Touraine in 3 days, to discover the must-sees!

Three days to explore Touraine and its treasures! Majestic châteaux, picturesque villages, vineyards and local delicacies… This itinerary invites you to a complete immersion in the heart of this emblematic Loire Valley destination. Follow the guide for a holiday rich in discovery and wonder!

Touraine in 3 days, to discover the must-sees

First day

Hail to Amboise! It’s often said to be the most Italian of the towns in the Val de Loire. The summer presence of many transalpine tourists today confirms what the Renaissance, imported from Italy, had begun here five centuries ago. Enjoy the shopping streets as well as the promenades laid out along the quays of the Loire. When it comes to sightseeing, the château royal d’Amboise, the Clos Lucé, the domaine of Château Gaillard or the pagoda at Chanteloup are not to be missed. Every Friday and Sunday morning, one of the largest markets in the region finally sets up shop within its walls.

Château de Chenonceau. Its arches gracefully span the Cher. Cherished by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, wonderfully furnished, the Château de Chenonceau remains the most visited in France after Versailles. Fall under the spell of the gardens planted on either side of the keep… and the delightful village, whose name is spelt with an “x”.

Our offers The must-haves

Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci

La Pagode de Chanteloup

Second day

Morning in Loches: Perched on its rocky promontory, the royal city of Loches transports you into a dimension where time seems suspended. Its 44-metre keep, the pride of medieval architecture, has watched over the town for almost a thousand years. Let yourself be guided through the cobbled streets to the collégiale Saint-Ours, a true gem of Romanesque art. The local flavour market brings the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville to life every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Take advantage of this opportunity to sample Touraine specialities.

On the road: the Indre valley. To get to Tours from Loches, opt for the little D17 that runs alongside the course of the Indre. The scenery is well worth the diversions, and you can discover the market towns of Chédigny, Azay-sur-Indre or Reignac-sur-Indre.

Tours, capital of the Loire Valley. A City of Art and History, gateway to the Loire Valley, set in the heart of an exceptional heritage area… Tours is a must-see stopover. Don’t miss the Vieux-Tours, the musée des Beaux Arts, the cathedral and the basilica of Saint Martin which houses the tomb of Saint Martin, the Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré, the treasures of the musée du compagnonnage. Stop off in the parks, discover its shopping streets, the flavours of the daily markets and its central market halls.

Highlights

Reason 1

A complete itinerary between emblematic châteaux and characterful villages 🏰

Reason 2

Immerse yourself in the art of living in Touraine, with its wines, gastronomy and expertise 🍷

Reason 3

A variety of landscapes to explore, between the Loire, vineyards and remarkable gardens 🌿

Third day

Visit the gardens of Villandry. Purple basil, red chillies, blue leeks… The exceptional beauty of its decorative vegetable garden makes the gardens of Villandry, dominated by an elegant, beautifully furnished 16th-century château, unique. This famous mosaic of plants was reconstructed at the beginning of the 20th century, based on the Renaissance model. It is now cultivated organically. Ornamental garden, water garden, Jardin des simples, Labyrinthe and Jardin du Soleil complete this unique and enchanting site.

Chinon !

Wander through the historic districts of Chinon where the footsteps of Jeanne d’Arc and Charles VII still echo. The half-timbered houses tell the story of a thousand years of history, while the traditional restaurants invite you to savour the local specialities, such as the succulent fouace, accompanied by a glass of Chinon.

The name Chinon is bound to remind lovers of literature of the writings of François Rabelais. Yes, Chinon is all of these things: vineyards that cover the horizon, a royal fortress that watches over a town centre of timbering, and an appetite for life faithful to that of Gargantua. Here too, the town can be explored on foot. In summer, the guinguette offers a view of the ramparts and the course of the Vienne.