Rue de la Mairie, Villandry: on the streets of Touraine

Rue de la Mairie runs through the centre of Villandry towards the château. The village has much older roots than its famous Renaissance château might suggest: it was originally known as Colombiers, and that name remained in use until 1639.

There's also a nice historical detail here. In 1189, the 'Peace of Colombiers' was agreed at the medieval fortress that stood on the site of today's château, when Henry II of England recognised Richard the Lionheart as his heir.

 Rue Principale

This is Villandry as a village, rather than just as the famous château and gardens.

“The streets here don’t hurry. They simply invite you to walk, to notice, to belong.”

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Part of the “On the Streets of the Loire” Series

Each Saturday, we stroll through the lanes and cobbles of Loire towns and villages — places where every step feels like a story.

See more from Experience Loire

© Experience Loire — On the Streets of the Loire · Back to Home

On the Streets of Touraine, Rue Xavier Branicki, Montrésor,

Rue Xavier Branicki sits beneath the walls of Château de Montrésor, with houses seemingly untouched by passing time, giving this small village its historic character.

Xavier Branicki was a wealthy Polish count and friend of Napoleon III who bought the château in 1849. He restored it and helped shape much of the village as it is seen today, including the streets around the castle.

Montrésor is deservedly listed as one of the 'Les-Plus-Beaux-Villages-de-France' and is one of Touraine’s most picturesque.

Bon samedi dans la Touraine !

“The streets here don’t hurry. They simply invite you to walk, to notice, to belong.”

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Part of the “On the Streets of the Loire” Series

Each Saturday, we stroll through the lanes and cobbles of Loire towns and villages — places where every step feels like a story.

See more from Experience Loire

© Experience Loire — On the Streets of the Loire · Back to Home