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THE "GARDEN OF FRANCE", A REGION LOVED BY KINGS
Historic region of stunning natural beauty
The historic region of Touraine nestles in the rolling green valleys of the Centre region of France, with the rivers Cher, Indre, Vienne and Loire running through it. The Loire is the longest river in France, and the last wild river in Europe. In 2000, the entire Loire Valley was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site, for its "cultural landscape", that is to say, the stunning natural beauty of its landscape, which blends harmoniously with the architectural treasures built there, notably the chateaux which were constructed from the Renaissance onwards.
It was in the lush valleys of this area that the Romans first planted vines and found that the warm microclimate was well suited to wine production. Thus began a winemaking tradition and an industry which was to become an integral part of this region’s identity.
The chateaux of the Loire Valley
From 1044 Touraine was governed by the Angevins, whose Plantagenet descendents were to become kings of England. In the 16th century, King Francis I of France was to choose this picturesque area to build his hunting lodge, the magnificent Chateau de Chambord, designed by Leonardo da Vinci. This led his courtiers to follow suit, and many splendid chateaux sprung up in these fertile hills. From then on French royalty always retained ties with this region. As the writer Charles Péguy said: "The Loire is a queen, and the kings have loved her".
These exceptional chateaux are the architectural embodiment of Renaissance values, and many notable historical figures were to live in them, including Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last few years of his life at the Chateau d’Amboise. The sublime Chateau de Chenonceau spans the waters of the Cher river.
Wine country
The countryside is furrowed with carefully tended vineyards which produce wine varieties such as Anjou, Cabernet, Muscadet, Saumur and Touraine. You can visit certain vineyards, or stop by the Museum of Touraine Wines in Tours, the capital of the region, to learn all about the history and traditions of winemaking in the area, before settling down at one of the bars in the charming medieval town centre to taste some of the locally produced wines for yourself.
At less than an hour from Paris, Touraine remains a favourite destination with weekenders and those in search of a little beauty and tranquility in the lush valleys of the “garden of France”.
CHATEAU DE CHAMBORD
The most splendid château of them all
It is the year 1519: the king of France, François I is 25 years old. Driven by his taste for royal excess, François decides to combine his two passions: hunting and architecture, in the most magnificent setting possible. In the design of the Château de Chambord you can clearly see the shadow of the official architect, Leonardo da Vinci, who died a few months before the start of construction.
Ultimately, François was to frequent the woods on hunting trips more than he was to truly inhabit the château. The château was in fact mainly built under Charles IX and was finally completed under Louis XIV. A state property since 1932, the Château de Chambord is now a Unesco World Heritage Monument and is the largest and most splendid of all the châteaux in the Loire Valley, and probably the most visited.
The park of the Château de Chambord, covering 5440 hectares, is the largest forested park in Europe.
You can visit the Château in several different ways including with a tour guide or audio guide, in the company of a character from the past, with a puzzle book for children, and there are also in-depth visits available for small groups which are run on a more flexible timetable. The Museum of Hunting and Nature, is to be found here, as well as many art exhibitions which are held amongst the fabulous royal collections. In summer, don't miss the traditional sound and light show at the Château de Chambord.
