pdf , 1 Mo - Touraine Loire Valley

You have a week available
to explore Touraine
AMBOISE
TOURS
LANGEAIS
CHINON
LOCHES
Day 1
Arrival in Touraine in the morning
NB: this tour is designed for travel from east to west, but it can also be done in the opposite direction.
Château royal d’Amboise
Perched on a promontory overlooking the Loire, the castle of Charles VIII and Francis I reveals its medieval
secrets little by little: part of its underground passageways
and the majestic Minimes cavalry tower. Surrounded by
landscaped gardens, this highly significant site in the history
of France also houses an exceptional collection of Gothic and
Renaissance furniture. The tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who
spent his final years in Amboise, is located in the chapel.
INFORMATION
Château royal d’Amboise
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 57 00 98
www.chateau-amboise.com
SMART IDEA
If it is a market day, start your
morning with a stroll through the
stalls: the Amboise market is one
of the largest in the region.
The Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo da Vinci
This beautiful pink brick building is where Leonardo da
Vinci spent the last three years of his life. Visit the large
Renaissance hall, the bedroom, the kitchen and enter the
private world of this genius and discover his ingenious
models. Canvases, giant machines and sound posts
garnish an entertaining trail across the vast park, in order to
complete your trip into the world of this visionary artist and
his fabulous inventions.
INFORMATION
Le Clos Lucé - 37400 Amboise
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 57 00 73 - www.vinci-closluce.com
Lunch in Amboise
A large variety of restaurants can
be found in the town centre,
whether you want to grab a quick
snack, or enjoy a sit-down meal.
Enjoy a blast from the past with
medieval fare at the «Prieuré» at
Clos Lucé
Visit a wine cellar
AOC touraine amboise
INFORMATION
Caves touristiques du Val de Loire
Interprofession « Interloire »
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 60 55 00
www.vinsdeloire.fr
Shopping list
»» chocolates from «Bigot»
»» AOC wines
Chanteloup Pagoda
This astonishing chinoiserie style pagoda was built in 1775
on the banks of the Loire! Climb the 149 steps to enjoy the
breathtaking view of the valley and the Amboise forest. The Petit
pavillon du concierge houses a museum that details the history
of the site and a virtual reconstruction of the Duke de Choiseul’s
demolished castle. In the 14-hectare park, you can enjoy a boat
ride and traditional games.
INFORMATION
Pagode de Chanteloup
37400 Amboise
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 57 20 97
www.pagode-chanteloup.com
Crédits photos : D. Darrault, S. Frémont, Image de Marc, Château du Rivau, C. Raimbault,
Jardins de la Chatonnière, Vallée troglodytique des Goupillières, R. Hublot
dinner and night in
amboise
You have a week available
to explore Touraine
AMBOISE
TOURS
LANGEAIS
CHINON
Day 2
LOCHES
Château de Chenonceau
Its arches gracefully straddle the Cher. Beloved
home of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis,
Chenonceau is the second most visited castle in France,
after Versailles. This 16th century castle is marvellously
furnished (the kitchens are a delight!) and an iPod tour
is available. The gardens planted all around the keep will
enchant you, not to mention the delightful village, which
is spelled with an «x»!
INFORMATION
Château de Chenonceau - 37150 Chenonceaux
Tél: 00 33 (0)2 47 23 90 07 - www.chenonceau.com
Château de Montpoupon
Hunting museum
The Montpoupon castle underwent a lot of restoration
work to recover its current Renaissance style. The same
family has lived here since 1857, the former medieval
fortress has now opened its authentic rooms to the
public: the king’s chamber, the old kitchens (with over
150 copper utensils!)...The 25 rooms of the Hunting
Museum house a unique hound hunting collection:
uniforms, saddles, Hermès headscarves, stables...
INFORMATION
Château de Montpoupon - Céré-la-Ronde
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 94 21 15 - www.montpoupon.
Lunch between
Chenonceaux and Loches
com
Montrésor Village
Member of the «Most beautiful villages
of France»
Montrésor, a fitting name for this charming town, a treasure
listed among the «Most beautiful villages of France».
