Visit the Brenne Park in the heart of the Indre department

Aerial,View,Of,Lakes,,Ponds,And,Meadows,In,La,Brenne

Located in the heart of the Indre department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, the Brenne Regional Nature Park is one of France’s most unspoilt nature destinations. Nicknamed the “land of a thousand ponds”, this exceptional area of 183,000 hectares is home to more than 3,000 ponds created by man since the Middle Ages. A veritable sanctuary for biodiversity, the Brenne is home to 2,300 species of animal and 1,200 species of plant, to the delight of birdwatchers and lovers of the wild. The Brenne Regional Nature Park, with its picturesque villages, Renaissance châteaux and watery landscapes as far as the eye can see, promises total immersion in an ecosystem that is unique in Europe.

00 plan tours

Discover the tour to Tours

An interactive guide

22 fun audioguides

See the route

See also the Centre-Val de Loire guide:


The Brenne Regional Nature Park in a nutshell

Created in 1989, the Brenne Regional Nature Park covers 51 communes and protects one of the largest continental wetlands in France. This territory, shaped by centuries of fish farming, is home to a mosaic of unique landscapes: ponds bordered by reed beds, heather moors, oak forests and wet meadows all combine to create a perfect balance between nature and human activity. The Brenne is first and foremost the kingdom of birds, with over 270 species listed, including some extremely rare species such as the black-necked grebe, purple heron and bittern. Birdwatchers from all over the world come here to observe the thousands of migratory birds that stop off in these wetlands on their travels.

But the richness of this park is not limited to its bird life. The European pond terrapin, a small, emblematic freshwater turtle, finds its last refuge in France here. The ponds are also teeming with brightly-coloured dragonflies, with no fewer than 60 different species. As for the flora, wild orchids brighten up the meadows in spring, while carnivorous plants colonise the wettest areas. Visiting the Brenne Regional Nature Park also means discovering a remarkable built heritage, with authentic villages dotted with tufa stone houses, Renaissance châteaux and Romanesque churches.

1. Walks and hikes

Exploring the Brenne on foot is undoubtedly the best way to immerse yourself in its watery and forested landscapes. The Park offers an exceptional network of waymarked footpaths, suitable for all levels of walker. The paths wind between the ponds, cross the moors and penetrate into the heart of the ancient oak forests. Each season has its own attractions: water lilies in bloom in summer, the flamboyant colours of autumn, the arrival of sandhill cranes in winter, and the explosion of life in spring.

Half-day discovery trails

For an initial introduction to the area, there are a number of 2 to 4 hour circuits to discover the different facets of the park. The “Blizon” trail, starting out from Mézières-en-Brenne, the historic capital of the Brenne, offers a perfect summary of the characteristic landscapes over 8 kilometres. You’ll discover typical ponds, bird observatories and cross areas of heather moorland. The “Étang Cistude” trail at Saint-Michel-en-Brenne (36290, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 247 reviews) offers total immersion in the world of wetlands, with its stilted footbridges.

Don’t miss the tour of the Bellebouche pond, one of the largest in the park at 100 hectares. This 7-kilometre route takes you all the way around this majestic pond and features a number of strategically placed birdwatching stations. In the late afternoon, the golden light reflecting off the water creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photographers. The Maison de la Nature et de la Réserve at Saint-Michel-en-Brenne is an excellent starting point for understanding the ecosystem before setting off on your hike.

Itinerant tours lasting several days

For experienced walkers looking for a more immersive experience, the Brenne Regional Nature Park offers 7 itineraries lasting 3 to 6 days, all signposted in yellow and red. These itineraries take in the whole of the region and reveal all its natural and heritage treasures. The “Étangs du cœur de Brenne” route from Mézières-en-Brenne covers 70 kilometres in 3 days. It passes through the areas with the most ponds and offers the best opportunities for birdwatching.

