The Loire Valley has an amazing historical and cultural heritage due to the kings and artists who have loved its valleys and rivers with a passion. It is known foremost for the famous chateaux, which were chosen by royalty for their valleys. Its rivers and gentle scenery have inspired poets and artists alike. There are many museums to wander around, cave dwellings (troglodytes) to see, the most famous being the Manoir des Basses RivieresRochecorbon

Whether you are looking for a peaceful or an active life, you will be spoiled in the Touraine. It is a walkers’ paradise, the departement of Indre-et-Loire has more kilometres of footpaths than anywhere else in France. You can discover the countryside by foot, bicycle or horseback. There are numerous stretches of water, lakes, ponds or swimming pools for the water sports enthusiasts – you can take a boat trip on the Loire with a “Gabare” (flat bottomed river boat) and the luscious scenery is ideal for golfers. 

The traditional building in Tours is called a “Particulier” made of Tuffeau (a soft stone extracted from the cliffs along the Loire since the Roman period). It has a cellar, 2 or 3 storeys, the front is narrow and the layout is usually 2 rooms on each floor. In the country, the houses are made of Tuffeau and the roof is half slate, half tiles.

Tours, the original home of the French language and the “art de vivre” is an exceptional place at the centre of the region. It is a city with an amazing heritage and charm however it manages also to be a modern, thriving European centre boasting many cultural and sporting activities. The “art of living” of course includes eating and drinking the fine wines of which the Touraine and of course the chateaux. The chateaux can be visited by air, plane, helicopter or even hot air balloon!  region is famous – it produces no less than ten different wines whose AOC (controlled origin) label are recognised. at

 For those who like literature, there is Rabelais’ birthplace near Chinon, La Deviniere to visit, Ronsard’s house, Le Prieure se St Cosme at La Riche and at Sache – Balzac’s house. 

Airport of Tours Val de Loire 0033 (0) 2 47 39 37 00 

Tours-Saint –Pierre-des-Corps is an important and well-served railway station. Links between Tours and ParisTGV Atlantique high speed train.

The information shown here is given to Loire Valley French Properties in good faith by our agents in  France. We endeavour to ensure details are correct at all times but cannot be responsible for any inaccuracies.