Touraine facts for kids

Touraine is a historic region in France. It used to be one of the country's traditional provinces. The main city and capital of Touraine was Tours. In 1790, France changed how it was organized. Instead of provinces, it was divided into smaller areas called departments. Touraine was split into parts of three new departments: Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, and Indre.

Exploring Touraine's Geography

Touraine is a region filled with many rivers. The famous Loire flows through it. Other important rivers, like the Cher, the Indre, and the Vienne, also run through the area. All these rivers are part of the larger Paris river system.

This region is also very famous for its delicious wine. Many vineyards can be found here.

Getting around Touraine is easy. The TGV, which is France's high-speed train, connects Tours directly to Paris. The journey takes less than an hour! Because of this fast connection, many people who work in Paris choose to live in Touraine. They enjoy a quieter life away from the big city.

Touraine's Rich History

Touraine gets its name from an ancient Celtic tribe called the Turones. These people lived in the Tours area about 2,000 years ago.

Control and Kings

In 1044, the region of Touraine came under the control of the counts of Anjou. This same powerful family later became kings of England in 1154. They were known as the House of Plantagenet. Their main strong base in Touraine was the impressive Chinon castle.

However, in 1205, a French king named Philip II Augustus took Touraine back. At this time, Touraine was made into a special area called a Duchy. This meant it was ruled by a duke or duchess.

Joan of Arc and Royal Homes

A very important event happened in 1429. Saint Joan of Arc had a famous meeting with the future King of France, Charles VII, at Chinon castle.

During the late 1400s and 1500s, Touraine became a favorite place for French kings to live. Many of the old castles were updated into beautiful Renaissance-style homes. Because of these lovely castles and gardens, the region was often called "The Garden of France." Today, these same castles are very popular tourist spots.

In 1584, the royal duchy of Touraine became a province. Then, in 1790, it was divided into the smaller departments we know today.

Famous People Connected to Touraine

Many well-known people have lived in or been connected to Touraine.

• René Descartes: A famous French philosopher and mathematician.
• Honoré de Balzac: A very important French novelist.
• Leonardo da Vinci: The famous artist and inventor from Italy. He spent his last years in Amboise, Touraine, and died there in 1519.
• Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas: A Scottish leader who was also the Duke of Touraine. He led the Scottish army in France during the Hundred Years' War.

See also

In Spanish: Turena para niños