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Greens of Touraine Loire Valley

Now that good weather is back, the time is right for putting practice in castle country! 

Gentle Touring in Touraine…

Mountain biking, hiking, horse riding... experience northwestern Touraine Loire Valley!  

Sights That Care About Your Every Comfort

A guaranteed warm welcome - great travel experiences without the guesswork! 

Loire à vélo.fr: everything you need to prepare your Loire à Vélo cycling trip.

Online maps and routes, videos, recommended establishments, reviews and a forum - this site has it all. 

Hiking: great walks in Touraine.

Touraine has 22 hiking paths for the whole family, an ideal way to greet the springtime.

La Chancelière, signed by Arlot.

One of the greatest talents of Touraine gastronomy returns to the prestigious restaurant “La Chancelière”, at the edge of Tours. 

In Touraine, basket-making weaves its history

Welcome to Villaines-les-Rochers, one of the French capitals of basketweaving. Today, this ancient tradition draws on contemporary inspirations.     

The Touraine cheeseboard: a succulent discovery

Goat cheese is a specialty of the Centre region. The myriad of available shapes and flavours of cheese range from the "crottin" round shape in Chavignol, the truncated pyramid coated in ash from Valençay, the slender, elegant pyramid for Pouligny-Saint-Pierre, the log shape for Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, and the small round shape in Selles-sur-Cher…   Let's take an in-depth look at this delicious Loire cheeseboard in order to better understand Touraine cheeses.

More Touraine forecast: 50% discounts coming in March!"

1000 hotel or holiday complex rooms at half price: the "More Touraine" promotion is back on again, for the 5 weekends between March 2nd and April 1st 2012. Reservations are now open on the www.plusdetouraine.com website.

"Trip Advisor Awards" 2012: Amboise is home to the best hotel in France!

Each year, the "Trip Advisor" community website takes the opinions of its members into account in order to award distinctions for the best tourism services in the world. Hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions... the "cream of the crop" is determined thanks to the millions of opinions gathered from travellers from the four corners of the globe. 

Château de Gizeux: the 100% castle bed & breakfast

To be guests in the home of authentic manor owners, in Touraine it's possible!

Géraud and Stéphanie de Laffon welcome guests year round to their bed & breakfast establishment at château de Gizeux. The atmosphere is informal and friendly. An opportunity to explore this home that was once the property of the Du Bellay family, who kept the site's historical aspects alive. 4 rooms and a suite are available, as well as a delicious table d'hôte service provided by the owner. 

Tempting truffles!

The enticing aroma of jam permeates the afternoon air, followed by the scent of saffron or scrambled eggs with truffles.

A Parisian and a native of Brest adopted both the Richelieu region and its treasures. This is a story about a career change. "The story of Parisian woman who was tired of city life and who had been planning to open a bed & breakfast establishment for fifteen years". In 2007, Chantal Manach left her management position at a large bank and went searching for a location that was not only a tourist destination but not too far from the capital. Goodbye Paris, Hello Champigny-sur-Veude. "Everything went very quickly. I fell in love with the property, but it was being sold with the bed & breakfast and table d'hôte business as well as a truffle farm... We didn't have a choice. So we went for it".

L'Atelier d'Offard, the art of wallpaper

A dead-end street at the far end of the Tranchée, in Tours. A stretch of road behind a large gate that could remain perfectly anonymous if it weren't for the name to attract interest. Offard.

A name discretely displayed on the façade that immediately draws you into an amazing world: the world of wallpaper. Yes, wallpaper. Not the kind that can be found in big box DIY stores, but the kind that once decorated the walls of posh 18th century homes. A fervent guardian of this unique expertise, the Offard workshop carries on an exceptional tradition that has practically disappeared in France: block printed wallpaper.

"Euro Gusto", civic-minded taste buds!

The Euro Gusto biennial event draws on the Slow Food movement. Who are the members of this movement?