Certain trains run with the Train + vélo scheme allow you to take your bike on the train
If you wish to hire a bicycle at the train station you can do so here: Cycles Leblond, 44 levées des Tuileries, Blois, contact +33 (0) 2 54 74 30 13 or by email:
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Opening hours :
From Sunday 2 January to Thursday 31 March 2011 : everyday, from 09:00 to 17:15
From Friday 1 April to Sunday 10 July 2011 :everyday, from 09:00 to 18:15
From Monday 11 July to Tuesday 16 August 2011 : everyday, from 09:00 to 19:00
From Friday 1 October to Friday 31 December 2010 : everyday, from 09:00 to 17:15
From Saturday 1 October to Saturday 31 December 2011 : everyday, from 09:00 to 17:15
Closed on 1 January and 25 December
Admission prices :
- Reduced price : 8 €
- Full price : 9.5 €
- Until 25 years : Free
- Teachers : Free
Place
Chambord Castle
rue de la Grange-aux-Dîmes
41250 Chambord
Phone: +33 (0)2 54 50 40 00
Getting there: The Blois Railway Station is located 15km from Chambord, accessible by shuttle bus (summer) and by taxi (winter)
For more informations
http://www.chambord.org/
City Hall
41250 CHAMBORD
Phone: +33 (0)2 54 20 31 53
CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAU
The ladies' château
"The calm within is far from boring, the melancholy far from bitter" so said Gustave Flaubert of the Château de Chenonceau, which was a gift from Henri II to Diane of Poitiers. The "Château des Dames", built on the structure of an old mill, stretches over the Cher river, with its elegant Renaissance arches, the Catherine de Médicis Gallery above.
The edifice was restored remarkably well and within one can admire a rich collection of paintings, furniture and tapestries.
But why is it known as the "ladies' Château"? Well, the so called Château des Dames was occupied by a succession of ladies. After Diane de Poitiers, her daughter in law Louise de Lorraine, the bereaved widow of Henry III, followed by Gabrielle d'Estrees, the favorite of Henry IV who later took up residence at Chenonceau. Madame Dupin, who hosted the young Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Madame Pelouze who restored the château a century ago, also made their marks as inhabitants of the château de Chenonceau.
You can meet these elegant women in the wax museum at the château de Chenonceau.
Inside the château de Chenonceau, treasures abound: Renaissance furniture and tapestries dating from the 16th and 17th centuries adorn the elegant rooms. Paintings by great masters such as Correggio, Rubens, and Tintoretto complete the fine collection.
Take a walk in the beautiful French-style gardens and park, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere which reigns here in this charming spot beside the river.
Closed on 13 April, 4 April, 1 May, 8 May, 1 June and 21 May.
Admission prices :
- Reduced price : 8 €
- Full price : 10.5 €
- Until 7 years : Free
- From 7 to 18 years : 8 €
- Students : 8 €
- Group rates (adults) : 8 €
Evening walks in the gardens: 5€
Place :
Chenonceau castle
rue du Château de Chenonceau
37150 Chenonceau
Phone: +33 (0)2 47 23 90 07
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Getting There : Railway Station Chenonceau, TER
For more informations
http://www.chenonceau.com/
Tourist Office
1, rue Bretonneau
37150 CHENONCEAU
Phone : +33 (0)2 47 23 94 45
CHATEAU DE VALENÇAY
Beautiful Renaissance chateau
An exemplary model, the Chateau de Valencay is one of the most beautiful Renaissance chateaux in France and is an example of luxurious and refined interior decoration, from the lavish decor in the King of Spain's room to the original kitchens, not forgetting the entrance pavilion and the tower surrounded by an Italian gallery and corner towers.
In 1803 the château became the property of Napoleon Bonaparte's prime minister, the Prince of Talleyrand, or Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, and the residence was to enjoy a period of splendour and festivities. The Prince of Talleyrand, a man of character and refined taste, received official ambassadors, musicians and painters of renown at the château. From 1808 to 1813, Napoleon Bonaparte had Prince de Talleyrand host the princes of Spain who had been exiled. Ferdinand of Spain and his family thus lived in the Chateau de Valencay as if in a kind of gilded prison.
The park of the Chateau de Valencay is 12,000 hectares in size, and is almost as well known as the chateau itself. Discover a park filled with aromatic plants where all the family can have fun with the "game of scents". Alternatively, follow a historical trail in an electric buggy, driving around to forest of the Chateau de Valencay.
The centerpiece of the garden is undoubtedly the Great Labyrinth of Napoleon, the largest labyrinth in France. Running between the aisles of the maze, you will come across actors in period costume who will have the whole family fascinated by the history of the château and of Talleyrand.
