Discovering Indre-et-Loire (Department 37)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, Indre-et-Loire (department 37) is one of France's most desirable places to live. Best known for its magnificent châteaux, vineyards, historic towns and beautiful countryside, it offers an excellent balance between rural tranquillity and modern convenience.
For English-speaking people considering moving to Indre-et-Loire, retiring, buying a second home or running a business, the department combines excellent transport links, a pleasant climate and a high quality of life. Unlike some more remote rural areas, it offers easy access to major cities while retaining a relaxed pace of life that attracts both French residents and international newcomers.
Whether you dream of vineyard views, vibrant market towns or peaceful villages surrounded by rolling countryside, Indre-et-Loire offers a wide range of lifestyles.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Centre-Val de Loire |
Historic name | Touraine |
Department number | 37 |
Department capital | Tours |
Largest towns | Tours, Joué-lès-Tours, Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Amboise, Chinon, Loches |
Population | Approximately 620,000 |
Area | 6,127 km² |
Climate | Mild oceanic with warm summers and relatively mild winters |
Best suited for | Retirees, families, professionals, remote workers, wine lovers and second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, although Tours has excellent public transport |
English-speaking community | Well established, particularly around Tours, Amboise and the Loire Valley |
Lifestyle summary | Historic, cultured, relaxed, well-connected and surrounded by vineyards and rivers |
Why Choose Indre-et-Loire?
Lifestyle
Life in Indre-et-Loire offers an attractive balance between city amenities and countryside living. Residents enjoy excellent healthcare, vibrant markets, cultural events and outdoor activities without the pressures of living in a major metropolitan area.
Many people choose the department because it combines modern infrastructure with traditional French charm.
Community
There is a growing international community, particularly around Tours and the Loire Valley. English-speaking residents can often find social clubs, language exchanges and community groups while still enjoying authentic French life.
Making an effort to learn French will greatly improve integration, particularly in smaller villages.
Scenery
Indre-et-Loire is famous for:
The Loire River
Vine-covered hills
Historic villages
Sunflower fields
Forests
Gentle countryside
River valleys
The landscapes change beautifully with the seasons.
Accessibility
One of the department's greatest strengths is its accessibility.
Around one hour by TGV from Paris
Good motorway network
Easy access to western France
Convenient connections to the Atlantic coast
Well positioned for travelling throughout France
Food
Touraine has an outstanding culinary reputation.
Local highlights include:
Loire wines
Goat's cheese
Fresh river fish
Mushrooms
Rillettes
Fresh fruit
Artisan breads
Seasonal produce
Weekly markets provide excellent opportunities to buy directly from local producers.
Culture
Culture is deeply rooted in everyday life.
The department is famous for:
Renaissance architecture
Royal history
Music festivals
Wine festivals
Art galleries
Historic towns
Literary heritage
Property
Property ranges from:
Elegant town apartments
Traditional stone cottages
Manor houses
Vineyard properties
Farmhouses
Modern family homes
Prices are generally higher than some neighbouring rural departments due to the area's popularity, but still compare favourably with many parts of the UK.
Pace of Life
Life moves at a comfortable pace.
Even in Tours, people enjoy café culture, outdoor dining and riverside walks. Smaller towns provide an even slower rhythm while remaining within easy reach of services.
Indre-et-Loire Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Explanation |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, beautiful surroundings, good services and relaxed lifestyle. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong schools, parks, sports facilities and family-friendly communities. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent transport links and year-round appeal. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Strong tourism, wine, hospitality and growing business opportunities. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent broadband and fast rail links to Paris. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cycling, walking, canoeing and nature are all easily accessible. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Tours provides excellent shopping, dining and entertainment without being overwhelming. |
Popular Places to Live
Tours
The department's capital combines historic architecture with a lively modern atmosphere.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Remote workers
Retirees wanting city amenities
Advantages
Excellent transport
Outstanding healthcare
Universities
Shopping
Restaurants
Cultural events
Things to consider
Property prices are among the highest in the department.
Amboise
A beautiful riverside town famous for its royal château and connections with Leonardo da Vinci.
Ideal for
Retirees
Second-home owners
Tourism businesses
Advantages
Historic centre
Strong visitor economy
Excellent scenery
Things to consider
Tourism increases significantly during summer.
Chinon
Known for its medieval streets, vineyards and impressive fortress.
Ideal for
Wine enthusiasts
Retirees
Rural lifestyle seekers
Advantages
Beautiful architecture
Excellent local wines
Friendly community
Things to consider
Employment opportunities are more limited.
Loches
A charming medieval town with an excellent reputation for quality of life.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Long-term residents
Advantages
Historic centre
Weekly markets
Good services
Things to consider
Car ownership is beneficial.
