Cultural heritage

No fewer than 140 châteaux and manor houses, private residences that are still inhabited, dot the Vallée du Loir. More beautiful pleasure residences than medieval fortresses, they nestle in the heart of large parks and gardens. Many were rebuilt after the Hundred Years’ War, in the second half of the 15th century and during the Renaissance. Often located close to former main roads and crossroads or on the banks of the Loir, these vast mansions are built of blonde tufa stone or rubble stone with ochre rendering, and are usually topped with slate roofs.