Soak up the history and splendour of Châteaux de la Loire during your stay in Touraine. From Chambord to Chenonceau, via Amboise, discover these architectural gems that will transport you back to the 15th & 17th centuries. Immerse yourself in the elegance of the rooms, explore the enchanting gardens and marvel at the grandeur of these treasures of French heritage. An unforgettable experience awaits you in the heart of the Châteaux de la Loire.
Travel time : 1h25
Château de Chambord, an emblem of the French Renaissance, dazzles with its grandeur and unique architecture. With its famous double spiral staircase, crown-shaped roofs and vast gardens, Chambord embodies the elegance and boldness of the period. This architectural masterpiece, surrounded by a vast forest park, is a timeless symbol of human power and creativity.
Travel time : 1h20
Château de Cheverny, a jewel of classical architecture, fascinates visitors with its refinement and unspoilt atmosphere. Known as one of the best furnished châteaux in the Loire Valley, Cheverny boasts sumptuous interiors with original period pieces and a rich art collection. Its impeccably maintained formal parklands and elegant stables add an extra touch of charm to this aristocratic residence. A visit to Cheverny is a plunge into luxury and timeless elegance.
Travel time : 1h10
Château de Blois, a living witness to French history, is enchanting in its architectural diversity. As you stroll through its various wings, you'll be transported through the ages, from Gothic elegance to Renaissance grandeur.This royal castle has welcomed famous monarchs such as Louis XII, François I and Henri III, leaving their mark on its walls.Its double spiral staircase is a remarkable feat of architecture. The Château de Blois is a place where history comes alive, captivating visitors with its glorious past.
Travel time : 1h00
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, perched majestically on the banks of the Loire, offers a unique experience combining history and contemporary art. Famous for its International Garden Festival, the château boasts magnificent landscaped gardens that change with the seasons.The contemporary art exhibitions held there add a modern touch to this building steeped in history.From the top of its ramparts, the château also offers a breathtaking view over the Loire Valley. Chaumont-sur-Loire is a must-see destination for lovers of nature, art and exceptional views.
Travel time : 45 min
Château d'Amboise, perched high above the Loire, is a symbol of power and grandeur. A former royal residence, it is home to some remarkable historical remains, including the chapel of Saint-Hubert, where Leonardo da Vinci is laid to rest.From its terrace, you can admire a panoramic view over the Loire Valley.The château harmoniously blends medieval and Renaissance styles, offering visitors a captivating plunge into history.Amboise embodies the timeless beauty and elegance of the Loire châteaux, inviting everyone to discover its treasures.
Travel time : 45 min
Château de Chenonceau, nicknamed the "Château des Dames", is a marvel of grace and elegance. It stands out for its unique location majestically spanning the Cher River.The château is famous for its refined architecture, magnificent gardens and playful gallery overlooking the river.A witness to a history marked by the women who lived there, Chenonceau exudes a romantic aura and offers visitors a spellbinding experience at the heart of the French Renaissance.
Travel time : 50 min
Château de Loches, an imposing medieval fortress, transports visitors back to a tumultuous past. Dominating the town of the same name, it embodies the power of the lords who occupied it.The castle's architecture is diverse, ranging from Romanesque to flamboyant Gothic, and its rooms are steeped in history.The "Agnes Sorel" tower is a reminder of the link with the royal court. With its impressive ramparts and panoramic views over the Indre valley, the Château de Loches offers an immersive medieval experience not to be missed.
Travel time : 15 min
Château de Villandry, famous for its emblematic gardens, is a true invitation to natural beauty. Its Renaissance garden, with its ordered parterres and enchanting terraces, is a landscaped masterpiece. Visitors can lose themselves in the maze of greenery and discover the different themes of the gardens, such as the love garden and the water garden.The château itself, with its elegant architecture, offers a captivating insight into the art of French living.A visit to Villandry is a harmonious experience of history, nature and aesthetics.