The “Grande Brenne, between ponds and forests” walk, also starting from Mézières-en-Brenne, covers 114 kilometres over 5 days. This longer route alternates between the vast expanse of ponds in the Grande Brenne and the surrounding forests. From Le Blanc, the western gateway to the park, the “Via the cliffs of the Anglin and Creuse” route takes you 74 kilometres over 4 days along these two rivers with their spectacular valleys. Approved accommodation is available along all these routes, so you can travel light and make the most of each stage.

2. Mountain bike and bicycle excursions

Wetland,Boardwalk,Over,Lake,In,Early,Spring,In,Natere,Reserve

Cycling is the perfect way to visit the Brenne Regional Nature Park and cover longer distances while enjoying the scenery. The gentle terrain and many well-maintained paths make this area a cyclist’s paradise. The little-travelled roads wind between the ponds, offering new views of these bird-filled mirrors of water at every turn. The advantage of cycling lies in the fact that you can visit several birdwatching sites in a single day, while maintaining a quiet and respectful approach to the wildlife.

Cycle routes on roads and tracks

The “Grande Boucle des étangs de la Brenne”, cycle route no. 5 from Mézières-en-Brenne, offers 48 kilometres of cycling in less than 4 hours for regular cyclists. This perfectly signposted route passes through the most emblematic areas of the park, taking in quiet country lanes and a few carriage roads. You’ll pass the Bellebouche pond, pass through the village of Rosnay to discover the Maison du Parc in the hamlet of Le Bouchet (36300, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 452 reviews), and take a break at one of the many birdwatching sites along the way.

A number of other themed loops enable you to discover specific areas: the “Around the Etang de la Mer Rouge” circuit (28 km), the “Mills Loop” which allows you to discover the local hydraulic heritage, or the “Grandes Roches Circuit” offering beautiful views of the ponds from the heights. All these itineraries can be downloaded free of charge from the Park’s website and from tourist offices. Many local service providers offer bike hire, including electric-assist bikes, which are particularly popular for covering long distances without excessive fatigue.

Mountain bike trails

For those looking for a more sporting experience, the Brenne Regional Nature Park has developed 5 technical mountain bike trails using forest paths and sometimes demanding singles. The “Boucle des 7 gués” (7 fords loop), starting in Belabre, challenges mountain bikers over a 35-kilometre route with a significant difference in altitude and several technical sections through woods and waterways. This route takes around 3 hours to complete and will appeal to experienced bikers looking for a challenge. The other four routes start from Mézières-en-Brenne and offer a range of difficulty levels, from intermediate to expert.

These mountain bike routes offer the advantage of discovering less accessible parts of the park, in particular certain dense forest areas that are home to roe deer, wild boar and even a few stags. Passages through undergrowth alternate with crossings of open spaces offering magnificent panoramic views of the ponds. All the routes are signposted and regularly maintained. Mountain bike outings accompanied by local guides are also available, allowing you to benefit from the experience of enthusiasts who know the best spots and the secrets of the area.

3. Horse and carriage rides

Visiting the Brenne Regional Nature Park on horseback offers a unique and deeply authentic perspective. The peaceful rhythm of the horse allows you to approach the wildlife in silence and immerse yourself in the landscape. This ancestral way of exploring the region is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the Brenne, where human activity and nature have always coexisted harmoniously. Horses can take paths that are off-limits to motorised vehicles, opening up access to unspoilt areas of the park that are rarely visited.

The Park has four riding centres in Rosnay, Fontgombault, Douadic and Ruffec, all offering a range of options for beginners to experienced riders. Accompanied half-day or full-day rides are an excellent introduction for novices. Your guide will share his or her knowledge of the local ecosystem, the birds seen along the way and the history of the area. These outings are generally limited to small groups of 6 to 8 riders maximum, guaranteeing a quality experience and personalised supervision.

Horse-riding itineraries

For experienced riders, there are three itinerant rides on offer: two 3-day rides and one 2-day ride to discover the contrasts between the Grande Brenne and the Petite Brenne on horseback. These tours include accommodation for the riders and boxes for the horses at each stage. You’ll ride through landscapes of remarkable diversity: vast expanses of ponds bordered by reed beds, moorland covered in purple heather, centuries-old oak forests and flower-filled wet meadows. Galloping along the forest paths is an unforgettable experience in this unspoilt natural setting.

