Montrésor

Indre-et-Loire
Castles
Renaissance castle and medieval fortress
Religious heritage
St John the Baptist Collegiate Church
River
The River Indrois
Local produce and gastronomy
The Montrésor Macaron

Montrésor, a village in Indre-et-Loire with a Polish spirit

Head to Montrésor, on the banks of the Indrois, in the heart of Touraine! Its surprising link with Poland can be discovered in the history of its castle, where a precious art collection bequeathed by Count Branicki is on display. The Collegiate Church of Saint John the Baptist watches over the village rooftops, a witness to the era of Imbert de Bastarnay, advisor to the kings of France.

And recently, vines have taken root there once again, producing Val de Loire PGI wines.

A castle on the terraces of the Indrois

As you follow the river, Montrésor reveals an extraordinary history, blending Polish heritage, a castle brimming with treasures and panoramic views of the river.

Château de Montrésor les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Château de Montrésor

This beautiful Loire Valley château has over 1,000 years of history and combines medieval ramparts, Renaissance living quarters, and Second Empire décor.

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Halle aux Cardeux - Musée du Gemmail Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Halle aux Cardeux - Musée du Gemmail

Built in 1700 to house the market, the attic of this building had a hipped roof and was once rented out to traders to store their goods. Today, it is used to exhibit a unique form of glass art called gemmail.

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Les Balcons de l'Indrois Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Les Balcons de l'Indrois

As you cross the River Indrois via the small footbridge, you will discover a delightful natural setting offering the best views of the village.

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In the words of the people of Montrésor

In 1849, Xavier Branicki, an exiled Polish nobleman, bought the château and became mayor. He then brought over his compatriots, and the link with Poland has never been broken since.


Your experiences to live in Montrésor

A picnic on the banks of the Indrois ©Loches Tourist Office – Castles of the Loire – Jean-Christophe Coutand

A picnic on the banks of the Indrois

In the shade of the trees, with the gentle lapping of the Indrois as a backdrop, spread out the chequered tablecloth and open the picnic basket: here, even a simple picnic feels like a country getaway. 

Sample the local flavours ©Loches Tourist Office: The Castles of the Loire – Les Moustachus on the Road

Sample the local flavours

A Montrésor macaron, some artisanal rillette or a glass of local wine… with the river as a backdrop. Now that’s a gourmet break you’ll never forget!

Strolling along the balconies of the Indrois ©Loches Tourist Office – Castles of the Loire – Jean-Christophe Coutand

Strolling along the balconies of the Indrois

As you follow the path along the water’s edge, let yourself be captivated by the panoramic view of the village and its castle. Information boards are dotted along the walk, revealing the valley’s secrets, its history and its biodiversity.

Ideas for everyone, all the time

Costumons-nous au château

From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026 from 10 a.m.

Costumons-nous au château

Come and enjoy an immersive experience with your family or friends: try on our period costumes, pose for an unforgettable selfie under the tent, then extend the magic with a tour of the castle. A friendly, lively event open to all, immersing you in the medieval atmosphere.

Come and enjoy an immersive experience with your family or friends: try on our period costumes, pose for an unforgettable selfie under the tent, then extend the magic with a tour of the castle. A friendly, lively event open to all, immersing you in the medieval atmosphere. Admission to the event is free for visitors who have paid their admission fee. A donation box will also be available to support the maintenance and creation of our costumes.

Next dates:

  • From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
    Open every day
Journée du Patrimoine 2026 à la Halle aux Cardeux

From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026 from 9 a.m.

Journée du Patrimoine 2026 à la Halle aux Cardeux

A tour of the Grenier de la Halle, an 18th-century building hosting an exhibition by Gemmail. This unique art form, consisting of paintings created from pieces of colored translucent glass, plays with light to create works with remarkable visual effects.

A tour of the Grenier de la Halle, an 18th-century building hosting an exhibition by Gemmail. This unique art form, consisting of paintings created from pieces of colored translucent glass, plays with light to create works with remarkable visual effects.

