Barrou

The village of Barrou is in the department of Indre-et-Loire, within the Loire Valley in France. It sits by the river Creuse  about  75 km south of Tours. It is on the D750 road between Descartes and Yzeures-sur-Creuse. It is in an area rich in archaeological sites. A cache of flint knives and a collection of  Bronze-age pottery were found by the village linking it forever with 'prehistory'. These plus many other 'finds' are housed in the recently renovated Chateau Museum in the nearby town of Le Grand Pressigny. The village’s location halfway between the regional capitals of Tours and Poitiers makes it an ideal base to explore the Loire Valley and Vienne. Barrou itself has a restaurant/bar, boulangerie (baker) boucherie (butcher) and épicier (grocer)and a post office.There is a boulodrome in the centre of the village for ‘Petanque' (boules).

The restaurant is typical of small villages of the region in that it also has a separate bar area where the locals meet over coffee or a glass of wine to discuss the events of the day.

It serves traditional fare at good prices and is a good place to join the locals for lunch - you will not be disappointed. Self-service buffet for starters, main course, cheese board plus a sweet for 12 euros. Local red wine and bread are included in the price. 

Check opening times, as it varies with the seasons and book for evening dining, more out of courtesy than necessity. The outside terrace area looks on to the boulodrome square.

There are many pleasant walks around the village and along the river. The more adventurous can walk to the neighbouring villages with Lesigny (2km) offering safe river swimming as well as a picnic area.

 The kayak club at Descartes offer trips back down river from the village.

At  Barrou you are in the heart of Southern Touraine which has its own delights close at hand such as the small village of  Le Guerche (5mins) with its chateau and winding streets,    as well as having all the diverse range of sites on  our 'Places to Visit' page.

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