Horse-drawn carriage rides are an original and friendly way to discover the Brenne with your family or friends. Comfortably seated in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, you can enjoy the driver’s explanations while quietly admiring the scenery as it passes by. This option is particularly popular with families with children or people with reduced mobility, who can enjoy the beauty of the park. Some centres even offer driving lessons for those who want to hold the reins.

4. Canoeing and kayaking

Discovering the Brenne Regional Nature Park by water offers a completely different and equally rewarding perspective. The Creuse, a tributary of the Vienne that crosses the park from east to west, lends itself wonderfully well to canoeing, with its calm waters punctuated by a few easy rapids. Paddling silently allows you to get close to the aquatic wildlife without disturbing it: grey herons, kingfishers, coypu and beavers can all be seen from your boat. The wooded banks are home to lush vegetation and provide welcome shade on summer days.

There are six water sports centres in the park: in Le Blanc (36300, rated 4.0/5 on Google out of 3,247 reviews), Belabre, Tournon-Saint-Martin, Mézières-en-Brenne and Saint-Gaultier. These centres offer canoe and kayak hire by the hour, half-day or full day. Courses of varying lengths are suggested, generally between 1 and 3 hours of actual navigation. Beginners will enjoy the calmer sections, while experienced paddlers can try their hand at the slightly sportier passages. All bases provide the obligatory safety equipment (lifejackets) and waterproof containers to protect your personal belongings.

The route from Le Blanc to Romefort offers around 2 hours’ cruising in an enchanting setting. The Creuse meanders past limestone cliffs and lush green meadows. This particularly photogenic stretch allows you to admire Le Blanc from the river, with its houses perched on the heights and its medieval castle dominating the valley. Further downstream, the descent from Tournon-Saint-Martin to Angles-sur-l’Anglin (3 hours) passes through spectacular gorges where sheer cliffs rise up on either side of the river. The vegetation here takes on a lush, almost tropical appearance in summer.

Outings accompanied by qualified guides are available to discover the flora and fauna of the river banks. These guided descents add considerably to the experience, providing knowledge of the river’s ecosystem, the history of navigation on the Creuse and paddling techniques. Some providers also organise night-time trips during the summer season to watch bats hunting above the water and enjoy the magical atmosphere of the river under the stars. It’s a truly unforgettable way to visit the Brenne Regional Nature Park.

5. Birdwatching and wildlife photography

Turtle,Dove

The Brenne Regional Nature Park is one of Europe’s major birdwatching sites, attracting thousands of birdwatchers from all over the world every year. With more than 270 recorded bird species, including 130 breeding birds, this exceptional area offers unique opportunities throughout the year. The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) migration periods are particularly spectacular, with massive numbers of migratory birds stopping off at the ponds to rest and feed before continuing their journey.

Among the emblematic species to watch are the purple heron, which nests in the dense reedbeds in summer, the black-necked grebe, which dives tirelessly in search of fish, and the bittern, which hides in the rushes and lets out its strange, howling-like song. The European pond terrapin, a small protected aquatic turtle, basks in the sun on the emergent trunks. In winter, the sight of thousands of grey cranes flying over the ponds at sunrise or sunset is forever etched in our memories. Their distinctive cries echo across the sky as they perform their aerial ballet before landing for the night.

The best observation sites

The Chérine National Nature Reserve at Saint-Michel-en-Brenne is the ornithological jewel of the park. This strictly protected 145-hectare reserve is home to an exceptional concentration of birds. Guided tours are available from April to September, subject to prior booking, for groups of no more than 8 or 10 people. The large observatory set up on the edge of the pond allows you to observe without being seen, thanks to its wide picture windows. Powerful spotting scopes are available to examine every corner of the pond and identify the species present.

The Etang de Bellebouche has three strategically placed observatories offering complementary views over this immense body of water. The observatory at the end of the pond is particularly popular in the late afternoon, when the low-angled light enhances the colours and the birds are most active. The Mer Rouge pond, which is accessible from an observation platform, is also a popular spot for waders and anatidae during migration. For wildlife photographers, these observatories offer ideal conditions, with reasonable approach distances and often clear backdrops making it easy to take pictures.

