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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.
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Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
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| 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 |
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Chateau of Chinon
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| 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 |
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Chateau of Langeais
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| 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 |
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| Chateau of Artigny, hotel |
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Chateau of Villandry
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 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 |
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Ussé, Chateau of Sleeping Beauty
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 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 |
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Chateau of Saché, dwelling of Honoré
de Balzac
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| 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 |
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| Domaine of Beauvois |
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| Charming luxury hotel and restaurant, 10 minutes from Tours, surrounded by a 350 acres of woods and
gardens, |
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| Luxury chateau hotel restaurant, 10 minutes from Tours, surrounded by a 65 acre wooded grounds, special accomodations for seminars and receptions. |
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Musée
Maurice Dufresne - 17, route de Marnay - 37190 Azay-le-Rideau
Tel.: (33)2.47.45.36.18 - Fax: (33)2.47.45.28.62 - info@musee-dufresne.com
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