Welcome reception
A Wine and Cheese welcome reception will be held on September 14, 2025 (Sunday), from 6 to 8 pm, at the Tours Convention Center (salons Agnès Sorel, level N+2). All participants are invited to join for local drinks and appetizers, and for networking.
gala dinner
A gala dinner is included in the registration fees. It will be held on September 18, 2025, at the Grange de Meslay, a medieval barn of the XIIIth century.
Excursion
On Wednesday 17 September, a guided tour of the Chenonceau castle will be organized upon registration, additionally to the one required to participate to the conference.
A true masterpiece of the French Renaissance architecture, the castle was built during the 16th century, right in the Cher riverbed. You’ll discover the guards’ hall, the chapel, a magnificent 60m-long gallery over the Cher and a series of bedrooms of famous historical characters, among which: François I (King of France from 1515 to 1547), Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici (royal mistress and wife of Henri II, King of France from 1547 to 1559), Gabrielle d’Estrées (mistress of Henri IV, King of France from 1589 to 1610), and Louise of Lorraine (French noblewoman of the 18th century). The kitchens, located within the two pillars of the castle anchored in the Cher riverbed, reveal the art and ingenuity of the Renaissance builders. You’ll also explore the Gallery of the Domes (serving as military hspital during World War I) and the Carriage Gallery. A walk through the French-style gardens and the Flower Garden will pleasantly round off your visit.
Please have a look to the Google Arts&Culture dedicated webpage!
The excursion will continue with a guided tour of a winery in the heart of the Vouvray or Rochecorbon vineyards. A wine tasting session, including cheese and charcuterie board, will help appreciating the local products.
The excursion is organized by the tourist office for Tours and the Loire Valley; registration must be done independently of the conference registration, through the Registration page.