Build on an island in the middle of the Indre during the reign of Francis I, Azay-le-Rideau Castle in Indre-et-Loire is a splendid example of Renaissance architecture. Although construction began during the 16th century, it was not until the 19th century that the castle was finally completed, including the creation of the landscaped park. Subtly combining French and Italian styles, Azay-le-Rideau Castle embodies romanticism in all its splendour. And its water mirror, reflecting the building's image in the River Indre, is no exception. Inside, you can admire beautifully furnished rooms, a remarkable grand staircase with carved ornaments and a décor inspired by four centuries of history. Outside, the architecture is just as sophisticated, with a 19th-century corbelled corner tower and a large dormer window combining Gothic style and Italian decoration. Let's end the visit in the landscaped park full of winding paths lined with exotic plants, and offering a beautiful view of the castle.

A certified "Town of Art and History" and "Most Beautiful Detour in France", Loches is a must-see destination in Indre-et-Loire. Located amid the Loire Valley castles, this royal city has many stories to tell and attractions to offer. Walk along the cobbled streets to discover a thousand years of history. Ancient dwellings with tuffeau stone façades or fortified gates, such as the Porte des Cordeliers or the Porte Royale, will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. The Romanesque Collegiate Church of St. Ursus, with its two eight-sided pyramidal cupolas, houses the tomb of Agnès Sorel, favourite of Charles VII. You can also walk to the Tower of St. Anthony, an old belfry standing 52 metres tall, the Chancellery and the Centaur House, the latter two both having Renaissance façades. By the River Indre, the public park is a pleasant place for a walk where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the collegiate church. Art-lovers should head to the Lansyer Museum-House, where works by the painter of the same name are exhibited, and to the Saint-Antoine Gallery, where there are two paintings by Caravaggio.

Loches is also famous for its castle towering over the town. Built by Foulques Nerra in the 11th century, several women who shaped history spent time there: Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel and Anne of Brittany. It consists of towers, dungeons, underground tunnels, passages, stairways and beautiful terraces. A testimony to the Renaissance, the Royal Lodge is one of the castle's most important rooms. Don't forget to climb to the top of the tower, where you will be greeted by a panoramic view of the city!

Every Wednesday and Saturday, one of the largest markets in Touraine is held in Loches. Be sure to pay a visit, if only to admire the many colourful stalls that will undoubtedly make your mouth water...

The municipality of Lémeré in Indre-et-Loire, about ten kilometres from Chinon, boasts a medieval building that looks like a fortress: Rivau Castle. With its keep, moat, drawbridge and wall walk, it indeed has all the characteristics of a stronghold. Once inside, you will probably be impressed by its imposing features and lavish decoration. But first of all, go up the staircase to try and decipher its numerous inscriptions dating from the 15th century. As your visit continues, you can admire monumental Gothic fireplaces, Brussels tapestries and a collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture, as well as contemporary art. Look up and you will see a fresco painted by an Italian master. In the room known as the Feast Room, the scene of "Balthazar's Feast" is depicted in an oil painting by a Dutch master during the Renaissance. To accompany your visit, an audio trail describes what daily life was like in the castle: tournaments, feasts, musicians... A real immersion in the past.

Continue your tour in the stables, a listed Historic Monument, where the audiovisual projections transport you through time to meet a farrier and a groom.

Then head to the beautiful listed Remarkable Gardens. With fairy-tale gardens, a scent path and a vegetable patch, come and stroll through the castle's 14 gardens, where more than 450 varieties of roses grow. A place of enchanting sights and fragrances!

Although it was the last of the great Renaissance châteaus in the Loire Valley, the Château de Villandry is best-known for its magnificent gardens. In the early 20th century, when the château was abandoned and due to be demolished, Joachim Carvallo bought it and decided to create five French formal gardens in a Renaissance style.

The decorative Kitchen Garden consists of nine squares forming a multi-coloured chequered plan. Flowers and vegetables alternate as the seasons go by, creating different patterns of colours.

The Ornamental Garden is divided into two areas called salons. The first one, called the Love Gardens, is formed of four squares of box hedges, each one representing a different kind of love. There is tender love and its hearts; passionate love and its broken hearts; flighty love with the very representative horns of love, where the colour yellow symbolises betrayed love; and finally tragic love represented by dagger blades and swords. Lyres and harps adorn the second salon, devoted to the theme of music.

