Named for the 2 rivers that flow through its idyllic heart, the region of Indre-et-Loire could just be an advert for rural France. There are more chateaus here than you can shake a garlic escargot at, topping the hillsides like proud princes from the Renaissance. Cobbled villages and stone-faced castles line the banks of the waterways, while vineyards flow easily – like the delightful wines they make – over the undulating landscape. The romantic, the honeymooner, the hiker, the foodie, the wine taster – they should all feel right at home in Indre-et-Loire vacation rentals.
Indre-et-Loire is a montage of soaring turrets and spiked keeps, coned castles and fairy-tale citadels that look like something plucked straight from Game of Thrones. The sheer wealth of chateaus in the region has been noticed by UNESCO – they declared much of the area a World Heritage Site in 2000. Jewels in the crown include the grand city of Tours, its streets fringed with half-timbered medieval homes that spread around the leafy Jardin Botanique de Tours arboretum. There's also the unmissable Chateau de Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance that's sure to get the camera clicking.
Life moves slowly in Indre-et-Loire. The slosh of the rivers, the clink of wine glasses, the rustling of grapevines in the wind – that's the backing track. To unwind and relax, as the locals do, you could bag yourself a gite in the country. There are loads of luxurious Indre-et-Loire vacation rentals with pools to pick from. Others will be rustic and charming farm conversions, with babbling streams rolling by and a medieval chateau keeping watch above. When adventure does call, consider hopping into a canoe, renting a bike or just driving the country roads – there's bucolic beauty everywhere.
Indre-et-Loire is typical of central France. It undergoes 4 seasons that flow from cold winters, when the mercury occasionally dips below 0, to warm summers, when it regularly sits in the high 70s. It's the summer – between June and August – that's the most popular time to visit. Most romantic types and adventurers alike look to book their villas then, especially the coveted Indre-et-Loire vacation rentals with pools. Spring – April, May – and fall – September, October – offer a balance of crowds, prices and weather.
Indre-et-Loire might just be that quintessential picture of rural France you've been searching for. It's green and bucolic wherever you look, and somehow even manages to make its cities seem rustic – Tours, especially, as it straddles the banks of the gushing Loire River. Follow the water westwards and you'll enter the reserves of the iconic Loire Valley. Look about to see castles topping the hills and rolling vineyards running in every direction by the banks. Deeper inland are farms and woods that are occasionally punctuated by a church spire-spiked hamlet.
The nearest airport is in Tours (TUF-Tours - Loire Valley), located 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from the city center.
If you prefer to travel by train, Tours (XSH-Saint Pierre des Corps SNCF Train Station), Tours Station and Choiseul Station are the main stations in the area.
Whether you're planning your next big adventure with friends or a romantic rendezvous with your special someone, one of these top vacation rentals in Indre-et-Loire is sure to attract you:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Indre-et-Loire vacation rental for you.
There's nothing more exciting than hopping behind the wheel and traveling to someplace new. If you're ready to get away and unwind for a couple of days, check out these weekend getaways in Indre-et-Loire:
There's no shortage of studio apartments in Indre-et-Loire. Obviously they're no mansion, but they pack a punch when it comes to character, convenience and location. Here are a few popular choices:
Yes, so forget about staying in a boring hotel or paying to sleep in someone's spare room. Book one of our short-term rentals in Indre-et-Loire and put your feet up in your very own digs. Here are two options to inspire you:
If you want to woo your special someone, take them someplace special! Plan a romantic weekend getaway in Indre-et-Loire at one of these hideouts and watch the sparks fly:
Forget lining up at the hotel breakfast bar or fighting for a deck chair around the pool during your vacation. Rally your favorite people and upgrade your stay big-time by booking one of these mansions for rent in Indre-et-Loire:
When it comes to who you vacation with, we think the more the merrier. If you're in search of a property with enough space for friends and family, one of these large group vacation rentals in Indre-et-Loire might be just the ticket:
Organizing a getaway in Indre-et-Loire with all your family and friends doesn't have to mean piling everyone into a confined space. If you're after someplace comfy where you and your crew can spread out, one of these large vacation rentals might be perfect for you:
Take your pick and dive right in. Here are a few superb house rentals in Indre-et-Loire where happiness is a day at the pool:
Get cracking on your guest list, because Vrbo has plenty of large family vacation rentals in Indre-et-Loire that'll lay out the welcome mat for your entire crew. Here are a few of our top picks: