The day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Heading to the Saint-Cosme priory, the Museum of Fine Arts in Tours and the Basses Rivières manor
This five-day itinerary gets off to a great start! Just a few minutes from Tours, stop at Saint-Cosme PrioryThe former residence of Ronsard. This unique site invites you to discover the poet's world in a peaceful setting, ideal for families or groups of friends. Explore the prior's lodgings, Ronsard's last residenceExplore an immersive scenography blending collections, interactive displays, and videos. Be captivated by the inspiring atmosphere of the canons' refectory and interpretive spaces. Before leaving, take time to stroll through the priory's formal gardens, where botany and poetry meet in perfect harmony.
Continue your cultural getaway by discovering the Tours Museum of Fine Artshoused in the former palace of the archbishops. This prestigious location houses an impressive collection, enriched since the Revolution thanks to seizures made in the great abbeys of the region and in the castles of Chanteloup and Richelieu.
After admiring the paintings and sculptures, take a moment of calm in the museum garden, under the generous shade of a majestic, centuries-old cedar tree.
To conclude this first day, head towards the Manoir des Basses RivièresNestled just a few kilometers away, this enchanting site, designated a remarkable garden, holds many delightful discoveries: verdant terraces, mysterious troglodytic caves, and a 12th-century medieval staircase leading to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Loire River and the Touraine forest. A perfect setting for a poetic end to the day.
Day 2: On the way to the Montbazon fortress and the Balzac Museum
For this second day on the road to castles near ToursHeading towards one of the oldest fortresses in France: MontbazonThis medieval site immerses you in the heart of the Middle Ages for a fun and captivating experience. Enjoy the summer activities and participate in workshops with your family to discover the trades of yesteryear. A wonderful way to learn while having fun!
Passionate about literature? Make a stop at Balzac Museum, installed in the charming Saché castleThis place, which deeply inspired Honoré de Balzac, offers a glimpse into the writer's world. Balzac stayed here regularly and wrote several of his masterpieces, including Father GoriotStroll freely through the rooms of the castle or take a guided tour to fully enjoy the activities and secrets of this literary museum.
Day 3: Visit to the Château de Villandry
heading for the Villandry Castle to continue your stroll through Touraine! While the castle is worth a look, it's especially its famous gardens which are well worth a visit. Explore the three levels of terraces with your family to discover: the Renaissance vegetable garden, the gardens of love, the water garden, the sun garden, and the labyrinth. A walk where everyone will find something to enjoy!
Day 4: Heading to the castles of Langeais and Champchevrier
It's time to go and explore two iconic Loire Valley castles: Langeais and Champchevrier !
Au Langeais castleStep back in time to a millennium of history. It was here that King Charles VIII secretly married Anne of Brittany, sealing the union of the duchy with the French crown. Experience this event as if you were there thanks to a captivating immersive reenactment narrated by Stéphane Bern.
Explore the park in a fun way. construction techniques of the Middle Ages...with a children's playground. During school holidays, don't miss the medieval life reenactments!
The getaway to Champchevrier castle This castle holds some wonderful discoveries for you. Nestled in the heart of a forest estate, it has been inhabited by the same family for 300 years. Curious to know why Louis XIII slept there… on straw? The mystery remains unsolved, and you'll have to come and discover it for yourself!
Explore eleven rooms, from former kitchens to sumptuously furnished rooms, and admire a tapestry collection unique in the world. In the park, children will love the kennel puppies, while the adults can relax under the large two-hundred-year-old chestnut tree.
Day 5: Day at the Château de Marcilly-sur-Maulne
For this last day of road trip around ToursDiscover a hidden treasure of Touraine: the Marcilly-sur-Maulne castleClassified as a historical monument and illustrating the second Renaissance style, it rises majestically above the valley and the village, offering an exceptional panorama.
Inside, let yourself be charmed by the history of the families who lived there and don't miss the chapel nestled at the top of the central pavilion, a true jewel of the Maulne valleyTo round off your stay, take advantage of the hiking trails that wind through this unspoiled natural setting. Several routes, suitable for all levels, invite you on a beautiful walk, perfect for savoring the verdant landscapes of the valley.