Montlouis-sur-Loire
Situated between Tours and Amboise, surrounded by vineyards.
Ideal for
Wine lovers
Commuters
Families
Advantages
Peaceful
Excellent wines
Easy access to Tours
Things to consider
Limited nightlife.
Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine
A welcoming market town famous for its goat's cheese.
Ideal for
Families
Rural retirees
Advantages
Affordable property
Good local amenities
Strong community
Things to consider
Limited public transport.
Langeais
A picturesque Loire town centred around its famous château.
Ideal for
Second-home owners
Retirees
Advantages
Attractive setting
Railway station
Historic atmosphere
Things to consider
Busy during peak tourist season.
Cost of Living
Compared with many popular areas of western Europe, living in Indre-et-Loire offers good value while maintaining a high standard of services.
Property affordability
Property prices vary considerably.
Tours commands premium prices.
Villages and smaller towns often provide much better value.
Renovation projects remain available throughout rural areas.
Shopping
Residents benefit from:
Large supermarkets
Independent food shops
Farmers' markets
Garden centres
Retail parks
Fresh local produce is widely available.
Utilities
Utility costs are broadly in line with national averages and depend largely on the age and energy efficiency of the property.
Eating out
Dining ranges from affordable cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants. Good-value lunch menus are widely available.
General value for money
The department provides excellent overall value considering its transport links, healthcare, cultural attractions and quality of life.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is one of Indre-et-Loire's strengths.
Main hospitals include:
Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) Tours
Hospitals in Chinon
Amboise
Loches
Residents have access to:
General practitioners
Specialists
Dental services
Physiotherapists
Pharmacies
Emergency care
Finding a GP can take time in some rural areas, although healthcare access remains generally good compared with many rural departments.
Education
Families moving to Indre-et-Loire benefit from a wide educational network.
Available options include:
State primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges
Vocational colleges
Universities
Tours is home to a respected university offering a wide range of courses.
International schools are limited within the department itself, although bilingual education options continue to expand.
French language schools are available for adults wishing to improve their language skills.
Getting Around
Airports
Nearby airports include:
Tours Val de Loire Airport
Paris airports via TGV
Nantes Airport
Poitiers Airport
Rail
Tours is one of France's major rail hubs.
High-speed trains connect directly with:
Paris
Bordeaux
Nantes
Lyon
Lille
Regional trains serve many towns throughout the department.
Roads
Major routes include:
A10
A28
A85
Driving around the department is straightforward.
Public Transport
Tours offers:
Tram network
Bus services
Cycling infrastructure
Outside urban areas, services become less frequent.
Is a Car Recommended?
Yes.
Although city residents can often manage without one, a car offers much greater flexibility for exploring villages and accessing rural services.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Tours | Wednesday & Sunday |
Amboise | Friday & Sunday |
Chinon | Thursday |
Loches | Wednesday & Saturday |
Langeais | Sunday |
Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine | Friday |
Montlouis-sur-Loire | Thursday |
Joué-lès-Tours | Friday |
Local Food & Drink
Indre-et-Loire is renowned for its gastronomy.
Local specialities include:
Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat's cheese
Rillettes de Tours
Loire pike and perch
Mushrooms
Asparagus
Pears
Apples
Artisan breads
Wine lovers will enjoy:
Vouvray
Chinon
Bourgueil
Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
Montlouis-sur-Loire
Local markets showcase seasonal produce throughout the year.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of activities for residents.
Historic sites
Château de Chenonceau
Château d'Amboise
Château de Langeais
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Royal Fortress of Chinon
Outdoor activities
Loire cycling routes
Walking trails
Canoeing
Fishing
Horse riding
Golf
Museums
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours
Clos Lucé
Wine museums
Local history museums
Festivals
Wine festivals
Music festivals
Christmas markets
Food fairs
Medieval celebrations
Nature
Loire Valley landscapes
Regional nature areas
Vineyards
River walks
Forests
Family attractions
Zoos nearby
Adventure parks
Boat trips
Cycling trails
Historic castles designed for family visits
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
While English is spoken in some tourist areas, everyday life is conducted in French. Learning the language will make settling in much easier.
Rural living
Village life is welcoming but quieter than many newcomers expect. Some services may require travelling by car.
Internet
Most towns have excellent broadband, with fibre continuing to expand into rural communities.
Seasonal tourism
Popular Loire Valley destinations become noticeably busier between late spring and early autumn.
Climate
Expect warm summers, colourful autumns, relatively mild winters and pleasant springs.
Community life
Local associations, sports clubs, markets and festivals provide excellent opportunities to meet neighbours and become part of the community.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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