Thursday, 22 September 2011

This Summer in the Touraine du Sud

The weather may not always have been good, but visitors came in good numbers to the Touraine du Sud (the area around Loches, south of Tours) this year and those in the tourism industry are happy. The Loches Tourist Office reports that 28 000 people passed through this summer, an increase of 2000 on last year. Foreign tourists were a high proportion of the visitor numbers this year. The Tourist Office is pleased that their promotional campaigns seem to have been effective, and Loches is now recognised as a warmly welcoming destination by those outside France.

From the Logis Royal, Loches spreads out before you.
Across the sector, one noticeable trend has been more short breaks, taken at the last minute. We certainly received a lot of last minute enquiries, but sadly we had to disappoint many travellers, as we are usually booked out well in advance.

As well as making the decision to take a holiday later, visitors are being careful with their spending, demanding value for money. We are entirely sympathetic to this approach and we pride ourselves in always choosing restaurants that combine a friendly atmosphere with tasty well presented food at an affordable price. Many visitors come for the chateaux and other cultural sites, but those wanting a gourmet experience are starting to notice Loches and surrounds too.

If you would like a few days in the Touraine du Sud, visiting grand chateaux and gardens, hidden gems in villages still far from the main tourist trail and eating at restaurants that use fresh local ingredients, then email us.