Listed as a World Heritage of Humanity since 2000, the Loire Valley unveils the harmonious links between Man and Nature in its landscapes. The Loire, a wild river, puts a continuous show of freedom on for Touraine: a natural and lush vegetation lines the only large European river not to have canals, banks are inhabited by an often unexpectedly rich fauna and flora, and it is home to traditional barges, toues, gabares and futreaux, relics of the great marine legend of the Loire. Its banks and hillsides beckon you to come and explore a wealth of Historic heritage: Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Langeais, Villandry, Chinon, Loches… everywhere the white freestone recalls the status that Touraine held for centuries as the Kingdom of France.

Also known as the "Jardin de la France" (the Garden of France), Touraine is a land of plenty where the joy of eating well is a principle shared by everyone. No surprises then that you’ll find a wide array of specialities here. Fine products and passion: this is the secret of our cuisine which is prepared from local produce and served with affirmed wines. The artists behind these delights are profuse: wine-makers (9 AOC wines listed), fine pork butchers (the famous rillettes from Tours), dairy producers (with AOC Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheese in particular), pastry makers (Nougat de Tours)… each one follows traditional methods with the desire to preserve the art of good taste and the flavour of good things. What a delight to taste some Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheese with a glass of Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil. Or to follow in the footsteps of Géline de Touraine, a blessed gallinacean. Or to wander through the markets in search of the spice or vegetable that will add that extra flavour to your cooking!