Travel time : 15 min
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a jewel of the French Renaissance, captivates visitors with its delicate charm. Situated on an island in the middle of the River Indre, it embodies the elegance and lightness of this artistic period. Its graceful silhouette, lacy stone façade and shimmering reflection in the moat make it a true architectural masterpiece.The harmonious blend of French and Italian influences gives this château a unique allure.Nestling in an enchanting natural setting, the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau offers a magical and timeless experience to all its visitors.
Travel time : 15 min
Château de Langeais, a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress, takes visitors back to the Middle Ages in a captivating way. With its imposing towers and moat, it offers an impressive picture of feudal defence. The château is also notable for its marriage hall, where the historic wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany was celebrated.Visitors can admire collections of period artefacts and immerse themselves in the fascinating history of the region.Château de Langeais is a precious witness to the past, offering visitors an immersive experience of medieval life.
Travel time : 30 min
Château de Chinon, perched on a hill, embodies the medieval essence and historical importance of the region. Famous for being the place where Joan of Arc met King Charles VII, it offers a unique insight into French history. With its imposing ramparts and majestic towers, Chinon Castle evokes an atmosphere of grandeur and mystery.Visitors can explore its vast halls and enjoy panoramic views over the Vienne valley.The Château de Chinon is a real treasure trove, where the past blends with architectural beauty to offer an unforgettable experience.
Travel time : 50 min
Château de Fontevraud, set in the picturesque Loire Valley, is a place steeped in history and spirituality. This exceptional monument is home to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, founded in the 11th century and once the largest monastery in Europe. In addition to its remarkable architecture, the Château de Fontevraud is known as the burial place of several kings and queens of France, including Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine.Visitors can discover the serene atmosphere, explore the cloisters, chapels and magnificent gardens.The Château de Fontevraud is a real gem, combining history, spirituality and architectural beauty.
Travel time : 55 min
Château de Saumur, proudly overlooking the town of the same name, is a symbol of the region's medieval architecture and rich history. With its imposing silhouette and majestic towers, it offers a breathtaking view of the Loire. The château is also home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, where you can admire an exceptional collection of objets d'art and furniture. Saumur is also known as the capital of horse riding, and the château regularly hosts equestrian shows. The Château de Saumur is a must-see destination for lovers of history, art and horse riding, offering a unique experience in the heart of the Loire Valley.
Travel time : 1h30 min
Château de Brissac, nicknamed the "Giant of the Loire Valley", is the highest château in France. Seven storeys high, it stands majestically amid picturesque vineyards. This remarkable château boasts impressive architecture and a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Visitors can explore its elegantly furnished rooms, magnificent formal gardens and even spend the night in one of its luxurious guest rooms. Château de Brissac offers a unique experience, combining architectural grandeur, historic charm and contemporary comfort.
Travel time : 1h30
Château d'Angers, an iconic medieval fortress, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating history of the region. Famous for its Tapestry of the Apocalypse, one of the largest medieval tapestries in the world, the château also houses an imposing defence tower and offers panoramic views over the city. Its formal gardens, with their meticulous flowerbeds and sculptures, add a touch of peaceful beauty to this imposing building. The Château d'Angers is a living testimony to the past, offering visitors a captivating immersion in medieval times.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of wine tourism in the Loire Valley, a region renowned for its exceptional wines. Our gîte, ideally located in Touraine, offers you a unique opportunity to discover the great wine estates in the surrounding area. Enjoy magnificent cellar tours, take part in tastings guided by passionate experts and be seduced by the enchanting landscapes of the vineyards.
Saumur wines are renowned for their elegance and freshness. This appellation produces mainly sparkling and still white wines, as well as red and rosé wines. The white wines of Saumur are distinguished by their golden colour and complex aromatic bouquet, offering notes of white flowers, fresh fruit and subtly tart citrus fruit. Saumur red wines are characterised by their deep ruby colour, aromas of ripe red fruit and supple tannins. Finally, the sparkling wines of Saumur, made using the traditional method, are seductive for their delicate effervescence and lively freshness. The wines of Saumur are the expression of an exceptional terroir, reflecting the harmonious alliance between the region's favourable climate and the expertise of the winemakers who take care to produce wines of the highest quality.
