Loches, a royal city: dynasties and destinies
The epicenter of the South Touraine, with 'Town of art & history' and one of the 'Most beautiful detours of France' status, Loches proudly bears witness to fifteen centuries of history and intrigue. The royal city, ramparts, parks, and cobbled streets have seen many distinguished men and influential women pass through, settle down, and become inspired. Let's go back in time to meet them...
Chédigny, a dazzling symphony: a village turned garden
In the first village in France to be awarded 'Remarkable garden' status, the pavements and streets overflow with scents and colour. With over 1,000 roses, 2,000 bulbs, a hundred or so shrubs, thousands of perennials, a parish garden and so much more, all of your senses will be stimulated during a bucolic, botanical world tour that is jet lag and carbon free! Chédigny is a pedestrian-friendly village-garden, ideal for strolling around, and has been awarded the 'Golden flower', the highest distinction of the 'Towns & villages in bloom' rating. Inspired by its charm, many artists and craftspeople have settled in Chédigny and will gladly show you their creations. A walk along the river crossing the wetland meadows will round off a beautiful natural experience.
Montrésor, a village perfect for a stroll
Classified as one of the «Most Beautiful Villages in France», Montrésor has a unique charm combining a wealth of heritage with that of the Indrois valley. With its 19th century covered market, which houses a small but remarkable Gemmail museum under its roof, castle, collegiate church, picturesque houses and riverside stroll, Montrésor is a very special destination.
The castle, founded in the 11th century by Fulk III Nerra, redesigned during the Renaissance by Imbert de Bastarnay, a trusted friend to four kings of France, the Polish Count Branicki acquired the castle in 1849 and restored it in the Napoleon III style. A benefactor and great traveller, he endowed his castle with numerous works of art by great masters. The ‘Balcons de l’Indrois’ is a bucolic riverside walk offering a panoramic view of the village, the fortress and the castle.
Le Grand-Pressigny: the capital of Prehistory
There is evidence of human existence stretching back thousands of years in the Claise valley. The Grand Pressigny castle-museum offers visitors the opportunity to discover a complete overview of prehistory thanks to its rich collections.
The Prehistory Museum, is dedicated to the life of humans in the Touraine region between 100,000 and 1,000 years BC. The flint blades are at the heart of the collection, and were exported to a large part of Europe during this period. During the school holidays, there are workshops on how to light a fire, make pottery or create prehistoric jewellery to enable visitors to learn more about our ancestors.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the Claise valley and Le Grand-Pressigny from the castle’s terrace, which overlooks the village. Nestled at the foot of the monument the village is also worth a visit for its rich heritage as the medieval church, arts and crafts and restaurants.
Beaulieu-lès-Loches, a monastic town
The town of Beaulieu-lès-Loches, awarded 'Little city of character®' and 'Town & creative profession' status, has been developed around a Benedictine abbey founded in 1007 by Fulk III Nerra. Various testimonies to this medieval city's rich historical past are reflected in its stonework. Like a lighthouse guiding us from Loches, the Romanesque bell tower is one of the highest in France, reaching over sixty-seven meters. Along the streets and the canal, the atmosphere is peaceful with numerous possibilities for walks revealing old “tuffeau” stone or timber-framed houses, turrets, sculptures, vaults, mullioned windows, craftsmen's workshops, and charming little nooks.
This peaceful town is crossed by the Indre River and is connected to Loches by the Prairies du Roy, a ‘special area of conservation’ featuring contemporary art. Take a moment to picnic or rest in the shade, in the Viantaises gardens. Here, flowers, vegetables, creativity, and poetry flourish. A large table underneath trees, swaddled in squares of coloured wool, is an invitation to socialize.
Le Louroux, unspoilt historical heritage
A perfect setting for a swashbuckling film, the imposing 12th century priory offers visitors one of the most beautiful medieval complexes in the Touraine. You will be in awe of this site with its stones steeped in history and surrounded by fortified walls and moats. The priory, tithe barn and dovecote fan out in front of a vast meadow, through which a clear stream meanders. What a serene view! A popular place for nature lovers, walkers and birdwatchers, the lake at Le Louroux covers an area of 52 hectares and is classified as an ‘Espace Naturel Sensible’ (E.N.S) meaning that it is a protected natural area. Take your binoculars to observe greylag geese, northern pintails, black terns, and many other species whilst camouflaged in the observatory. To round off your visit, take a trip around the lake and in the village whilst perusing the information panels. In the evening, after a busy family day out take the time to admire the sunset!
Inspiring Loches National Forest
The rustling of leaves, both in the air and on the ground, will accompany your stroll through this beautiful green kingdom. You will be dazzled by the majesty of the scenery, your senses overwhelmed by chlorophyll, and your mind soothed by the relaxing walk. The wide woodland paths of the National Forest of Loches can be discovered by bike or on foot at your own pace.
Picturesque and charming villages
Travel along the picturesque country roads of the South Touraine, exploring one enchanting village after another. Close to some of the most famous castles and dynamic cities, the area is committed to preserving the authentic beauty of the small villages. Are you ready to capture some of the most beautiful sights in a photo?
The South Touraine by bike
To discover some of the South Touraine's beautiful locations and escape the hustle and bustle, break away from the itinerary 'Loire by bike’ and visit memorable towns and villages as you cycle along bucolic roads surrounded by bountiful countryside.
Connected to 'The Loire by bike', the route “Indre by Bike - Cyclo Bohême” follows meandering paths passing fields, chateaux, curiosities, hidden treasures, and must-see, yet peaceful, locations. The South Touraine offers 19 cycling loops, links and a 42km greenway, which connect the whole territory together.
Local produce and regional specialities
The Touraine is proud of its way of life that perfectly embodies the spirit of the French meal, which is an UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Food enthusiasts will be captivated by the wide selection of enticing fresh products available from local producers on the various markets and also served on menus in the restaurants. Local specialities, awarded the high quality ‘red meat label’ such as, the “Roi Rose de Touraine” pork and “Geline de Touraine” chicken, are delicious accompanied with locally sourced herbs and vegetables. Two of the oldest known macaroon recipes were also created nearby in the villages, Cormery and Montrésor.
