Top Things to do in Loire Valley
10 Free Things to do in Loire Valley That You Shouldn't Miss
Old world villages and storybook chateaux bedeck the Loire, once fought over by Gauls, Romans, Visigoths and even Attila the Hun. Rent bikes and roll through the lush valley, visiting fortresses in Amboise and Angers, UNESCO-designated Chartres Cathedral and the Gothic cathedral in Nantes. Musee Jules Vernes houses replicas of inventions designed by the futuristic author. Pay respects to other former residents: the Romans in Tours, the cave dwellers of Touraine, and the liberator of Orleans, Joan of Arc.
Restaurants in Loire Valley
1. Cathedrale Saint-Gatien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,090 reviews
Reviewed By 590JackK - Lebanon, United States
While there are many sites to behold in the city of Tours, be sure to visit this cathedral. It took four hundred years to build, and was listed as an historic monument in 1862. Everything about it is astonishing to see, from the portals of the facade to the stained glass windows. The two towers each hold something significant in them: the north the royal stairs; the south the cathedral's bells. Aside from other Parisian-style gothic architecture, there are also the tombs of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's children, all in the south chapel. There are plentiful cathedrals to visit when visiting this region; I'd make this one of them.
2. Hotel Groslot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Reviewed By Tanmouss - Oslo, Norway
Its charm comes from the bricks on the facade, the woodwork inside and particularly the painted ceilings and walls. Some precious furniture to be seen as well. The visit is free of charge and takes a few minutes.
3. Cathedrale Ste-Croix
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,703 reviews
Reviewed By LiamBateman - Greater London, United Kingdom
This is an amazing cathedral and very interesting to visit. Plus during the summer check out the amazing light and sound show at night.
4. Chateau de l'Aulee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Winerie to be visited: cellar, wine-making, tasting, walk in the vineyard... come and discover who we are. You will taste all colors of Loire Valley: dry white, sweet white, rosé, red and of course our famous sparkling Crémant de Loire and Touraine. Open 10 am - 7 pm, 7/7
5. Jardin Botanique de Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 542 reviews
Depuis 1843, le jardin botanique est un lieu de promenade incontournable, rempli de charme et de souvenirs. D'un côté, on découvre un espace dédié à la botanique avec ses serres de collection Biodivers présentant des plantes exotiques (plantes utilitaires, sous-bois tropicaux, flore d'Afrique du Sud) ainsi que des jardins à thèmes (jardin d'inspiration japonaise, jardin de l'évolution, jardin des plantes vivaces, etc.) et de l'autre un espace ludique avec les jeux et les espaces animaliers au milieu des arbres remarquables de l'arboretum. 2 espaces complètent ce jardin : - au nord, le jardin des 2 mondes structure l'espace autour des végétaux aux formes élaborées répartis à l'est avec les plantes asiatiques et à l'ouest avec les végétaux américains. - au sud, un jardin des plantes médicinales accueille les plantes qui sont toujours utilisées dans la pharmacopée européenne.
Reviewed By ScotsTravels - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Walked round on Thursday 8 May, weather was mixed with a light shower, but generally dry with some Sunshine. A lovely mixed garden with lots of wildlife especially Ducks & Pink Flamingos. Bits of colour through the garden but not as colourful as the Prébendes d'Oé Garden. Excellent water features for the wildlife and plenty of amazing trees ... all shapes and sizes , well balanced with flower beds. Overall great place to visit and spend a couple of hours. Have fun!
6. Jardins des Prebendes d'Oe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Jardins des Prebendes d'Oe is a wonderful place where you can find some peace and quiet. It's also good for a picnic, a walk, a run, a jog or just a lie down. We did not intend visiting it but came across it by chance and just walked through. There are some lovely landscaped gardens, beautiful plants and nice trees, as well as water features and areas for children to play.
7. Basilique Saint Martin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Basilique Saint Martin has a very long history. The site dates back to the fifth century, when the first church was built. However the present building was constructed around 1900. It is a lovely church in a beautiful architectural style. Worth a visit.
8. Hotel de Ville de Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
Reviewed By antoniowinter - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Contrary to what it appears, the city hall is located here and not a hotel. It is the most beautiful city hall I have ever known!
9. Office de tourisme Saumur Val de Loire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By 2Shalin
The tourist office is a great place to start, and often you can get tickets without waiting the intermidable queues of people waiting to buy tickets at events and places you visit. When it gets hot, this is important! Really helpful, good on languages, cool and never too busy - which seems strange. In Saumur 'le petit train' goes from the tourist info office, and is a good way to see Saumur in brief, and choose places you might like to visit - and others you may wish to avoid! Recommend the little train!
10. Office de Tourisme Azay-Chinon Val de Loire, bureau d'accueil de Chinon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By Babsstockport - Stockport, United Kingdom
This office is much better situated and much better equipped than the old office which was in the back streets. The staff are very helpful and there is a good level of information and souvenirs in the shop. It is well situated in the main area and well worth a visit if you requre information.
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