Then you have the Water Garden, whose central Louis XV mirror-shaped pond brings a sense of calm and tranquillity. The Herb Garden contains medicinal and aromatic plants. And finally, the maze will entertain children and adults alike.

The last garden was created in 2008 to celebrate the centenary of Joachim Carvallo's ambitious project. This is the Sun Garden, located on the château's highest terrace. It consists of three chambers: the Children's Chamber with outdoor games, the Sun's Chamber with its pond shaped like an eight-pointed star, and the Clouds' Chamber with rose bushes and shrubs.

In the woods overlooking the gardens, a belvedere offers a viewpoint over the whole wonderful complex.

In Indre-et-Loire, there is a town as historic as the man who inspired it: Richelieu. King Louis XIII had it built in the 17th century for his illustrious minister. Surrounded by ramparts and moats, go through one of three monumental gates to reach La Grande Rue. Twelve metres wide and lined with numerous mansions, it was intended to be like the Cardinal de Richelieu: imposing. There are two symmetrical squares at each end. Continue your tour with a visit to the Art and History Museum, which has an exhibition of the Cardinal's memorabilia, furniture and tapestries. Likewise, at the Espace Richelieu you can learn more about this powerful man through an interactive exhibition. End your visit in the pleasant wooded park, where the scents of the rose garden are sure to catch your attention.

In July every other year, actors in period costume bring the Cardinal's era back to life at the Cape and Sword festival (Cape et Épée).

And why not leave your car behind and travel to Chinon along the greenway? That way you can discover the surrounding landscapes while enjoying a pleasant walk or bike ride.

Now the capital of Touraine, Tours was the capital of the kingdom of France in the 15th and 16th centuries. The city has kept many traces of its past and invites you to discover them. A very lively neighbourhood, the old town and its famous Place Plumereau are the beating heart of Tours. Lined with half-timbered houses and mansions, this pedestrian square is brimming with restaurants and cafés. Also discover the city's flagship monument, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Gatianus with a richly decorated Flamboyant façade. Inside, you can see a 13th-century choir, admire splendid stained glass windows from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, and see the tombs of the children of Charles VIII. Adjacent to the cathedral, the Psalette Cloister is composed of three galleries combining Flamboyant and Renaissance architecture. Tours' old town also includes the royal castle. One famous figure who spent time there was Joan of Arc, following her victory in Orleans. Today, it is a mecca for contemporary art.

Art and history enthusiasts should check out the city's various museums. Situated in the Goüin mansion with its Renaissance architecture, the Touraine Archaeological Museum documents the history of the region from Prehistory to the 18th century. The Museum of Fine Arts is located in the former Archbishops' Palace and exhibits works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. If you are a lover of fine vintages, the Touraine Wine Museum should appeal to you.

Then enjoy a little free time in one of the city's green spaces. The lush, verdant Prébendes d'Oé garden is ideal for a stroll. It is one of six Touraine gardens classified as "Remarkable Gardens". The Gloriette Park, meanwhile, is ideal for various outdoor activities and hosts many events such as the kite festival or music festivals.

We cannot talk about Tours without mentioning its wide range of entertainment for visitors. For instance the Light Trail (Parcours Lumière): over one kilometre, illuminated monuments tell the history of the city. In the summer, the Renaissance Nights offer a sound and light show projected onto the façades of the Museum of Fine Arts. Also worth mentioning is the summer guinguette (open-air café event) with its range of entertainment for young and old alike, which is always a great success.

Just 3 kilometres from Tours, the Priory of St. Cosmas in Indre-et-Loire is a former monastery which 12th-century canons considered as "a heaven on earth making it easier to reach the real heaven". The priory was also a place for pilgrims to stay on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Yet that is not the reason for its fame, which is due to the presence of Pierre de Ronsard, who was a prior there from 1565 to 1585. His main activities were poetry of course, as well as gardening, an occupation he particularly enjoyed. He lived at the priory until his death and his tomb is located in the remains of the old church. The prior's lodge, which was Ronsard's final home, has been converted into a museum about the poet's life, where you can see his bedroom and study.

The gardens form a harmonious group and offer a peaceful place to walk and breathe in all the scents, especially those of the omnipresent roses.

Between Tours and Saumur, let's explore Chinon in Indre-et-Loire. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town enjoys an ideal location at the heart of the Loire Valley. The character of this ancient medieval town is alive and well in its old town and its castle. Strolling through the narrow streets of Chinon is like taking a trip back in time with its pretty half-timbered houses and old dwellings. Among them are the Red House (Maison Rouge), one of the oldest in the city, the former Bailiwick's Palace and the Hôtel des Etats Généraux, a mansion now housing the Museum of Old Chinon. Then take the little sloping path to the castle, a genuine royal fortress that still has its vast defensive walls.

