In Touraine we live the château life

Imagine a palace delicately poised above the Loire, with gardens suspended between heaven and earth... It's hardly surprising that Amboise was one of the favourite sites of the kings of France when they transformed their country during the Renaissance. Charles VIII and François I, Leonardo da Vinci and the iconic Queen Anne of Brittany are all familiar faces here. Even today, the views are breathtaking! The 360° panorama takes in landscapes listed as World Heritage Sites. A castle open to nature, a haven of peace for birds, Amboise is also a place of innovation, where innovations such as the HistoPad enhance the experience. LPO Refuge. Please note: the Saint Hubert chapel is closed for works until the end of 2023.

The history of the Château of Chenonceau is defined by a an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, embellished, protected, restored and saved it.

Unique architecture, built over the Cher river. A collection of masters paintings and a remarkable series of 16 century Flemish tapestries. The Galerie des Dômes (wine cellar), exhibitions.

The fortress, with its majestic position overlooking the town, built by Count Thibaut I of Blois, invites the visitor into the heart of France’s and England’s history. The court of Henry II Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine was established here in the 12 century.

A castle facade (drawbridge, towers, machicolations...), but on the garden side, a residence marked by the Renaissance style! In this castle located 200 metres from the Loire, the marriage between Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany sealed the attachment of Brittany to the kingdom of France. Richly furnished, this monument belongs to the Institut de France.

Owned by the Indre et Loire Departmental Council, the site comprises two castles: the keep built by the Count of Anjou, Foulques Nerra, and the royal dwelling with its Renaissance architecture. The latter saw Agnès Sorel, Joan of Arc and Anne of Brittany pass through. A pretty medieval garden is also located at the foot of the keep. Each year, a new exhibition is proposed in parallel with the augmented reality tours on the Histopad tablets.

The Château de Villandry is a unique example of Renaissance architecture and gardens. Six sumptuous gardens await you: the vegetable garden, the ornamental garden, the water garden, the medicinal plant garden, the labyrinth and the sun garden. The château boasts 18th-century interiors and a collection of antique Spanish paintings.

Duration : 3h00 - Price : 40 €

Immerse yourself for a few hours in a working family winery. It's a complete tour, from the grapes and vines to the glass of wine, that Myriam offers on this guided tour. 

Duration : 2h30 - Price : 65 €

Accompanied by an enthusiastic local guide, set off on a gastronomic discovery tour through the medieval streets of Tours!
Over the course of 2h30, you'll visit a number of unusual and emblematic tasting venues: Halles de Tours, bakeries, restaurants, wine cellars, etc., to discover the flagship products of Tours gastronomy!
Tours are available in French and English.

Duration : 1j - Price : 220 euros

Guided wine-tour to discover the exceptional diversity of Loire Valley wines with a local passionate guide from VinoLoire Wine tour company. This day tour include visits in great vineyards but also a gastronomic Pic-Nic in the vineyard (or at the winery) made from local products in a farm to table spirit. 

9:00 am: Departure from the tourist office in Tours. Transport in a comfy and fully equipped Mercedes minivan.

Visit in Vouvray vineyard

• Start your day with a first stop in the vineyard to learn about the vine-grower work
• Visit of an impressive rock hewn cellar used to age sparkling wine called “Méthode traditionnelle”
• Taste a large range of white and sparkling wines from a family estate in Vouvray
• This first will be paired with local cheeses (goat, sheep, cow cheeses, ...)

• Visit a second winery working organically 
• Enjoy the visit of this very different family estate
• Learn more about Bourgueil red wines and the different style of Cabernet Franc produce in this area

• Enjoy your Pic Nic in the heart of the vineyard (or at the winery) 
• Meal prepared by a Chef using only local products : “Farm to table” style lunch
• Other wines from Bourgueil are included
• On your way, discover the quaint town of Chinon 

• Explore an outstanding underground cellar
• Very unique place made with "passion and heart"
• Taste a range of organic red and rosé wines from Chinon
• Wine tasting could be paired with other local products (charcuteries, rillons, ...)

Duration: 1 day; Price: €37,8
Conquer the west of Touraine!
Join us for a self-guided tour of the Château de Langeais. Château de Langeais, a former royal estate and property of the Institut de France, is one of the great sites of the Loire Valley. Close to Tours and in the heart of the Loire Valley, it offers a tour of fifteen rooms furnished with richly sculpted medieval furniture. There's also a collection of tapestries and a re-enactment of Anne de Bretagne's royal wedding, narrated by Stéphane Bern. Langeais, a Renaissance château on the Loire, will surprise you with its parkland of cedars and redwoods and its playful facilities.
At the end of the morning, head for Château de Minière in Coteaux sur Loire. Treat yourself to a moment of conviviality in the idyllic setting of Château de Minière. Come and discover or rediscover our cuvées, accompanied by a platter of charcuterie and cheese. Relaxation guaranteed.