Opening hours :
From Friday 1 October to Sunday 14 November 2010 : everyday, from 10:30 to 17:30
From Sunday 20 March to Saturday 30 April 2011 : everyday, from 10:30 to 18:00
From Sunday 1 to Tuesday 31 May 2011 : everyday, from 10:00 to 18:00
From Wednesday 1 to Thursday 30 June 2011 : everyday, from 09:30 to 18:30
From Friday 1 July to Wednesday 31 August 2011 : everyday, from 09:30 to 19:00
From Thursday 1 to Friday 30 September 2011 : everyday, from 10:00 to 18:00
From Saturday 1 October to Monday 14 November 2011 : everyday, from 10:30 to 17:30
Admission prices :
- Full price : 11 €
- Reduced price : 8 €
- From 4 to 6 years : 2.5 €
- School Groups : 5.5 €
Place :
Parc et Château de Valencay
2 rue de Blois
36600 Valencay
Phone: +33 (0)2 54 00 15 69
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Getting There: Railway Station Valençay, TER
For more informations :
In French : http://www.chateau-valencay.fr
Tourist Office
2, avenue de la Résistance
36600 VALENCAY
Phone : (+33) (0)2 54 00 04 42
CHATEAU DU CLOS-LUCE
An exceptional house for a man of genius
Just 500m from the royal château d'Amboise, the Manoir du Clos-Luce enjoyed the distinct privilege of welcoming between its rosy brick and limestone walls one of the greatest geniuses of the Renaissance. It was in 1516 that Francis I was to welcome Leonardo da Vinci with these words: "You will be free to think, dream and work". Leonardo da Vinci was to pass the last three years of his life at the Manoir du Clos-Luce, working at leisure on his many passions.
Experience the intimate setting of the last home of Leonardo da Vinci and discover the 40 fabulous machines made by this great inventor: including the aeroplane, car, helicopter, swing bridge, tank, and so on.
At the foot of the Renaissance terrace you'll find "Leonardo's Garden" spread over one hectare, and nestled in the heart of the stunning Loire Valley, the entirity of which is classed as world heritage site by UNESCO. Again, the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci haunt this place, inspired by these drawings.
Enter the world of this Italian genius, Leonardo da Vinci, whose work still influences thinkers and artists worldwide.
Opening hours :
The park is open March - November, the château all year round
Closed on 1 January and 25 December
From Wednesday 1 September to Sunday 31 October 2010 : everyday, from 09:00 to 19:00
From Monday 1 November to Friday 31 December 2010 : everyday, from 09:00 to 18:00
From Sunday 2 to Monday 31 January 2011 : everyday, from 10:00 to 18:00
From Tuesday 1 February to Thursday 30 June 2011 : everyday, from 09:00 to 19:00
From Friday 1 July to Wednesday 31 August 2011 : everyday, from 09:00 to 20:00
From Thursday 1 September to Monday 31 October 2011 : everyday, from 09:00 to 19:00
From Tuesday 1 November to Saturday 31 December 2011 : everyday, from 09:00 to 18:00
Admission prices :
Ticket includes entry to château, country trail and Leonardo's garden
- Full price : 12.5 €
- From 6 to 18 years : 7 €
- Until 6 years : Free
- Reduced price : 9.5 €
Place
Château du Clos-Lucé
2 rue du Clos-Lucé
37400 Amboise
Phone: +33 (0)2 47 57 00 73
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Getting there : Railway Station Amboise
For more informations :
http://www.closluce.com/
Tourist Office
quai Général-de-Gaulle
37400 AMBOISE
Phone : +33 (0)2 47 57 01 37
TOURAINE WINE MUSEUM
A fine vintage of culture
Under splendid thirteenth century arches, enter into the world of the wine of Touraine addressed in a human perspective. Crafts, rituals, festivals and brotherhoods; this museum covers the noble history of Touraine wines, and this industry which has long been economically and culturally important in the Touraine region.
