Top 10 Architectural Buildings in Centre-Val de Loire, France

The “Grant’Maison” of Jacques Cœur, financier to king Charles VII, was built in the mid-15th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic civic architecture in France. The relatively unadorned western facade, built on the Gallo-Roman town walls, contrasts starkly with the richly decorated eastern facade overlooking the street. The Palais Jacques Cœur is a fine example of the Flamboyant style of the late Middle Ages and its attention to the comfort of the inhabitants prefigures the great residences of the Renaissance. Open: > 2nd May to 30th June: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. > 1st July to 31st August: from 9.45 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st to 30th April and 1st to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

At the end of a long tree lined allée, come and explore a family castle with a royal past. The kings Louis XI and XIII loved to come to hunt at the estate. Hunting here is till a living tradition. The castle (16th-18th century) has been inhabited by the same family since 1728. From the kitchen with its impressive copper utensils to sumptuous decorated staterooms with an exceptional suite of tapestries from the 17th, the visit of Champchevrier is an unforgettable outing between refined elegance and nature.

Built in the Italian style during the reign of Louis XV, the Chateau contains furniture of exceptional quality, a large collection of objets d’art, gardens with trimmed box trees, a park of 80 hectares, former stables, a harness room and a museum of horse-drawn carriages. Site with the "Outstanding Garden" label. Open: > In April, May, June, September and October (everyday except on Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > In July and in August (everyday) from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. > In March and in November on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed: > From December to February, except for groups. > 1st May. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups