Hotels Tours
What to see by car: Tours
 
Tours is located in the Loire Valley, a historically important and scenically
lovely region of France. It is particularly well known for its enchanting Renaissance
châteaux, and is otherwise known as the Châteaux de la Loire (the
Castles of the Loire).
Blois is situated between Tours and Orléans, and is built on a hill
overlooking the Loire River. Its charming, old world streets enclose a number
of fine architectural examples, and the town is known as a producer of luxury
chocolate.
The Châteaux of Blois originated in the 13th century as a feudal fortress,
and was completed in the 17th century. It has elements of both Gothic and Renaissance
styles; the latter can be seen in the Francois I façade. Its geometrically
shaped well surrounds a five storey high spiralling staircase, with highly decorative
railings depicting the salamander, the king's symbol.
Orléans lies 106kms northeast of Tours, and is best known as the scene
of Joan of Arc's greatest victory. In the centre of town, in the Place du Martroi
stands a statue of the Maid of Orléans astride a horse. Nearby is the
stone and red-brick Hôtel Groslot, which was built in 1549 and was the
residence of Francois II and his wife, Mary Queen of Scots, a decade later.
The Cathédral Sainte Coix, originally built in the 13th century, was
rebuilt between the 17th and 19th centuries after being destroyed by Protestants.
It is one of Orléans' most impressive attractions.
For a long time, Orléans has been known as an important horticultural
centre. It is world famous for its beautiful roses, and is surrounded by superb
vineyards.
Travelling east-southeast of Tours, explorers will come across the town of
Bourges. The town was initially the site of an archaic Celtic centre, which
was brutally defeated by Julius Caesar, whose soldiers massacred 40,000 inhabitants
during the siege.
The magnificence of the Gothic period can be witnessed in the two major tourist
attractions: the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne and the sumptuous palace
of Jacques Coeur. The cathedral is amazing in its proportions; it spans a length
of 124m and is France's widest Gothic cathedral. It has five intricately sculptured
doorways on its west façade, one of which depicts the theme of the Last
Judgement in a masterpiece of Gothic craftsmanship. The cathedral rests on the
peak of the hill on which the town was built, and is a UNESCO World Heritage
site.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
|