As well as offering a lovely view of the town and the surrounding area, the castle is worth a closer look to learn about its history. For example, it was there that Charles VII met Joan of Arc in 1429 before she liberated Orleans. Chinon also has beautiful religious buildings such as the Chapel of St. Radegund. Built in a Romanesque, semi-troglodyte style, its mural paintings from the end of the 12th century depict the Plantagenets. To find out more about local art history, Le Carroi Arts and History Museum invites you to discover a rich collection, the centrepiece of which is the Cope of St. Mexme, a cloth woven from silk and gold in the 12th century.

And how could we talk about Chinon without mentioning its vineyards? Spanning 2,300 hectares, their varieties of red grape, like the renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, and their rosé grapes delight the palates of amateur oenologists. Several cellars in the area are open to the public if you would like to sample the region's finest wines.

Located not far from Tours, Langeais Castle in Indre-et-Loire is one of the oldest castles in the Loire area. Its history dates back to the end of the 10th century, when Foulques Nerra, then Count of Anjou, began building it. But in the 15th century, King Louis XI turned it into an imposing fortress with the addition of towers, ramparts, a wall walk and a drawbridge. All that remains of the old castle fort are the ruins of the keep, which you can see in the garden.

The castle also boasts a beautiful Renaissance façade and its interior is richly decorated. Period furniture, tapestries, monumental fireplaces and art objects adorn the various rooms such as the guard room and bedrooms. The wedding hall is particularly noteworthy, as the union between King Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany was celebrated there in 1491. A recreation of the scene with wax figures, accompanied by a sound and light show, allows visitors to relive the event.

Outside of the castle, take the time for a stroll in the park all the way to the belvedere, where you will have a stunning view of the Loire Valley.

Although its construction began in the 15th century, the history of Ussé Castle in Indre-et-Loire goes back way further, as shown by the fortified towers. It was then embellished over the centuries, resulting in the beautiful edifice we see today, where the white stones of the Renaissance façade go perfectly with the Classical pavilion from the late 17th century. Wander around the castle's various rooms, all adorned with tapestries, carved wood panelling, paintings and furniture from the 18th century. In the castle's entrance hall, look up and admire the sumptuous trompe-l'oeil ceiling from the 17th century. Several famous figures of the day contributed to improving the castle. Mansart created the great staircase leading to the King's chamber, used by Louis XIV. Le Nôtre designed the French formal gardens, where there are century-old orange trees and Lebanese cedars brought back by Chateaubriand in 1817. The terraces were created by Vauban. Ussé Castle is also thought to have inspired Charles Perrault to write his fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. In fact, if you take a stroll on the wall walk, you might well bump into some characters from the story...

Towering over the Loire and the town of the same name, the Royal Château of Amboise in Indre-et-Loire is a reminder of a glorious past. Originally a medieval fortress, it was converted into a sumptuous Renaissance château from the 15th century onwards at the behest of several Kings of France. First there was Charles VIII, who was born at the castle. He brought artists over from Italy to give it a First French Renaissance style. But he died prematurely without being able to complete his work. His successor Louis XII then undertook to continue the work and the Heurtault Tower was built as a result. After taking over from him, King Francis I decided to raise the height of the Royal Lodge, where you can admire a beautiful collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture. He also brought in Italian artists to embellish Amboise, like Leonardo da Vinci, whom he appointed to the role of first painter, engineer and architect of the King. He gave him the use of the Clos Lucé manor located near the castle, where the inventor spent the last three years of his life. A little anecdote: the two men used to meet up by taking an underground passage that connected the two buildings. The Clos Lucé manor is open to visitors and contains creations and models by the genius inventor. Not to be missed under any circumstances.

Let's go back to the Château of Amboise to discover rooms richly decorated with wood panelling, columns and carved fireplaces. Examples include the King's Lodge of course, and the Guard Room featuring rib vaults and tapestries from the 16th century. The Council Chamber, perhaps the most beautiful room in the castle, with its pillars decorated with fleur-de-lis. Or the Cupbearer's Room, also decorated with period furniture and 17th-century tapestries. Continue your tour all the way to the ramparts, where the Flamboyant Gothic Chapel of St. Hubert is located, containing the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. Afterwards, treat yourself to a stroll in the castle's beautiful gardens, where the view of the Loire Valley will enchant amateur photographers.

Between July and August, the night show "In the Court of King Francis" tells the story of the various events that took place during the reign of Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I. The programme includes image projections, water and light shows, dances from the period and fireworks.

Chenonceau Castle in Indre-et-Loire is surely among the most majestic of all the Loire castles. Is it because of its famous gallery overlooking the River Cher, its sumptuous interior or its magnificent gardens? It is most certainly all of these at once. This building is a true masterpiece of the Renaissance, embellished by two iconic women: Catherine de' Medici and Diane de Poitiers. The wife and favourite of King Henry II respectively, they developed, managed and protected the castle. For the record, Henry II gave the castle to his mistress, who was driven out when the queen became regent.

First, an avenue of plane trees leads you to the monument's entrance. On either side of this avenue lie the gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. Both are composed of magnificent French-style flowerbeds. The castle is made up of three parts: there is the two-storey main building, decorated with corner turrets, and the grand gallery, 60 metres long, with 18 windows and five arches spanning the river. Then there is the keep, a vestige of an old fortified castle, today known as the Marques Tower.

As you enter the castle, you cannot fail to admire the tasteful decoration. Renaissance furniture, paintings and 16th-century Flemish tapestries adorn the various rooms. Step into the private quarters of the castle's residents and mistresses by visiting the chambers of Francis I, Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de' Medici and the five queens. Discover the green cabinet, the room where the regent used to work. You will then continue to the Francis I and Louis XIV drawing rooms, followed by the kitchens, which are exceptionally well preserved. In this vaulted room, the copperware sparkles next to a monumental fireplace.

Back outside, take a peaceful stroll in the park for an overview of Chenonceau Castle's architecture. Wander around the flower patch or try to find your way out of the maze of 2,000 yew trees.

Sound and light shows take place on summer nights, entitled "In the time of the Ladies of Chenonceau". The site also offers boat rides on the Cher so you can admire the building from close up, and night walks in the gardens.

Montrésor... The very name of this village in Indre-et-Loire, reminiscent of the French for "my treasure", is promising. To start with, it enjoys a scenic location by the Indrois, where the river banks prove to be a very pleasant place for a walk. Then the village itself, where the narrow streets and half-timbered houses give it a unique charm. And what about the castle, built in the Middle Ages and later turned into a magnificent Renaissance edifice? Or the Gothic Collegiate Church of St. John the Baptist, containing several rare paintings from the 16th century? At the centre of the village, the Cardeux Hall with its Mansart roof was a centre for textile work. All of these buildings and the authenticity of Montrésor have earned it the Most Beautiful Villages of France label.

On summer nights, the village offers a sound and light trail, the Solar Nights (Les Nuits Solaires), to discover Montrésor in a new way.

At the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, with its waterside houses, Candes-Saint-Martin is unquestionably a pleasant place to stop in Indre-et-Loire. You will be charmed by its narrow, flowery streets and its large country residences made of tuffeau stone with slate roofs. On a wander around the town you will surely end up at the imposing fortified collegiate church, built in the 12th and 13th centuries and dedicated to St. Martin. What's more, it offers a beautiful view of the confluence where the Loire and Vienne rivers meet. Another interesting viewpoint is at the top of the village's hill: from there, you will have an unobstructed view over the surrounding landscapes. At the heart of the Loire Valley, Candes-Saint-Martin can pride itself on being listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.

Founded in the 12th century and run by abbesses until the 18th century, Fontevraud Abbey, the burial place of the Plantagenets, used to be the most powerful monastic complex in France. Today, the royal abbey is a cultural centre where you can visit a 12th-century Romanesque abbey church containing recumbent effigies of the Plantagenets, the Grand-Moûtier cloister, a chapter house, refectory and remarkable Romanesque kitchens.

Fontevraud regularly hosts concerts, conferences and exhibitions.

The charming village of Montsoreau, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, and its stunning white tufa stone château, magnificently dominate the Loire River. The Renaissance Château de Montsoreau, made famous by the novel "La Dame de Montsoreau" ("The Lady of Montsoreau") by Alexandre Dumas, contains an exhibition circuit about the Loire River called "Imaginaires de la Loire" ("Imaginations of the Loire").

After visiting the castle, do not miss a walk along the beautiful flower-filled narrow streets of the village.