Villandry to Chinon via Azay-le-Rideau
Château de Villandry and its gardens
Villandry is one of the best known Renaissance châteaux in the Val de Loire. It was built around 1532 on the foundations of a former fortress by Jean Le Breton, François I's finance minister. Owned by the Carvallo family since 1906, the château and gardens at Villandry have undergone refurbishment work which aims to restore the Renaissance architecture. The exhibitions and events taking place throughout the year allow you to explore the estate from a different perspective every time you visit.
Useful information: Château de Villandry
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
Built on an island in the middle of the river Indre, the château of Azay-le-Rideau was constructed under François I between 1518 and 1528. Rising up in the centre of a romantic park, the château retains a remarkable unity of style. The decoration of the fully furnished rooms retraces the lives of the most illustrious guests who stayed here through the centuries. On summer evenings, the "Imaginaires" shows literally bring to light the history of the château.
Useful information: Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Château de Langeais
Langeais château has retained its imposing character: the massive bulk of this fortress, built around 1465, dominates the Loire and the town huddled at its feet. As you pass through the succession of rooms you will find a wonderfully preserved 15th century interior, with many very fine pieces of furniture, objets d'art and an exceptional collection of tapestries. The exhibitions and educational events offer a lively exploration of life in the Loire during those times.
Useful information: Château de Langeais
Ecomusée du Véron in Savigny-en-Véron
Located on a farm in the heart of an area criss-crossed by hedges and trees, the Véron eco-museum allows you to learn about the people of the Loire and everyday life on the banks of the river since prehistoric times. The collections are dedicated to the various different human activities which have developed in the area. As well as wine-making, livestock farming is also on show, with cows, goats and sheep.
Useful information: Ecomusée du Véron
Exploring Chinon
The rocky outcrop which overhangs the Vienne is a place which was first fortified in the Celtic era. Dominated today by the medieval château on which building work began in the 10th century, the town of Chinon, an officially recognised "Ville d'art et d'histoire" (a town noted for its artistic or historical heritage), has retained from its medieval past the main districts which give shape to the historic centre. At the heart of the historic town, the 15th century Maison des Etat-Généraux (assembly rooms of the States General) is one of the best examples of the architecture of Chinon, which covers five centuries of rich history. It houses the collections of the Musée des Amis du Vieux Chinon (Museum of the Friends of Old Chinon). In a historic building on the banks of the Vienne, the Maison de la Rivière (River discovery centre) allows you to explore the nautical world of the Loire, through a collection of models of Loire boats.
Useful information: Chinon
La Devinière, Rabelais' home
La Devinière is the house where François Rabelais was born in 1490. The house is located in Seuilly, in the heart of "Rabelais country". In his book "Gargantua", the writer used the surrounding area as the theatre of war for the battle between Gargantua and his neighbour Picrochole. The pigeon-loft and ground floor are home to a museum devoted to the writer’s life and works. In the courtyard, a cave dwelling and the "petite Devinière", a former wine-growers' house, recreate the conditions of life at the time.
Useful information: La Devinière
Touraine Val de Loire environmental education centre (CPIE)
Located in the historic setting of the Abbaye de Seuilly, this education centre develops activities to manage and raise the profile of the environment and local heritage. It offers many opportunities to explore the cultural landscape and heritage of the Loire, including visits to the Maison de la Rivière in Chinon (River discovery centre), the Comptoir du Confluent, a mooring-point with a specialised shop and temporary exhibitions in Candes-Saint-Martin, trips on traditional boats and unusual walking tours.
Useful information: CPIE Touraine Val de Loire