Saint-Claude-de-Diray

Saint-Claude-de-Diray is a charming village on the banks of the Loire, at the north-western end of the Communauté de Communes du Grand Chambord territory. It comprises two main parts, one in the river's floodplain and entirely cultivated, the other on the hillsides, inhabited and covered with multi-annual crops (vines, yams....etc). Saint-Claude's agricultural past has left an architectural heritage that bears witness to the village's activity.
Indeed, the proximity of the Loire and the quality of the soil have enabled the development of a wide range of crops. Tobacco was a very important activity until the late 1970s, and you'll still find many wooden tobacco drying sheds along the footpaths that allow pedestrians to cross the village without encountering cars. Asparagus, yams and a wide variety of market garden produce continue to maintain Saint-Claude-de-Diray's reputation for quality.
Based in the Cheverny AOC, wine producers perpetuate the village's tradition of agricultural production.
This tradition is highlighted by a number of highlights in local life, including the yam fair in spring and the harvest festival in August.
This strong agricultural orientation has left an architectural heritage of farmhouses, barns and wine presses, in addition to the tobacco drying sheds that can be discovered at the crossroads, often surrounded by the high walls characteristic of the village. The many round stone wells in public and private places punctuate your walk, from Morest to Nozieux, passing through the village center and the Aubergeon district.
The various views of the Loire, with the Château de Ménars in the background, are a further visual highlight of your stroll along the banks of the Unesco World Heritage Site.
Last but not least, the many sports and cultural associations (cycling, soccer, hiking, reading, theater, music....etc) testify to the town's dynamism.
Saint-Claude-de-Diray is located halfway between Blois and Chambord, on a route of the Loire à Vélo, 10 minutes from the Blois freeway exit. It's an ideal place to relax for anyone wishing to spend a few days on the banks of this majestic river, visiting the châteaux and enjoying the gentle lifestyle of a farming village. A number of gîtes will welcome you, and the village center's shopkeepers will cater to your daily needs. It's also a very pleasant place to live, combining the tranquility of a small village with the dynamism of Blois' suburban communities.

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