Next dates:

  • From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
    Open every day
Nuit des Châteaux au Château de Montrésor

From Oct. 16, 2026 to Oct. 17, 2026 from 6 p.m.

Nuit des Châteaux au Château de Montrésor

%C0As night falls, strange phenomena occur at Montrésor Castle? Ghosts or mere coincidence? Lead the investigation alongside Count Branicki’s medium, exploring pitch-black rooms and underground passages. An immersive tour with multiple sessions from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

%C0As night falls, strange phenomena occur at Montrésor Castle... So, are they ghosts or just a series of mishaps? Lead the investigation alongside Count Branicki’s medium as you explore the castle’s pitch-black rooms and underground passages to discover what happens when darkness falls. Immersive tour—several sessions between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Next dates:

  • From 10/16/2026 to 10/17/2026
    Open every day
Visite-atelier décorateur d'intérieur

From Oct. 21, 2026 to Oct. 28, 2026

Visite-atelier décorateur d'intérieur

A masterpiece of Neo-Gothic art, the Château de Montrésor reveals a richly decorated interior. The children examine the furniture and paintings to understand the layout of a Second Empire residence, then use their imagination to design and decorate a new room as interior designers!

A masterpiece of Neo-Gothic art, the interior of Montrésor Castle consists of a series of richly decorated and furnished rooms. During this tour, followed by a workshop, children are encouraged to observe details (furniture, paintings) in the rooms to better understand the interior design of the Second Empire era. A new room is waiting to be furnished and decorated—it’s up to you to come up with a design as an interior decorator!

Next dates:

  • 10/21/2026
    Open every day
  • 10/28/2026
    Open every day

Treasure hunt

Take the children on a treasure hunt through the narrow streets of Montrésor! A fun activity organised by the Tourist Office. Riddles and exploration. Booking required on set dates.

©M. Desfontaine – Loches Tourist Office, Loire Valley Castles
©Carole Segani – Graines de Baroudeurs – Loches Tourist Office (TCL)

Role-play

Fancy stepping back in time? Hire period costumes from the “Montrésor se raconte” association and take a stroll through the village, all the way to the castle, dressed in costume. Perfect for unforgettable photos and guaranteed laughs! Booking required.

Legendary Nights

As soon as night falls, experience the Legendary Nights: light shows projected onto the castle, mysterious projections in the narrow streets and free live performances. A night-time stroll to enjoy in July and August.

©Gin Pineau – Loches Tourist Office TCL
©Olivier Chable – Loches Tourist Office (TCL)

A walk along the Chemin des Légendes

Put on your walking shoes and follow the Chemin des Légendes for an 8.5 km walk (allow about 2½ hours): take in the forest, the lake, local heritage and fascinating local stories. This nature walk is ideal for enjoying the autumn colours around Montrésor.

View on the interactive map

Our recommendations

Château de Montrésor les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Château de Montrésor

Château

This beautiful Loire Valley château has over 1,000 years of history and combines medieval ramparts, Renaissance living quarters, and Second Empire décor.

Jérôme Poret-Lecoeur - coutelier d'art J. Poret-Lecoeur

Jérôme Poret-Lecoeur - coutelier d'art

Coutellerie

Jérôme is passionate about the art of cutlery-making and creates knives using the 'stock removal' technique. Step inside his workshop to discover every stage of his creative process.

Aurore l'hiver naît - Illustration et peinture végétale Aurore Livernet

Aurore l'hiver naît - Illustration et peinture végétale

Artisanat d'art

This space for creativity and sharing is dedicated to exploring plant-based colours. Next to the workshop, Aurore grows dye plants in educational vegetable beds, which she then transforms into natural paints.

Map of Montrésor

Extend the visit to near Montrésor

Prepare your stay at Montrésor

Offices de Tourisme Loches Touraine Châteaux de la Loire

Offices de Tourisme Loches Touraine Châteaux de la Loire

How to get here?

Accessibility
Montrésor

# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes

# Parking : Stationnement gratuit toute l'année

# Parking : Emplacements de stationnement pour vélos

# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : Aire de stationnement pour camping-cars à moins de 15 mn à pieds

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Montrésor