On the borders of Berry, Sologne and Touraine, the Cher Valley will appeal to you, no doubt!
A country of rich historic heritage as weel as a region of vineyards , forest, tufa (limestone) caves and dwellings or quiet rural villages.
Nature lovers can go exploring our numerous gardens, lanes or footpaths; whereas history fans will have to make up their minds about which château to visit!
A country of rich historic heritage as weel as a region of vineyards , forest, tufa (limestone) caves and dwellings or quiet rural villages.
Nature lovers can go exploring our numerous gardens, lanes or footpaths; whereas history fans will have to make up their minds about which château to visit!
Just round the corner,
Chenonceau,
gracefully stretching across the river Cher, looks really gorgeous at
sunset, from the left bank. After admiring the apartments, take a
stroll in the beautiful gardens. Then, head for Montrichard, a gem of the valley. On the way have a look at
Chissay Château, rising against the wooded hillside. In Montrichard,
take your time to explore fully : the keep built by Foulques
Nerra in the 11C, the church which stands below it. Do not miss the
medieval houses. Walk across the bridge to get the nicest view of the
town.
Next, follow the right bank upstream to Bourré and its cave dwellings.
Next, follow the right bank upstream to Bourré and its cave dwellings.
To the north, drive across Amboise Forest, Before reaching the Château, stop in le Clos Lucé, manor house, Léonard Da Vinci’s last residence. His fabulous machines are really impressive.
From the terrace of the château the view of the Loire and its golden sandbanks is magnificent.
Either, head to Valmer with its beautiful garden and its conservatory; or, when leaving Amboise, continue the route upstream. Cross the Loire follow the north bank, you will catch glimpse of sumptuous Chaumont, which hosts a garden festival. To visit the village and the château, cross the river again. Then, keep along the south bank to reach Blois : the sight appears most attractive from that side of the river. You need quite a long time to visit the old town and the château. Kids will enjoy the Robert Houdin magic museum.
Not far from Blois, Chambord: the largest, the most fascinating of all, Chambord, King François I’s dream come true. Then, on to Cheverny, Hergé’s model for Moulinsart, Tintin’s adventures. Beautiful interior decoration.
To the south, start with Montpoupon château elegantly standing in unspoilt countryside. Next , drive to Genillé, a charming village. Follow the peaceful, winding Indrois valley, upstream to an attractive village Montrésor, whose château is reflected in the river.
Then, head for La Chartreuse du Liget founded in the 12C by Henri II Plantagenet, king of England. There is very little left of the first monastery, but you can still see how important it had become, you will fall in love with the place...
Continue on to Loches. The medieval citadel with its prison cells, dungeons, and torture chambers will carry you back to the Middle Ages
To the west, Tours the capital of the garden of France.
Villandry well known for its patterned gardens.
Azay le Rideau
“this diamond… set in the river Indre.” (Balzac, 19C writer)Villandry well known for its patterned gardens.
And, in between two sights, on a hot sunny day, the forests are very welcoming for a picnic or a siesta. Or you could spend some time in one of our numerous antique fairs "brocantes".
Why not follow a “route des vignobles” sign too ? a nice way of going through the wine country. You will probably fall upon one of the picturesque, old stone huts, formerly used by winegrowers to store their tools. And if you feel like tasting some of our local wines, just stop at a winemakers.
We are ready to give you fuller details to make you get the most of your stay among us
Have a nice holiday.
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