Loire Valley World Heritage Site

The Val de Loire is the largest site in France to be included on the UNESCO list, stretching for 170 miles between Sully-sur-Loire in the Loiret department and Chalonnes-sur-Loire in Anjou. Take a look at Val de Loire official site for more information.

Montrichard (top left)is in the heart of the Touraine wine area, close to many of the finest Chateaux. See the Office de Tourisme Montrichard site for details about the town and Touraine Loire Valley for the wider picture.

A visit to the beautiful town of Amboise (Royal Chateau pictured above center) is a must. We recommend a whole day in this lovely town which is both picturesque and full of history. Leonardo da Vinci made his last home here in the Manoir du Clos Luce.

Blois just over 30km up the road also has a superb Royal Chateau, home to many kings over the centuries. The towm is now the capital of the Loir et Cher department.

Tours (top right) is a rambling medieval town and the capital of the Indre et Loire department (No. 37). Being largest town in the area it contains lots of things to do for all ages!! We highly recommend getting the train from Montrichard for a full day out shopping, eating and drinking in the hidden medieval side streets! Tours also has antiques markets twice a week and other French markets throughout the streets. Star sights for this town are the La Place Plumereau and Maison de Tristan. The TGV stops just outside the main station at St. Pierre de Corps and is a valuable link to Paris (1 hour) and the south.

Other Chateaux well worth a visit

Chateau de Chenonceau arguably the finest of them all ! Stretching romantically across the Cher and surrounded by formal gardens this is a great area for a day out and picnic...a must for all!

 

Chateau de Montpoupon just South of Montrichard this impressive building is almost hidden when visiting from the North. There is a pretty little Auberge nearby that looks inviting, please try it and tell us what you think!

 

 

Chateau de Cherverny built in the 17th Century of local white tuffeaux stone, this chateaux has a classical facade and is superbly located at the heart of the great Cheverny wine region.

 

 

There are many more too numerous to mention here but have a look at Tourism Touraine Loire Valley for information and more pictures about the whole of the regeion.