Chaumont
Chaumont sur Loire (41150)
Majestically overlooking the Loire, the estate of Chaumont sur Loire consists of a castle and a landscaped park that covers 20 hectares. The area hosts the International Garden Festival and regular photographic exhibitions by contemporary artists on the nature and the landscape.
Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire
41150 Chaumont sur Loire
Website - tel : 02 54 20 99 22
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Prices
From November through March: full price / reduced price: €14 / €8 / 6 to 11 years old : €4. Free for children under 6 years old
From April through October: full price / reduced price: €18 / €12 / 6 to 11 years old: €6. Free for children under 6 years old
Open daily :
February and March: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ;
April, September and October : 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ;
May to August : 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ;
November through January : 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Multimedia guide in 10 languages (+ €4). Multimedia guide for children from 6 years old in 4 languages.
Self-guided tour with guide booklet in 10 languages.
Guided tours are free of charge when done in French and English.
Visit with the free App "Château de Chaumont sur Loire" to download on Apple Store and Google Play.
Dining and boutiques on site.
History of the castle of Chaumont sur Loire
The construction of the castle began in 1468 in a Gothic and defensive style and continued to the next century in a Renaissance style. Once this work was completed, Catherine de Medici, widow of King Henry II, purchased the castle in 1560, and quickly exchanged it for the Château de Chenonceau, which then belonged to Diane de Poitiers. Until the 18th century the castle changed owners several times, and was reworked many times to become a castle for leisure trips. In the 19th century the various owners completed significant restoration (chapel, decorative elements on the inside and outside, floors, paneling, fireplaces, stained glass). The leisure park surrounding the castle was created in 1884. Since 2007, the castle and grounds have been owned by the Centre region.
The apartments
The Ruggieri Chamber bears the name of the astrologer of Catherine de Medici, whose portrait is presented on the wall. The beautiful polychrome fireplace dates back to the 16th century.
The tapestry in the Catherine de Medici Chamber is the oldest in the castle (15th century) and depicts the story of Perseus and Pegasus. Note also the richly carved bed.
The Council room has beautiful tile from 17th century Sicily, bought by the Broglie family. It is located next to the guard room, above the entrance porch of the castle, and features in particular a beautiful 15th century trunk that weighs over 250 pounds!
After the Diane de Poitiers Chamber, decorated with objects and furniture from the 16th century, the tour continues through the King’s Chamber lit by a beautiful glass chandelier from 19th century Venice.
Once down the spiral Renaissance staircase, the Esca lier d’Honneur, the tour continues across the princess room before reaching the dining room equipped with a fireplace and adorned with beautiful tapestries.
The next room, the library, is decorated with Aubusson tapestries from the 17th century.
The billiard room has a superb polychrome ceiling made at the request of the Broglie family. The decoration of the room is supplemented by two Brussels tapestries from the 16th century.
Finally, in the Grand Hall, guests took tea in front of the polychrome fireplace. It was redecorated in the 19th century and reflects the mood and atmosphere of wealthy people during this century.
The stables
The stables of the castle date from the late 19th century. They were constructed by the owner at the time: the Prince of Broglie. They were then considered to be the most luxurious in Europe and today remain one of the main tourist attractions of the site. Everything was designed for the comfort of the horses. The stables are composed of the Great Stable and the Guest Stable that together could accommodate fifty horses.
The park
Though initiated by the previous owner, it was the Prince of Broglie and landscaper Henri Duchêne who completed the realization of the park in an English landscape style. More surprising still, the Princess of Broglie, dog lover, commissioned a cemetery for her animals. The Prince would continue to develop the surrounding area and at his death in 1917, the estate of Chaumont covered nearly 2,500 acres of woodslands, farms and fields. The leisure park overlooks the Loire Valley on "only" 21 hectares. It is classified as a "Remarkable Garden".
The Center of Arts and Nature
Since 2008, the estate of Chaumont sur Loire has been a center of artistic creation and landscape innovation. Each year, visual and photographic art exhibitions, concerts and film screenings make this site a living artistic site "dedicated to the relationship of nature and culture."
Events at the castle of Chaumont sur Loire
The "Gardens of Light" and "Magical Nights" (July and August)
These events allow visitors to take a night tour of the castle gardens.
The International Garden Festival (April through October)
Each year the International Garden Festival welcomes landscape architects, designers and gardeners to compose original creations according to a theme chosen by the jury. Internationally renowned artists and professionals of the sector come from all around the world to participate in the festival.
Cruises on the Loire
The Association "Millière Raboton, man of the Loire"
11 Rue de Bellevue, 41150 Chaumont sur Loire
Website - tel : 06 88 765 714.