Nestled against the hillside in the shadow of its castle, the
smallest town in Touraine is a great place for a lovely stroll
along the Indrois river, a peaceful tributary of the Indre, with
display signs and breathtaking views of the fortress. Don’t
miss the hydraulic ram that pumps water up to the castle.
INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme de Montrésor – Val d’Indrois
43 Grande Rue – Montrésor
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 92 70 71 - www.tourisme-valdindrois-montresor.com
dinner and night in loches
Day 3
Meandering around Loches...
The gateway to southern Touraine, Loches is the perfect
representation of the architectural transition that gradually
took place during the Renaissance. Vestiges of the town’s
medieval past include fortifications, the impressive 44
metre-high keep and the Saint-Ours collegiate church. The
Logis Royal in Loches dates to the Renaissance with its more
elaborate silhouette. The town below is charming with its
City Hall and the Chancellery. On Wednesdays, the historic
centre welcomes one of the loveliest markets in Touraine.
INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme de Loches - Place de la Marne - 37600 Loches
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 91 82 82 - www.loches-tourainecotesud.com
Crédits photos : D. Darrault, S. Frémont, Image de Marc, Château du Rivau, C. Raimbault,
Jardins de la Chatonnière, Vallée troglodytique des Goupillières, R. Hublot
lunch in Loches
A wide variety of restaurants can
be found both within the city
walls and in the town below.
There is also a medieval
restaurant in Loches!
You have a week available
to explore Touraine
Afternoon Canoe Trip
AMBOISE
TOURS
LANGEAIS
CHINON
LOCHES
INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme de Loches - Place de la Marne
37600 Loches
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 91 82 82
www.loches-tourainecotesud.com
Prehistory Museum
An exceptional prehistoric craft industry was prevalent in
Southern Touraine for 4 centuries. The long flint blades that
were produced in large quantities attest to the «pressignien
phenomenon» that is on highlight at the new museum in Le
Grand Pressigny, built up against the vestiges of the medieval
fortress. The cellars are dedicated to palaeontology, the
Gallery presents the cultures which succeeded each other
in Touraine for 100,000 years, and the new building houses
an illustrated history of the chateau.
INFORMATION
Musée de la Préhistoire du Grand Pressigny
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 92 70 71
www.prehistoiregrandpressigny.fr
dinner and night in loches
Day 4 - Some free time...
Musée Balzac
Château de Saché
A Touraine native, Honoré de Balzac stayed in a friend’s
castle from 1830 to 1837, in Saché, in the Indre valley. Built
in the Middle Ages and remodelled during the Renaissance,
it became a comfortable residence in the 19th century,
surrounded by a garden planted with trees. The sitting room
still has its original wallpaper, and the little room where the
prolific writer wrote part of Père Goriot and the beginning of
Illusions perdues is a touching surprise.
INFORMATION
Musée Balzac – Château de Saché
37190 Saché
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 26 86 50 - www.musee-balzac.fr
On the road
We recommend that you drive
through the Indre valley in order
to reach western Touraine. The
landscapes are worth the detour
and you can explore the villages of
Chédigny, Cormery, Montbazon
and Artannes
Crissay-sur Manse &
Villaines-les-Rochers
INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme du Pays d’Azay-le-Rideau
4 rue du Château
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 45 44 40
www.ot-payszaylerideau.fr
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
Elegance and harmony characterise the Azay-le-Rideau castle,
built on an island in the middle of the Indre. Surrounded by
vast landscaped gardens, the layout of the Renaissance
façades, with a chiselled stone lace trim is mirrored and
magnified by the water. It was described by Balzac as a
«faceted diamond set in the Indre». The main staircase is a
masterpiece in itself, and the 16th and 17th century tapestries
are remarkable.
