Sightseeing around the Loire Valley

The Loire is one of France’s five great rivers, as well as one of the most picturesque parts of France. A rural region known for its rich food and gorgeous countryside, it encapsulates the essence of the French lifestyle. There are many special towns and villages for you to visit and enjoy the scenery, lifestyle and cuisine. Markets are commonplace so peruse the vegetables, fruit, cheeses, antiques and handicrafts the locals have to offer or relax with a coffee and pastry while you watch the passing parade. Here are some amazing villages for you to visit:

Montresor

With the soothing sound of the River Indrois, which runs through the village, Montrésor was one of the three most beautiful villages in France in the Touraine region (along with Candes-Saint-Martin and Crissay-sur-Manse). It was voted the French people’s 2nd favourite village in 2015, just after Ploumanac’h in Brittany. The beautiful medieval streets are an irresistible invitation for a stroll, taking you to the Château of Montrésor. The château has seen 1000 years of history and is home to a big art collection. One of the chateau’s owners was Count Xavier Branicki, a famous Polish refugee exiled in France.

Chedigny

With a wave of a magic wand, between the majestic chateau of Chenonceau and the royal city of Loches, a village was turned into a garden. Chédigny, the only village in France which has been certified with the label “Jardin Remarquable”! You will discover, 1000 rose trees, 1500 bulbs plants, about a hundred bushes and thousands of perennial plants, while walking in the narrow streets of the village.

The Rose Festival in Chedigny every year is a sight to behold.

Loches

A certified "Town of Art and History" and "Most Beautiful Detour in France", Loches is a must-see destination in Indre-et-Loire. Located amid the Loire Valley castles, this royal city has many stories to tell and attractions to offer. Walk along the cobbled streets to discover a thousand years of history. Ancient dwellings with tuffeau stone façades or fortified gates, such as the Porte des Cordeliers or the Porte Royale, will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. The Romanesque Collegiate Church of St. Ursus, with its two eight-sided pyramidal cupolas, houses the tomb of Agnès Sorel, favourite of Charles VII. You can also walk to the Tower of St. Anthony, an old belfry standing 52 metres tall, the Chancellery and the Centaur House, the latter two both having Renaissance façades. By the River Indre, the public park is a pleasant place for a walk where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the collegiate church. Art-lovers should head to the Lansyer Museum-House, where works by the painter of the same name are exhibited, and to the Saint-Antoine Gallery, where there are two paintings by Caravaggio.

Loches is also famous for its castle towering over the town. Built by Foulques Nerra in the 11th century, several women who shaped history spent time there: Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel and Anne of Brittany. It consists of towers, dungeons, underground tunnels, passages, stairways and beautiful terraces. A testimony to the Renaissance, the Royal Lodge is one of the castle's most important rooms. Don't forget to climb to the top of the tower, where you will be greeted by a panoramic view of the city!

Every Wednesday and Saturday, one of the largest markets in Touraine is held in Loches. Be sure to pay a visit, if only to admire the many colourful stalls that will undoubtedly make your mouth water...

Crissay-Sur-Manse, Indre-et-Loire

Crissay-sur-Manse (top photo) is in the heart of the Touraine region in Central Loire Valley close to Chinon, Tours and the fairy tale castle of Azay-le-Rideau. Its narrow streets are lined with medieval houses and tufa, white limestone The church, built by Jacques 1st of Crissé in 1527 and restored in 1867, is listed as a historical monument. The castle, partly destroyed during the Hundred Years War and rebuilt in the late 15th century on the foundations of an ancient fortress can be visited on request via the tourist office.

Don’t miss the fountain of the Huguenots, the village washhouses, the wash of Gruteau or the Grand Moulin. Sainte Maure cheese is made at a farm in the town. Locals drizzle it with Crissay honey, or marmalade and eat it with gingerbread. A must see is the town’s famous wine cellar in a 15th century house where you can taste the AOC wines of Chinon.

Gargilesse-Dampierre, Indre

One evening in June 1857, writer George Sand discovered the village of Gargilesse beautifully lit at sunset and it was love at first sight. Sand bought a house and lived in the village for five years. It’s now a museum, dedicated to the memory of the novelist who was one of France’s most popular writers in the mid 1800s.

