A day in Tours
A City of Art and History, the gateway to the Loire Valley and the heart of an exceptional historic and cultural area – Tours is truly ideal for a short city break. This is a city with a discreet reputation and that you need to get to know, enjoying first-rate cultural heritage and galvanised by the energy of its students.
Our tip:
- Guided visit to the city (historic districts, cathedral, basilica, etc.)
- Lunch at Place Plumereau, in the “Old Tours”
- Visit: Fine Arts Museum or Olivier Debré Centre of Contemporary Creation
- Activity: shopping or renting a bike for a “green” ride on the banks of the River Cher
- In fine weather, enjoy an evening at the Guinguette de Tours open-air café on the Loire, of course!
Place Plumereau, Tours.
A day in Touraine between Azay-le-Rideau and Chinon
Chinon, a name that wine-lovers associate with the memory of a great vintage, that for history-buffs evokes the names of Joan of Arc and Richard the Lionheart, and for fans of literature, the writings of François Rabelais. Here you can bite into fouace bread or visit one of the city’s wine cellars… there’s plenty to enjoy.
Our tip:
- Visit to the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
- A walk and lunch in the city of Chinon, with wine-tasting at the Cave Plouzeau
- Visit to the Château du Rivau gardens.
The Château du Rivau, near of Chinon.
A day in Touraine between Amboise and Chenonceau
It is often said that Amboise is the most Italian of the Loire Valley cities. The large number of Italian visitors in summer is a festive confirmation of what the Renaissance, arriving in the region from Italy, began five centuries ago. Don’t miss the superb views from the Île d’Or.
Our tip:
- Visit to the Royal Château d’Amboise or Clos Lucé
- A stroll and lunch in the town
- Visit to the Domaine de Château Gaillard or a ride in a canoe or a scow along the River Cher via Chenonceau
- Wine-tasting at the Plou et Fils wine estate or at the Caves du Père Auguste
The park of the Clos Lucé, Amboise.
A day in Touraine leaving from Loches
The gateway to southern Touraine, Loches is a perfect illustration of the architectural transition that progressively took place during the Renaissance. From its medieval past, the town has preserved its fortifications, its impressive keep (44 metres high) and the Saint-Ours collegiate church. From the Renaissance, Loches has inherited the Logis Royal and its finely-honed lines.
Our tip:
- Visit to the royal city of Loches
- Lunch and a stroll in Chédigny
- Visit to the Château de Montpoupon
- A stroll in the village of Montrésor or a swim in fine weather at the Chemillé-sur-Indrois outdoor activity centre.
Montresor, one of the most beautiful villages.
A day between Bourgueil and Langeais
The River Loire, lakes, forests, vineyards, fields – a large natural area opens up in the region, which also boasts some beautiful châteaux. Some offer accommodation for your stay, others are open to visits… and at the Château des Sept Tours you can even play golf!
Our tip:
- Visit to the Château de Langeais
- Lunch at Vincent, with country-style cooking
- Visit and tasting in one or two wine estates (Cave de la Dive Bouteille, La Jarnoterie, Cave Drussé, La Chevalerie, Château de Minière, Lamé Delisle Boucard, etc.)
- Visit to the Château de Gizeux, a bike ride (bike rentals in Bourgueil and Rillé) or a swim in the Hommes Lake!