Present in Chaumont-sur-Loire and Amboise, this association allows visitors to discover the Loire in a traditional boat (the Toues). The association works for the development of cultural activities and a better knowledge of the Loire and its heritage.
Restaurant in Chaumont sur Loire
Hostellerie du Château – traditional cuisine with fresh products
2 Rue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 41150 Chaumont sur Loire
Website - tel : 02 54 20 98 04.
"Lunch formule" : €22. "Menu" from €25.
Amboise
Amboise (37400)
The Lamasse River crosses the city of Amboise, on the banks of the Loire.
Occupied since Neolithic times, the Châteliers promontory overlooking the valley enjoyed a strategic position of prime importance. The city was fortified in Antiquity, and was then a place of artisanal production and trade. In 503, Ambrose entered history as the meeting location for Clovis, king of the Franks and Alaric, king of the Visigoths.
Its strategic location promoted the establishment of a city and then castles: the royal Castle of the 15th and 16th century, the Château du Clos Lucé (where Leonardo da Vinci lived) and the Chanteloup Pagoda.
A royal city, several sovereigns inhabited the castle (Charles VII, Louis XI, Charles VIII and François I).
A pleasant town for strolling in the pedestrian center, visitors will discover the architectural treasures and cave dwellings characteristic of the Loire Valley.
Tourist Office
Quai du Général de Gaulle, 37400 Amboise
Website - tel : 02 47 57 09 28.
Opening time:
November through March : Monday to Saturday : 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
April, May, June, September and October : Monday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ; Sunday : 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
July and August : Monday to Saturday : 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ; Sunday : 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open-air market on Sunday morning.
Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci
2 rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise
Website - 02 47 57 00 73.
Full price / reduced price, depending on the season: €13.50 to €16 / €11.50 to €14.50. 7 to 18 years old, €10.50 to €11.50.
Free for children under 7 years old. Family rate: €35 to €44.
Opening time:
January: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ;
February through June, September and October : 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ;
July and August : 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ;
November and December : 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Guided tours every day (in French).
Visiting flyer in 14 languages.
App available in French and English on Apple Store "Tout sur Léonard de Vinci au château du Clos Lucé, sa demeure"
Booklet for children from 7 to 12 years old, in French and English.
Activities for children and many attractions for families.
Restaurant and boutique.
History
of the Clos Lucé
The Clos Lucé is an important historic site. It was not only the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, it was also and especially the summer residence of the heroes of France, and hosted some of the most important decisions that marked the country's history.
The history of the castle began in 1471, during the reign of Louis XI, while it was still called the Manoir du Cloux. The king gave it to one of his close friends, Étienne Le Loup. At that time the castle was fortified, of which the watchtower remains the only vestige.
In 1490, Charles VIII purchased the Château du Clos Lucé, and the castle became the summer residence of the kings who resided in the Loire Valley. Under his reign, the medieval fortress became a palace of leisure. Thereafter, François I regularly stayed here, and invited Leonardo da Vinci to Amboise in 1516. The king would become fascinated by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. He was therefore named "head painter, engineer and architect of the king." His stay at the castle was an important source of his inspiration, and the artist and architect was very prolific. Until his death on May 2, 1519 at age 67, he was admired by François I and the whole court.
In 1660 the Manoir du Cloux took the name Château du Clos Lucé. Property of the Amboise family, it would be spared from vandalism during the Revolution.
In the 19th century it became the property of the Saint Bris family. Then in the 20th century major restoration work was completed to restore its Renaissance appearance.
Visiting the Clos Lucé
The site (castle + park) can be visited by self-guided tour (2 to 3 hours) with the help of a free tour guide in 14 languages.
During the tour visitors can admire the watchtower, the last vestige of the medieval castle, as we ll as the private residence of Leonardo da Vinci : his room, his study ... Visitors will discover four magnificent painti ngs by the disciples of Leonardo da Vinci in the oratory commanded by Charles VIII for his wife Anne of Brittany. Visitors then cross the Renaissance Room, which served to receive the visitors. The furniture and tapestries are originals from the period. The tour continues through the kitchens, the domain of Mathurin, Leonardo’s cook. Finally, the four basement rooms present a tribute to the genius of da Vinci. The inventions of the master are illustrated by means of 3D animations and models that allow visitors to take in the full measure of the visionary genius of Leonardo da Vinci.
The Leonardo Park
The Leonardo Park is a cultural park with a landscaped path that allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. To do with the family.
During the fun and interactive circuit, visitors will discover :
• 20 giant machines designed by the Master and carried out to full size.