With collections of silverware, authentic costumes and tools used in vineyards, the museum will satisfy your thirst for knowledge.
A great way to mix a taste for wine with a cultural experience!
Opening hours :
All year long :
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 09:00 to 12:00
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 14:00 to 18:00
Closed on 1 January, 1 May, 14 July, 1 November, 11 November and 25 December
Admission prices :
- Unemployed : Free
- Children : Free
- Full price : 3.3 €
Place
Touraine wine museum
16 rue Nationale
Celliers Saint-Julien
37000 Tours
Phone: +33 (0)2 47 21 62 20
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Getting there : Tours Railway Station, TGV, TER
For more informations
Tourist Office
78-82, rue Bernard-Palissy
37000 TOURS
Phone : +33 (0)2 47 70 37 37
CARNAVAL DES FLAMBARTS
17th edition
From Friday, December 10 2010 to Sunday, December 12 2010
A flamboyant carnival
Originally, this procession was a tradition inherited from the Celts in celebration of the winter solstice. Today it is a real highlight on the cultural calendar in Dreux, with a fancy dress parade which winds its way through the streets of the town and an impressive firework display and light show. There is also a very popular Christmas market which will take place in conjunction with the "pagan" festivities. The town will be lit up with many different kinds of entertainment from performers, with events going on such as: the Avant-flambards, the Flambarts regatta, the Grande Drouaise, la Batuca'Dreux, the firework displays… you won't be able to resist!
When the great bell sounds in the 15th century belfry a cascade of bubbles rains down on the town in honour of the druids… so grab a broomstrick and join the Flambarts festivities!
On Friday 10 December 2010 : friday from 17:30 to 19:30
On Saturday 11 December 2010 : saturday from 16:30 to 19:30
On Sunday 12 December 2010 : sunday from 15:00 to 19:00
Admission prices : Free
Place
Town center of Dreux
rue de Châteaudun
28100 Dreux
Getting there : Dreux Station, TEOR
For more informations
Tourist Office
6, rue des Embuches
28100 DREUX
Phone : +33 (0)2 37 46 01 73
TRADITIONAL BOAT TRIP ON THE LOIRE
All year long
A watery escape
Experience the last great wild river in Europe, and the longest river in France: the Loire. With a good west wind take off on a traditional toue: a wooden sailing boat on which in the olden days the Marine de Loire or "Loire Navy" used to navigate the river. Accompanied by expert guides, you will follow the course of history along the course of the river, set in a stunning natural environment.
Several events are at your fingertips: traditional fishing, discovery of the islands and shores on foot and by boat, picnics, camping, readings and storytellings... choose your formula and enjoy a little escapism. At any time of day, from sunrise to sunset, between Blois and Amboise, let yourself be carried by the Loire Valley, the entirity of which is classed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Wear comfortable clothing, bring a pair of binoculars if you have one
Boat leaves from Chaumont-sur-Loire or Amboise
Individual boat trip (1h30) : adult 15€, child 10€
Dawn or dusk trip (2h30): adult 25€, child 15€
Group trip for 12 people: 80€ per hour, plus 30% supplement before 9am or after 7pm
Excursions on food and by boat (20 people minumum): with guide 20€ per person (3h20), without guide 15€ per person
Activities: enquire for rates
Timetable varies according to season, contact +33(0) 6 88 765 714
Place
Millière Raboton, homme de Loire
15 rue Parmentier
41006 Blois
Phone: +33 (0)6 88 76 57 14
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In French : http://www.milliere-raboton.net/
Getting there:
Chaumont-sur-Loire, Onzain railway station is 2 km from Chaumont-sur-Loire, accessible on foot or by taxi.
