La Croix-en-Touraine, France – Archers from across France converged at the Relais de la Herserie this past weekend, March 14th and 15th, 2026, for a challenging 3D archery competition hosted by Les Archers de La Croix-en-Touraine. The event, which drew 132 participants, marked the beginning of the outdoor archery season in the region.
The competition featured a unique course designed to simulate a hunting environment, with lifelike 3D animal targets – including deer, cheetahs, wild boars, and bears – strategically placed throughout the park. Sunny weather conditions added to the positive atmosphere for the archers.
Saturday morning was dedicated to an introductory session for archers new to 3D and field archery. Organized in partnership with the Indre-et-Loire Departmental Archery Committee (CDTA37), the session allowed approximately 20 local archers to familiarize themselves with the nuances of this specialized discipline. For many, it was their first experience with the unique challenges of judging distance and trajectory in a non-traditional target setting.
National Representation at La Croix-en-Touraine
The competition wasn’t limited to regional talent. Archers traveled from across France to participate, representing regions including Normandy, Île-de-France, Pays de la Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Centre-Val de Loire. The field included several medalists from recent French 3D Archery Championships, adding a layer of prestige to the event.
Among the notable competitors were Ninon Sedilleau and Chantal Porte of Montoire-sur-le-Loir, Steve Adet from Le Mans, Mathieu Blanchet of Montlouis-sur-Loire, Corinne Scheid from Chinon, and local favorite Marine Girard of La Croix-en-Touraine. Their presence underscored the growing popularity and competitive level of 3D archery in France.
The 3D archery format tests not only accuracy but also the archer’s ability to quickly assess distances and adjust for varying terrain – skills crucial for field archery and hunting simulations. It’s a discipline that demands a different skillset than traditional target archery, requiring adaptability and a keen eye for detail.
Competition Results
The competition saw a range of winners across various categories. Here’s a look at some of the top finishers:
- Senior 2 Women Barebow: L. Gallot (Neuvy-le-Roi), 371
- Senior 2 Men Barebow: S. Neugnot (Archers Dionysiens), 340
- Senior 3 Women Barebow: C. Porte (Montoire-sur-le-Loir), 330
- Senior 3 Men Barebow: T. Cuenot (Saint-Germain-du-Puy), 368
- Scratch Men Compound Bow: J.-P. Lecocq (Vierzon), 373
- Scratch Women Compound Bow: A. Lurot (Viroflay), 254
- Senior 2 Men Recurve Bow: C. Thibault (La Croix-en-Touraine), 294
- Senior 3 Women Recurve Bow: C. Violet (Montoire-sur-le-Loir), 258
- Senior 3 Men Recurve Bow: Y. Gallot (Chambray), 263
- Senior 1 Women Longbow: H. Crenn (La Crèche), 281
- Senior 1 Men Longbow: L. Menard (Nice), 460
- Senior 2 Women Longbow: N. Leroux (Montoire-sur-le-loir), 427
- Senior 2 Women Hunt Bow: I. Plantiveau (Châtenay-Malabry), 248
- Senior 2 Men Hunt Bow: E. Chevrier (Ingré), 296
- Senior 3 Women Hunt Bow: D. Guyot (Dompierre), 216
- Senior 3 Men Hunt Bow: P. Raiffe (Lencloître), 260
The event was widely praised by participants for the quality of the course and the organization provided by Les Archers de La Croix-en-Touraine. The club has already announced its next event, scheduled for July 4th and 5th in Chenonceaux, promising another exciting weekend for archery enthusiasts.
Les Archers de La Croix-en-Touraine, established as the oldest archery club in Indre-et-Loire, continues to play a vital role in promoting the sport throughout the region. Their commitment to providing opportunities for both experienced and novice archers ensures a thriving future for archery in France. The club’s Facebook page (Les Archers de La Croix en Touraine) provides updates and information on upcoming events.
Looking ahead, archers will be focusing on upcoming regional and national competitions as the 2026 season progresses. The success of the La Croix-en-Touraine event sets a positive tone for the year, demonstrating the continued growth and passion within the French archery community.
