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Church of Saint-Venant, Ballan-Miré
approx. 1.5 km
A medieval church with an 11th-century nave and a 16th-century chancel. Its 16th-century stained glass was commissioned by Jacques de Beaune; it was enlarged in 1516.
Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan: a stay near Tours, in Touraine
The Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan stands in Ballan-Miré, in the Cher valley, a few kilometres from Tours. Expedia presents it as an upscale château: guests stay among a garden, a terrace, a wellness area and an outdoor pool, with Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau and Langeais at most about fifteen kilometres away. A convenient base for the Loire châteaux.
At a glance
- Location
- Ballan-Miré, Indre-et-Loire department (Centre-Val de Loire), in Touraine, about 8 km as the crow flies from the centre of Tours
- Accommodation
- Estate described by Expedia as an upscale château, with individually decorated accommodation, a wellness area and an outdoor pool
- Highlights
- Wellness area, outdoor pool (seasonal), garden, terrace, bicycle hire, free Wi-Fi, free parking, Green Key label
- Guest rating
- 9.2/10 from 183 reviews on Expedia (as of 14 Oct 2026)
- Check-in & check-out
- Check-in 4–7.30 pm (late arrival possible at certain times) · check-out at 11 am
- Good to know
- Assistance animals only · takeaway breakfast at extra cost · no lift · non-smoking property
Staying at the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan: a night at the gates of Tours
To stay at the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan is to enjoy a green setting in Ballan-Miré, beside the Cher, while remaining a short distance from Tours. The Expedia listing describes an upscale château close to the Loire châteaux, with a garden, a terrace and a wellness area. An outdoor pool is open according to the season, from 9 am to 7.30 pm.
As for the rooms, the listing mentions individually decorated, soundproofed accommodation with a dining table, a 40-inch smart TV, a smart speaker, an espresso machine, a minibar, a kettle, air conditioning and central heating. Bed linen, towels, slippers and free toiletries are provided. Wi-Fi is free and housekeeping takes place daily.
A takeaway breakfast is available every day, from 7.30 am to 10 am, for an extra charge. A concierge service, a full-service wellness centre and bicycle hire round off the offer. The property holds the Green Key environmental label and has no lift.
Photos of Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan
Ballan-Miré and the Commanderie: a little history
- 5th century – The place is known as Balatedo; it appears as Balanum in 1078.
- 11th–12th century – The origins of the church of Saint-Venant, whose nave dates from the 11th century.
- 13th century – Date of the house called “La Commanderie” in Ballan-Miré, rebuilt in the 14th century according to Wikipedia.
- 1515–1520 – The Grand Moulin de Ballan is built on the Cher on the initiative of Jacques de Beaune, superintendent of finances.
- 1516 – The church of Saint-Venant is enlarged; its 16th-century stained glass is commissioned by Jacques de Beaune.
- 1638 – Date attributed to the Château de la Rochefuret, listed as a historic monument in 1948.
- 1818 – The communes of Ballan and Miré merge to form Ballan-Miré.
- 1974 – The Grand Moulin ceases operating; it is partly listed as a historic monument in 2005.
The listing does not trace the history of the estate’s building. Its name recalls the commanderies, establishments run in the Middle Ages by the religious and military orders: Wikipedia mentions a house called “La Commanderie” in Ballan-Miré, dating from the 13th century and rebuilt in the 14th, and the list of Templar commanderies in the Centre-Val de Loire region mentions a commandery of Ballan, on which a Temple house in Tours depended. The sources consulted do not say whether these mentions concern exactly the estate presented here.
The Grand Moulin de Ballan, on the banks of the Cher, is one of the most visible witnesses of the commune’s past: a former flour mill that remained in operation until 1974, it has been partly listed as a historic monument since 2005.
Facilities and services at the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan
The details below come from the Expedia listing (as of 14 Oct 2026); details may vary depending on the accommodation booked.
Accommodation
- Free Wi-Fi
- Individual décor and furniture
- Soundproofing
- Dining table
- 40-inch smart TV and smart speaker
- Espresso machine, kettle and minibar
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Bed linen, towels, slippers and toiletries
Wellness & leisure
- Wellness area
- Outdoor pool (seasonal)
- Bicycle hire
- Garden and terrace
- Outdoor furniture
Services
- Reception open at certain times
- Concierge
- Daily housekeeping
- Takeaway breakfast (extra charge)
Practical
- Free parking without service (limited spaces)
- Well-lit entrance
- No lift
- Non-smoking property
- Green Key label
Where the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan is: at the gates of Tours
The estate is in Ballan-Miré, a commune of the Tours metropolitan area, about 11 km south-west of the city centre by road (7.8 km as the crow flies according to Wikipedia). According to Expedia, it takes about 8 minutes by car to Ballan station and 26 minutes to Tours - Loire Valley airport.
Among nearby points of interest Expedia lists the Loire châteaux, Place Plumereau in Tours, the University of Tours, the Vinci convention centre and the Tours exhibition park. In the commune itself, the Grand Moulin de Ballan and the church of Saint-Venant are 1.3–1.4 km away.
