In the year 2000 UNESCO chose to recognize the Loire Valley’s exceptional contribution to world heritage by placing it on its list of World Heritage Sites, alongside the other greatest sites on the planet. It was specifically honoured for its outstanding cultural landscapes. Along some 250 kilometres of the great river, you can indeed witness a unique ensemble where natural riches and human wonders blend so very harmoniously together.

In Touraine, at the heart of this World Heritage territory, perhaps more than anywhere else, the Loire and its tufa limestone banks form an ideal setting for the glory of great châteaux, the elaboration of artistic gardens, and the cultivation of fine vineyards.

Immersing yourself in Touraine means plunging not just into French history, but also into European history, as such strong links were forged across the continent, what with the Anglo-French dynasty of the Plantagenets, the Renaissance imported here from Italy by the Valois kings and their courtiers, and all the international trading carried out for centuries along the Loire. Touraine’s architectural riches span a period going from the early Middle Ages (the deeply imposing fortresses of Chinon and Loches offering the most telling illustrations of those times) to the 20th century (the Château de Candé became the famed setting for the marriage of the former King Edward VIII to Wallis Simpson in 1937), going via such priceless Renaissance treasures as the châteaux of Amboise, Chenonceau and Azay-le-Rideau.

For those who love nature, Touraine also means great open spaces, unspoilt landscapes preserving highly important flora and fauna, and plants and birds benefiting from a haven of peace to develop without disturbance. The Loire acts as a nursery for this fertile life. To keen observers, the majestic, ever-changing river, its banks and sandy islands altering with the seasons, gives the impression of an endlessly evolving painting. Mention of painting brings to mind the fact that the Loire Valley’s extraordinary light attracted artists of such stature as William Turner.

Thinking of Touraine also means remembering all the men and women who contributed in the past to building it up into what it has become, and appreciating all those people who today continue to make Touraine such a welcoming, sharing place. Among the first group, you should include great historic figures such as the kings and queens of France who settled here, the early Christian Saint Martin, Leonardo da Vinci, summoned here by King François I, or then the famous literary men born here, notably Rabelais, Descartes and Balzac. To get to know some of today’s Tourangeaux (the people of Touraine), just come and sample our hotels, B&Bs, restaurants or markets, and visit our innumerable tourist sights and wine cellars.

In Touraine, we like to say that living is an art. So too looking after you. 

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