Chinon wines are famous for their distinctive character and elegance. Mainly produced from the Cabernet Franc grape variety, Chinon wines stand out for their deep ruby colour, intense aromas of red fruit and violets, and supple, well-integrated tannins. These wines offer a lovely aromatic complexity, with hints of pepper and spice adding a unique touch of character. Chinon wines can be enjoyed young, for their freshness and fruitiness, but they can also benefit from bottle ageing to develop further complexity and finesse. In short, Chinon wines are a true expression of their terroir, offering a subtle balance between power and elegance.
Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil wines are renowned for their finesse and elegance. Mainly made from Cabernet Franc grapes, these wines are distinguished by their deep ruby colour and delicate aromas of red fruit, such as cherry and raspberry. They have a lovely freshness and balanced acidity, accompanied by silky tannins that give a pleasant texture on the palate. Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil wines are also characterised by their ability to age, gaining in complexity and subtlety over time. This is a terroir that benefits from a favourable climate and a gravel and clay soil, contributing to the quality and distinctive personality of these wines. In short, the wines of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil are the embodiment of traditional winemaking know-how, offering refined, harmonious wines.
Bourgueil wines have a rich history and special characteristics that make them unique. This renowned appellation is renowned for its red wines made from the Cabernet Franc grape variety, which account for the majority of its production. Bourgueil wines are characterised by their deep ruby colour, complex aromas of red fruit such as cherry and raspberry, and silky, well-integrated tannins. The Bourgueil terroir, with its gravel, clay and tufa soils, gives the wines a fine minerality and distinct freshness. Bourgueil's wine-growing history dates back to Roman times, and the region has been appreciated by French kings and nobility over the centuries. Today, the wines of Bourgueil continue to seduce wine lovers with their elegance, their ability to age well and their unique expression of the Loire Valley terroir.
Touraine wines are renowned for their diversity and remarkable quality. This vast appellation encompasses several sub-regions, each with its own specific characteristics. The white wines of Touraine, made from grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, are distinguished by their freshness, fruity aromas and liveliness on the palate. The red wines of Touraine, mainly made from Gamay and Cabernet Franc, offer an aromatic palette ranging from crisp red fruit to spicy notes, with supple tannins and great accessibility. The rosé wines of Touraine, meanwhile, seduce with their pale pink colour and delicate flavours of red fruit and citrus. Touraine's wine-growing history dates back to Roman times, and the region has been favoured by the kings of France over the centuries. Today, Touraine wines reflect the richness and diversity of this exceptional terroir, offering a wide variety of quality wines.
The wines of Azay-Le-Rideau have a rich history and unique characteristics. This small appellation near the Château d'Azay-Le-Rideau is renowned for its dry white wines, made mainly from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. Azay-Le-Rideau wines are characterised by their liveliness and freshness, with delicate aromas of citrus fruit, white-fleshed fruit and white flowers. The specific terroir of this region, marked by clay-limestone soils and favourable microclimates, gives the wines a fine minerality and great finesse. The wine-growing history of Azay-Le-Rideau dates back to medieval times, and the wines of this appellation have been appreciated by the French nobility over the centuries. Today, the wines of Azay-Le-Rideau embody the region's winemaking tradition and expertise, offering elegant, subtle white wines that bear witness to the authenticity of the Loire Valley.
Vouvray wines have unique characteristics that set them apart. This renowned appellation specialises in the production of still white wines from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. Vouvray wines are characterised by their diversity, ranging from dry, lively wines to sweet, mellow wines and even sparkling wines. They have a rich aromatic palette, with notes of ripe fruit, honey, white flowers and citrus fruit. The terroir of Vouvray, with its tufa soils, gives the wines a distinctive minerality and balanced acidity. Vouvray's wine-growing history dates back several centuries, and the region was recognised for the quality of its wines by the kings of France. Today, Vouvray wines continue to embody the excellence and diversity of Loire Valley wines, offering unique taste experiences for wine lovers.
