Things to see and do Indre-Et-Loire

Looking for fresh air? Head for the Louroux pond, one of the largest in the region but also one of the most interesting. Classified as a sensitive natural area, many birds make their nests there. An ornithological observatory has been created to observe coots and grebes. As for the flora, two nationally protected species, the gratiola and the buttercup, grow on the site. A walk of about 5 km (2 hours) around the lake is not to be missed. Angling is permitted on the dike.

It is necessary to climb a little to reach this splendid Romanesque church built in the 11th and 12th centuries. You will discover a magnificent polychrome sculpture of characters and animals from the bestiary of the Middle Ages as well as two pyramids, called "dubes". These, as well as the Romanesque portal and the stained glass windows, have just been restored. The Collegiate Church contains the tomb of Agnes Sorel and possibly that of Ludovico Sforza, patron of Leonardo da Vinci. After archaeological excavations in 2019 and 2021, DNA research should confirm the probabilities (90%).

It is by the Royal door that you enter the citadel (the Royal city) to visit, among other things, the Vigil, the Logis Royal, Saint-Ours collegiate college and the Lansyer house. This door dates back to the th and th centuries. It was completed in the th century by a central building and a canons terrace.

In the heart of this district of priests and prostitutes, this beautiful garden surprises both the height and the seniority of its trees, as well as the subtle disposition of the essences. A campaign corner in the heart of the city that opens onto the Fine Arts Museum. A glass stele in the memory of Balzac lights up at night and reveals the elegant handwriting written by the novelist. It was carried out by Jean-François Wiart.

This original museum, dedicated to printing and its history will delight children and adults. This museum is run by Monsieur Muriel Méchin, printer craftsman who likes to discover the art of the typography. Monsieur Méchin will reveal the secrets of paper and can carry out many impressions. Discover this estate of paper and writing, come to watch the large newspapers with pebbles and to strike, newspaper Minerva pedalo... The small workshop- museum of printing has a unique collection of creations. A recommended place worth the trip in family or simply if you are curious!

Played-lès-Tours has a green area around a lake where residents of the city, surrounding cities and holidaymakers can relax and enjoy all year round. In addition to the beautiful promenade that allows you to go around the lake, you can breathe fresh air in the woods around, come play with the children at the playground and Gadawi Park, the patch space, or enjoy nautical activities. The nautical school offers you canoeing, windsurfing and sailing from 10 a. m. to 8 p. m. (information and rates at 02 47 67 45 04). In summer, a bathing structure is installed with two supervised basins. Perfect after a picnic!

The belltower-porch which dates back to the 11th century is the oldest part of this church, part of which was knocked down by a hurricane in the 13th century. Originally romanesque basilica, Saint-Julien is then rebuilt in the Gothic style. The two small chapels on either side of the chancel date from the 16th century. After the Revolution, Saint-Julien is abandoned and fall in ruins. It will be restored in the 19th century under the leadership of Prosper Mérimée, inspector of Historical Monuments. In 1859, you will find its primary purpose. If it is sinking so compared to the adjacent streets, it is because it was built before the walls of the Loire are raised, due to the risk of flood. During the Second World War, in an extremely exposed area however, the church has miraculously escaped the bombing in which destroyed the district mainly.

Today, concerts are often organised in this pretty building.

A little secret in Touraine to explore during your stroll on rue Colbert! Look for the sign indicating "Passage du Coeur Navré": unfortunately, this alley is not the cleanest in the city, but it is the narrowest. Legend has it that those condemned to death used this passage to reach the scaffold on the Place Foire-le-Roi. One shudders! But in the middle of the day, it is a curiosity not to be missed to contemplate the vaults, the roof, the old stones and to plunge into the heart of the history which reminds that of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.