Montresor is a village found 20 kilometres east of Loches in the Centre region of France where it is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'. The village sits quietly on the banks of the Indrois River, with its fine chateau as a romantic backdrop to the village.
On a slightly improbable note, the village is supposed to have got its name from King Gontran, the grandson of Clovis, who dreamed of treasure while he slept beside the river, and awoke to be told by a servant of a lizard he had seen glowing with gold. A quick search of the area, and the treasure soon revealed itself.
Exploring Montresor
France This Way review: the combination of the beautiful village, the position on the Indrois river, and the castle in the heart of Montresor make it a charming destination
The village retains its 11th century fortress, built on top of a rocky outcrop above the village and with walls, towers and gate intact. Built originally for defensive purposes, the chateau at Montresor was subsequently transformed into a Renaissance Mansion in the 15th century, within the original fortified walls.
A wealthy Polish imigrant bought the castle in the 19th century, and much of the interior furnishing of the castle dates from this period, including paintings that show events from Polish history. The castle is surrounded by attractive parkland gardens that contain various statues, again in part showing characters from Polish history.
The castle is quite small but is interesting to visit because of the lovely furnishings and the chance to stroll around the pleasant gardens. Entrance to the Chateau de Montresor is about 8 euros.
Close by the Collegiale Church of Saint John the Baptist dates from the 16th century and has a renaissance facade, although the rest of the church is in gothic style. Inside the church you can see marble effigies representing the family of an important local lord.
Montresor village is clustered around the base of the castle, and has some very pretty little houses spread along the Indrois River, and some equally attractive half-timbered houses. There is an unusual medieval covered market, with a rear wall in stone and a double row of wooden pillars, as well as a part of the original defensive walls.
It is truly one of those 'step back in time' villages that are found so infrequently.
If possible try to also visit Montresor during July or August on a Friday or Saturday evening when the village is beautifully lit and music is played.
Attractions nearby
After exploring the village of Montresor walk along the banks of the river for some lovely views across the village and castle - the path continues for more than a kilometre through the countryside. The countryside around Montresor is a maze of pretty walks so that you can make the most of the attractive countryside - the tourist offices can point you in the right direction.
Watersports, angling and horse-riding are also popular local activities.
The town of Loches is close to the west and has several interesting historic monuments. The castles at Amboise, Chenonceau and Valencay are among those within easy reach of Montresor - see Loire Valley castles for details.
You can find more travel ideas in the Indre-et-Loire guide and the Loire Valley guide.
Arrange a visit to Montresor
Hotels in Montresor
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Montresor and places nearby
Visit near Montresor with France This Way reviews
Loches
Numerous historic monuments make the citadel in Loches a very interesting place to visit
Loches guide
Chateau de Chenonceau
The perfectly lovely Chateau-de-Chenonceau includes a renaissance gallery across the river and gardens designed by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis
Chateau de Chenonceau guide
Chateau de Valencay
The renaissance style castle and formal gardens make the Chateau de Valencay among the most interesting in the Loire
Chateau de Valencay guide
Valencay
The castle is the main attraction in Valencay, but we also suggest a visit to the Museum de l'Automobile and a stroll along the river
Valencay guide
Domaine Royal de Château Gaillard
The Domaine Royal de Château Gaillard in Amboise is the first Renaissance manor house in France, newly restored and surrounded by lovely gardens
Domaine Royal de Château Gaillard guide
Amboise
Although it is the castle that attracts visitors to Amboise, you will also enjoy exploring the main square and old streets elsewhere in the small town
Amboise guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Indre-et-Loire
Tourist classifications for Montresor
Montresor is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Montrésor, Loches, Loire Valley, 37460, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.155, longitude 1.2037
Plan your visit to Montresor, Indre-et-Loire
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- ZooParc de Beauval: zoo or wildlife park (15 km)
- Loches: recommended detour (16 km)
- Parc et jardins du château de Chenonceau: remarkable garden (21 km)
- Veuil: ville fleurie 4* (25 km)
- Valencay: recommended detour (27 km)
- Amboise: secteur sauvegarde (34 km)
- Aquarium du Val-de-Loire: aquarium (34 km)
- Fougeres-sur-Bievre Chateau: national monument (34 km)
- Domaine régional de Chaumont-sur-Loire: remarkable garden (36 km)
- Jardin du château de Bouges: remarkable garden (38 km)
- Bouges-le-Chateau Castle: national monument (38 km)
- Parc et jardins du château de Valmer: remarkable garden (41 km)
The French version of this page is at Montresor (Francais)