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La Roche Posay
Although actually in the
département of the
Vienne
this is a must for visitors to Southern Touraine.
Its proximity 24km from La Folie makes it easily
accessible. This charming medieval town
is
on the left bank of the River
Creuse ,you have now crossed into part
of a region that is well-deserving of a visit but probably not high
on the list of most tourists -- not because it doesn't have a lot to
offer but because it is rural, peaceful and not very well known
(this area featured in Sunday Times in 2008 as 'undiscovered jewel'
). It
has a
charming main street, which you are led into through the town
‘gate’.
This elegant
and historical town is bristling with restaurants and cafes
catering for everything from a light lunch to splendid dinners -
there is even a 'salon de the'.
The markets on Tuesdays and Fridays are worth a
visit.
This area is also used for 'boules' and during the summer months
festivals of a variety of guises are held here.
There are a
few
surprises you will find in this small town - a casino, a thermal
spa, a racecourse and more! The casino which also houses
a night club, opened in the year 2000 and
draws many visitors from the surrounding
region.
Then
there is the
Hippodrome de La
Gâtinière
for those who enjoy horse racing. Beginning at
2 PM,
races are scheduled for certain days in June, July, August and early
September. Admission is EUR 6 for adults and is free for those
under the age of 18.
There is an 18-hole golf course which is challenging
in that you have a few tight fairways bordered by trees
circling a 3 hectare pond
but is also a relaxing 'walk' if played early on a summer's morning. Clubs can be hired at the clubhouse.
There is a nearby riding school, fitness centre and, of course, the
river with its man-made beach. Yes, this little town is full of
surprises!
Perhaps a more
well-known offering of La Roche-Posay
is
its world-famous
thermal spa and mineral waters
which have been enjoyed
for over five centuries. It is the source of a thermal spring
that is very rich in selenium, a trace element with
numerous therapeutic and dermatological benefits.
Legend has it that in the Middle Ages, the knight
Bertrand Du Guesclin stopped near the spring to let his
horse drink and to quench his own thirst. The horse, who
suffered from eczema, plunged into the water and came
out cured.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon,
upon his return from Egypt, had a thermal hospital built
at La Roche-Posay to treat the skin diseases of his
soldiers.
The village has gardens to explore:
Jardins
du Parc Thermal de La Roche-Posay.
These gardens are made up of different focal points with yew tree
hedges and ornamental lakes. There is an English garden at the
Pavillon Rose, the Thermal Spring, the
Checkers and
Chess
Plaza
and the health terrace. It is open all the year round and there is
no admission charge. There is also the private Les Loges
du Parc
(Rooms of the Park) hotel garden which is divided in thematic
"rooms": the
White
Garden,
the
Secret
Garden,
the Walking place Garden, the Peonies Garden (42 species) and the
Rose garden. Along the natural brook there are many remarkable
species of trees and shrubs.
Guided tour Thursday at
3.00 pm
from May to September (information near the office of tourism)
Internet access is also available from the office.
Links:
http://www.la-roche-posay.info
http://www.ville-larocheposay.com
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