Accompanied outings with nature guides

To maximise your chances of sightings and enhance your experience, outings accompanied by professional birdwatching guides are a must. These enthusiasts know the area intimately, the habits of the different species and the best times to observe them. They provide all the necessary optical equipment (binoculars and spotting scopes) and share their knowledge with enthusiasm. Daybreak outings, when the birds are most active and the light is magical, are among the most memorable. The silence of dawn is disturbed only by the songs and calls of the birds, creating an exceptional atmosphere.

A number of service providers offer a variety of packages: 2-3 hour outings, full days with several sites visited, or even multi-day birdwatching holidays including accommodation and all outings. These themed breaks offer an in-depth visit to the Brenne Regional Nature Park, focusing on wildlife observation. Wildlife photography courses are also organised to learn shooting and camouflage techniques under the guidance of professional photographers specialising in wildlife.

6. Remarkable villages and built heritage

View,Of,The,Village,Of,Saint benoît du sault,And,Its,Covered,Way.

In addition to its exceptional natural riches, the Brenne Regional Nature Park boasts a remarkable built heritage that bears witness to its thousand-year-old history. The landscape of ponds is dotted with villages full of character, with houses built of pale tufa stone. These authentic market towns have preserved their rural soul and traditional architecture, providing charming stopping-off points as you explore the region. Some of the villages are even listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, a national recognition of their exceptional heritage value.

Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, a medieval jewel

Saint-Benoît-du-Sault (36170, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 589 reviews), designated the Most Beautiful Village in France since 1988, stands proudly on its rocky promontory overlooking the Portefeuille valley. This superbly preserved medieval village literally takes you back several centuries with its steep cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and imposing 11th-century Romanesque church. The ramparts and remains of the feudal castle bear witness to the strategic past of this stronghold on the borders of Berry and Limousin. Take time to wander through the flower-lined streets, discover the workshops of local craftsmen and admire the splendid panoramas from the belvederes.

Gargilesse-Dampierre and its romantic charm

Gargilesse-Dampierre (36190, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 423 reviews), also listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages since 1982, has inspired many artists, including George Sand, who had a holiday home here that is now a museum. This picturesque village nestling in the Creuse valley is enchanting with its stone houses covered in hollyhocks in summer, its 15th-century castle perched high above the village, and its charming Romanesque church adorned with 12th-century frescoes. The terraced gardens leading down to the river create a particularly photogenic, romantic setting.

Le Blanc, historic capital

Le Blanc, the park’s main town with a population of 6,500, is well worth a visit for its rich heritage. The medieval upper town stands on a cliff overlooking the Creuse, offering uninterrupted views over the valley. The superbly restored 13th-century Château Naillac is now home to the Brenne Ecomuseum (02 54 37 25 20, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm, adult admission €5). This remarkable museum tells the story of the creation of the ponds, the life of the fish farmers, local traditions and presents a superb ornithological collection. The château’s terrace offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of the town and surrounding countryside.

Mézières-en-Brenne, the historic heart of the region

Mézières-en-Brenne (36290, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 187 reviews), former capital of the Lords of Brenne, has preserved some beautiful vestiges of its medieval past. The ruins of the feudal castle now house the tourist office, which is the ideal starting point for visiting the Brenne Regional Nature Park. The 13th-century church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine impresses with its imposing dimensions. The flower-filled village and its traditional architecture make it a pleasant place to stop for lunch or a break while exploring. The weekly market on Thursday mornings gives you the chance to discover local produce: pond fish, free-range poultry, goat’s cheese and local honey.

7. Castles to visit in the park

Drone,Photo,Azay,Le,Ferron,Castle,France,Europe

The Brenne Regional Nature Park boasts a number of remarkable châteaux that bear witness to the rich history of this strategic region between Berry, Touraine and Poitou. These stately homes from the Middle Ages and Renaissance make excellent additions to your visit to the park, especially on rainy days. Their architecture and collections provide a better understanding of local history and the way of life of the elites who shaped this region over the centuries.

