The Cher Valley is a gem of the Loire Valley, offering an enchanting blend of grand châteaux, historic mansions, charming villages and vineyard-dotted landscapes (particularly around Montrichard and Saint-Aignan). Villandry, of course, with its world-famous French gardens, but there are also many other beautiful châteaux and mansions to discover in this valley:
Iconic châteaux:
- Château de Chenonceau in Chenonceaux (photo)
Style: Renaissance
Special feature: Nicknamed ‘the Ladies’ Château’ (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Médicis…), it literally spans the River Cher. Magnificent gardens, gallery on the bridge.
- Château de Montpoupon in Céré-la-Ronde
Style: Medieval with Renaissance alterations
Special feature: Intimate atmosphere, museum of falconry, Hermès collection. Breathtaking view over the valley.
- Château de Chissay in Chissay-en-Touraine
Style: Former Gothic stately home (15th century)
Special features: Converted into a boutique hotel; beautiful architecture.
- Château de Nitray in Athée-sur-Cher
Style: Renaissance
Special features: Wine estate with tastings, dovecote, French-style gardens.
Beautiful residences and manor houses:
- Château de la Bourdaisière in Montlouis-sur-Loire (on the border between the Cher and Loire valleys)
Special feature: Renaissance residence famous for its tomato conservatory and its theme park centred on the ‘Prince Gardener’.
- Domaine de la Commanderie in Ballan-Miré
Special feature: Former Templar commandery, restored buildings and grounds.
- Mills and cave dwellings around Bléré, Francueil and La Croix-en-Touraine
Special feature: Small stately homes, old mills and typical cave dwellings carved into the tuffeau stone.
Villages and sights not to be missed:
- Bléré: the heart of the valley, a peaceful atmosphere, markets and small tuffeau houses.
- Civray-de-Touraine: direct access to Chenonceau, lovely banks of the Cher.
- Montrichard (near Loir-et-Cher): pretty medieval market town, keep, beaches on the Cher.
- Athée-sur-Cher and
Azay-sur-Cher: vineyards, old stone houses, traditional atmosphere.
