Top Things to do in Loire Valley
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The 7 Best Ancient Ruins in Loire Valley, Centre-Val de Loire
Old world villages and storybook chateaux bedeck the Loire, once fought over by Gauls, Romans, Visigoths and even Attila the Hun. Rent bikes and roll through the lush valley, visiting fortresses in Amboise and Angers, UNESCO-designated Chartres Cathedral and the Gothic cathedral in Nantes. Musee Jules Vernes houses replicas of inventions designed by the futuristic author. Pay respects to other former residents: the Romans in Tours, the cave dwellers of Touraine, and the liberator of Orleans, Joan of Arc.
Restaurants in Loire Valley
1. Chapelle Sainte Radegonde
2. La Lanterne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
3. Prieure Saint-Cosme - Demeure de Ronsard
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4.0 based on 163 reviews
Saint Cosme Priory was, according to the canons of the 12th century, "a heaven on earth that eased the journey to the real heaven," less than an hour's walk from Tours. The long history of this monastery, now property of Indre-et-Loire Departmental Council, came to fame after major archaeological excavations carried out in 2009-2010. It is better known as the “Demeure de Ronsard” (home of Ronsard), who was the prior here from 1565 to 1585. His home has been carefully preserved. The poet eventually died here and was buried in the old church. New gardens and an interactive scenic tour were recently set up to restore its historical, spiritual and poetic atmosphere.
