Day 2. Morning in Loches. On the road: The Indre Valley. Tours, capital of the Loire Valley. Arrival in Touraine in the morning

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1 You have 3 days available to explore Touraine AMBOISE TOURS LANGEAIS CHINON Day 1 LOCHES 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. Stop in Amboise It is often said that Amboise has the most Italian flair of all the Loire Valley cities. The presence of many tourists from the other side of the Alps is a reminder of what the Italian Renaissance brought to the area five centuries ago. You will appreciate the shopping areas as well as the esplanades located along the docks of the Loire, the best place to take in fantastic views of the river. Must-see attractions include the royal castle, the Clos Lucé and the Chanteloup pagoda. The city is also home to one of the largest markets in the area, every Friday and Sunday morning. Office de Tourisme du Val d Amboise Quai du énéral de Gaulle Amboise Phone: (0) 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»! Château de Chenonceau Chenonceaux Phone: (0) Day 2 SMART IDEA Visits with commentary with the Tourist Office. Lunch in Amboise On the road»» The Montpoupon castle»» Montrésor village Shopping list»» Chocolates from the Bigot shop in Amboise»» AOC Touraine wines»» Local beer in Céré-la-Ronde»» Products from the Verneuil dairy co-op dinner and night in Loches Morning in 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 metrehigh 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. Office de Tourisme de Loches - Place de la Marne Loches Phone: (0) On the road: The Indre Valley To get from Loches to Tours, leave the D943 road between Genillé and Cormery and take the small D17 road instead, following the course of the Indre river. The landscape is worth the detour and you will be able to explore the villages of Chédigny, Azay-sur-Indre and Reignac-surIndre. Tours, capital of the Loire Valley 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. Office de Tourisme de Tours - Rue Bernard Palissy Tours Phone: (0) Crédits photos : D. Darrault, S. Frémont, Image de Marc, Château du Rivau, C. Raimbault, Lunch in Loches If possible, try the «géline de Touraine», a local poultry specialty, or the «brebis du lochois», a sheep cheese that is produced exclusively in the Perrusson village. SMART IDEA L Indre à Vélo The «Indre à Vélo» bicycle route winds through the Indre valley. indre_a_velo.html 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. dinner and night in TOURS

2 You have 3 days available to explore Touraine AMBOISE TOURS LANGEAIS CHINON Day 3 LOCHES Option 1 Stop in Azay-le-Rideau According to historical sources, the name of the town comes from one of its former lords, named Ridel or Rideau. The town boasts a lovely village centre and of course, one of the most significant Renaissance castles in the Loire Valley. Feel free to explore the troglodyte dwellings at the Valley of Goupillières, the extraordinary Maurice Dufresne museum and the terraced gardens at la Chatonnière. Office de Tourisme du Pays d Azay-le-Rideau 4 rue du Château Phone: (0) Option 2 Tour of the Villandry gardens Lunch in Azay-le-Rideau or Villandry 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. Château et jardins de Villandry Villandry Phone: (0) On the road»» Balzac Museum,»» Villaines-les-Rochers village»» Rabelais Museum Option 1 Chinon 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 halftimbered 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. Office de Tourisme du pays de Chinon Place d Hofheim Chinon Phone: (0) Option 2 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. Château de Langeais Langeais Phone: (0) Crédits photos : D. Darrault, S. Frémont, Image de Marc, Château du Rivau, C. Raimbault, Shopping list»» Poires tapées (dried pears) from Rivarennes»» Basketrywork items from Villaines-les-Rochers»» AOC touraine and chinon wines

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