Azay-le-Ferron Castle

Château d’Azay-le-Ferron(36290 Azay-le-Ferron, 02 54 39 20 06, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 1,247 reviews) is one of the most beautiful châteaux in the region. This exceptional architectural ensemble showcases the evolution of French architecture from the 15th to the 18th century, with its four facades in different styles. The superbly preserved period furniture and the rich collections of paintings, tapestries and objets d’art transport visitors into the refined atmosphere of the great aristocratic residences. Guided tours, lasting around 45 minutes, take visitors through the richly decorated and furnished flats. The vast 30-hectare English-style park invites you to stroll among century-old trees, romantic pools and formal gardens. Open from April to October from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm, adult price €10 including château and park.

The Haute-Touche Zoological Reserve

Just outside Azay-le-Ferron, the Réserve Zoologique de la Haute-Touche(36290 Obterre, 02 54 02 20 40, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 6,894 reviews) is well worth a visit, especially if you’re travelling with the family. This wildlife park managed by the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle covers 500 hectares of forest where more than 1,000 animals representing 120 species from five continents live in semi-liberty. Lions, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, wolves and even very rare species such as Przewalski’s horses and Asian dholes can be seen in vast enclosures reproducing their natural habitat. The park can be visited on foot (allow 4 to 5 hours for a full tour), by hire bike, or by car in certain areas. Open from April to October, from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and until 7pm at weekends, adult admission €16.

8. Water sports and leisure activities

If your stay in the Brenne Regional Nature Park coincides with the summer period, water sports and leisure activities will give you the chance to enjoy the lakes from a different angle. There are a number of leisure centres offering swimming, water sports and family relaxation in an unspoilt natural setting. These recreational areas provide pleasant breaks on hot days, and are particularly popular with children and teenagers.

Bellebouche Leisure Centre

The Bellebouche Leisure Centre in Mézières-en-Brenne is the park’s main leisure facility. Set on the banks of the magnificent Bellebouche pond (100 hectares), it offers a fine sandy beach with unsupervised swimming in a safe, enclosed area. Children will particularly enjoy the water play area and the inflatable structures set up in the water in summer. The base hires out pedalos, kayaks and paddles so you can explore the pond from the water and get close to the reeds where many birds nest. An 18-hole mini-golf course, a nature trail and shaded picnic tables complete the facilities. Free access, water sports equipment hire from €10 to €15/hour depending on the activity.

The complete tour of the Etang de Bellebouche is a magnificent 7-kilometre walk that is accessible to everyone. The well-maintained path follows the banks of the lake through a varied landscape of flower meadows, woodland and reed beds. There are three birdwatching stations along the way, where you can take a contemplative break to observe the rich birdlife. In the late afternoon, the golden light reflecting off the water creates a magical atmosphere that is particularly photogenic. This walk can be combined with a day at the leisure centre to combine nature activities with water-based relaxation.

9. Gastronomy and local produce

Visiting the Brenne Regional Nature Park also means discovering an authentic gastronomy intimately linked to the region and its natural resources. Brenne cuisine celebrates local farm produce and pond products in generous, tasty traditional recipes. The park’s restaurateurs favour short circuits and work with local producers to offer a cuisine rooted in the land.

Pond fish, stars of the local gastronomy

Pond fish is, of course, the undisputed culinary speciality of the Brenne. Carp, pike, tench and pike-perch bred in ponds using age-old fish-farming methods produce delicate, fragrant flesh. The tradition of “pond fishing” has endured since the Middle Ages: once every two or three years, the ponds are drained and the fish harvested in spectacular conditions. Carp à la Brennouse, poached in a court-bouillon with herbs and served with a beurre blanc sauce, is the region’s signature dish. Pike with beurre blanc, fried small fish and fish terrines are also on the menu of many fine local restaurants.

