Lucca seduces the traveller with a friendly charm, beautiful Medieval churches and pleasant relaxing squares. Lucca is a lovely city surrounded by Renaissance city walls the only example of this kind of fortification still intact in Italy. In one day you can discover Pisa’s top attractions. The city centre has some interesting Medieval architecture. It’s a lively and relaxing university town. The Cathedral complex in Piazza dei Miracoli, of which the tower is part, is on the outskirts of the city centre and you can spend half a day exploring it. This sight is in itself is reason to visit this small city, located on a plain less than 10 km. Pisa is the home of the world-famous Leaning Tower. => Chianti Wine Tasting and San Gimignano Day Trip from Siena Siena => Find out the Best way to travel to Siena from Florence It includes some of the most scenic areas of Tuscany, the Chianti region and the Val d’Orcia. The surrounding landscape is equally enchanting. Siena has some stunning buildings and its Cathedral is one of the most important Gothic churches in the whole of Italy. It’s small and compact, with a splendid Medieval square Piazza del Campo that stages the annual historic horse race “Il Palio”. It has one of the best preserved Medieval city centres in Italy. Located an hour south of Florence, is famous amongst cities in Tuscany and one of the highlights of the region. Siena is Gothic architecture at its best. => 20 Things to do to experience the real Florence Florence One last idea for the road: Rent a cycle and set off the famous ‘Loire à Vélo’ cycling route for the 20 km ride to the Gardens of Villandry, an absolute must on any Loire Valley tour, notably for its remarkable gardens, considered among the most beautiful in France.=> Unmissable Renaissance masterpieces in Florence And while you’re there, why not take a relaxing boat tour on the river? The Boutavant Association offers river tours leaving from the old port of Tours: head off on one of their traditional ‘Toue’ flat-bottom wooden boats, and enjoy a view of the city from a different perspective. From there, head down along the waterfront to the Olivier Debré Contemporary Art Centre, a flagship contemporary art centre with 4 exhibition areas and a total surface area of 4,000 sq.Ī visit to Tours wouldn’t be complete without a pause in a ‘guinguette’, the lively open-air cafés on the banks of the Loire with their cheerful, friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss its remarkable stained-glass windows, and the breath-taking beauty of its elaborate flamboyant façade when it lights up at the night. Stop to hang out at one of the cool bars and cafés on the Place Plumereau, a charming square in the historic district where you can mingle with a cosmopolitan crowd of local residents, students and tourists.Ī few of the city’s highlights: The Saint-Gatien cathedral, a perfect example Gothic art built during the 13th and 14th centuries on the vestiges of the Gallo-Roman city. Or some the many other the surrounding vineyards, all within a radius of 50 km!įor sightseeing: wander through the old town with its gracious half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled streets and fantastic market place. Visit the winery, La Cave de Vouvray, and follow their guide deep into the troglodyte cellars (2.5km) to learn how the region’s famous still and sparkling wine is made. Lovers of fine food will delight in the many specialties and great wines that you can enjoy in any one of the many restaurants that line the animated shopping streets in the town-centre: its ‘Sainte Maure’ goat cheese, rillettes, nougat, the sparkling white Vouvray wine and splendid Chinon and Bourgueil red wines, to name but a few. Since we’re in France, let’s start our little ‘tour of Tours’ with a special nod to all you foodies. It’s also in the epicentre of the châteaux country, with the magnificent Loire Valley châteaux all within easy reach, and surrounded by the 4,500 hectares of the ‘Appellation’ Touraine wine country.
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