Top Things to do in Loire Valley
Things to do in Loire Valley, Centre-Val de Loire: The Best Museums
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. Domaine Les Lutinieres
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
I am the 15th generation of traditional french wine-grower and you can taste my wines and visit my fresh dug-cave during the opening hours. I also receive groups on request.
2. Vitrail & co
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Vitrail & Co vous souhaite la bienvenue dans son "uni-verre". Venez découvrir cet atelier de création et de restauration de vitraux unique en son genre.
3. Musee Campanaire Bollee
4. Le Chateau du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,037 reviews
At the invitation of Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci came to live at the Château du Clos Lucé and stayed here for the last three years of his life, devoting himself to perfecting his inventions. Leonardo was prolific and inspired, working as an engineer, architect and theatrical director, organising lavish festivities for the Court. At his residence 300 metres from the Château Royal, he drew up plans for a model château for Francis I in Romorantin and designed the double-helix open staircase in the Château de Chambord.The Château du Clos Lucé is dedicated to showing and explaining to the public the great knowledge acquired by the Italian Maestro.
Reviewed By 76marab - Green Mountain, United States
This wonderful look at the life and accomplishments of Leonardo Da Vinci as seen through a day in the life at his home (for the last three years of his life) Clos du Lucé is so lifelike it feels like he might be back for lunch. Period music is playing, his writing, experiments and painting supplies are all strewn about and admits to it all are little vignettes telling you more about his inventions and life. Many miniature models exists of his prototypes and as an added bonus, there are animated videos showing via computer graphics how some of the larger scale ones would have or did work. Life size models on campus as well. Great fun for all ages. Restaurant and gif5 shop on site at this park like setting.
5. Musee des Blindes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,336 reviews
Reviewed By ianj776 - Usk, United Kingdom
Situated near Saumur in the Loire Valley is this superb display of armoured fighting vehicles, some in full working order including the formidable Tiger 2. there are some 300 vehicles on display -all under cover, well presented and maintained.
6. Le Cadre Noir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,140 reviews
Reviewed By 959billm - Berwick upon Tweed, United Kingdom
We had a fantastic look around last week - a really knowledgeable guide who spoke excellent English and took a great deal of time to discuss horses with my granddaughter who is a very proficient and experienced dressage rider It's a absolute must place to visit if you are in the area even if you are not a Horsey person
7. Musee du Compagnonnage
8. Pierre et Lumiere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
Unique in its kind, Pierre et Lumière is an underground route where you can admire impressive sculptures representing the monuments and heritage of the Loire Valley. Hundreds of tons of stone were cut, cut and chiselled to the smallest detail. Nearly 3 years of work have been required to realize the sumptuous sculptures of castles, towns, villages and churches of our region, often carried out in low relief from the rock. A subtle luminous staging reveals the beauty of volumes and details. Lighting evolves, turns, changes colour to sublime every facet of the work. At the end of the visit, an unforgettable experience for children! A tuffeau stone, tools and wise advice. Here they are ready to create a memory that will remain etched in the stone and in their hearts.
Reviewed By theresar206 - Le Pontet, France
we found this place quite interesting as it allows you to see many towns, cities in one spot - sculpted with great refinement - truly a must see - buy the 2 or 3 museum pass as it is more interesting
9. Maurice Dufresne Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
A journey full of fun and surprises through a whole era of mechanization of French rural areas and industrialization of France: first cars and tractors, bikes & motorbikes, engines & steam machines, airplanes & locomotives, agricultural & military machines, weaving loom, guillotine and lots of other remarkable items. Following the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, it’s mechanical, industrial & human ingenuity of the 19th and 20thcentury which is exhibited here! The evolution of the agricultural world and modes of transport, the Industrial Revolution, the Second World War: these are some of the biggest themes showcased in museum Maurice Dufresne. An incredible journey through time, contributing to family stories, bringing back memories and evoking great emotions. A visit to the museum will surely animate conversations of elderly people as well as the youngest, men as well as women, even long a er your visit.
10. Musee de la Cavalerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Shodby - Mackay, Australia
I heard about the the French Cavalry museum by reading one of General Pattons Biographies. After WW1 he toured France and made stop in Saumur to visit the Cavalry School. Reading this I new I had to go. The Museum had so many artefacts. The attendant was a member of the military and seeing my interest, despite a slight language barrier was more than happy to answer my questions. He showed my a pair of riding boots and a helmet donated by General Patton himself!
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