There are many beautiful Châteaux to visit in the Loire valley, listed below are some that are close to us in Graçay, with links to websites if you would like more information.

Châteaux

Valençay

The Château sits on the side of a hill and looks very imposing as you approach the town. It has parklands and a maze where you need to solve clues in order to pass through the various gates within, and much more. For more information click on: www.culturespaces.com Apart from the Château the town of Valençay is very pretty and worth a stroll around, it has shops, bars and cafés and a ‘chocolatier’ where you can have a hot chocolate, coffee or just buy some delicious chocolates.

Chateau, Valencay

Bouges-le-chateau

This Château is set in peaceful parkland with a lake and walks through wooded areas. The inside of the house can only be viewed with a guide and these are at set times but there is much to see whilst waiting. There are old stables and buildings that have a collection of vintage carriages. The walled gardens are full of colour, and well kept. For more information click on: www.monuments-france.fr

Bouges –le-Chateau

Gardens at Bouges-le-Chateau

Chenonceau

This château spans the river Cher and is spectacular. It has vast parklands, a maze, two beautiful formal gardens and much more. For more information click on: www.chenonceau.com
During the second world war the river marked the border between the occupied and the free zone.

Chateau, Chenonceau

Flowers at Chenonceau

Cheverny

Cheverny is another magnificent Château and parkland, it is said to be the chateau used in the ‘Tin Tin’ stories. For more information click on: www.chateau-cheverny.fr

Alternatively, spend a day exploring one of the historic towns, most of which have interesting old buildings, churches and Châteaux, for example, Blois, Bourges, Issoudun or Loches.

Loches

Argenton-sur-Creuse, is an interesting medieval town with some pretty medieval houses beside the river, shops and museums. Musée de la Chemiserie, showing the ‘secrets of how to make a man elegant‘. Nearly 150 years ago a shirt making workshop opened in Argenton which very quickly became top of the shirt making industry.

‘Musée et site d’Argentomagus‘, this modern museum is built directly on the site of a gallo-roman town. It offers you a journey of over a million years from prehistoric times up to the end of the Roman era. In the crypt under the museum, you can see a domestic altar unique in Gaul, on show at the very spot where it was unearthed in 1986.

Argenton sur Creuse

From there you can drive through the Creuse valley perhaps stopping at Gargilesse. This is where George Sand found the peace to write. You can visit the minute cottage ’Villa Algira’ where she stayed.

Gargilesse

Then on through Eguzon to Crozant with its castle ruins. You can take a boat trip on the lake (summer only) and if there is time drive onto the pretty town of St. Benoit de Sault.

St. Benoit de Sault

The Brenne National Park is best known for its natural heritage. There are many places of interest and recreation within the park. There are a number of man-made lakes with an abundance of wildlife. Visit Bellebouche Beach beside the lake where you can swim, canoe, hire a pedal boat, play mini golf, fish, walk or just observe nature. For more information www.parc-naturel-brenne.fr

The Sologne is close to Gracay and is a well known area of France for its connection to hunting but where there are also many places of interest.

In addition, you cannot come to France without sampling the local wines and cheeses. There are some good local goat’s cheeses that you can buy directly from the farm. Visit the vineyards, sample and buy the local wine that include Valencay, Reuilly, Quincy and Touraine.

Why not just go for a country walk or bike ride along the quiet roads and footpaths. There is much more to explore, just ask your hosts Anne and Peter for more information and how to get there.