Best Towns in the Loire

The Loire region has many towns, both large and small, which all have something to offer whether it be a château to visit or a stroll around the old part of the town through narrow alleyways and up and down winding steps. The tourist information office is an ideal starting point for a visit as they will have maps available - often with a circular route taking in the main sights.

Many of the larger towns like Blois (above left) offer train rides on ‘Un petit train’ which usually depart from the tourist information office and offer a pleasant commentated ride (although probably in French) through the picturesque streets of the town. There is a charge for these rides. Smaller towns are worth exploring too, perhaps after a visit to their morning market. The local park gives younger children the chance to play and these parks are often located near the river.

Some noteworthy towns are Montrésor (one of the most beautiful villages of France – L’une des plus beaux villages de France – which has a fascinating didactic circular walk along the River Indrois and back through the town.  There is a lovely restaurant in the centre of the village and a splendid B and B if you want to spend more time there.  Also worth exploring are Thouars, Loudun (above right), Montreuil-Bellay, Chinon and Candes-St.Martin (with optional walk to the windmill and panoramic view of the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne.).