• 40 huge translucent canvases that reveal the aspects of the work of Leonardo.
• 8 audio stops. Guided by the voice of Jean Piat, you will discover the thoughts of the architect.
• A reconstruction of Leonardo’s garden, a true open air museum. The botanical walk was conceived and designed in the spirit of paintings and drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, allowing visitors to understand the link between engineering and nature.
Exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci the Engineer (3D displays)
Here, fifty models were constructed from drawings done by Leonardo da Vinci. They illustrate the range and diversity of talents of this extraordinary engineer, whether industrial, marine, military, architectural ...
Exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci and France
This exhibition recounts the strong bond between the Tuscan Master and three kings of France who were his contemporaries (Charles VIII, Louis XII and François I).
Château Royal d’Amboise
Montée de l'Emir Abd El Kader, 37400 Amboise
Website - tel : 02 47 57 00 98.
Full price / reduced price: €12.80 / €11 / 7 to 18 years old : €8.80. Free for children under 7 years old.
Opening time:
January, November and December : 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. ;
February: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. 5 p.m. ;
March: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ;
April, May and June : 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ;
July and August : 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ;
September and October : 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Accessible to those with disabilities.
Visit with Histopad (12 languages) included in the price.
Guided tours
of Royal Castle of Amboise
The Castle over the centuries (included in the price)
Behind the scenes of history (in French, duration: 1 hour)
Guided tour of the underground and towers of the castle. 7 years old and up
Family tours (in French, duration: 1 hour - extra charge)
For children 7 to 12 years old, accompanied by their families.
History of Royal Castle of Amboise
At the beginning of the 15th century, Charles VII initiated the kings’ trips to the Loire Valley by establishing his court in Loches and Chinon. Louis XI, his successor, chose the Château d'Amboise for the residence of the Queen and the Prince. At this time, the castle was still fortified in a medieval style. Louis XI had a chapel built for his wife.
The prince became king Louis XI in turn under the name of Charles VIII at the end of the 15th century. Born in the castle, he was the king who lived there the longest. Under his reign the face of the castle would change considerably, and he remains as the greatest architect of the castle, turning the ancient castle into a sumptuous Gothic palace, including the construction of two huge cavalier towers before dying prematurely at the age of 28 in 1498. His cousin, the Duke of Orléans, succeeded him in 1498 under the name of Louis XII. He continued the work begun by his predecessor.
François I ascended to the throne in 1515 but lost interest in the Château d’Amboise, preferring the castles of Chambord, Blois and Fontainebleau. However, work would continue in a Renaissance style.
And during the reign of Henry II, Catherine de Medici, his wife, brought an Italian lifestyle to the castle thanks with the design and decoration of the interiors. Despite the indifference of François I with respect to the castle, it remained popular with sovereigns until the reign of Henry II. From Henri IV, the castle only hosted the royal court sporadically when they traveled to more distant destinations.
In the 19th century Louis-Philippe inherited the castle and undertook many restoration projects.
Visit the Royal Castle of Amboise
The Saint Hubert Chapel
Built in 1493 in a Gothic style, has housed the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci since 1871. He was initially buried in the Saint Florentin Church (destroyed in 1810) which stood at the current location of the bust of da Vinci in the castle park.
The Gothic house
The gothic house is composed of rooms for guards (promenade, noble guard room), the Drummers Room whose Flemish tapestry represents "Alexander the Great and the Family of Darius " dates from the 16th century, along with the Council Hall, in which the parties took place. In the latter, note the decorated pillars and monograms of Charles VIII (interlaced letter Cs) and Anne de Bretagne (letter A) on the keystones.
The Renaissance Apartments
The Servers’ Room is decorated with Aubusson tapestries from the 17th century. The next room, the Henry II Chamber, is richly decorated with a large bed, oversized for the time. The following antechamber has a small statue of Saint Michael slaying the dragon, reminiscent of the one that overlooks the spire of Mont Saint Michel. Also features a beautiful fireplace.
The Orléans apartments
(18th and 19th centuries) began with the Cabinet of Orléans-Penthièvre adorned with portraits of the family of Louis Philippe I. The Orléans Chamber that succeeded it features decor from the period. A visit of the apartments ends with the sumptuous Music Salon that features souvenirs from the Orléans family as well as those of the Emir Abd El Kader, who was under house arrest here from 1848 to 1852.
Pagode de Chanteloup
Route de Bléré, 37400 Amboise
Website - tel : 02 47 57 20 97
Full price / reduced price : €10 / €9 / 7-15 years: €8. Free for children under 7 years old. Family ticket: €31.
