Reputedly this is the most attractive part of the Loire Valley, and benefits from a milder, drier climate than the north of the region. A little way south of the more well known 'chateau-belt' of the Loire Valley, the Indre department has some important and fascinating highlights to be discovered, and some diverse landscapes.

It proudly boasts over 80 churches and 100 castles, nestled between green hills and open countryside The area is mainly unspoiled by tourism or industry, and to date has been largely untouched by expatriate buyers looking to invest in a holiday home or more permanent property.

To the north of the department visit Valencay and the impressive 16th century Chateau de Valencay, one of the finest chateau in the Loire.

The Brenne Natural Regional Park, around the town of Le Blanc and numerous smaller villages, falls largely in the Indre, and offers a diverse natural environment to a wide range of fauna and flora - above all birds. The Brenne has more than a thousand small lakes, and extensive marshland regions, as well as extensive open areas and forested regions.

A couple of most beautiful villages are also found in the department - Saint-Benoit-du-Sault and Gargilesse-Dampierre - best known for the frescoes in the church, and for a small house that belonged to author George Orwell.

To the south of Indre visit also the old town centre at Argenton-sur-Creuse, then head to Eguzon Lake, where a large range of leisure activities and beaches are found.

The formidable 12th century Chateau Guillame is also in the south-west, at Lignac, while in the south-east be sure to visit pretty La Chatre and Sainte-Severe.