The cities of Tours, Blois and Chateauroux are each within an hours drive. They are departmental capitals, which provide the administrative centres for their respective departments (they French equivalent to English counties)..As the most important towns all provide a fine selection of places to eat, shop as well as their individual attractions.
Tours – straddles the river Loire it is a historical city dating back to the Romans, in the 14th century it was the regional seat of power for the kings of France. There are many things to see and do in Tours, the city boasts 30 street markets per week, numerous museums, music concerts, the cathedral and beautiful public gardens.
Blois – rises from the bank of the river Loire up a steep incline, the old town centre winds it's way around the château. The raised position offers some superb views of the river Loire and surrounding countryside. The main attraction is the famous “Light & Sound Show at the Château de Blois” which takes place ever evening during the summer months.
Chateauroux –
although just as historical as Blois and Tours, Chateauroux is very
different. The old town is much smaller with a large modern city
built around it. The development of the city was accelerated in the
1950s as the Americans had a substantial airbase on the outskirts.
Chateauroux is known as “The city in a garden” with large areas
of public space dividing the developments.
Amboise – a pretty town on the route to Tours, famous for the residence of Leonardo de Vinci in the last years of his life. The château which dominates above the town has a chapel in which is located the great man's tomb. The house in which he lived is open to the public and in the basement are models of many of his inventions. The beautiful gardens also have large models of more of his inventions.
