Touraine, Historical province in Loire Valley, France
Touraine is a historical province in the Loire Valley in France, whose territory now spreads across several modern departments. The land lies between rivers and gentle hills, with wide fields, vineyards and forests reaching down to the riverbanks.
The region was fought over by French and English royal houses during the 12th century. The French crown incorporated it as a duchy in 1205 and made Tours an important royal residence.
The name comes from the Turones, a Celtic tribe who lived here before Roman conquest. Local people today speak French with a particularly clear pronunciation that is often considered the purest accent in the country.
The capital Tours sits centrally and offers access to the surrounding castles and towns of the region. Many visitors rent bicycles to explore the quiet country roads between vineyards and villages.
The region remained a nearly independent county until 1738 with its own governing powers. The counts could collect taxes and call assemblies here without seeking royal approval from Paris.
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