Happy New Year!

A literary journey through the Touraine (1/5)

Chateaux, landscapes, vineyards, yes, but also Descartes, Balzac, Ronsard, Rabelais and Vigny. The Touraine is also the land of writers! Through regular short articles we shall look at each of these famous people and the areas of Touraine important to them and to their work.

On the trail of Honoré de Balzac (1799 - 1850)

"Shame on he who fails to admire my joyful, beautiful, courageous Touraine and her seven valleys which flow with water and wine!"

Honoré de Balzac was born in Tours in 1799, at 25 rue de l’Armée d’Italie (now 47 rue nationale; his birthplace was destroyed during bombing in June 1940). At the age of eight he was sent to the Oratorian College in Vendôme, 50 km north of Tours. In 1814 he moved from the Touraine with his parents to the Marais in Paris. Despite studying law and working as an articled clerk, he frequented the Sorbonne and decided to devote himself to literature.

Must-see sites in the Loire valley

Next stage of our quick tour of the castles in the Loire valley. We will now present the Château de Brézé, the Château de Clos Lucé and the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.

Château de Brézé: The château de Brézé was constructed between the XI and XIX centuries, and provides visitors with the opportunity to discover an elegant home which is still lived in, not to mention an extraordinary underground site! A little known rupestral setting of the Loire castles, unique in the world, is hidden under the castle!

Some castles in the Loire Valley worth a visit

We recommend some castles in the Loire Valley that really are worth a visit. Below is a non-exhaustive list of tourist sites not far from the Château des Sept Tours:

Amboise Castle: This legendary monument and its landscaped gardens offer one of the most magnificent views over the Loire Valley. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Each tour of the castle gives you an interesting look at this important place in French history: its political and artistic influence throughout Europe during the Renaissance, the private lives of the sovereigns, everyday life and behind the scenes at Court.

The Château des Sept Tours golf course

An 18-hole golf course in the heart of the Loire Valley

76 of the 78 hectares comprising the castle grounds are taken up by an 18-hole golf course.

The Sept Tours golf course is a 72 par, laid out in two parts. The first is in a naturally wooded environment, which is good for a challenge or two! The greens are surrounded by bunkers. The second part is less wooded but includes water obstacles.

For more information click here

Discover the Loire Valley

Registered in the world Patrimony of Unesco the Loire Valley is exceptionnal for its biological diversity as well as for  its cultural and historical treasures.

Discover the Chateaux of the Loire river and famous gardens : the Château of Langeais, Château and gardens of Villandry, Château of Azay-le-Rideau, Clos Lucé Manor and Château of Amboise, Château of Chenanceau, Château of Chambord and many more. Third vine culture region of France, the Loire Valley is also one of the most beautiful wine region of France and of the world. « La Route des Vignobles » invites you to discover a unique patrimony along the Loire river dotted of Château's and country views of a large diversity.

The Reception team will greet and respond to all your needs 24 h/24. The Tourangeau good-manners is known for its professionalism as well as its conviviability : Welcome home! We will guide you to regional visits (Loire Castles, private gardens and homes, vineyards, the Loire river and its patrimon...) as well as your reservations (theatre, shows...).