is eager to discover the town's architectural treasures. After a five-minute walk, we arrive at the imposing Notre-Dame church, the focal point of the the conventual set.
In the Poitevin Romanesque style, it stands proudly in the heart of buildings from the Middle Ages: the women's convent which housed up to forty nuns, the small men's convent which housed around fifteen monks, the majestic dovecote which separated the two buildings...
Recently restored, the former Fontevrist priory has regained its former serenity with its square courtyard and riverside promenade gardens. A favorite for the rose garden and its 800 mostly climbing plants!
Our tip : To discover the secrets of the convent complex, take part in the heritage rally on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 16 p.m. to 18 p.m. (free). Meet at Place Général Pierre.
Unfold the checkered tablecloth
13h
Exploring the Historic Monument (former cloister) which gives rise to the etymology of the town's name has whetted our appetite.
My lover and I take the time to taste the tasty local products from the market on a picnic table in the Otzberg Garden.
The lapping of the Envigne below lulls this bucolic interlude.
Dive into the deep end
15h
We leave one green bubble for another: Pontreau Park.
The estate houses the public pool covered, run by a very welcoming team. Bathed in light, the pool offers a soothing view of the wooded park.
I like: the outdoor access on sunny days, the massage jets perfect for relaxing.
Special Offers : during the holidays, an inflatable structure delights teenagers in the afternoon while children under 8 splash around in 30-degree water in the morning. Aquagym and swimming improvement classes are also offered.
Dinner for two
19h
I made a reservation at the restaurant The FairgroundVanessa and her cheerful team provide service at the bar and in the dining room, while Fred and his team work in the kitchen.
At aperitif time, the atmosphere is friendly. Regulars mingle with passersby.
Dinner takes place in a tasteful setting. The dishes are homemade, and the menu changes weekly. On our plates that evening: sea bream with wild garlic, braised sweetbreads with green asparagus, pistachio crème brûlée, and a gourmet Irish coffee.
To go to the movies
21h
To end this day already rich in shared memories, I take my lover to a small Lencloître institution, the L'Étoile cinema.
Managed by a dynamic association made up of 70 volunteers, the dark room offers a varied program and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028.
On show that evening: the new installment of the "Les Tuche" saga. So British!
Sweet dreams
23h
It's time to head to our accommodation for the night.
I opted for the charming guest rooms of the Picol Castle in order to have the opportunity to approach this residence whose Victorian architecture was inspired by the Balmoral manor.
Bowl of Nature
Sunday
After a hearty breakfast prepared by Alla and Christian, the happy owners of the Château de Picol, we stroll through the three-hectare park where century-old trees stand.
Motivated by the bright sun in the sky of Lencloître, we decide to follow part of the route of the Hiking No. 24, “In vineyards and gardens” which passes in front of the castle. This allows us to appreciate another facet of the destination: its strong market gardening culture, as evidenced by delightful little allotments. I also recommend this walk for its beautiful panoramas.
Finally, we hop on our bikes to return to Châtellerault via the Green Line. The loop is complete. What a great weekend, oxygenating and invigorating!
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