Museum of Maurice Dufresne, Azay-Le-Rideau: antique machines, carriages, planes and automobiles

Located 20 km southwest of Tours, 6 km from the gardens of Villandry, 6 km from the chateau of Ussé,
the Museum Maurice Dufresne is surrounded by a unique heritage. It has become an important place to visit in Touraine.

Azay-le-Rideau - Villandry - Chinon - Ussé - Langeais - Saché

Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau

Built on an island in the middle of the Indre river, the chateau of Azay-le-Rideau was one of the first chateaux of the Renaissance. It was built between 1518 and 1523 for Gilles Berthelot, a rich treasurer who was in the service of King François I. He was later in jeopardy and the chateau was confiscated. There is a collection of French and Flemish tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Today, a sound and light show, "Les Imaginaires d'Azay-le-Rideau", invites the visitor to walk and dream. South of Azay-le-Rideau, the village of Crissay-sur-Manse has been recognized as one of the "most beautiful villages in France".
Information: (33)2. 47. 45. 42. 04

Chateau of Chinon

With its three forts built between the 10th and 15th centuries, the chateau of Chinon was an impressive structure 400 meters long overlooking the Vienne river. In 1308, the trial of the Knights of Templar took place here; one can still see the graffiti. In 1429, Joan of Arc met Charles VII here in Chinon.

Each summer, the old sections of the city are animated with the "Marché Rabelais" and a traditional market.

A must to visit, the "Maison des Etats Généraux" (Museum of Old Chinon).
Information: (33)2.47.93.13.45

Chateau of Langeais

At the border between the regions of Anjou and Touraine, the construction of the fortress of Langeais was undertaken by Louis XI to protect Tours from an attack by the duke of Brittany. It was here that Charles VII and Anne de Bretagne were wed in 1491signifying the definitive unification of the duchy with France. At the end of the 19th century, the owner who was an enthusiast, decorated the chateau and furnished it with exceptional tapestries and works of art.

A superb drawbridge is operated for visitors during the tourist season. From the terrace gardens, one discovers the rooftops of the old city.
Information: (33)2.47.96.72.60

Chateau of Artigny, hotel

Chateau of Villandry

Constructed in 1536 between the Cher and Loire rivers, Villandry is one of the first great castles to demonstrate French architecture. At the beginning of the 20th century, a Spanish scholar, Joachim Carvallo, dedicated his life to its restoration and the re-creation of its magnificent Renaissance gardens including its ornamental vegetable garden and decorative vegetables.

The chateau of Villandry has three thematic gardens: the water garden, the pleasure garden (made up of a "garden of love", a "garden of music", and an "herb garden") and the ornamental vegetable garden.
Information: (33)2. 47. 50. 02. 09

Ussé, Chateau of Sleeping Beauty

Ussé was built in the 15th century at the edge of the forest of Chinon on an ancient stronghold overlooking the Indre river. Its striking architecture inspired Charles Perrault in the writing of "Sleeping Beauty". The writer Chateaubriand stayed here.

Each year, the chateau presents an exhibition of period costumes.
Information: (33)2.45.95.54.05

Chateau of Saché, dwelling of Honoré de Balzac

Between 1829 and 1837, it was to Saché, near Azay-le-Rideau, that the writer Honoré de Balzac came to find inspiration. He wrote "Le Père Goriot" and "Le Lys dans la Vallée" here.

On the banks of the Indre river and surrounded by a magnificent park, Saché offers lovers of literature a re-creation of interior decoration from 1830, an exhibition of objects, manuscripts, sculptures and the bedroom of the "father" of Lucien Rubempré.
Information: (33)2.47.26.86.50

Domaine of Beauvois

Charming luxury hotel and restaurant, 10 minutes from Tours, surrounded by a 350 acres of woods and gardens,