Tourist Information Indre-et-Loire Loire Valley France

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Loire Valley

Tourist Information Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley France

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Things to see and do in Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley France

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Tourist Info Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley: Amboise

The dominating feature of the town is the magnificent Amboise Château, although despite its imposing exterior it is largely empty inside. It was the home of Louis XI and of Charles VIII. A walk by the river Loire offers superb views of the château. Equally interesting, and connected to the château by an underground tunnel is Le Clos Lucé. It is situated about half a kilometre south east of the château on the Rue Victor Hugo. Leonardo Da Vinci was invited to live in Le Clos Lucé by Francois I. He came from Italy bringing with him the three masterpieces The Mona Lisa, Sainte Anne and Saint Jean Baptiste. A tour of the house is a must, as you can visit models which have been created from Da Vinci's drawings, using materials available at the time. He was fascinated by, amongst many other things, weaponry and hydraulics systems. There are 40 models to visit, including the first car and a paddle steamer. Thye walls of Clos Lucé are dotted with inspirational sayings and drawings from Leonardo. Le Clos Lucé is open daily except 25th December and 1st January. Another unusual attraction are the trodlodyte dwellings; caves which have been carved out of the limestone cliffs. The caves are still permanent residences today. The Church of St Denis is worth a visit for its Gothic architecure. Market days in Amboise are Friday and Saturday.

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Tourist Info Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley: Chinon

Equally famous for its wine and its Château, Chinon has lots to offer visitors. The town is located on between the Loire and Vienne rivers and is surrounded by many hectares of the vineyards which produce the fine Chinon wines. There are two attractions devoted to wine. The Animated Wine Museum an off beat look at wine production, featuring animatronic models which demonstrate the process of vinification, or wine making. There is a commentary in English and opportunities to taste and buy local wines. A more traditional exhibition is the Chinon House of Wine. The Château overlooking the town is steeped in the history of France as it was here that Joan of Arc is reputed to have come to try and persuade the then Dauphin, the future Charles VII to expel the British from France. Within the château in the Caudray Tower there are writings carved out by the Knights Templar who were awaiting execution. The Ramparts of the château offer splendid views over the chateau itself and the town. To enter the château you pass beneath the Clock Tower. The clock is a working model and inside the tower are a series of rooms recalling the history of Joan of Arc. Other attractions in the town include The Church of St. Etienne with its varying architectural styles. For walkers, Chinon is situated on the GR 3 Val de Loire route, and there are many paths in and around the town. Details from the Tourist Office. Market days are Thurdays in the Place Jean d'Arc, and there are small markets on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The Tourist Office is on Place Hofheim, Tel. 02 47 93 17 85.

Tourist Info Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley: Le Grand Pressigny

This small town is situated at the confluence of the river Claise and the river Aigronne, and boasts a partly ruined Château dating from the 12th century. The town was named after a flint mine, and the area was once important for the export of local flints to many parts of Europe. Inside the château is the Musée de Préhistoire where visitors can discover more about this period of the town's history. The market takes place in the Place Savoire Villars from 8am to 1.00pm and offers local food produce. There are some ancient houses in the streets leading up to the Château, and one of the houses on the Place de la Mairie has a sundial dated 1613. There is a municipal swimming pool in the town with a children's paddling pool, which is open from the end of June until the end of August. There are two tennis courts, an antiques market and a street theatre in July. Churches to visit inlude L'Eglise Saint Gervais-Saint Protais, contructed between the 12th -16th centuries. Bikes are available for hire from the Tourist Office. (Tel: 02 47 92 42 20).

Tourist Info Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley: Loches and the surrounding towns and villages

Visit the medieval city of Loches with its Château and famous Keep and be transported back to the distant past. The Keep is thought to have been constructed by Foulques Nerra and dates back to the 11th century. It stands 36m high and is an impressive example of Norman architecture. Complete with a Gate House, the Governor's Lodge, the Louis X1 tower with artillery, a dungeon and a torture chamber. Videos and computer generated images complete the visit to give you a real sense of life in medieval times. Visit the medieval style garden at the base of the tower. The Keep is open all year except for 25th December and 1st January. In and around Loches there are plenty of activities. At Veneuil sur Indres there is a 9 hole golf course, and an 18 hole mini golf course at Ligueil. Close by is a leisure centre offering tennis, swimming pool and fishing (open July & August). In the nearby town of Descartes is the Espace Aquatique, with pools, jacuzzi, sauna, games area and toboggans. Bikes are available for hire at Rue des Moulins in Loches, either by the morning, afternoon or for the day. Quad bike hire is available 3km from Loches on the D25. At Tauxigny there is the Touraine Astronomical Observatory. Horse riding is available in the towns of Genillé Perruson. For walking, maps are available from the Tourist Office which is in Place de la Marne. Tel 02 47 91 82 82.

Tourist Info Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley: Montrésor

The town of Montrésor is situated 20km to the east of Loches on the banks of the river Indrois. Its château was commisioned as a defence fortress at the beginning of the 11th century by the captain of Foulques Nerra. Its aim was to hinder access to the plateau on which it stands. The town itself is charmingly grouped at the foot of the castle, with its fair share of half timbered houses. The town also houses an art exhibition called 'Syllabes d'Art', and in July & August there are the 'Nuits Solaires', where the townspeople get together to illuminate the footpaths, bridges and streams with lanterns. Also of interest is the covered wash house which is located at the end of the Impasse de l'Huisette. The surrounding countryside is excellent for walking.

Tourist Info Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley: Richelieu

The name of Richelieu conjures up the name of the former Prime Minister of France, Cardinal Richelieu. He was born in Paris on 9th September 1585 and rose to become Prime Minister in 1624, at a time when the country was disorganised and in turmoil. A harsh ruler, yet he was extremely efficient and transformed France into a thriving and prosperous country. The town offers The Grand Parc which is south of the centre, and attractive with its many streams and waterways, animals, picnic areas and bike hire. Other visits are the Sainte Chapelle Saint Louis with its unique 16th century stained glass, and the Musée de l'Hôtel de la Ville (1, Place du Marché). There is lake fishing from April to November at Champigny sur Veude. The market is situated in Les Halles on Monday and Friday mornings.

Tourist Info Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley: Tours

There is so much to do and see in Tours you will be spoilt for choice. It is a dynamic university city with excellent shopping, a reputation for gastronomical excellence and a host of cultural activities and sights. Local delicacies include coq-au-vin, andouillette (tripe sausage), Ste. Maure goats' cheese and rillettes which is a goose or pork paté. There are 13 parks dotted in and around the city, and museums including the Museé de Beaux Arts, the History of Tours Workshop, the Touraine Wine Museum, Museé de Gemmail (gemstones), the Military Service Corps museum and St Martin Museum. Check with the Tourist Office for opening times. Some are closed on Mondays. There are 30 street markets including traditional food, antiques, crafts and flowers. Guided tours are available from the Tourist Office.

Tourist Info Indre-et-Loire, Loire Valley: Vouvray
Located 9km from Tours, Vouvray is best known for its white wine and Vouvay grape variety. Wine tasting available at the Huet vineyard. There are also troglodyte caves to visit and a golf course 2km away at Golf de la Cisse.