Châteaux & gardens

The famous châteaux of the Loire Valley…

So very close to our home are some of the most beautiful châteaux of the Loire Valley. Take a drive through the countryside and (re)discover the treasures of Chenonceau, Amboise, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Ussé, Langeais, Loches, Chinon, Blois, Cheverny and Chambord.

However, hidden amongst the well-known châteaux are several smaller “secret chateaux”. These are castles that are well known to locals, but less known to the general public, but which nevertheless merit a visit.

Whether you are a regular visitor to the area or are on your first visit, we will happily advise you on which sites to visit in order to optimize your time here.

Events are organized in the castles and their grounds throughout the year. Medieval festivals, shows, night visits … click on www.touraineloirevalley.com to find out what will be going on while you are here so you don’t miss out!

… and their parks and gardens

The important tradition of parks and gardens in the Loire Valley has lead Touraine to be named “the garden of France”. Between March and November more than 70 gardens are open to visitors.

A must-see are the gardens of the Château de Villandry. With its beautiful decorative vegetable garden these internationally renowned French-style gardens are simply a feast for the eyes.

Another not-to-be missed event is the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire. Applications are received from all of the world and as the theme of the festival changes every year you’ll never see the same thing twice.  Each proposition is a unique creation uniting nature with contemporary art. The festival runs from April through to November so plenty of time to discover this emblematic event.

Or maybe you are tempted by the village garden of Chédigny with its 700 roses, the first village in France labelled remarkable garden (and which is incidentally only 5 minutes from our house!).

But that’s not all! A huge array of gardens are open each year offering unlimited opportunities to (re)discover the richness and the diversity of the parks and gardens of “the Garden of France”.

Visit www.touraineloirevalley.com for a complete list of gardens open to the public this year.