A Town of Art and History, Vendôme in the department of Loir-et-Cher enchants visitors with its tranquil atmosphere and verdant surroundings. The Loir runs through it, and you need only cross one of the bridges to come and go between the two sides of the town. Along the way, notice the pretty riverside houses.
Vendôme has several buildings that are a big part of its charm. There are the old half-timbered houses on Place Saint-Martin, the Trinity Abbey, a remarkable religious monument with its Flamboyant façade, Romanesque bell tower and 16th-century wooden stalls, the Baltard-style covered market and the former Oratorian college where Honoré de Balzac studied.
Lined with shops, Rue du Change is perfect for strolling, as is Ronsard Park on the banks of the Loir. The footbridge and washhouse give this peaceful and shady place a romantic air. Overlooking the town, the park around the feudal castle of the Bourbon-Vendômes offers a stunning view of the historic centre!
If you are interested, the town offers two visitor circuits with explanation stands and signs to point you in the right direction. In summer, don't miss the chance to take a little trip on the Loir, for a pleasant boat ride that will show you the town from another angle.