Villandry and its gardens are about 7 km away, Azay-le-Rideau and Langeais around fifteen kilometres, and Amboise under 30 km. The Loire Valley is a World Heritage Site, which makes the estate a practical base for a tour of the châteaux.
Distances (as the crow flies from the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan)
| Ballan-Miré (centre) | approx. 1 km |
| Church of Saint-Venant | approx. 1.5 km |
| Grand moulin de Ballan (mill) | approx. 1.5 km |
| Château de Villandry | approx. 7.5 km |
| Tours (city centre) | approx. 7.5 km |
| Château d’Azay-le-Rideau | approx. 15 km |
| Château de Langeais | approx. 16 km |
| Amboise | approx. 28 km |
| Chinon | approx. 35 km |
| Château de Chenonceau | approx. 35 km |
Distances calculated as the crow flies; driving times to the station and airport are taken from the Expedia listing.
Things to see around the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan
Château and gardens of Villandry
approx. 7.5 km
The last of the great Renaissance châteaux built on the banks of the Loire, with six hectares of gardens on four terraces, recreated from 1906 using plates by Jacques Androuet du Cerceau.
Tours and Saint-Gatien Cathedral
approx. 8 km
The préfecture of the Indre-et-Loire, Tours lies on the banks of the Loire and the Cher. Its cathedral, dedicated to Saint Gatien, the first bishop of Tours, has been a listed monument since 1862.
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
approx. 15 km
A Renaissance château built under Francis I for Gilles Berthelot, treasurer of France. Restored in the 19th century in the neo-Renaissance style, it was bought by the State in 1905.
Château de Langeais
approx. 16 km
A château built by Louis XI in 1465, replacing a fortress raised in the late 10th century by Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou. It is a listed historic monument.
Amboise and its royal château
approx. 28 km
The royal Château d’Amboise, a former residence of the kings of France, overlooks the Loire. It was attached to the Crown in 1434 and is one of the Loire châteaux.
Tours & activities near Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan
Experiences in the region that you can book online with Viator:
Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, Amboise or Chenonceau
Admire panoramic views over the Loire Valley from the skies on this 3-hours sunrise or sunset hot-air balloon ride from Chateau Amboise, Chenonceau …
View details ›
"AMBACIA CELLARS", Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley
Caves Ambacia, 500 years of Loire Valley wine making history! Come and discover our 15th century troglodyte caves. The wine tour includes: - Cellars …
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Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise
Enjoy a small group 9-hour tour in the Loire Valley. Your professional tour guide will show you the two most famous chateaux of the region …
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Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours or Amboise
Jump into the heart of French history by visiting the 2 most prestigious châteaux of the Loire Valley during the greet the warm ambiance of …
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Amboise Discovery Segway 45mn
At the controls of your Segway Segway, enjoy a fun and unusual experience! Follow your guide to discover the hidden stories of the city of Amboise! …
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Afternoon Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise
Join us on a wonderful afternoon wine tour starting from Tours or Amboise, and discover the local wines of the Touraine region. As a small group of …
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Small-Group Loire Valley: Chambord, Chenonceau, lunch in Amboise
Spend a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of Paris and discover three Marvellous Castles — Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord — in the …
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Loire Valley from Amboise : Azay le Rideau, Villandry, 2 Wineries
Enjoy a complete Loire Valley experience with the visit of the unique and elegant gardens of Chateau de Villandry and the lovely Chateau of …
View details ›Some descriptions are machine-translated.
Who is the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan for?
Loire château fans
Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Langeais and Amboise are all within 30 km as the crow flies.
Couples looking to unwind
A wellness area, an outdoor pool in season, a garden and a terrace: just the thing after a day of sightseeing.
Cyclists and walkers
The listing mentions bicycle hire and a green setting beside the Cher.
City breaks in Tours
The centre of Tours, its cathedral and Place Plumereau are about 8 km away as the crow flies.
Good to know before booking the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan
- Check-in is from 4 pm to 7.30 pm; late arrival is possible at certain times, to be confirmed with the property. Check-out is at 11 am.
- Only assistance animals are allowed.
- Takeaway breakfast is available daily, from 7.30 am to 10 am, for an extra charge. The outdoor pool, open according to the season, can be used from 9 am to 7.30 pm.
- Parking is free, without service, outdoors and with a limited number of spaces.
- Reception is open at certain times only. There is no lift; for special accessibility needs, contact the property via the booking confirmation.
- The property is non-smoking.
Find available dates at Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan
Frequently asked questions
Can you stay overnight at the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan?
Yes, the accommodation can be booked via Expedia. The listing presents it as an upscale château close to the Loire châteaux.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes, an outdoor pool, open according to the season, can be used from 9 am to 7.30 pm. The listing also mentions a full-service wellness centre.
Are pets allowed?
No, according to Expedia only assistance animals are allowed.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is possible from 4 pm to 7.30 pm, with late arrival possible at certain times. Check-out is at 11 am.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, parking is free, without service, with a limited number of spaces.
How far is Tours?
The centre of Tours is about 8 km away as the crow flies, and Villandry about 7 km.
Photos of the accommodation, guest reviews and available dates are all in the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan listing on Expedia.
Fancy a stay near the Loire châteaux? Check availability and current prices for the Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan on Expedia.
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