Open daily from April to mid-November:
April, May and September: 10 am. to 6 p.m.
June to August: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October and November: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitor reception and documentation in French and English.
Guided tour possible.
Boutique and restaurant.
History of the Pagode Chanteloup
The Château de Chanteloup date back to 1713. The Duke de Choiseul became the owner in 1761 and embellished it. Unfortunately, in the 19th century, the castle fell into the hands of unscrupulous property dealers called the "Black Band" that sold its furniture. The castle was then demolished.
The Pagoda of Chanteloup was built by the Duke of Choiseul in 1775. Nicknamed "the folly of the Duke of Choiseul", it was built as a tribute to his friends who supported him during his exile from the court of King Louis XV. At a height of 44 meters, it offers a magnificent view over the valley of the Loire and the forest of Amboise.
It consists of 7 floors divided into domes supported by 16 columns and 16 pillars.
Though there is nothing left of the sumptuous castle, the Pagoda, the half-moon pond, canal, the Petit Pavillon du Concierge, as well as the two charming lodges that marked the entrance to the area can still be admired today.
The gardens
Created in the 18th century, the gardens of Chanteloup cover 4000 hectares. Originally composed of a vegetable garden, a French garden and a woodland garden, the Duke de Choiseul added, like at Versailles, a small and large parks, giving a grandiose dimension to the embellishments undertaken. An ingenious system of water supply was installed and the woodland garden is transformed into Anglo-Chinese garden. The gardens were destroyed during the Revolution. However, some elements still exist today : the half-moon water feature, extended by the Grand Canal, the forest paths and the great perspective of the seven paths in the form of a crow’s foot.
Family activities
A small iconographic museum retraces the history of the Domaine de Chanteloup from yesterday to today.
Fun visit for the family "Mysterious Chanteloup".
An outdoor playground composed of forty old wooden games provides visitors big and small with a fun and educational break during the walk.
Cruises on the Loire
The Association "Millière Raboton, man of the Loire"
11 Rue de Bellevue, 41150 Chaumont sur Loire
Website - tel : 06 88 76 57 14.
Present in Chaumont-sur-Loire and Amboise, this association allows visitors to discover the Loire in a traditional boat (the Toues). The association works for the development of cultural activities and a better knowledge of the Loire and its heritage.
Restaurants in Amboise
The selection of restaurants proposed below consists of restaurants that offer a good price/quality value. “Formule” corresponds to a lunch special with a starter and a main course, or a main course and a dessert. The “menus” usually consist of a starter, a main course and a dessert, for lunch or dinner.
Le Patio – Inventive cuisine
14 Rue Nationale, 37400 Amboise
Tel: 02 47 79 00 00.
"Lunch formule" €19. "Dinner menu" from €30.
L'Ecluse – gourmet cuisine
Rue Racine, 37400 Amboise
Website - tel : 02 47 79 94 91.
"Lunch menu" from €19. "Dinner menu" from €33.
Montlouis
Montlouis sur Loire (37270)
Touriste Office
4 place Courtemanche, 37270 Montlouis-sur-Loire
Website - tel : 02 47 45 85 10.
Opening time:
July, August and September, Monday to Saturday : 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. , Sunday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The rest of the year, Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m./ 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Thursday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday.
Accessible to those with disabilities. Bicycle rental available at the Tourist Office.
Market at Place AFN on Thursday morning.
Maison de la Loire
60 Quai Albert Baillet, 37270 Montlouis sur Loire
Website - tel : 02 47 50 97 52 or 06 22 90 13 01
Opening time: Monday to Friday : 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. / 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Maison de la Loire has mission of information, awareness and education around the heritage of the Loire, whether natural, historical or human. At the resource center, you will find information related to the cultural landscape. The Maison de la Loire also offers permanent exhibitions, as well as educational and thematic activities related to its mission.
Château de la Bourdaisière
Rue de la Bourdaisière, 37270 Montlouis sur Loire
Website - tel : 02 47 45 16 31.
The castle is a hotel, and cannot be visited. The gardens, however, are accessible.
Full price / reduced price: €7.50 / €6.50. Free for children under 10 years old.
The gardens are open from April through October.
April and October: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From May to September: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
History
In the 14th century a fortress was built at this location during the war against the English. In the 16th century, the old medieval fortress was transformed into a country house. This new Château de la Bourdaisière repeatedly welcomed François I and his successors during their passage in the royal valley.
This was the first prosperous period for the castle. In the next century, development work continued in a classic style.
Following the Revolution, the castle was sold as national property. The new owner, Armand Dubernad, built a new house leaning against the Babu Manor in a very solid and soberly decorated style.
