Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire

Previously a monastery, LE PORTAIL is an old estate where viticulture has been practised for centuries. Our estate is also located in close proximity to the famous Chateau de Cheverny. Come and discover white, rose and red Cheverny wines. Don't forget Cour-Cheverny.

Come and discover the first private home to open its doors to the public in 1922. You will appreciate the splendour and delight of real life in a castle. The owners invite you to discover this fantastic and vivid heritage: from the botanical park to the magnificent interior of the Château; the hunting dog kennels to Tintin's exhibition and the gardens through to the forest. The Château displays a wonderful range of furniture and interior decoration, all of which are remarkably well preserved. The private apartments on the first floor convey the French ‘art de vivre’ Many treasures can be found at Cheverny like a 17th century Gobelin tapestry for example, on display in the Arms room or the Louis XIV chest of drawers in the Boulle style. And you may even spend the night in one of our modern flats with top of the range furniture !

Although built at the same time of the great castles in the Loire valley, Talcy remains untouched by the popular Italian style and its love of decoration. The wells, outhouses including press and dovecote and the garden all emphasize the rural nature of the estate. The castle has retained its interior decoration and furniture from the 18th century. Site with the "Outstanding Garden" label. Open: > 2nd May to 4th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 5th September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > Tuesdays from 1st October to 31st March. > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; 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

Aux portes du Val de Loire, le château royal de Blois présente un véritable panorama de l'art et de l'histoire des châteaux de la Loire, ce qui en fait la meilleure introduction à leur visite par sa richesse architecturale. Autour de la cour, dominée par le monumental escalier François Ier, se déploie un florilège de quatre styles de l'architecture française, le style gothique avec la salle des Etats généraux, les prémices de l'influence italienne avec l'aile Louis XII, Renaissance dans l'aile François Ier et enfin classique avec l'aile bâtie par Mansart pour le duc d'Orléans. Résidence de sept rois et de dix reines de France, le château royal est le lieu évocateur du pouvoir et de la vie quotidienne de la cour à la Renaissance, comme en témoignent les appartements royaux, meublés et ornés de magnifiques décors polychromes.

Lovingly surrounded by nature, the troglodyte site of la Magnanerie de Bourré will amaze visitors longing for a different experience. Overlooking the Cher valley, this true paradise will leave no one untouched. Come and feel the serenity of a world made of galleries secretly hidden within a sunny hillside. Oh yes, some people are lucky enough to live there ... and it will be their pleasure to show you around : the old "tuffeau" galleries (where the Loire castles stones were quarried), the 17th century silkworm farm (learn all about silk production in the region and the rearing of silkworms) and the traditional cave dwellings (hear about everyday life inside the rock).Access to the site is by guided tour only. The hour-long visit is fun, educational and guided by one of the inhabitants. So, if you wonder why and how people still live "in there" nowadays : feel free to ask. Your host will be more than happy to explain. The tours can be offered both in French and English

Chambord is the emblem of the French Renaissance through Europe and the world. The Domain of Chambord is made up of the château, a village, farms and a wooded area. The domain of Chambord is completely enclosed within a wall, all 5,440 hectares of it. That’s the equivalent of the city of Paris! It is the largest enclosed forest in Europe. The entire site has been the property of the state since 1930; when the public estate was created, article 230 of the law dated 23 February 2005 stated that the possessions making up the domain were given over to it without restriction or exceptions.

A small fortified castle built in the second half of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th, Fougères with its machicolated entrance curtain and keep, is the perfect example of the art of rural buildings. All rooms in the château are opened to visitors in addition to the attics medieval garden. The castle's roofs are open for visits. Open: > 8th May to 10th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 11th September to 7th May: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed: > Tuesdays from 11th September to 7th May. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; 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