Must-sees in Touraine
From exceptional châteaux to remarkable towns, Touraine has a lot to offer. Here are three not-to-be-missed places to visit during your stay!
This manor house in Amboise town centre is famous for having been the residence of Leonardo da Vinci from 1515 until his death in 1519. The Italian artist had been invited by Francis I as "First Painter, Engineer and Architect to the King".
Incidentally, it was here that he designed the famous double spiral staircase at the Château de Chambord. During your visit to this beautiful 15th-century red-brick building, you'll discover
This is one of the most beautiful of the castles of the Loire. Built from the 16th century onwards, it seems to rest on the Cher (a river in Touraine). It is nicknamed the "Château des Dames" because of its famous inhabitants, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis.
Inside the château are (among other things!) two majestic galleries and an incredible collection of furniture and paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Take time to stroll through the sumptuous gardens created by Diane de Poitiers (12,000 m2) and Catherine de Médicis (5,500 m2), complete with maze and vegetable garden.
An ancient Gallo-Roman town, Tours boasts a city centre full of character, with half-timbered houses and the remarkable Saint-Gatien cathedral.
Do you like museums? Head for the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée du Compagnonnage or the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle. You can also sample the city's culinary specialities, such as Tours rillettes, Tours nougat and Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine.
Nestled in the former Palais de Justice, in the heart of the Royal City of Loches, our 4-star hotel-spa invites you to take a luxury break.
The 45 rooms are full of charm, with elegant decor, queen-size beds, exposed beams and views over the town.
As a bonus, enjoy free access to the relaxation area of our Best Western hotel. In this unique space (former underground cellars) you will find :
Three not-to-be-missed visits in Touraine
Le Clos Lucé
This manor house in Amboise town centre is famous for having been the residence of Leonardo da Vinci from 1515 until his death in 1519. The Italian artist had been invited by Francis I as "First Painter, Engineer and Architect to the King".
Incidentally, it was here that he designed the famous double spiral staircase at the Château de Chambord. During your visit to this beautiful 15th-century red-brick building, you'll discover
- Leonardo da Vinci's bedroom, with a view of the Château d'Amboise
- The painter's studio and study
- The Leonardo da Vinci Park, with its life-size models
Chenonceau Castle
This is one of the most beautiful of the castles of the Loire. Built from the 16th century onwards, it seems to rest on the Cher (a river in Touraine). It is nicknamed the "Château des Dames" because of its famous inhabitants, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis.
Inside the château are (among other things!) two majestic galleries and an incredible collection of furniture and paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Take time to stroll through the sumptuous gardens created by Diane de Poitiers (12,000 m2) and Catherine de Médicis (5,500 m2), complete with maze and vegetable garden.
Tours, capital of the Loire Valley
An ancient Gallo-Roman town, Tours boasts a city centre full of character, with half-timbered houses and the remarkable Saint-Gatien cathedral.
Do you like museums? Head for the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée du Compagnonnage or the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle. You can also sample the city's culinary specialities, such as Tours rillettes, Tours nougat and Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine.
Your spa hotel near Tours
Nestled in the former Palais de Justice, in the heart of the Royal City of Loches, our 4-star hotel-spa invites you to take a luxury break.
The 45 rooms are full of charm, with elegant decor, queen-size beds, exposed beams and views over the town.
As a bonus, enjoy free access to the relaxation area of our Best Western hotel. In this unique space (former underground cellars) you will find :
- A heated indoor swimming pool with hydromassage jets
- A hammam
- Two treatment rooms
