HUISMES
As you may be able to glean from the Napoleonic map, we are delightfully close to Huismes (pronounced ‘Wheeme’)
Our lovely local village is a charming place to visit. Here are some suggestions for what to do and how to get there:
La Loire A Velo Cycle Path
The meandering La Loire À Vélo runs right outside La Fuye, to Huismes. Bike up there one evening (it’s an easy 5km ride from the house) and enjoy a simple dinner or lunch on the terrace of the casual bistrot/bar Le Jeanne D’Arc (+33 2 47 58 92 53). It is currently open for lunch, from 12pm-2pm, and for dinner, from 7pm-830pm, but the days keep changing so call ahead to check. Booking is recommended as it can get busy during the season and serves a very local, loyal clientele.
Chateâux Walks
Go on a hike around Huismes and take in eight local châteaux. There are three versions of the Husimes walk (choose from 7km, 12.5km or 13.5km). All map-guided walks start at the lavoir, the old washing pond, that is about 10 minutes’ walk from La Fuye. Here is a link to its position. The Tourist Office map showing the three walking routes can be downloaded here.
Eat Local
Jeanne D’Arc is a good option for a simple lunch and you can sit out on the terrace if it’s good weather (it has quite a nice inside option if it’s bad weather).
There is also a small, sporadic Sunday market in the village centre - opposite Le Jeanne D’Arc Bistrot with its welcoming outdoor terrace (pictured) - selling oysters* as well as fresh local vegetables. Buy some to enjoy back on the terrace at La Fuye (see below for inspiration!).
*although not between the months of April and October
Château de Ussé
Keep going a little bit further (4km from Huismes; 9km from La Fuye) and you reach the one of the Loire Valley’s most charming, secluded and lesser-known Châteaux: Château d’Ussé - the so-called Sleeping Beauty Château as it was said to have inspired the fairytale.
If you don’t have time to go inside, I’m quite a fan of a driveby: take in the view of the whole castle, in all its magnificence, from the bridge over the river Indre on Rue de la Loire where it meets the Route de Chinon.
Max Ernst
Huismes was also home to Max Ernst, pioneer of the Dada movement and surrealism. You can visit his house which is now a museum and learn more about the man behind the movement. More info here.
Shop Local
Before you head for your home-from-home, try to visit the exceptional butcher here in Huismes, Beugnet François. Family-run for three generations, the meat is excellent and regionally acclaimed (5 Place de la Marie; closed Mondays).