Montlouis-sur-Loire wines are renowned for their elegance and aromatic complexity. This appellation, located along the banks of the Loire, is dedicated primarily to the production of dry white wines from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. Montlouis-sur-Loire wines are distinguished by their liveliness, freshness and subtle aromas of white fruit, citrus and flowers. The specific terroir of the region, with its clay-limestone soils and tufa subsoil, gives the wines their characteristic minerality and great finesse. The wine-growing history of Montlouis-sur-Loire goes back several centuries, and the region has gained recognition for the quality of its wines over the years. Today, the wines of Montlouis-sur-Loire represent the authentic expression of the Loire Valley terroir, offering elegant, well-balanced white wines.
Amboise wines are distinguished by their elegance and rich aromas. This appellation, located near the historic town of Amboise, is renowned for its high-quality red, white and rosé wines. Amboise wines have unique characteristics linked to their exceptional terroir, with varied soils made up of sand, clay and limestone. The red wines are distinguished by their aromas of ripe red fruit, silky tannins and balanced structure. The white wines offer delicate freshness, citrus notes and a fine minerality. As for the rosé wines, they stand out for their elegance, fruitiness and lightness on the palate. Amboise's wine-growing history goes back several centuries, and the region was favoured by the kings of France. Today, Amboise wines continue this tradition, offering quality wines that bear witness to the authenticity and winemaking expertise of the Loire Valley.
Chenonceaux wines are steeped in history and offer unique characteristics. This appellation, located near the famous Château de Chenonceau, specialises in the production of red and rosé wines. Chenonceaux wines are distinguished by their elegance, finesse and delicate fruitiness. The red wines have a deep ruby colour, aromas of ripe red fruit and supple tannins. The rosé wines stand out for their pale pink colour, subtle red fruit aromas and lively freshness. Chenonceaux's terroir, characterised by clay-silica soils and favourable microclimates, gives the wines a beautiful harmony and distinctive expression. The wine-growing history of Chenonceaux goes back several centuries, and the region has witnessed the appreciation of wines by the nobles and kings of France. Today, the wines of Chenonceaux continue this tradition, offering elegant, delicate wines that bear witness to the beauty and authenticity of Loire Valley wines.
Noble-Joué wines have unique characteristics that set them apart. This appellation, located in the Cher valley, specialises in the production of rosé wines. Noble-Joué wines are characterised by their pale pink colour, lightness and freshness. They offer delicate aromas of red fruit, accompanied by a subtle minerality. Noble-Joué wines are made from the Gamay, Pinot Noir and Côt (Malbec) grape varieties, which provide a complex, well-balanced range of aromas. Noble-Joué's wine-growing history goes back several centuries, and the region has become increasingly appreciated for the quality of its wines over time. Today, Noble-Joué wines continue to embody the authenticity and winemaking expertise of the Loire Valley, offering delicate and refreshing rosé wines.
The Indre à vélo and the Loire à vélo offer two unique cycling experiences in France. Cycling these routes allows you to discover the peaceful beauty of the Indre-et-Loire valley, with its majestic châteaux, charming villages and bucolic landscapes.
There are plenty of exciting activities for children in the area. They can enjoy an interactive treasure hunt organised by the gîte in the heart of the surrounding forests, discover the futuristic attractions of the Futuroscope and have fun as a family at the Family Park or visit the Beauval zoo, 4th most beautiful zoo in the world.
Tours, a city of a thousand charms where life is good, invites you to enjoy a captivating experience. Stroll through the medieval streets of Vieux Tours and its famous Place Plumereau, admire the majesty of Saint-Gatien Cathedral, immerse yourself in art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts or the Musée du Compagnonnage, and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the region on a picturesque cruise.
