Indre-et-Loire Holiday Guide
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Cultural and beautiful – a dream destination
The Indre-et-Loire is the prime destination for lovers of all things French. With a classic gastronomy, excellent wines, glorious chateaux and heritage towns, this is the place to absorb the culture and fall in love with France. You can take a city break in the fabulous town of Tours, relax and enjoy the good things in life in the luxury of fine hotels and restaurants or chill out and take in the beautiful countryside of the Loire valley.
Top 5 things to see and do in Indre-et-Loire
1. Visit the chateaux
The Loire Valley is a land of fairytale chateaux, many superbly preserved and open to visitors. Guided tours are available to many, and among those most worthy of a visit are the magnificent Renaissance Château de Chenonceau, the Château d'Amboise (once a royal residence) and the Château de Rivau with its fabulous gardens.
2. Discover the wines of the Touraine
The vineyards of the Touraine are a long established important force in the French wine world, and anyone with an interest in wine will benefit from a visit. Wine tours and tastings can be arranged, while a superb museum in Tours will help you explore the wine traditions of the department even further.
3. Loire Anjou Touraine
The nature reserve of the Loire Anjou Touraine is a stunning natural area where you can spend time away from the hustle of modern life in completely unspoilt countryside. Traversed by the mighty River Loire, this protected environment offers the chance to see unusual wildlife and vegetation as well as to enjoy peace and tranquillity.
4. Mosnes's Fantasy Forest
The Fantasy Forest at Mosnes is a superb venue for outdoor activities for kids of all ages, and for active adults too. From tree climbing to paintball, there is fun to be found for all in this lovely adventure park.
5. Saint Cosme Priory
This priory, with its glorious gardens and sense of peace was once home to the poetic prior, Pierre Ronsard. The prior's house is now a museum which retains details from Ronsard's life and work.
Top 5 towns and cities in Indre-et-Loire
1. Tours
The capital city of the department, Tours, is an absolute must see. Culturally, historically and architecturally rich, Tours (a designated Town of Art and History) has more than enough attractions to make it a perfect city break destination.
2. Chinon
A favoured royal residence for Henry II, Chinon has a wealth of heritage to present to the visitor. Set on the banks of the Vienne River, this lovely town with its half-timbered mediaeval houses, important historical buildings and castle, is as charming as it is interesting.
3. Richelieu
Richelieu, which was built in the 17th century on the orders of Cardinal Richelieu, is said to be the most perfectly planned town in France. You can trace the life of the cardinal in the museum and throughout the town, whose superb design includes grand old mansions, beautiful gardens and many other features.
4. Montrésor
Montrésor is a worthy recipient of the title of "one of the most beautiful villages in France". Perfectly positioned on the banks of the River Indroise, this chocolate box pretty village makes the ultimate romantic destination.
5. Loches
Loches has an intriguing history that links it to three of France's most iconic women: Joan of Arc, Anne of Brittany and Agnès Sorel, whose grave can be seen in the cemetery of the lovely collegiate church there. Packed with heritage, Loches is also enjoyable for its riverside setting, its shopping and its restaurants.
Food and drink in Indre-et-Loire
The gastronomy of the Indre-et-Loire includes, of course, the acclaimed Touraine wines as well as tasty goats' cheeses and fine white asparagus. The restaurants of the department offer up a deliciously classical take on French cuisine.
How to get to Indre-et-Loire
The capital of the Indre-et-Loire, Tours, has both an airport (served by Ryanair offering direct flights from Britain and Ireland) and a TGV station, making it really easy to access.
