What are the most beautiful villages to discover around Tours?

France’s charm is not limited to its big cities and famous monuments. All around Tours, a plethora of small, picturesque villages offer a glimpse of France’s true heritage, marked by history, culture and unrivalled natural beauty. Each village has its own unique identity, from cobbled streets to half-timbered houses, medieval châteaux to Romanesque churches. Allow me to guide you through some of the most beautiful villages you could discover on your next getaway around Tours.

1. Artannes-sur-Indre, where history and nature meet

Artannes-sur-Indre is a picturesque village where time seems to have stood still. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with old houses and admire its magnificent architectural heritage, including the Romanesque church of Saint-Maurice and its 15th-century château. The village is also surrounded by lush countryside, with the River Indre running through it, offering magnificent scenery and a host of outdoor activities.

Don’t miss the Moulin de Balan, a restored old watermill that adds an extra touch of charm to the village. Artannes-sur-Indre is undoubtedly a place where history and nature meet, offering an unforgettable experience for all lovers of rural France.

2. Beaulieu-lès-Loches, an immersion in medieval history

Beaulieu-lès-Loches is a treasure trove of medieval architecture. The village is dominated by the impressive ruins of its former Benedictine abbey, founded in the 11th century. As you stroll through the narrow streets of the village, you’ll be transported back in time, each building telling a part of French history.

As well as its architectural heritage, Beaulieu-lès-Loches is also known for its natural wealth. Situated on the banks of the Indrois river, the village offers great opportunities for walks along the river, with bucolic landscapes as a backdrop. A stay in Beaulieu-lès-Loches is a real plunge into medieval history, enriched by the beauty of its natural surroundings.

3. Candes-Saint-Martin, a gem at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers

Candes-Saint-Martin is a village of exceptional beauty, nestling at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers. Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, it offers breathtaking views of the two rivers. Its collegiate church, a veritable jewel of Romanesque art, dominates the village and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

Candes-Saint-Martin’s charm also lies in its narrow streets lined with white stone houses typical of the region. As you stroll along, you’ll discover many architectural details that bear witness to the village’s history, from ancient times to the present day. A stay in Candes-Saint-Martin is a real immersion in authentic, unspoilt France.

4. Chédigny, the garden village of Touraine

Chédigny is a unique village in France: it has been classified as a ‘remarkable garden’ by the Ministry of Culture. Every street and public space is a veritable flower garden, offering an explosion of colour and fragrance all year round. The village is also famous for its Rose Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year to admire the 800 or so varieties of rose that adorn the streets of Chédigny.

But Chédigny is not just a garden village. It’s also a place steeped in history, with its 11th-century church of Saint-Pierre and its old stone houses. Strolling through the streets of Chédigny is a unique experience, a blend of aesthetic wonder and serenity.

5. Crissay sur Manse, a journey through time

Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Crissay sur Manse is a veritable open-air museum. Its winding streets, lined with half-timbered houses and 15th and 16th century manor houses, take you back in time. The 12th-century church of Saint-Maurice dominates the village and bears witness to its rich medieval past.

Crissay sur Manse is also an artists’ village, with numerous workshops and art galleries to discover. Its bucolic setting on the banks of the River Manse makes it a place of inspiration and creation for many artists. A stay in Crissay sur Manse is a real plunge into history, enriched by the creativity and talent of local artists.

6. Le Louroux, a natural interlude

Le Louroux is a charming little village in the heart of the Touraine countryside. It is particularly popular for its lake, where you can indulge in a wide range of water sports or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. Le Louroux is also surrounded by footpaths, allowing you to discover the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

As well as its natural surroundings, Le Louroux also boasts a rich architectural heritage, with its 12th-century church of Saint-Martin and its old stone houses. The village is a haven of peace, where you can recharge your batteries away from the noise and bustle of the city.

7. Montrésor, the treasure village

Montrésor is an exceptional village, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It owes its name to its magnificent castle, a veritable architectural treasure overlooking the Indrois valley. The village has preserved its medieval charm, with narrow streets, half-timbered houses and ramparts.

Montrésor is also famous for its collegiate church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a masterpiece of Gothic art, and for its exhibition hall, which hosts high-quality art exhibitions every year. A stay in Montrésor is a real immersion in history and culture, in a natural setting of exceptional beauty.

8. Rochecorbon, between heritage and nature

Rochecorbon is a picturesque village on the banks of the Loire. It is particularly popular for its unique troglodyte heritage, with houses carved into the tufa cliffs. You can also admire the Romanesque church of Saint-Georges, the Manoir de la Guignardière and the Château de l’Aubespin, all three of which are listed historic monuments.

As well as its architectural heritage, Rochecorbon also offers magnificent panoramic views over the Loire and its vineyards. The village is a haven of peace, where you can recharge your batteries while discovering the region’s rich heritage.

9. Villaines-les-Rochers, the basket-making village

Villaines-les-Rochers is a unique village in France: the cradle of French basket-making. Here you can discover the art of basket-making through workshops, exhibitions and demonstrations. The village is also famous for its Saint-Symphorien church, a jewel of Romanesque art.

As well as its cultural heritage, Villaines-les-Rochers is also a place of nature, with its rivers, forests and hiking trails. A stay in Villaines-les-Rochers is a real immersion in the art of basket-making, enriched by the beauty of its natural surroundings.

10. Veigné, the gateway to Touraine

Veigné is a charming village, nicknamed ‘the gateway to Touraine’. It is particularly appreciated for its architectural heritage, with its Manoir de la Fuye, its 15th-century house and its Church of Saint-Martin. The Indre River also flows through the village, offering magnificent scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities.

As well as its architectural heritage, Veigné is also a place of nature, with its parks, gardens and footpaths. A stay in Veigné is a real immersion in the history and nature of Touraine.

11. Véretz, a village with timeless charm

Véretz is a charming village on the banks of the Cher. It is particularly appreciated for its architectural heritage, with its château and the church of Saint-Médard. The village is also surrounded by vineyards, offering magnificent scenery and tastings of local wines.

As well as its architectural heritage, Véretz is also a place of nature, with its parks, gardens and hiking trails. A stay in Véretz is a real immersion in the history and nature of Touraine.

In conclusion, Tours and the surrounding area are full of picturesque villages, each offering a unique insight into France’s heritage. Whether you’re a history lover, a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet getaway, you’re sure to find a village to suit your needs. So don’t hesitate to get off the beaten track and discover these hidden gems of Touraine.