The still used 12th century church of Saint-Laurent-et-Notre-Dame has wonderful frescoes, especially in the Crypt. Musée Delaveau is dedicated to the artist, Serge Delaveau. There’s also a chateau which hosts exhibitions and local festivities. And there is a lovely pottery shop run by well-known potter Guy Baudat.

Garillesse-Dampierre is a little over an hour from Valencay with its marvellous castle.

Apremont-Sur-Allier, Cher

In the heart of the Berry region, Apremont-Sur-Allier is dominated by a castle surrounded by a stunning park. Designed by Gilles de Brissac, the park has been awarded the “Jardin Remarquable” status. There’s also a museum in the former stables dedicated to carriages and hosting art exhibitions. The beautifully restored medieval houses in the village make it a fabulous place for a wander.

Apremont-Sur-Allier is less than an hour’s drive from historic Bourges with its quirky Chateau de Jacques Coeur.

Saint-Benoit-du-Sault, Indre

Medieval Saint-Benoît-du-Sault is in the province formerly known as Berry, around an hour and half’s drive from the town of Bourges with its castle and cathedral. The village is renowned for its orange-coloured stone buildings. 15th and 16th century houses line the streets and there is a former Silversmiths workshop, now a listed historical monument. The 18th century priory is perched on a rocky outcrop and hosts exhibitions and performances. The Romanesque St. Benedict church has a beautiful granite baptismal font.

On the first Tuesday morning of each month, Saint-Benoît-du-Sault holds a monthly fair. There’s an annual summer Eva Ganizate festival, created in homage to the opera singer who was born in the village. Concerts are held in the Church of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault and in villages around. In August the villages hosts The Suspended Time festival dedicated to baroque music.

Saint-Benoît-du-Sault is on the edge of the Parc Naturel Regional de la Brenne.

Candes-St-Martin, Indre-et-Loire

Nestled along the side of the River Loire, this village with its white limestone buildings is authentic and picturesque. It’s next to the town of Montsoreau, another listed Plus Beaux Village de France (Pays de la Loire). In fact there is a saying that goes ‘You can sleep with your head in Montsoreau and your feet in Candes.’

Cobbled alleys of rose-clad ancient houses rise in tiers and offer stunning views over the rooftops and to the meeting of the rivers Loire and Vienne.

Don’t miss a visit to the Church of Saint Martin which has superb stained glass windows. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, then fortified in the 15th century, it’s where you will find the tomb of St. Martin of Tours. Legend has it that when the former Roman soldier turned Christian missionary travelled from Chinon by river to Candes-Saint Martin. As he travelled, despite it being mid-winter, all the flowers blossomed along the banks as he passed by. He died aged 80 in Candes.

The Street Art Parc of Chateau de Moh, formerly the Castle of Candes, has a collection of more than 40 monumental art works in a forest. The Nicolas de Barry Parfumerie makes for an interesting visit. A boat ride by traditional wooden gabares offers memorable views over the town and the countryside. Close to the royal fortress town of Chinon, Fontevraud Abbey and the Chateau of Saumur, Candes Saint Martin is well worth adding to your Loire Valley itinerary.

Lavardin, Loir-et-Cher

Less than an hour’s drive from Tours, Amboise and Blois, perched high above the Valley of the Loire you’ll find the ruins of the Chateau de Lavardin. To reach the castle, cross a gothic bridge over the river. Then you’ll wander along flower-filled lanes lined with medieval houses which lead to the castle. It was pulled down centuries ago on the orders of Henri IV in order to stop local and religious squabbles. There are magnificent views from the sentry walk.

Stop off at the 11th century Saint-Genest Church to see the ancient biblical themed murals on its walls.

Yèvre-le-Châtel, Loiret

Perched on a rocky mountain spur dominating the Rimarde valley, Yèvre-le-Châtel is an alluring little village. It’s home to a medieval fortress with towers and ramparts. Plus, there’s a medicinal plant garden whose small entrance fee pays for the flowers in the village. There’s also a châtelet, a small castle and rampart walk, as well as two churches. The narrow, flower-bedecked streets are lined with charming houses. The ruins of the Gothic 13th century Church of Saint Lubin church are quite mysterious and there are glorious views over the countryside from its location. Yèvre-le-Châtel is around 45 minutes’ drive from Fontainebleau with its opulent palace, and very close to Pithiviers where the famous sweet puff pastry pie of the same name comes from.

 

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