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.

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...).