Amboise: Amboise Railway Station, TER
For more informations
Tourist Office
23, place du Château
41000 BLOIS
Phone :+33 (0)2 54 90 41 41
LOIRE VALLEY, HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
All year long
Take to the skies over the Loire
The Unesco listed Loire Valley is an area of outstanding cultural beauty, which you can discover in an unusual way: by hot air balloon. The adventure begins with the preparation and inflation of the balloon, a spectacular stage in which you can participate. Now get ready, it is time for the balloon to take off! Once you're airbourne, you are at the mercy of the breeze and the balloon will go wherever the wind blows.
From above, you will have a unique and breathtaking view over the chateaux of the Loire and of the Loire itself, the longest river in France and last great wild river in Europe. On landing, the great escape ends with a toast to the balloonists and the newly initiated will receive a diploma. Aboard the 4x4 which will take you back to the starting point, you'll already be dreaming about your next adventure in the skies…
Comfortable clothing and shoes recommended
Trip lasts 3 hours with one hour of flight
Every day, by reservation
Place
Aérocom
36 route de Chanzy
41150 Onzain
Phone: +33 (0)2 54 33 55 00
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Getting there : Onzain Railway Station, TER
For more informations
http://www.aerocom.fr/
Tourist Office
3 rue Gustave Marc
41150 ONZAIN
Phone: +33 (0)2 54 20 78 52
BOURGES CONTEMPORARY ART BIENNALE
5th édition
From Friday, November 19 2010 to Sunday, November 28 2010
Surprises in Bourges
Once more contemporary art comes to the town of Bourges for this 5th Contemporary Art Biennale in Bourges. Surprising, seductive, sometimes incisive, but always exciting, the 13 installations of the 5th Biennial of Contemporary Art in Bourges will flourish throughout the streets and neighbourhoods of Bourges.
Two resident artistic collectives will mark this year's event.
The "urbanists" Raum will present La Ville Molle, ("soft city"), which hinges on the the sensation of "walking" on the ground within the city.
The visual artist Eui-suk Chao will install in the square du Cardinal Lefebvre a monumental sculpture filled with clothing.
Together with the Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Art de Bourges, the Biennale of Contemporary Art in Bourges has selected a Panorama of Youth Creation, featuring works of art by talented young people, aged between 25 and 30. Following their presentations, an artist will be chosen to exhibit their work at the Esteve Museum of Bourges.
Explore the contemporary and often surprising world of the town of Bourges!
Place
Musée du Berry
4 rue des Arènes
18000 Bourges
Phone:+33 (0)2 48 70 41 92
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Getting there: Bourges Railway Station, TER
For more informations
Tourist Office
21, rue Victor Hugo
18000 BOURGES
Phone: +33 (0)2 48 23 02 60
AT THE COURT OF KING FRANÇOIS - SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW
From Saturday, June 25 2011 to Friday, September 2 2011
Renaissance splendours
Prepare to relive the splendours of the French Renaissance. Amid sumptious decoration in the château d'Amboise, and accompanied by the courtiers and villagers, Charles VII, Louis XII, Queen Claude France and Leonardo da Vinci will lead you through the events of King Francis I's reign, with a spectacular show of lights and water, fireworks, dances and cavalry scenes. A lively and entertaining evening!
Extra shows on Saturday 25th June, Tuesday 12th July, Monday 15th August and Friday 2nd September 2011
From Saturday 2 to Sunday 31 July 2011 :
- Wednesday and Saturday from 22:30 to 00:00
From Monday 1 to Wednesday 31 August 2011 :
- Wednesday and Saturday from 22:00 to 23:30
Admission prices :
- Full price : 13 €
- From 6 to 12 years : 7 €
- Disabled (adults) : 11 €
Place
Amboise Castle
9 rampe du Château
37400 Amboise
Phone: +33 (0)2 47 57 00 98
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Getting there : Amboise Railway Station, TER
For more informations
http://www.renaissance-amboise.com/
Tourist Office
quai Général-de-Gaulle
37400 AMBOISE
Phone : +33 (0)2 47 57 01 37
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