Things to do

Touraine, right outside the garden gate.

Staying in the heart of Tours, you're within walking distance of the old town and less than 30 minutes from the finest châteaux of the Loire Valley. A stay built around heritage, nature and food, without ever getting back on the motorway.

Old town of Tours, half-timbered houses

The old town of Tours, on foot from the cottage

With over 2,000 years of history, Tours reveals its treasures along its lanes: Saint-Gatien Cathedral, the remains of the Gallo-Roman city walls, and Place Plumereau, lined with half-timbered houses and lively café terraces once the weather turns warm. It's about a 15-minute walk from the cottage to the historic centre.

Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley

The Loire châteaux, less than 30 minutes away

Tours sits perfectly between the Loire and Cher rivers: most of the region's great châteaux — Chenonceau, Amboise, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau — are within half an hour's drive. Plenty of scope for one or several day trips without straying far from your base in Touraine.

Tree-lined banks of the Loire near Tours

The banks of the Loire, to slow down

Looking for a moment of nature? The Loire riverbanks offer shade and calm just outside town: walking or cycling on the Loire à Vélo route, canoe trips, or simply a pause by the water on hot summer days.

Restaurant and local food in Touraine

Local food and wine

Rillettes de Tours, Chinon and Vouvray wines, Sainte-Maure goat cheese: Touraine is also discovered at the table. The neighbourhood around the cottage has plenty of options, from the local bistro to more refined dining, to round off the day in style.

Your base camp for exploring Touraine.

Book your July or August stay directly with us.

See rates and availability