Loire Valley

Bus route 4 from Anatole France or route 15 from Gare de Tours / Jean Jaurès each take about 10 minutes and stop outside the garden.· Free

This large botanical garden holds year-round interest, with extensive borders dedicated to different climate zones, a magnolia walk and a section tracing the natural history of plants, as well as a large medicinal herb garden and a…

2, rue du Petit Pré· Free

This is the convent of the Ursulines of Tours, a sect of nuns, whose most famous sister, Sainte Marie de l'Incarnation, travelled to Quebec in 1639 to spread the order to Canada.

Entrance on Rue Descartes· Free

Built between 1886 and 1924 on the site of a much earlier basilica (whose two remaining towers, the Tour d'Horloge and Tour Charlemagne still stand next to the current edifice), this Romanesque church's dome stands proudly on the city's…

The pedestrian route from the railway station takes you via Rue Bernard Palissy and Place François Sicard, from where the cathedral is signposted.· Cheap

A Gothic cathedral with a monolithic façade, spectacular flying buttresses and plenty of gargoyles, some of which have some rather rude appendages.

south of Tours, west of junction of D750 & D104

Mado Robin (1918–1960), a prominent coloratura soprano, has a museum dedicated to her located in Yzeures-sur-Creuse, her birthplace. The museum features pictures, posters and audio-visual materials, and some of her stage costumes presented…

The castle of Angers shows in its rooms the tapestries of the Apocalypse, which are one of the world largest set of tapestries of the 14th century.

Most of Orleans in devoted to Jeanne d'Arc as she liberated the town in medieval times. It's hard to walk through the town without seeing Jeanne d'Arc-related stuff quite frequently. The house is definitely worth seeing.

2 Rue du Clos Lucé

Home of Leonardo da Vinci for the last three years of his life. The house now holds a museum to his life and work.

Nearest tram: Cathédrale· Free

The Hôtel Groslot was the City Hall until the 1980s when a modern building across the street replaced it for most civil administration functions.

1 Rue Alexandre Avisse· Free

A concert hall dedicated to Modern Music, Reggae, Percus, Techno, French Song, also includes an Ice-skating ring and Dojo.

Departs from boulevard Heurteloup in front of the tourist information centre· Cheap

A delightful little road train that follows a circular route through the city centre, passing by all the major landmarks on the way.

The far end of rue Bernard Palissy from the tourist information centre.· Cheap

See Tours in style, for a very attractive price.

Levée de la Chevauchée· Free

A nice lake where it is safe to swim. By car it is about 10 minutes from the center.

A long-distance hiking trail, the GR3, follows the river, going from castle to castle. An EuroVelo bike trail (EV6) follows much the same path.

Nearest tram stop: de Gaulle· Moderate

French cuisine with local favourites and classic dishes on a varied menu - check the specials boards outside. Good for lunch as well as dinner. Friendly staff, some of whom speak good English. English menu available.

Nearest tram: Cathédrale

Good sushi with eat in or takeaway options. The sushi rice is particularly good. Prices are reasonable.

Just off the cathedral square, nearest metro Cathédrale

Many flavours of high quality ice cream and sorbet that might be the best in Orléans, just round the corner from the cathedral square. Take-away, or try to eat at the small tables inside or outside.

Nearest tram de Galle or Cathédrale

Cambodian menu with all the classic dishes. Some are served with the house sauce "Angkor", in the style of a yellow curry.

13 Rue Lavoisier

Tours' main gay club. Mostly gay men (with female friends) and lesbians, although anybody is admitted on the weekends. Expect to pay entry, but that price includes a drink ticket that can be redeemed at the bar.

33 Rue Briconnet

A nightclub aimed at 18-30s, cool bar area on ground level and downstairs club area with cheesy music, a dancefloor and another bar. Try a cocktail, they are very large and reasonably priced, the 'Malmaison' is popular.

about 300 m from Orléans central railway station, 200 m from tramway station "Gare d'Orléans"· Expensive

Charming old building with wooden interior, floral wallpapers, early-1900s atmosphere. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Not accessible for persons with reduced mobility.

5 Rue Saint-Martin

The bed and breakfast La Milaudière near Chinon, a typical farm of 15th-18th century, has seven rooms and offers free Wi-Fi.

Base de Loisirs du Val de Blois - RD951- Levée de la Loire 41350 Vineuil

Basic campsite just outside of Blois. The site is best reached by car though it is possible to walk into Blois. Bicycles are available to hire on site, and Chambord is within cycling distance.

18 rue de l'Epinetterie Amboise

B&B on the outskirts of Amboise. Set in a park-like setting with horses in the fields. Wonderful breakfast (French-style) served by a host who speaks impeccable English.

Camping de l'Ile d'Or d'Amboise 100 Rue de l'Ile d'Or 37400

Campsite situated on l'Ile d'Or, the island in the Loire at the heart of Amboise.

9, rue d'orange

A hotel featuring a terrace overlooking the park.