Montrésor, one of the French people’s favourite villages
In 2015, 22 villages competed for the title of the “French People’s Favourite Village”, given during a TV show hosted by Stéphane Bern. The charm of the village of Montrésor, near Loches, made a real impact!
With the soothing sound of the River Indrois, which runs through the village, Montrésor was one of the three most beautiful villages in France in the Touraine region (along with Candes-Saint-Martin and Crissay-sur-Manse). It was voted the French people’s 2nd favourite village in 2015, just after Ploumanac’h in Brittany.
A walk through the village of Montrésor
The beautiful medieval streets are an irresistible invitation for a stroll, taking you to the Château of Montrésor. The château has seen 1000 years of history and is home to a big art collection. One of the chateau’s owners was Count Xavier Branicki, a famous Polish refugee exiled in France because of his opposition to the Russian Tsar Nicholas 1st.
Below, the river is like a mirror reflecting the château and the village houses. In 2024, the landscape quality of the site should be highlighted in a new festive summer event, following on from the solar nights.
Château of Montrésor - France
The streets of Montrésor - Loire Valley, France.
Along the River Indrois
Then walk up Rue du Marché (Market Street). You will see an impressive building looming up before you: the Halle des Cardeux (“Wool Carder Hall”). Until the 19th century, the village was a textile centre. A small market is now held here every Saturday morning.
Just opposite the Halle, give yourself a tasty break at the bakery with some tender macaroons based on an authentic medieval recipe. Lastly, set off to see St John the Baptist collegiate church, where three finely sculptured alabaster statues seem to watch over this fine edifice dating from the Touraine Renaissance.
Outside the village, a 8.5 km hike will take you to Lake Chemillé-sur-Indrois along the Legends Path.
Village of Montrésor
Some places to stay: the guest rooms at the château-monastery of La Corroirie, the gites La Grange de Montrésor, Chez les Coucou’s and Maison de Charme.
What to see near Montrésor
As well as the lovely medieval town of Loches and Beaulieu-lès-Loches (with the “Petite Cité de Caractère” label), fans of heritage will be charmed by some majestic buildings nestling at the heart of a large public forest: the Chartreuse du Liget, the La Corroirie Château-Monastery and Saint-Jean du Liget chapel, which all combine to form an important and impressive monastic site.
La Corroirie Château-Monastery – Cycling circuit n°5
The forests all around invite visitors to see them on foot or by bike. The Treasure Route cycling trail takes in these interesting sights, and the “Dame de Nouans” trail will guide you and your bike to Saint Martin de Nouans-les-Fontaines church, including a Piéta by Jean Fouquet, a surprising painting on a surprisingly large scale. You can enjoy a photo break in Villeloin-Coulangé, where a major abbey once stood. It is no longer there, but you can still find traces of it in the village streets.
For hikers, marked trails cross the green and hilly countryside, inviting visitors to take their time. For families, the Sentier Randocroquis du Pas-aux-Ânes trail is ideal with great fun guaranteed for all ages. In France’s only garden village, Chédigny, there is a superb 13 km trail (with a 8 km variation).
If you want to relax at the end of your walk, take a break at the Chemillé-sur-Indrois outdoor leisure centre for a drink or a picnic, a swim and children’s games. And if the kids have any energy left over, they can have fun at the treetop adventure course at Clic Lac Parc Aventure!