Top Things to do in Indre-et-Loire
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Discover the best top things to do in Indre-et-Loire, France including Chateau Gaudrelle, Cave de la Dive Bouteille, Vignoble de la Jarnoterie, Chateau de Chenonceau, Cathedrale Saint-Gatien, Chateau Royal d'Amboise, Le Chateau du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci, Chateau de Langeais, Chateau de Villandry, Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau.
Restaurants in Indre-et-Loire
1. Chateau Gaudrelle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 160 reviews
At Chateau Gaudrelle, we produced Vouvray wine since 1931. You are welcome to visit our cellars (cave) and to enjoy a commented wine tasting. We produce still and sparkling Vouvrays which are now recognised as being amongst the very finest of the appellation.
Reviewed By SteveC218
We cannot say enough about our experience at Chateau Gaudrelle. We contacted Marion and she organized a tour and tasting for our group on VERY short notice, but that was only the first impressive moment. When we arrived at the Chateau Marion greeted us and was one of the friendliest and most knowledgeable people we have ever dealt with (and there have been MANY). Marion made us feel instantly at home as we did the tour of their cave and facility. Marion explained all of the growing and wine making processes in great detail and her love and passion for wine and this Chateau came through in everything she said and did. Our only regrets were we were near the end of our trip and could not have purchased more!!! We would like to thank Marion for a wonderful experience and applaud whoever runs this winery.
2. Cave de la Dive Bouteille
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
In the heart of the loire valley, at the border between two appelations Bourgueil and St Nicolas de Bourgueil, nested in a beautiful landscape, the “Cave de la Dive Bouteille” is the historical reprensative of limestone (tuffeau) extraction. The visit of the museum permeted to us to discover Bourgueil soils, contemplate historical seigneurial press. From April to October, 10am to 19pm the wine bar is the perfect place to share Loire valley wines and local food.
3. Vignoble de la Jarnoterie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By leerV8101YK
Warm welcome. An interesting and passionate tour of the caves with wine tasting afterwards . Would recommend for couples and groups
4. 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!!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Le Chateau du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,037 reviews
At the invitation of Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci came to live at the Château du Clos Lucé and stayed here for the last three years of his life, devoting himself to perfecting his inventions. Leonardo was prolific and inspired, working as an engineer, architect and theatrical director, organising lavish festivities for the Court. At his residence 300 metres from the Château Royal, he drew up plans for a model château for Francis I in Romorantin and designed the double-helix open staircase in the Château de Chambord.The Château du Clos Lucé is dedicated to showing and explaining to the public the great knowledge acquired by the Italian Maestro.
Reviewed By 76marab - Green Mountain, United States
This wonderful look at the life and accomplishments of Leonardo Da Vinci as seen through a day in the life at his home (for the last three years of his life) Clos du Lucé is so lifelike it feels like he might be back for lunch. Period music is playing, his writing, experiments and painting supplies are all strewn about and admits to it all are little vignettes telling you more about his inventions and life. Many miniature models exists of his prototypes and as an added bonus, there are animated videos showing via computer graphics how some of the larger scale ones would have or did work. Life size models on campus as well. Great fun for all ages. Restaurant and gif5 shop on site at this park like setting.
8. Chateau de Langeais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,226 reviews
Open every day of the year ! The medieval fortress dominates the village with its austere facade. But don't be daunted: the open drawbridge is an invitation to enter into the refined lodgings of a great lord. It is the most fully furnished castle of the Loire Valley. The hushed ambiance of the rooms and the splendor of the great reception halls will plunge you into the daily life of a 15th century prince. You will relive the event that distinguished the history of the locale: the wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, recreated with strikingly realistic wax figures.In the park, you will discover the recreated construction site of France's oldest keep. The promenade, punctuated with playgrounds and the tree house, can be followed through cedars and sequoias to the gazebo overlooking the Loire.
Reviewed By stefanc106 - Limoges, France
Relaxed atmosphere to tour at your leisure, arrived at opening time to see the drawbridge lowered. Free to tour by yourself with a pamphlet in English. Fun grounds with a huge tree house ideal for the kids too. Put it on your list of Chateaus to visit.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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