INFORMATION
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
37190 Azay-le-Rideau
Tél: 00 33 (0)2 47 45 44 40
http:// azay-le-rideau.monuments-nationaux.fr
Crédits photos : D. Darrault, S. Frémont, Image de Marc, Château du Rivau, C. Raimbault,
Jardins de la Chatonnière, Vallée troglodytique des Goupillières, R. Hublot
Shopping list:
Honey and pain d’épice (similar
to gingerbread) from Crissay-surManse, basketrywork creations
from Villaines-les-Rochers, AOC
wines, goat cheese.
dinner and night in
azay-le-rideau
You have a week available
to explore Touraine
AMBOISE
TOURS
LANGEAIS
CHINON
Day 5
LOCHES
Bicycle trip in the morning
Why not spend your morning on a bicycle tour? Marked routes
are available around Azay-le-Rideau (5 loops from 7 to 21 km),
in addition to a link to the «Loire à Vélo» route.
www.touraineloirevalley.com/velo
INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme du Pays d’Azay-le-Rideau
4 rue du Château
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 45 44 40
www.ot-payszaylerideau.fr
Troglodytic Valley of Goupillières
Troglodytic heritage
A fascinating attraction for children and parents alike, you
can visit the Troglodytic Valley of Goupillières on your own
or take a guided tour of the three authentic farms in the
tufa stone hollows. Wells, bread ovens, stables, grain silo,
kitchen garden, tools, animals..., learn all about the daily life
of the farmers who lived here from the Middle Ages through
the 19th century, in particular the underground refuge. Take
the trail to the «loge de vigne» shelter and playground.
INFORMATION
Vallée troglodytique des Goupillières
Lieu-dit « Les Goupillières » - Azay-le-Rideau
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 45 46 89 - www.troglodytesdesgoupillières.fr
La Chatonnière Gardens
You will be pleasantly surprised by these theme gardens
nestled in a small valley in Azay-le-Rideau, surrounding a
delightful Renaissance castle with seven towers. A chequered
pattern kitchen garden, a botanical science garden, labyrinth,
rose garden, a 6-hectare prairie in bloom... discover the
unique personality of each natural setting as you stroll down
the scented, poetic discovery trail. Your five senses will be
delighted.
Lunch
INFORMATION
Jardins de la Chatonnière
37190 Azay-le-Rideau
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 45 40 29 - www.lachatonniere.com
Chinon and the royal fortress
Chinon... an evocative name! Foodies will recall an excellent
bottle of wine, while history enthusiasts will be reminded
of Joan of Arc and Richard Lionheart. The name evokes the
works of François Rabelais for literary types. Chinon’s riches
are many: vineyards as far as the eye can see, a royal fortress
that towers over the village centre and its half-timbered
houses, not to mention a zest for life that matches that of
Gargantua. The city is best explored on foot. Why not take
a break to snack on a fouace, or visit one of the town’s wine
cellars or cafés. Views of the ramparts and the Vienne river
abound from the guinguette café.
INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme du pays de Chinon
Place d’Hofheim - 37500 Chinon
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 93 17 85 - www.chinon-valdeloire.com
Forteresse royale de Chinon
37500 Chinon
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 93 13 45 - www.forteressechinon.fr
Crédits photos : D. Darrault, S. Frémont, Image de Marc, Château du Rivau, C. Raimbault,
Jardins de la Chatonnière, Vallée troglodytique des Goupillières, R. Hublot
Dans le panier
»» AOC chinon wines
»» fouaces
»» saffron
»» truffles from Richelieu
»» a «Gargantua» book from the
Rabelais Museum
dinner and night in chinon
You have a week available
to explore Touraine
AMBOISE
TOURS
LANGEAIS
CHINON
Day 6
LOCHES
The Rivau Castle Gardens
In addition to the majestic silhouette of the medieval castle,
the Rivau gardens boast 450 rose varieties and remarkable
works of art. The Gargantua kitchen garden, Alice’s labyrinth....
or the Bamboo Kiosk, this outdoor museum is like a fairy-tale
and has received the «Jardins remarquables» and «Qualité
TourismeTM» distinctions. Activities are organised in the
fourteen theme gardens year round: workshops, storytelling
and tea parties.