You’ll find these specialities in the park’s traditional restaurants, particularly in Mézières-en-Brenne, Le Blanc and Saint-Michel-en-Brenne. The weekly markets (Thursday mornings in Mézières-en-Brenne, Saturday mornings in Le Blanc) allow you to buy fresh fish directly from the fish farmers and cook it yourself if you are staying in a rental accommodation. Some ponds also offer recreational fishing by prior arrangement, allowing you to catch your own fish in the traditional way.

Goat’s cheese and other farmhouse products

Goat farming plays an important role in the agricultural economy of Brennac. The many goat farms produce excellent farmhouse cheeses made from raw milk: the classic Pouligny-Saint-Pierre in the shape of a truncated pyramid, which has a PDO, matured crottins, bûches cendrées and plain or flavoured fromage frais. These cheeses with character are the perfect accompaniment to mixed salads, or to round off a meal on a local note. Farms often offer direct sales, and some organise educational tours to discover how cheese is made.

Brenne honey also enjoys an excellent reputation thanks to the richness of the melliferous flora: heather, acacias, chestnut trees and the wild flowers of the wet meadows provide bees with a varied palette of aromas. Local beekeepers offer different varieties of honey depending on the season and the flowers foraged. Free-range poultry (chickens, guinea fowl, ducks) and processed products (pâtés, rillettes, confits) complete the local gastronomic offer available from farms, markets and fine restaurants throughout the region.

10. Practical information to prepare your stay

Good preparation guarantees a successful stay in the Brenne Regional Nature Park. Here is the essential information you need to organise your visit and make the most of this exceptional area with complete peace of mind.

When should you visit the Brenne Regional Nature Park?

Each season has its own attractions for visiting the Brenne Regional Nature Park. Spring (April-May) sees an explosion of life with the return of nesting migratory birds, the flowering of wild orchids and the awakening of nature after winter. Mild temperatures make hiking particularly enjoyable. In summer (June-August), you can enjoy water sports, swimming and long days exploring the area. The late sunrises and sunsets provide magnificent light for photography. However, beware of mosquitoes near the ponds in July and August, so bring mosquito repellent and long clothing in the evening.

Autumn (September-November) is undoubtedly the best time of year for birdwatchers, with post-nuptial migration and the massive arrival of waders and anatidae. The flamboyant colours of the trees reflected in the ponds create sublime landscapes. Winter (December-February) offers the unique spectacle of grey cranes, with gatherings of up to several thousand individuals on certain ponds. The clear days of winter provide a crystal-clear light that magnifies the barren landscapes. The park is accessible all year round, although some tourist facilities close out of season (November to March).

How do I get to the park?

The Brenne Regional Nature Park is located in the Indre department, around 3 hours’ drive south of Paris. By car from Paris, take the A20 towards Limoges, then exit at Argenton-sur-Creuse (exit 20) or Le Blanc (exit 19), depending on your destination in the park. From Tours, allow 1? hours via the A85 and then the D943. Access by public transport is more complex: the nearest SNCF station is in Châteauroux (Paris-Toulouse line), 45 km from Mézières-en-Brenne. Regional buses then serve Le Blanc and some of the towns in the park, but the infrequent timetables make it difficult to visit without a private vehicle. Hiring a car in Châteauroux is the most practical way of exploring the park on your own.

Where can I find information and documentation?

The Destination Brenne tourist office has six reception points across the region: at the Maison du Parc in Rosnay (Le Bouchet, 36300 Rosnay, 02 54 28 12 13, open all year), in Mézières-en-Brenne in the remains of the feudal castle (02 54 38 12 24), in Le Blanc (02 54 37 05 13), in Belabre, in Saint-Benoît-du-Sault and in Saint-Gaultier. These offices provide free maps, topographical guides and themed brochures. Visitor advisors will help you put together a programme to suit your interests, the length of your visit and the time of year. The www.parc-naturel-brenne.fr website also offers a wealth of practical information, downloadable walking routes and a calendar of nature events.

Where to stay in the Brenne Regional Nature Park?

