A holiday to Central France

Central France is home to Tours, a city that effortlessly mixes old with modern. Situated snugly between the River Loire and the River Cher it’s a bustling city of ancient buildings and thriving street markets all set within countryside renowned for its wine and châteaux.

More than just wining and dining in Central France

There’s a lot to see and do on a holiday to France. First explore the pretty old quarter of Tours and relax at one of the cafes in the Place Plumereau and admire the delightful historic buildings that surround the square. The city is host to around 30 street markets and the daily food market at boulevard Huerloup is well worth a visit.

The Gothic Cathedral of St. Gatien took five centuries to build and is a must see on your list of things to do in Central France. Completed in 1547 it’s an impressive building with elaborately decorated west towers and stained glass windows that have survived since the 13th century. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is located close to the cathedral in a building that was previously the archbishop’s palace. Make sure you see Montegna’s Agony in the Garden and Rembrandt’s Flight into Egypt.

Three kilometres from the centre of Tours is the Prieuré de St Cosme, a semi-ruin that used to be an island priory. Admire what remains of the monastic buildings, but the main reason to visit, particularly in May, is for the spectacular garden of roses complete with 250 varieties and some 2,000 bushes, a tranquil place on a sunny day. Tours itself has 13 parks and gardens dotted throughout the city to enjoy, including a 19th century orangery in the garden next to Bretonneau Hospital.

The Touraine region in Central France is renowned for its wine, and the countryside is dotted with stunning châteaux such as Langeais, Amboise, Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau. Hire bikes and enjoy cycling through the Loire Valley and discovering the châteaux along the way.

A holiday to Central France wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local food and wine of the Loire Valley. Head to wine bar Chez Jean-Michel and tuck into regional dishes washed down with local wine. Au Lapin qui Fume lives up to its name with lots of lapin or rabbit on the menu, while Le Petit Patrimoine is perfect for a romantic dinner. If you want to make a night of it, Les Trois Orfèvres is a nightclub that only usually gets busy after midnight.

Central France with lastminute.com

For a cultural getaway with plenty to see and do, as well as eat and drink, book a fabulous value for money holiday to Central France with lastminute.com.