Chinon (25km north) — a medieval town above the Vienne river, dominated by a ruined castle where Joan of Arc met the Dauphin Charles VII in 1429. The old town is well-preserved and the Chinon wine appellation produces excellent reds from Cabernet Franc. An easy half-day from Richelieu.
Fontevraud Abbey (35km north) — one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, founded in 1101. The Plantagenet kings are buried here: Richard the Lionheart, his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his father Henry II lie in the abbey church. The scale and the funerary sculptures are remarkable.
Azay-le-Rideau (50km north) — a fairy-tale moated château built on an island in the Indre river in the early 16th century, considered one of the most beautiful in France. The reflection in the water is the quintessential Loire Valley image. Allow half a day.
Saumur (50km northwest) — a handsome château-town on the Loire known for sparkling wine (Saumur Mousseux and Crémant de Loire), extensive mushroom caves cut into the tufa cliffs, and a good equestrian tradition (the Cadre Noir riding school is based here). Good for a full day.