Montrésor. This endearing village couldn’t be more aptly named! Amongst the slate and tile rooftops stands the silhouette of the Renaissance château where French and Polish histories intertwine.

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Candes-Saint-Martin. With its white tufa stone walls, narrow flower-filled streets and traditional ‘gabares’ and other ‘toues cabanées’ houseboats moored at the quay, this is a real village of freshwater sailors!

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Crissay-sur-Manse. Ah… the peaceful, languid pace of the gentle Touraine countryside. The utterly charming streets open onto beautiful farming scenery. Explore it… nice and slowly.

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Rambles around the most beautiful villages in France

Montrésor, Candes-Saint-Martin and Crissay-sur-Manse are all members of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and are also the starting point for several rambles. Walking round at a slow pace, you’re bound to be captivated by Touraine’s beautiful landscapes in the Loire Valley.

Each village has its own ramble trail: Montrésor (8.5 km) / Candes-Saint-Martin (3 km) / Crissay-sur-Manse (14 km).

Elsewhere in Touraine

Flower enthusiasts will not want to miss the village-garden of Chédigny for anything in the world: its 700 rose bushes and 2,000 perennials have made it the only village in France with the ‘Remarkable Garden’ label. While there, you’ll also discover a really beautiful curate’s garden (alongside the presbytery) recently renovated by recognised specialists.

The village-garden of Chédigny

The village-garden of Chédigny

The ideal city of Richelieu

The ideal city of Richelieu

And how could we fail to mention Richelieu, the ideal city desired by the famous cardinal of the same name,  and the abbey town of Beaulieu-les-Loches, both “Petite Cité de Caractère” with Luynes and Rochecorbon.

As for the village of Villaines-les-Rochers, it is one of the famous locations for traditional basket-weaving in France. A large number of craftsmen are established there and are perpetuating the techniques of wickerwork.

Wickerwork: basketry museum in Villaines-les-Rochers. France.

Still have a little bit of time left? Bréhémont, Courçay, Savonnières, Le Grand Pressigny, Cormery and Chemillé-sur-Indrois should also be on your list of places to see!

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