Eugenio Mailler: "Slow Food" originated in Italy in 1986 in order to defend culinary pleasures. This eco-gastronomic association is waging a battle in favour of agriculture and food that is "good (quality and taste), clean (environmentally friendly) and fair (remuneration)". We now have around 120,000 members from around the world who are organised into local "convivia" that all share in a hedonistic and responsible perspective on food. We are working on food biodiversity in order to preserve the species and culinary expertises that are threatened, thanks to the "Food communities" and a Foundation for biodiversity. We believe that "eating is an agricultural act", to cite Wendell Berry, an American farmer and author. Every two years, the Terra Madre forum in Torino welcomes 5,000 small producers as well as chefs, academics and young people from around the world, to create a dialogue on agricultural issues and offer solutions. Indeed, thousands of worthy experiments exist.

One Loire, many terroirs...

Epicurean, classic, explorer or expert... what is your profile? The answer to this question determines what activities the "Vins de Loire" (Loire wines) iPhone application proposes. Epicureans won't want to miss out: organising a weekend with activities that wine connoisseurs will appreciate is easy to do with just a few clicks on the "Séjours" icon. Explorers will appreciate the "Caves touristiques®" feature that informs you which vineyard is the closest to your hotel. Identified by signs in the towns, at the wine cellars displaying the "Caves touristiques®" label, rest assured that the owners are committed to providing a quality welcome, with scheduled opening hours, free tasting with commentary in a furnished location and sales by the bottle. Some of the cellars, such as Domaine de l'Aulée in Azay-le-Rideau, or the Cave des producteurs in Vouvray, also provide guided tours of the wine storehouses. 

Talent: The "glamour" sculptures by Laurence Dréano

Her eyes sparkle when she starts talking about her sculptures. Her lips curve into a smile, her voice gets deeper and her hands describe a rounded outline, caressing the air. In her workshop in Fondettes, Laurence Dréano plays with materials such as clay, resin and sometimes bronze and crystal. Laurence's figures are characterised by their striking colours - fuchsias, reds, golds and yellows... The small heads are a reminder to us that it's important to forget about thinking and the large, rounded stomachs of her sculptures represent overflowing emotions, with hands that are always outstretched because we are nothing without each other. "I am an eternal romantic, an intuitive, tactile person. I want to believe in happiness, in love." 

Touraine, in the footsteps of Saint Martin

Martin, a European ahead of his time!

More than 3700 churches and 220 towns in France now bear the name of Martin. And Touraine? It has been shaped by the memory of the saint. Everywhere you will find chapels, vineyards and trails that tell a story related to this extensive traveller who was a European ahead of his time (he was born in Hungary and was later a Roman legionnaire). To fully experience Martin's legacy, take one of the three hiking trails established by the Centre Culturel Européen Saint Martin de Tours that criss-cross Touraine, relating a significant episode in the Saint's life.

Plus de Touraine, 1000 rooms at 50% off

Once again this year, Touraine caters to those looking for an autumn getaway. For the 6 weekends between Friday November 4th and Sunday December 11th, some forty hotels (2, 3 and 4 stars) and holiday complexes are offering rooms at half price. Details and reservations at www.plusdetouraine.com, starting on October 11th.

Best deal for 2* accommodations for 2 people: starting at 23.50 € per night.

Best deal for 4* castle-hotel accommodations for 2 people: starting at 87.50 € per night.

Best deal for holiday complex accommodations, for 3 to 4 people: starting at 38.50 € per night. 

« L’Auberge du XIIe siècle », in Saché.

A local native is a rising star.

"I grew up in Saché where I went to school and church. I went past the Auberge every day". Thierry Jimenez, a native of the area, learned that this "favourite restaurant in Touraine" where Balzac used to dine was up for sale in 1998 and he jumped at the chance to make his childhood dream come true. His partner, Xavier Aubrun, with whom he had been working since 1983, was also enthusiastic about it. Six months later, the pair earned the star that has never ceased to shine: "Each year, the star has to be earned again. Nothing can be taken for granted. You have to be yourself, by cooking the food you would like to eat or share with friends."

In castle country, technology is supreme.

Chenonceau, when heritage rhymes with innovation! 

Chenonceau... Some visitors come for the sumptuous floral compositions, others come to appreciate the magnificent vaulted kitchens. Teenagers, on the other hand, come to experience the i-Pod video! It's a generational thing. This visionary castle has always made innovation a priority, adopting the Apple device in 2007 in order to offer two novel tours. Navigation is easy and visitors have access to additional information, available in... eleven languages*! An undeniable asset for the most visited private castle in France.

