French quality labels

Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France)

This label is one of the most well-known and recognized in France and around the world. The aim of this network of over 170 villages is to protect and highlight the heritage of the villages granted this label and to help their tourist and economic development.

In South Touraine, Montrésor is a fine ambassador of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.

Plus Beaux Détours de France (Most Beautiful Detours of France)

This label promotes small towns (between 2,000 and 20,000 inhabitants) that stand out for the diversity of their heritage, the quality of their cultural activities, their parks and gardens and their business drive. Loches has been certified since this label was created in 1998.

Villes et Pays d'Art et d'Histoire (Towns and Lands of Art and History)

This label, awarded by the French Ministry for Culture, honours communities and local authorities that promote and celebrate their heritage. The label is complemented by the publication of guides and brochures in line with a national graphic charter, running heritage interpretation centres, setting up heritage classes and workshops for children and offering guided tours. Loches has held this label since 2000.

Petites Cités de Caractère® (Villages and Small Towns of Character)

The Petites Cités de Caractère® network brings together communities with exceptional built, landscape and natural heritage that is promoted and celebrated. You can enjoy a range of cultural events focusing on know-how, arts and crafts. 

Beaulieu-lès-Loches has been a Petite Cité de Caractère® since 2019.

Ville et Métiers d’Art (Towns Promoting Arts & Crafts)

This label is awarded to communities that strongly encourage craftspeople to establish themselves and promote their skills and know-how. Communities granted this label organize festivals and develop cultural tourism. 

Beaulieu-lès-Loches was awarded this label in 2022.

Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Parks & Gardens)

This label, granted by the French Ministry for Culture, honours private and public parks and gardens for their beauty and the care given to keep them up. Chédigny was the first-ever French village to be awarded this distinction when it became a "garden-village" and created its monastic garden.

Villes & Villages Fleuris (Towns and Villages in Bloom) / Fleur d’or (Golden Flower)

This label, created by the Conseil National des Villes et Villages Fleuris (French Council for Towns and Villages in Bloom), supports communities that make the effort to include vegetation in their public spaces. Spatial planning, environmental protection, preservation of natural resources and biodiversity, as well as tourist appeal are taken into account when deciding to award one, two, three or four flowers. The Fleur d’Or (Golden Flower) honours communities that reach a very high level of excellence in all criteria. Chédigny is Fleur d’Or, Loches and Descartes boast 3 flowers.

Stations Vertes (Green Resorts)

Stations Vertes are holiday areas in the countryside that offer a range of nature-focused tourist facilities and services. Activities available include hiking, tourist biking itineraries, swimming & water-based activities, canoeing and fishing.

Yzeures-sur-Creuse, Descartes and Chemillé-sur-Indrois along with Montrésor have been awarded this label in South Touraine.

Accueil Vélo (services along cycle routes)

This quality mark is similar to that you’ll find in certain other countries (e.g. Cyclists Welcome in UK, Bett & Bike in Germany or Welcome Cyclists around Quebec)

« Accueil Vélo » concerns accommodation, restaurants, tourist Offices, bike rental and repair companies, places to visit and refers to service providers located less than 5 km from a cycle route.