City: Centre-Val de Loire
Top Things to do in Centre-Val de Loire
What to do and see in Centre-Val de Loire, France: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Centre-Val de Loire (French pronunciation: [sɑ̃tʁ val də lwaʁ], "Centre-Loire Valley") is one of the 18 administrative regions of France. It straddles the middle Loire Valley in the interior of the country. The administrative capital is Orléans, but the largest city is Tours.
Restaurants in Centre-Val de Loire
1. Canopee
2. La Paillote
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
La Paillote Open air cultural center with proposals for restoration and relaxation A place for collective experimentation and unforeseen events.
3. 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.
4. Rue Royale
5. Chateau de Chambord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,668 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 430fredg - Milton, Canada
Our group of travellers from Canada visited this incredible chateau on our recent tour of the Loire Valley. The Chateau de Chambord, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance, is famous for its double-story staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The chateau is linked with its natural forest surroundings and its 5440 hectares, while the Domaine is the largest walled estate in Europe, thirty-two km of walls. The staircase involves two spiral stairs that turn in the same direction but never meet. It took between twenty and thirty years to finish the construction of the chateau-eighteen hundred people worked at building it. There are 282 chimneys, 77 staircases and 32 apartments for friends of the king Francois the first, and his court. Although king Francis was responsible for creating the concept of Chambord Chateau, he himself only spent 72 days in it, and the building was eventually completed by King Louis IV. Use the headsets provided, as there is a historical treasure trove in the numerous rooms. Also walk around the gardens, they are very colourful and visually stunning.
6. Royal City of Loches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
In the royal city, you can visit the dungeons and a royal lodge.
Reviewed By NeedToSeeItAll - Perth, Australia
It always surprises me how little attention Loches gets in terms of Loire Valley advertising on the international tourism scene, it is a truly magical medieval city that is beautiful, has some amazing history, and wonderful people. It is true that it does take a little digging to get all of the amazing details (I wish that there was a bit more organisation from the tourism team in terms of bringing the history to life) but really a great city.
7. Parc Floral d'Apremont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Enter into the magic of this garden and let yourself be charmed by the colored and scented festival of the many varieties and species of trees, plants and flowers from all over the world. Your fairytale walk will be punctuated by waterfalls, buildings and invitations to travel and to discover the talent of its fanciful designer, the great traveller and nature lover, Gilles de Brissac. The Park has been awarded the "Jardin Remarquable" label by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.
8. Chateau de l'Islette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,080 reviews
Reviewed By GerMar60
We had a free guided tour of this château (in French) which was absolutely fascinating. The château has a very homely feel because the owners live there for 7 months of the year and just vacate it for the summer to allow visits to take place (the family moves to a farmhouse on the estate). After the guided tour, we were given free rein to explore both the château and the grounds.
9. Chateau de Meung sur Loire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
At the gates of Chambord, from the sophistication of its drawing rooms to its unsettling underground passages, you will be astonished while discovering this private chateau and the illustrious figures who have stayed there.
Reviewed By Beto79 - Lille, France
This was one of the highlights of our recent trip to the Loret region. The castle is very well preserved; the interior of the castle is beautiful and it has many old furniture; well-signalled (at least for French speakers) and the surroundings are quite nice to spend the day. Consider to visit the place on Sunday; so you can also see the local market. The gift shop has nice products from the region. Plan well; although it is relatively close to Orleans, the frequency of trains is a little bit sparse.
10. Le Jardin de l'Archeveche
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