Top Things to do in Indre-et-Loire
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Indre-et-Loire That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Indre-et-Loire, France including Chateau de Chenonceau, Cathedrale Saint-Gatien, Chateau Royal d'Amboise, Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, Chateau de Villandry, Royal City of Loches, Musee du Compagnonnage, Sainte-Chapelle de Champigny sur Veude, Maurice Dufresne Museum, Pierre et Bertrand Couly.
Restaurants in Indre-et-Loire
1. Chateau de Chenonceau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,584 reviews
Beautiful country villa surrounded by a moat and inspired by the Italian Renaissance.
Reviewed By Voyagerthes - Thessaloniki, Greece
Beautiful castle and gardens with so much history,romantic setting and unbelievable views!!!you can relax at the self-service cafe or lunch in the excellent restaurant of the Chateau L'orangerie!!
2. Cathedrale Saint-Gatien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,090 reviews
Reviewed By 590JackK - Lebanon, United States
While there are many sites to behold in the city of Tours, be sure to visit this cathedral. It took four hundred years to build, and was listed as an historic monument in 1862. Everything about it is astonishing to see, from the portals of the facade to the stained glass windows. The two towers each hold something significant in them: the north the royal stairs; the south the cathedral's bells. Aside from other Parisian-style gothic architecture, there are also the tombs of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's children, all in the south chapel. There are plentiful cathedrals to visit when visiting this region; I'd make this one of them.
3. Chateau Royal d'Amboise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,378 reviews
With the dawning of the Renaissance, the mighty medieval fortress of Amboise gave way to a royal residence, during the reigns of the Kings of France Charles VIII and François I. The Court, a large number of men and women of letters and European artists, stayed here on invitation from the sovereigns, one example being Leonardo da Vinci who lies here in peace in the Château’s Chapel.This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. After a visit of the Royal House and the impressive Cavalry Towers, the walk continues in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire river.
Reviewed By 70MikeMM - San Francisco, United States
Everything about this beautiful chateau is impressive - the setting on the cliffs above the river, the gardens, the staterooms, and the small chapel with the grave of Leonardo DaVinci. It’s an unforgettable experience.
4. Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,967 reviews
The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, masterpiece of the Renaissance. The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, built at the heart of Touraine under the patronage of François Ier, has all the charm of the Renaissance. Masterpiece of the 16th century architecture, it rises up on an island designed by the river Indre and is surrounded by a romantic 19th century park. The château has some prestigious historical decorations telling about its 4 centuries of history. It also has some sumptuous collections of items, tapestries and furniture. To be discovered : - On the ground floor : restoration of the 19th century decoration and atmosphere. - On the first floor : an immersion at the heart of the Renaissance, the great hall and its period furniture, as well as the restoration of a Renaissance chamber, whose walls are fully made of bullrushes braids. - The Pressoir (former press room), an interpretation center reachable by everyone in order to know more about the château. - The romantic park of 8ha with many points of view on the château and its water mirrors.
Reviewed By Bheathen
This is a lovely building with (of course) an interesting history, and offers plenty of explanatory material in English. Most of the chateau is open to the public. Apart from the main bedrooms and the huge rooms for entertaining, you can visit the attic level where the astonishing roof structure is on view.. The chateau, right on the river, is only metres from the village centre, and is surrounded by splendid trees and spacious parkland. Certainly well worth a visit.
5. Chateau de Villandry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,717 reviews
A monumental countryside villa surrounded by world-famous gardens, organized in the classic French Renaissance style.
Reviewed By jackychina2015 - Belfast, United Kingdom
I’ve always wanted to see Villandry and I wasn’t disappointed. We didn’t bother with the Chateau just wallowed in the world-famous gardens. They are huge yet intimate because they are divided into rooms and sections. The planting is masterful, the plants are immaculate and the whole visit was an experience. There is a suggested route which we ignored and regretted as we did it afterwards and it makes more sense. Lovely little garden shop selling plants and garden-related goodies. There is a crêperie just outside but we left our car in the (free) car park and had lunch on one of the many restaurants in the little village. It’s just a couple of minutes away on foot. Loved every minute.
6. Royal City of Loches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
In the royal city, you can visit the dungeons and a royal lodge.
Reviewed By NeedToSeeItAll - Perth, Australia
It always surprises me how little attention Loches gets in terms of Loire Valley advertising on the international tourism scene, it is a truly magical medieval city that is beautiful, has some amazing history, and wonderful people. It is true that it does take a little digging to get all of the amazing details (I wish that there was a bit more organisation from the tourism team in terms of bringing the history to life) but really a great city.
7. Musee du Compagnonnage
8. Sainte-Chapelle de Champigny sur Veude
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By butchcassidysr
Maurice at our B&B helped us by calling the attendant a day or so ahead to schedule an appointment. The attendant met us right on time at the entrance gate and pointed us to the entrance of the Chapelle. We did not opt to tour the Chateau but focused on the Chapelle. Similar to Sainte Chapelle in Paris, this Chapelle was built to house relics of the passion of Christ by the Bourbons, the descendants of King Louis IX. There are sheets describing the glass and the history located in the Chapelle. The beautiful setting in the village of Champigny, the history and the remarkable stained glass depicting multiple layers of history make this Chapelle definitely worth visiting if you are in the area near Chinon.
9. Maurice Dufresne Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
A journey full of fun and surprises through a whole era of mechanization of French rural areas and industrialization of France: first cars and tractors, bikes & motorbikes, engines & steam machines, airplanes & locomotives, agricultural & military machines, weaving loom, guillotine and lots of other remarkable items. Following the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, it’s mechanical, industrial & human ingenuity of the 19th and 20thcentury which is exhibited here! The evolution of the agricultural world and modes of transport, the Industrial Revolution, the Second World War: these are some of the biggest themes showcased in museum Maurice Dufresne. An incredible journey through time, contributing to family stories, bringing back memories and evoking great emotions. A visit to the museum will surely animate conversations of elderly people as well as the youngest, men as well as women, even long a er your visit.
10. Pierre et Bertrand Couly
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Winemakers for generations we welcome you to our brand new winery at the entrance to the town of Chinon,built partially underground and covered by terrace of vines. Within a vineyard landscape you will discover the Chinon wine appellation by tasting our different wines.
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