INFORMATION
Château du Rivau - 37120 Leméré
Tél: 00 33 (0)2 47 95 77 47 - www.chateaudurivau.com
Rabelais Museum - La Devinière
François Rabelais was born at this 15th century farm, La
Devinière, in Seuilly. The Chinon countryside was an
inexhaustible source of inspiration for the Renaissance
humanist who is the focus of this literary museum. A wealth
of illustrations and vintage publications pay tribute to the
father of Gargantua. After visiting the author’s bedroom, you
can also explore the troglodyte caves and the vineyards that
surround this evocative site.
INFORMATION
Musée Rabelais - 37 500 Seuilly
T2l: 00 33 (0)2 47 95 91 18 - www.musee-rabelais.fr
Lunch
Candes-Saint-Martin Village
The parish where Saint Martin passed away in 397 boasts a
breathtaking view of the confluence of the Loire and Vienne
rivers. Listed among the «Most beautiful villages of France»,
Candes is nestled on a hillside and surrounds the massive
12th - 13th century collegial church of great interest. The
façade is famous for the sculptures at its entrance depicting
saints and kings among a lovely setting of angels and plants.
INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme du pays de Chinon
Place d’Hofheim - 37500 Chinon
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 93 17 85 - www.chinon-valdeloire.com
Visit a wine cellar
AOC chinon, bourgueil ou
saint nicolas de bourgueil
INFORMATION
Caves touristiques du Val de Loire
Interprofession « Interloire »
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 60 55 00
www.vinsdeloire.fr
dinner and night in chinon
Crédits photos : D. Darrault, S. Frémont, Image de Marc, Château du Rivau, C. Raimbault,
Jardins de la Chatonnière, Vallée troglodytique des Goupillières, R. Hublot
You have a week available
to explore Touraine
AMBOISE
TOURS
LANGEAIS
CHINON
Day 7
LOCHES
Villandry Gardens
A host of colours: purple basil, red peppers, blue leeks...
The exceptional beauty of the decorative kitchen garden is
what makes the Villandry gardens so special. The beautifully
furnished, elegant 16th century chateau towers over the
gardens. This famous plant mosaic was recreated in the early
20th century based on the Renaissance model. Organic
gardening practices are now observed here. This unique,
charming site also boasts an ornamental garden, a water
garden, an herb garden, a labyrinth and a sun garden.
INFORMATION
Château et jardins de Villandry
37510 Villandry
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 50 02 09 - www.chateauvillandry.com
Château de Langeais
With its working drawbridge, wall-walk and machicolations,
the castle built on Louis XI’s orders presents a defensive
presence at first glance. Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII
were married in this elegant residence with features from the
Middle Ages and the Renaissance as well as an exceptional
collection of 15th and 16th century furniture and tapestries.
The Foulques Nerra keep overlooks the lovely garden planted
with trees, perched above the Loire.
INFORMATION
Château de Langeais
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 96 72 60 - www.chateau-de-langeais.com
An afternoon in Tours...
The city of art and history, the gateway to the Loire region,
located at the heart of an area exceptionally rich in heritage...
Tours is the ideal place for a short «city break» holiday in the
Loire. Known for its quiet atmosphere, Tours is a city that has
to be experienced, with its first rate cultural heritage and the
added energy of its students. Be sure to visit the historical
centre, the fine arts museum, the cathedral and the basilica
that houses the tomb of Saint Martin and the journeyman
museum. Stop for a break in the parks, explore the shops and
the savours of the daily markets and covered markets.
INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme de Tours - Rue Bernard Palissy - 37000 Tours
Phone: 00 33 (0)2 47 70 37 37 - www.tours-tourisme.fr
Crédits photos : D. Darrault, S. Frémont, Image de Marc, Château du Rivau, C. Raimbault,
Jardins de la Chatonnière, Vallée troglodytique des Goupillières, R. Hublot
Lunch in TourS
SMART IDEA
The Tours tourist office offers
iPod tours as well as a smart
phone app to discover the city.
Many guided theme tours are
available as well