Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France)
One of the most well-known and recognized labels 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 awarded the label and to help their tourist and economic development.
In South Touraine, Montrésor is a fine ambassador for the Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Others nearby: Crissay-sur-Manse, Candes-Saint-Martin, Montsoreau and Angles-sur-l’Anglin.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.
Others nearby: Chinon, Valençay, Chauvigny, Loudun and Montreuil-Bellay.Villes et Pays d'Art et d'Histoire (Towns and Lands of Art and History)
Awarded by the Ministry for Culture, this seal of approval is given to local authorities that promote and celebrate their heritage. The label is complemented by the publication of a guide and brochure in line with a national graphic charter, a heritage interpretation centre, and heritage workshops for children as well as guided tours. Loches has held this label since 2000.
Others nearby: Tours, Chinon, Blois and Vendôme.Petites Cités de Caractère® (Villages and Small Towns of Character)
The Petites Cités de Caractère® brings together communities with an exceptional architectural, scenic and natural heritage that is actively 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.
Others nearby: Rochecorbon, Richelieu and Luynes.Ville et Métiers d’Art (Towns Promoting Arts & Crafts)
This is awarded to communities that have a strong commitment to encouraging craftspeople to establish their businesses and promote their skills. Communities granted this label organize festivals and develop cultural tourism.
Beaulieu-lès-Loches was awarded this label in 2022.
Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Parks & Gardens)
Attributed by the Ministry for Culture, this label honours private and public parks and gardens for their beauty and the care given to their upkeep. Chédigny was the first-ever French village to be awarded this distinction when it became a "garden-village" and created a monastic garden.
Others nearby: Château de Chenonceau gardens, Château d’Amboise gardens, Les Prébendes d’Oé Park in Tours, Château de Villandry gardens, Chaumont-sur-Loire gardens and festival.Villes & Villages Fleuris (Towns and Villages in Bloom) / Fleur d’or (Golden Flower)
The Conseil National des Villes et Villages Fleuris, supports local communities to incorporate vegetation into public spaces. Landscaping, environmental protection, preservation of natural resources and biodiversity, as well as touristic appeal are taken into account when deciding to award one, two, three or four flowers. The Fleur d’Or honours communities that achieve the highest level of excellence in all criteria. Chédigny is Fleur d’Or, Loches and Descartes boast 3 flowers.
Stations Vertes (Green Resorts)
Stations Vertes are areas in the heart of the countryside where tourists can enjoy a variety of nature-oriented activities, such as, hiking, cycling, swimming, canoeing and fishing.
Yzeures-sur-Creuse, Descartes and Chemillé-sur-Indrois together with Montrésor have been awarded this label in South Touraine.
Others nearby: Richelieu and La Roche-Posay.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.
