Date and Time (Original) – 2023:07:30 13:28:00
This is the final entry of my record of touring the most beautiful villages in France in 2023. This time, I visited Montrésor, a remarkably beautiful village in the Loire region. I actually visited this village 12 years ago. I still vividly remember being deeply moved by its incredibly beautiful scenery. Honestly, I’m rarely asked, but if I were to list the top 5 most beautiful villages in France, I would definitely include this village.
When I visited back then, there was no Google Maps navigation, so I used Michelin’s paper maps to find my way. But this time, I easily reached the village without any trouble by simply following Google Maps’ navigation. However, the route I took this time was entirely different from my memory, and occasionally I worried whether I was really on the right track to the village, but eventually, I entered the village center from the same direction as before without getting lost.
The beauty of the village, revisited after 12 years, was still captivating, but one significant difference I noticed was the growth of the vegetation. When I visited 12 years ago, it was early May and the plants weren’t very lush yet, but now in the height of summer, the green of the trees was vibrant, and the grass was very tall. As a result, I tried to take a photo of the village’s symbolic château from the same angle as before, but I couldn’t get the same shot because the overgrown vegetation was too tall.
Another difference was that I entered the château. I didn’t go inside 12 years ago. I might have been able to at that time, but I didn’t realize it was open to the public. The château isn’t very large, but it has very charming rooms and art exhibits, which I enjoyed a lot.
So, as I mentioned at the beginning, this is the final installment of my 2023 tour of France’s most beautiful villages. This time, after a long absence from France, I resumed these records, but in fact, over the past four years, I have visited Italy twice, and I haven’t yet finished recording those beautiful village tours. I’m thinking of reviving those records as well.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
Montresor, located in the Indre-et-Loire department of France, is a charming and picturesque village that epitomizes the scenic beauty and historical richness of the Loire Valley. This region is renowned for its breathtaking châteaux, verdant landscapes, and a deep sense of history.
Key features of Montresor include:
- Historical Significance: Montresor has a rich history that dates back centuries. It’s known for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, which reflects the area’s historical development and significance.
- Château de Montresor: This is perhaps the most notable landmark in the village. The château is a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture and is known for its beautiful interiors and impressive collection of art and antiques. It has been well-maintained and offers a glimpse into the life of French nobility in the past.
- Scenic Village: The village itself is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It’s often described as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- The Collegiate Church of Saint-John the Baptist: This historic church is another significant landmark in Montresor. It features Gothic and Renaissance elements and houses some notable artworks.
- Cultural Events: Montresor hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, which showcase local traditions, arts, and crafts.
- Natural Beauty: The surrounding area of the Loire Valley is known for its picturesque landscapes, including vineyards, rivers, and forests. It’s a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking and wine tasting.
Montresor, in essence, is a quintessential French village that offers a blend of historical architecture, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Loire Valley.