There is a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and travel style. Bed and breakfasts are an excellent choice for discovering local hospitality and benefiting from the expert advice of hosts who are passionate about their region. Many farms also offer self-catering cottages, perfect for holidays with family or friends. Campsites, particularly those at Bellebouche and Mézières-en-Brenne, offer the chance to stay close to nature. There are also a number of traditional hotels in Mézières-en-Brenne and Le Blanc. For an unusual stay, a number of atypical accommodations have been created: tree houses, shepherd’s caravans and Mongolian yurts offering total immersion in nature.

Reservations are strongly recommended in high season (July-August) and during the long weekends in spring, when visitor numbers increase significantly. Out of season, you’ll find it easier to book, but some establishments close in winter. The “Gîtes de France”, “Accueil Paysan” and “Valeurs Parc naturel régional” labels guarantee quality accommodation that respects the environment and the spirit of the place. Choose accommodation in the heart of the park rather than on the outskirts, so that you can take full advantage of the sunrises and sunsets over the ponds.

In conclusion, visiting the Brenne Regional Nature Park is an exceptionally rich nature experience that is accessible to all types of traveller. Whether you’re an ornithology enthusiast keen to scrutinise every species of bird, a hiker looking for new horizons, a wildlife photographer in search of the perfect shot, a family keen to discover nature or simply in search of authenticity and tranquillity, this wild and unspoilt territory will win you over. The thousands of ponds glistening in the sunshine, the incredible diversity of flora and fauna, the charm of the stone villages and the warm welcome of the Brennoux people all add up to an enchanting picture you won’t soon forget. The Brenne Regional Nature Park is the embodiment of unspoilt rural France, where time seems to stand still, offering a complete retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

FAQ: everything you need to know about visiting the Brenne Regional Nature Park

How long does it take to visit the Brenne Regional Nature Park?

To get a good overview of the Brenne Regional Nature Park and its main sites of interest, ideally plan a long weekend of at least 3 days. This will give you plenty of time to do several hikes, visit one or two remarkable villages and take the time to watch the birds from various observatories. For a more in-depth exploration, including several activities (cycling, canoeing, visiting a castle) and a real immersion in the area, a full week is not too much. The park lends itself perfectly to itinerant holidays with a change of accommodation to explore different areas.

Is the Brenne Regional Nature Park accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Several of the Park’s sites have been made accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Maison du Parc in Rosnay, the Écomusée de la Brenne in Le Blanc and the Château d’Azay-le-Ferron all have adapted facilities. Some ornithological observatories, such as the one at Réserve de Chérine, are also wheelchair-accessible. Tourist offices can provide details of sites and trails that are accessible to PRMs. Horse-drawn carriage rides are an excellent alternative for exploring the countryside without walking.

Is it safe to swim in the Brenne lakes?

Swimming is only permitted on the beach at the Etang de Bellebouche in Mézières-en-Brenne. This unsupervised but safe and controlled swimming area has a sandy beach and facilities for children. Swimming in the park’s other ponds is prohibited for safety reasons (muddy bottom, dense aquatic vegetation) and to preserve the natural environment. Many of the ponds are nature reserves where any disturbance is prohibited to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

Are there mosquitoes in the Brenne?

Mosquitoes are indeed present in the Brenne Regional Nature Park, particularly during the summer months (July-August) and in the evenings near ponds and wetlands. It is strongly recommended that you bring effective mosquito repellent, light-coloured long clothing in the evening and a mosquito net if you are camping. Spring and autumn are generally less affected by mosquitoes. Despite their presence, mosquitoes should not dissuade you from visiting this exceptional region – all you need to do is take a few simple precautions.

What equipment do you need to visit the Brenne Regional Nature Park?

To make the most of your stay, bring comfortable, waterproof walking shoes, as the trails can be muddy, especially after it rains. Dress for the weather in layers, a hat and sun cream in summer, a windbreaker and rain gear. Binoculars are essential for birdwatching (some observatories lend them out, but it’s best to have your own). A birdwatching guide will help you identify the species you see. Don’t forget your camera with a telephoto lens to capture the wildlife, a reusable water bottle and a picnic for long walks away from the villages.

200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world

Download

Destinations