Holidays in Indre-Et-Loire, Loire Valley, France

Indre-et-Loire is a department in the Loire Valley region, named after the two rivers that flow through it. The region is not only dominated by its waterways and countryside, but is also home to several chateaux and the beautiful historic town of Tours.

Tours

Tours is the capital of the Indre-et-Loire department and is known as "The Garden of France". There are several parks and gardens in the town, many alongside the River Loire that runs through the centre. There are also botanical gardens in the town that can be visited for free all year. The cathedral in the town is famous for its flamboyant Gothic style; it was built just as the Renaissance was starting and artists were beginning to embrace the more showy aspects of architecture and design.

There are many private chapels within the cathedral, some of which are home to fine works of art, and the impressive organ is one of the cathedral's great treasures. Some areas of Tours were destroyed during the Second World War, but much of the historic town has fortunately survived. Cycling fans may like to visit the region in October, when the classic Paris-Tours cycling race is held annually.

Castles

There are many castles in the Indre-et-Loire region, which are fully open to the public. These include the Chateau de Chenonceau, built on a series of arches across the river and home to extensive gardens as well as the medieval fortress in the town of Chinon.

The Chateau de Villandry had fallen into ruin at the end of the 19th century, but luckily this beautiful country house has been restored to its former opulent glory, including the gorgeous laid-out gardens featuring flowers, vegetables, fountains and mazes. It is one of the most visited castles in France.

Rivers

If you enjoy getting outdoors, then there are plenty of activities you can enjoy in Indre-et-Loire. You can kayak down either the Indre or Loire rivers or just enjoy a walk on one of the many pathways that cross the region. The Loire a Velo scheme allows you to hire bicycles in one town along the famous river and drop them off at another.

You can even stay overnight in Tours to enjoy the sights and keep your bikes with you before moving on the next day. Best of all, the Loire a Velo team will organise to transport your luggage to your next destination so you can your ride without a backpack to slow you down.