Things to do around Bréhémont in winter: our ideas for days out
Published on 2 November 2026 3 min read
We often picture the Loire Valley under summer sunshine. Yet winter has a charm of its own here: mists over the river, low light on the tuffeau stone, quieter châteaux and restaurants where you can take your time. From Le Clos de la Moire, in Bréhémont, here are the outings we like to recommend to our guests at this time of year.
The Loire in winter, starting from the house
The river changes face with the seasons, and winter is perhaps when it seems wildest. The La Loire à Vélo route runs along the Loire at Bréhémont and remains open all year round. On quiet, flat paths, Villandry, Langeais and Ussé are within easy pedalling distance. On dry days, a bike ride or simply a walk along the riverbanks is enough to fill a morning.
Right next to the house, the Pêcheries Ligériennes also offer a one-hour trip on a traditional boat with a fisherman, departing from the Cabane à Matelot. On your return, the shop selling products from the Pêcherie Ligérienne is a good place to pick up smoked Loire fish, rillettes and the fisherman's preserves (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
The châteaux, without the crowds
Winter is a lovely time to visit the nearby châteaux in peace. Just remember to check opening days and hours before setting off, as they often vary outside the high season.
Château d'Ussé, about ten minutes away: its white towers and pointed roofs are said to have inspired Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty.
Château de Langeais, a quarter of an hour away: built under Louis XI, it presents a fortress face towards the town and opens onto a Renaissance residence on the garden side.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, built on an island in the Indre, which Balzac likened to a faceted cut diamond. The Château de l'Islette, very close by, is something of its little sibling.
Villandry, famous for its terraced gardens, whose design is easy to read when the vegetation is resting.
For a longer day, the Royal Fortress of Chinon, where Joan of Arc went to meet the future Charles VII in 1429, and the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, founded in 1101, are well suited to cool winter days. Literature lovers will enjoy the Balzac Museum at the Château de Saché, where the novelist came to write from 1825 to 1848.
Langeais' Sunday market and good addresses
The Langeais market, held on Sunday mornings from 9 am to 1 pm, is a outing we recommend in any season: producers, cheeses, wines, and a coffee on the terrace if the sun comes out. It's a good opportunity to fill your basket for dinner at home.
On the way, the boulangerie de l'Église is worth the detour for its croissants and its meringue-topped lemon tart (closed Mondays and Thursdays). And for an aperitif, L'Ami James serves wines by the glass and platters of charcuterie and cheese in a warm atmosphere.
Warming up at the table
Winter makes you want good food, and we have a few loyal addresses:
La Cabane à Matelot, a stone's throw from the house, for Loire fish caught by Romain Gadais and cooked by chef Ambroise Voreux.
Precept in Langeais, a small, cosy dining room with a short, changing menu.
L'Auberge Pom'Poire in Azay-le-Rideau, the starred restaurant of Bastien and Émilie Gillet, for an evening to remember.
L'Auberge Radieuse and its wood-fired pizzas, or L'Odette and its buckwheat galettes, after a visit to the Château d'Azay.
If you spend a day in Tours, the Vieux Tours also offers plenty of ways to warm up, with Les Copains d'Abord on Place du Grand Marché or the crêperie La Bigouden. Opening days vary from one address to another, so remember to book or call ahead.
And evenings at home
After a day out, nothing beats returning to the gîte: beams, terracotta floor tiles, and a large table to share the market finds.
Your winter stay at Le Clos de la Moire
With its four bedrooms for eight guests, Le Clos de la Moire is well suited to a weekend or a winter week with family or friends, between Langeais, Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau. We will be happy to welcome you and share our favourite addresses on site. To book, the simplest option is to do so directly through this website.
