My royal week
The castles of the Loire are the star attraction, listed below are some of more celebrated ones but not in any particular order. In Summer most offer festivals, night spectacles and celebrations ranging from a 'Tomatoe Festival' at Chateau Bourdaisiere to costumed actors strolling the grounds at Langeais and Valencay. Others, like Azay-le-Rideau illuminate the castle after sunset. Direct links to their website will explain what's going on and when in more detail.
SEE & DO
Le Vieux Tours
— There are 3 or 4 very special places to visit in Tours, the Basilique St. Martin, the Cathedral and Place Plumereau, the medieval quarter. These 'maison des bois' date back to the 15th century when the area was crowded with merchants.
Today, its mainly students who live in the apartments and frequent the cafes and bars. You can talk a special walking tour with a specialist, just let us know and we will pass on your details however if going alone note Nos. 1 through to 7 for their historic and architectural value.
Chateaux de Cande - the extravagant thirties
— This is the chateau where the Duke of Windsor, former King Edward VIII, married Wallis Simpson, after his abdication. The interior is now a museum with many of the rooms reenacting 'scenes' from their wedding day. Known for her love of Haute-couture, on view are her outfits worn including the wedding gown. On view in a special 'salle' is the cake and all the trimmings for the 16 guests that attended. Each year there's a wonderful 1930's picnic in the grounds and if you're in the region, June/July is the best time to visit. Open from April to end September Friday, Saturday and Monday 10am to 6pm
www.chateau-cande.fr
Monts 37260 t: 02 47 340370
Chateau Montpoupon - Hunter's delight
— What a lovely surprise to find this 15th century Chateau. Not heavily promoted, but well worth the visit, especially for those who love the history of ‘la belle chasse’.
The exterior museums (there are three) record beautifully all aspects of 'the hunt', (there’s even a vintage collection of Hermes scarves as well as a display of numerous riding outfits worn throughout the centuries). The interior of the Chateau is limited to a few rooms and a church, however, visitors will enjoy exploring the once very active stables, learning about saddlery and all the necessary preparations for the hunting season. There's also some fine examples of taxidermy from bugs to boars; stories about the life of hound dogs and their masters and wonderful black and white photographs that capture a time lost in the Loire. Book a lunch at the adjoining Auberge serving quality Tourangelle cuisine
www.montpoupon.com
37460 Céré-la-Ronde. Entre Loches et Montrichard, 10 min from Chenonceaux: D764 t: 02 47 94 21 15
Chateau de Villandry
— Spend the afternoon strolling the vast 16th century gardens of Villandry. A number of wonderful events are held during the year, including ‘Night of a Thousands Fires” (July 6 and 7) when over 2,000 candles are lit around the grounds followed by fireworks. Famous for its vegetable gardens and exotic plants. Spring is the best time to see all in its full decorative bloom. Visit their web site (also in English)
www.chateauvillandry.com
Villandry
Chateau Montrésor
— Situated in a very picturesque village of Montrésor.
Visits are accompanied and are offered all year round on reservation. Information with the Office of Tourism of Montrésor :
Tel : 00 +33 (0)2 47 92 70 71
April-Nov 10am -12 then 2pm – 6pm
Nov-April – Group bookings only
www.37-online.net
37460 Montrésor t: 02 47 92 60 04
Parc Miniature Pierre et Lumière & Musée du Champignon
— Combine these two underground visits. The first is a series of stone sculptures of famous Loire Valley attractions, the Cathedral and a panoramic view of Angers. Opposite, see how hundreds of different species of mushrooms are grown underground, then exported globally. Both attractions are on the banks of the Loire close to Saumur.
April 1 to 30 September 10am – 7pm then
Feb-Nov 10-12.30 then 2pm -6pm.
www.pierre-et-lumiere.com
St Hilaire St florent, Saumur
Chateau Brissac
— This royal chateau is for exclusive accommodation however during Easter and Christmas it is open to the public to visit the rooms and enjoy the festivities on offer such as an Easter Egg hunt and at Christmas a market. Stalls are set up within the chateau's many room and corridors and attract creative merchants.
www.chateau-brissac.fr
Incredible craftsman at work
— The co-operative Vannerie de Villaines employs over 100 wicker makers who weave quality baskets and other wicker products. You can visit their studio Mon-Sat 9-12 then 2-7pm. Unless you are after a wicker basket its a little out of the way. But you will find quality and understand a traditional employment for this area.
About 5 km from the town of Azay-le-Rideau
www.vannerie.com
1 rue de la Cheneillere 37190 Villaines-Les-Rochers