Built in Gallo-Roman times, upon a hill, crisscrossed by the river Loir, Vendôme became a Duchy in 1515 by the will of Francis I .Antoine of Bourbon first Duke of Vendôme was to be the father of the future king of France: Henry IV, who started the Royal Bourbon dinasty. The present King of Spain is related to this family. Nowadays a town of 25 000 inhabitants, Vendôme has done well to maintain its historical gardens and architecture.Take a Rowboat on the river Loir, or use a horse driven carriage to discover at a quiet pace a most beautiful town. During the summer season, free enjoyable open air concerts take place in the cloister of the Trinity Abbey.
Dining room (enlarge)