The Great Outdoors: the treasures of Louroux.

Le Louroux. Less than thirty kilometres south of Tours, half-way between Veigné and Ligueil, an unexpected sight suddenly comes into view, the circular pigeon house and the fortified priory, the seigniorial manor house and tithe barn. Experience a growing sense of wonder as you explore the village, from the communal mill to the 13th century St Sulpice church, not to mention the phone box nestled in a defence tower or the wolf, more grey than russet, in the delightful local produce store. But to truly appreciate the Renaissance façade of the seigniorial manor house or the barn loft, take a guided tour of the village with town councillor Elisabeth van der Motte.

22 everyday dishes, 22 Loire wine pairing suggestions to try out!

At the time of the year when grape harvesting is in full swing in the Loire Valley, why not take the opportunity to explore a selection of our best Loire wine pairing suggestions for delicious, everyday local dishes? Because after all, you don't need to make a fuss or eat foie gras in order to enjoy a good bottle of wine, paired with simple dishes!

Panorama: The irresistible charm of autumn gardens

While gardens are naturally associated with the first springtime buds, many of them in fact reach maturity at the end of summer and in the beginning of autumn. This is particularly so in Touraine, where the blend of the famous Loire lighting, which is softer this time of year, reveals the full glory of luxurious kitchen gardens. In Villandry, Rivau and Valmer, or in neighbouring Chaumont-sur-Loire, cucurbitaceous plants and other late-blooming varieties are bursting in coloured harmony...     

INFORMATION

Comité Départemental du Tourisme de Touraine

Phone: 02 47 31 47 48

info@touraineloirevalley.com

The secrets of a mushroom hunter

This man has a wealth of advice indeed! A Touraine native at heart and in his culinary tastes, Jean-Jack Martin is one of the most knowledgeable connoisseurs in our region. A poet and watercolourist, his works are fabulous tributes to the infinite range of Loire savours. Mushrooms are one of his specialities. Indeed, what better place to perfect his knowledge than the vast Touraine forests!  He shares his knowledge in his book "Tour de France d'un chasseur de champignons". 

Back to the thirties... at Château de Candé.

A folly of the 30's, a fitting description for the stunning Candé castle, located just a stone's throw away from Tours, along the beautiful Indre valley. Neither medieval nor Renaissance, the monument will take you back in time to the worry-free days between the two wars, in the footsteps of a wealthy Franco-American couple and... the British crown! The castle was the venue for the June 3rd 1937 wedding of the duke of Windsor and his American bride, Wallis Simpson, an event known at the time as the "marriage of the century".

The current tour will give you a glimpse of the daily life of all the celebrities who have left their mark here: the library where an exquisitely crafted organ is on display, the Art Deco mosaic decor in the bathroom, a vast collection of the Windsor's personal effects, vintage fitness equipment... the estate's park spans 250 hectares including a fabulous kitchen garden/conservatory orchard. Admission to the park is free of charge, and the beautiful September days are perfect for picnic lunches!

"L’Auberge de Jable": a restaurant in the heart of the vineyards.

This unique restaurant with a remarkable history is located on the outskirts of Chinon. The fascinating enthusiasm of Carol and Philippe Schilling is what makes this place stand out, they came here to live out their succulent dream in the heart of the Touraine vineyards. A cosy haven amongst acres of cabernet, Philippe's spread is progressive and tasty, based on very fresh products. With the wine harvest season fast approaching, here is a fresh address to share for the end of summer!

Head to the vineyards in September with "Vineyards, Wine & Hiking"!

The "Vineyards, wine & hiking" event consists of 13 guided hikes at 13 different locations in the Loire vineyards. Suitable for all, these hikes are hosted by wine growers who share their passion for their land and provide insight into their expertise and knowledge about "their" country. Gourmet breaks are planned throughout the hike, opportunities to rest and taste the local specialties. A hearty picnic awaits you at the finish line, another great opportunity to explore the region's best wines, with the wine growers and merchants still by your side, of course!  

“Huttopia”: spend summer with Mother Nature.