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Duration : 7h30 - Price : 39 euros


Take a ride on the Loire à Vélo© between Tours and Montlouis-sur-Loire, visit a winery and have a picnic break before returning by canoe!
Your program in detail : 

Your program:

• Departure from Tours, 13 km bike ride on the Loire River (1h00) to Montlouis-sur-Loire: follow the banks of the Loire on a bike path accessible to the whole family.
• A visit and wine tasting awaits you in Montlouis sur Loire (1h00). Discover the land and the history of the wines of Montlouis-sur-Loire.
• You can picnic at the canoe base in Vouvray, but you'll need to bring your own picnic as there are no refreshment points on site.
• You will exchange your bikes for canoes at our base in Vouvray and return to Tours by canoe (at the guinguette of the Wilson bridge or at the pont de fil depending on the water level). You will travel about 7 km, (1h30/2H) on unsinkable and self-bailing canoes to return to Tours in the middle of the birds of the Loire.

Duration: 1 day - Price: €85
Get ready for a breathtaking aquatic adventure: a 1h30 stand-up paddle ride along the Indre River to the moat of the majestic Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, where history and charm blend harmoniously.
Then head to the mill just downstream from the château, which in summer is transformed into a temporary bistronomic establishment, an extension of the renowned "L'Aigle d'Or" restaurant. This enchanting setting is the perfect setting to savour dishes made exclusively from exceptional local produce.

To round off your day in style, plunge into the heart of the vineyards of a prestigious winery (labelled a "Cave Touristique d'Excellence"), where after an audio-guided tour, a private commented tasting will provide you with a unique taste experience: five wines carefully selected to awaken all your senses and offer you an incomparable moment of escape.
 
 
Looking for a truly complete day of wonder?
We suggest renting a bike early in the morning to explore the Château de l'Islette, the emblematic site of the passionate love affair between Camille Claudel and Rodin, nestled in the arms of the Indre River. Or return to Château d'Azay-le Rideau in the late afternoon...

Duration : 3 days / 2 nights - Price : since 269 €
Enjoy the Loire Valley's gentle way of life and savor the pleasures of the terroir on this 100% car-free trip.
During these 3 days, you'll set off on the "Loire à Vélo" itinerary for rides accessible to all in a region listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll be able to enjoy the cultural bustle of Tours, the tourist capital of the Loire Valley, and take in the châteaux, vineyards and typical villages just a stone's throw from the city.
DAY 1
Self-guided tour of the Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré, the CCCOD: a building and backstage area of exceptional architecture. A veritable artistic hub, you'll be able to admire the exhibitions on view at the time of your visit.
Dinner in a restaurant and accommodation in a hotel in downtown Tours.

DAY 2
Cycle east along the banks of the Loire to Rochecorbon, a small village nestled at the foot of cliffs with troglodytic houses, in the Vouvray vineyard region. You'll discover the vineyards and be taken on a guided tour of a troglodytic cellar. Along the galleries dug into the tufa rock, and deep inside, you'll discover the secrets of how sparkling wines are made, and how still wines are matured. Here, you'll taste a selection of still and sparkling Vouvray wines.
Dinner in a restaurant and accommodation in a hotel in downtown Tours.

DAY 3
Head west for a bucolic bike ride along an old towpath towards Villandry. You'll stop off in the charming village of Savonnières on the banks of the Cher, where you'll discover traditional flat-bottomed boats. In Villandry, take a free tour of the château and gardens. Return to Tours by bike.

Duration: 2h30 - Price: €36
Enjoy an exceptional moment on the Loire at sunset aboard a traditional boat with La Rabouilleuse.
A little upstream from Tours, along the hillsides of Rochecorbon and Vouvray, La Rabouilleuse invites you to discover the Loire through a very special atmosphere and colors. Our booty: the light of the Loire, the observation of its fauna, the charm of its islands, the contemplation of its landscapes... Come and take your share!

When the winds are favorable, we set sail, otherwise we use the motor, the oar or the mizzen. In all circumstances, we plan to use soft mobility (without a motor) for part of the tour, to get a better taste of the river's rhythm.

You can bring your own aperitif basket to share with other participants.
A moment of conviviality guaranteed!