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• The central location of Le Manoir Les Minimes makes it the ideal departure point for touring in the historical and modern Touraine.
• Please find below the main chateaux worth to see:
CHAMBORD was built by François 1st, as a hurting lodge. It is the largest of the Loire country chateaux. Its dimensions are impressive: 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases.
BLOIS presents all around its inner courtyard 4 chateaux, 4 periods, 4 styles of French architecture. Its spiral staircase is a must.
CHEVERNY is a typical 17th century style château. It has kept its furnishings and its authentic and charming decoration.
CHAUMONT was built upon the site of a previous medieval fortress. In 1560 Queen Catherine of Medicis acquired and gave it to Diana of Poitiers in exchange for Chenonceau. At summertime visit the “Festival des Jardins” inside the park.
AMBOISE was also built on the remains of a medieval fortress which overlooking the city and the Loire River. Cradle of the Renaissance, it was one of the 1st Royal Residences. A great collection of furniture. One of the most outstanding views over the Loire.
At “LE CLOS LUCE” in Amboise, Leonardo da Vinci spent the last 3 years of his life. The manor house presents a collection of his inventions made by IBM with material of his time.
CHENONCEAU was built on the river Cher and reflects the beauty of its unique renaissance architecture on the water. From 1547 Chenonceau became the main residence of Diana of Poitiers, King Henry II’s favorite.
The Royal Lodgings of LOCHES were built next to the medieval keep by Charles VII. Other kings have stayed there after him, such as Louis XI, Charles VIII and Louis XII. The history of the château was marked by 3 famous Ladies, and different rooms have been named after her : Joan of Arc, Agnes Sorel, Charles VII's favorite, and Anne of Brittany.
VILLANDRY was the last of the large chateaux built on the banks of the Loire River during the Renaissance. It possesses gardens displaying a large range of colors. One of the most beautiful gardens of France.
LANGEAIS was built by Louis XI. Medieval fortress where you can find the most ancient keep still in existence in France, and its drawbridge in perfect working order.
AZAY LE RIDEAU was built on an island. This chateau remains unfinished as 2 other wings were supposed to close the courtyard.
USSE was built in the 2nd half of the 15th century upon the site of a medieval fortress. The writer Charles Perrault got here the inspiration to wrote the fairy tale of the "sleeping beauty".
TOURS has a prestigious history. The chateau of Tours main house is the Grevin Wax Museum of Touraine. The old town and many museums to discover.
• The Touraine is a must for historical spots but also offers many other places of interest.
The remains of an old stone press from roman times discovered closed to Azay le Rideau recall us that the cultivation of the vineyard in Touraine started as soon as the 2nd century and gave the name to the largest appellation of the region.
And this, during over 1 century thanks to the Great Kings of France and England the reputation of the Loire Valley wines grew, Encouraging the discovery and development of the prince's vineyards.
• Here are the main tours in the vineyards of Touraine:
BOURGUEIL, SAINT-NICOLAS-DE-BOURGUEIL, CHINON , MONTLOUIS, VOUVRAY, TOURAINE AMBOISE… Enjoy the visit of a wine cellar... |