Gypsy caravans, huts, wall tents… on the tranquil shores of the superb Lake Rillé, the “Huttopia” campsite acts as a gateway onto Touraine’s nature.

Cyclotourism: luggage transportation makes it possible to travel light!

Planning to leave your bed & breakfast in Amboise in the morning to visit Chambord? Or did you want to depart from the Tours train station to go to Loches? As for all the main bicycle hire companies in the Loire Valley, the "Détour de Loire" company provides a luggage transportation service from your starting point to your destination so that you can travel light. A practical service for a very comfortable, worry-free excursion on the superb Loire à Vélo itinerary. How does this service work, and how much does it cost?  Answers from Patrick Fournier, one of the company managers. 

Canoeing in Touraine: cast off!

From Chinon to the village of Candes-Saint-Martin, canoeing down the Vienne is the perfect opportunity to cool off in the heat of the summer and discover the river. 

Jour de Loire

Take to the banks for Loire Day and go with the flow of the river for three days and two nights of festivities. From large-scale to more intimate shows and concerts, a chance to stroll along the river and discover the biodiversity of Europe’s last wild river. 

"La Grangée", between heaven and earth.

In the peaceful Touraine countryside, enjoy the holidays while getting back to nature! 

Sound & Light: the castles on their evening attire.

Each summer, special evening surprises await you at the major Loire Valley chateaux. Indeed, from early June through end August, "sound and light" shows light up the summer evenings at the major Loire Valley chateaux. Contemporary creations or historical depictions, these events provide insight into another aspect of the grand castles with subtle light effects that highlight the architecture. Below is a list of the main shows taking place this summer: 

"Les rendez-vous troglos!" (Troglo days)

On June 18th and 19th, over 200 troglodytic sites will open their doors to the public on the occasion of the third "Rendez-vous troglos" event. The whole family will enjoy unearthing the secrets of the stone! 

"La Promenade", a family business.

One of Touraine's leading restaurants, in business for over 20 years. In the heart of cheerful Southern Touraine, the Dallais family takes the superb local produce to new heights with their starred menu.   

"Loire à Vélo" cycling route: the royal river on wheels!

Amboise, Villandry, Langeais, Ussé, Chinon… Cyclists can now visit the Loire castles from the 150 kilometre cycling route along the royal river. Today we will explore travel in western Touraine. 

New technologies make the castles even more accessible!

Following the example of the new tools developed at the royal Amboise castle, other Loire Valley tourist attractions are taking advantage of technological advances in order to enrich or add to their visit content. 

The Loire: a dialogue between nature and culture

The recent celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the Loire Valley's Unesco status was the perfect occasion to commemorate the splendour of the Loire landscapes. These unique panoramas are home to one of the world's highest concentrations of heritage and remarkable sites.

"Vitiloire": Tours celebrates Loire wines!

On May 28th and 29th, Tours will host the 9th edition of Vitiloire, the great Loire wine festival. For this weekend event, the city transforms into a friendly showcase for the 69 Loire vineyard appellations. A must-do for hedonists, gourmet enthusiasts of all kinds, experienced and amateur wine tasters alike! 

Touraine: rose passion!

"Mignonne, allons voir si la rose… "... A fitting Pierre de Ronsard verse for an invitation to explore Touraine's rose gardens this spring! In just a few weeks, the superb "Garden of France", as Touraine is known, will be bursting with colour thanks to the roses. 

Visit the gardens on June 3rd, 4th and 5th!

The "Rendez-vous aux Jardins" (meeting in the gardens event) is an annual opportunity to explore the wealth and diversity of French gardens. In Touraine, which is known as "the garden of France", the programme is set to be rich and colourful!

The wine merchant profession: "not only a trade, but a quest"

Passionate and easy to approach, wine merchants provide a warm welcome to the Loire vineyards and plenty of excellent advice all year round. Today we will meet Laurent, an organic wine enthusiast whose wine merchant business is located in the Indre valley.

"Entrez dans la cour des grands" (play with the big kids), for family fun

With the "Entrez dans la cour des grands" network In Touraine and in Anjou, families will enjoy letting curiosity be their guide. During the Easter holiday period, many events have been planned at over forty tourist attractions.