From the early 19th century, a large restoration campaign was undertaken, and these new improvements would continue throughout the 20th century. It is now owned by Louis Albert de Broglie, who made transformed it into a hotel.
The gardens
The tomato conservatory
The Tomato Conservatory, founded in 1998 by Louis Albert de Broglie, is a unique collection of 650 tomato varieties from around the world, including ancient varieties.
The Dahliacolor
In 2008, a new contemporary garden was created: the Dalhiacolor. It consists of a collection of some 180 varieties of dahlia and features a selection of medicinal plants.
The park
The castle park is closed on 55 hectares, and contains many species of remarkable trees. During a walk in the park visitors can discover the exhibitions in the pathways, boxwood embroidery in the form of lilies or even the gate attributed to Leonardo da Vinci ... Do not hesitate to stop at the tomato bar (evenings in summer). Guests can enjoy tomato juice and many other delicacies.
Saint Laurent Church and rectory
37270 Montlouis sur Loire
Church from the 12th (chevet), 16th and 19th centuries. The rectory, located behind the church, is a former mansion from the 16th century.
Vouvray
Vouvray (37120)
Vouvray is best known for its famous wine. But Vouvray is also a peaceful village with its picturesque cave habitations, its Notre Dame Church of Saint John the Baptist from the 11th century and the majestic Château de Moncontour. Vouvray has been crossed by pilgrims on the route to Saint Jacques de Compostela for centuries.
Tourist Office
12 rue Rabelais, 37210 Vouvray
Website - tel : 02 47 52 68 73
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Opening time:
November to February, Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., closed Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning.
March and October, Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., closed Thursday afternoon and Sunday.
April to June, Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m./ 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., closed Thursday afternoon and Sunday.
July, August and September, Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Château de Moncontour
37210 Vouvray
Website - tel : 02 47 52 60 77.
Opening time
January through March : Monday to Friday : 9 a.m. to12:30 p.m. / 1 :30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday : 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
April through Mid-September : Monday to Friday : 9 a.m. to 12 :30 p.m. / 1 :30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday : 10 a.m. to 12 :30 p.m. / 2 :30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mid September through December : Monday to Friday : 9 a.m. to 12 :30 p.m. / 1 :30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday : 10 a.m. to 12 :30 p.m. / 2 :30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
The Château de Moncontour majestically overlooks the Loire. It was built by Charles VII in the 15th century on the site of a former castle. Partly burned during the Revolution, it remains today one of the most famous and beautiful wineries in the Loire Valley. The Museum of Vineyards and Wine allows visitors to discover the riches of the region.
Musée de la vigne et du vin
Château de Moncontour
Price : €5. Free for children under 12 years old. Free tastings.
Opening time :
January through March : Monday to Friday : 10 a.m. to11:30 a.m. / 1 :30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday : 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
April through Mid-September : Monday to Friday : 10 a.m. to 11 :30 a.m. / 1 :30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday : 10 a.m. to 11 :30 a.m. / 2 :30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Mid September through December : Monday to Friday : 10 a.m. to 11 :30 a.m. / 1 :30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 :30 a.m. / 2 :30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
Audio guides available in English and French.
The museum of Moncontour is located in the basement cellars of the castle and traces the social and cultural history of the world of wine and wine trade. Features an impressive collection of tools related to the work of vintners.
Restaurant in Vouvray
Les Gueules Noires – Traditional cuisine
66 Rue de la Vallée Coquette, 37210 Vouvray
Website - Tel: 02 47 52 62 18.
Full meal around €40.
Rochecorbon
Rochecorbon (37210)
Touriste Office
Place Croissant, 37210 Rochecorbon
Website -
tel : 02 47 39 36 07.
Open from April to September:
April through September, Tuesday to Saturday : 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
July and August, Tuesday to Sunday : 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m./ 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Tourist Office offers itineraries for walking tours and other leisure activities.
Not to miss:
• The Lantern (medieval vestiges from the 15th century), 10 meters high overlooking the Loire,
• The Notre Dame Church (11th century) featuring a nave with a wooden cradle frame,
• The Saint George Chapel, partially a cave (crypt, stained glass and painted murals). Visits (free) are possible from mid-May to late October on Sundays and holidays.
Cruises on the Loire
Naviloire
56 Quai de la Loire, 37210 Rochecorbon
Website - tel : 02 47 52 68 88.
The Naviloire offers a guided cruise on the Loire (50 minutes) aboard the "Saint Martin of Tours,” allowing visitors to discover the cave habitats carved into the Rochecorbon cliff.