Top Things to do in Loire Valley
What to do and see in Loire Valley, Centre-Val de Loire: The Best Nature & Parks
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. Parc de la Perraudiere
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
2. Chateau de Villandry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,717 reviews
A monumental countryside villa surrounded by world-famous gardens, organized in the classic French Renaissance style.
Reviewed By jackychina2015 - Belfast, United Kingdom
I’ve always wanted to see Villandry and I wasn’t disappointed. We didn’t bother with the Chateau just wallowed in the world-famous gardens. They are huge yet intimate because they are divided into rooms and sections. The planting is masterful, the plants are immaculate and the whole visit was an experience. There is a suggested route which we ignored and regretted as we did it afterwards and it makes more sense. Lovely little garden shop selling plants and garden-related goodies. There is a crêperie just outside but we left our car in the (free) car park and had lunch on one of the many restaurants in the little village. It’s just a couple of minutes away on foot. Loved every minute.
3. Loire a Velo Cycle Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
4. Chateau du Rivau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 757 reviews
Castle and Fairytale Gardens Le Rivau was constructed in the 15 century by Pierre de Beauvau, Great Chamberlain of Charles the 7th. It is also renown for having been visited by Joan of Arc on her way to Orleans to get some horses. This medieval private castle is animated by more than 380 art-objects. In the royal stables, an exhibit on Francis the First last king-knight is shown. Gem among the Loire Valley, Rivau Gardens are labbled 'Remarquable Gardens'. All around the year, discover our amazing flower collections of bulbs, iris, peonies, roses, lavender, dahlias, ornemental grasses and vegetables. Rivau gardens are Conservatory of Fragrant Roses and Conservatory of Vegetables that are used in our restaurant. The castle and gardens are suitable for the whole family, adults will be interested in botanic, history and contemporary art and kids will be transported in a fairytale like environnement.
Reviewed By stefanc106 - Limoges, France
Refreshingly different with fairytale themed gardens and modern art in the castle. Lovely restaurant with local produce, put it on your list.
5. Le Jardin des Kangourous
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By bigstuw - Thorpe Bay, United Kingdom
For just EUR6, you get a tub of stale bread and the chance to spend an afternoon with over 150 kangaroos and wallabies. The park is very well laid out, with paths for the humans to stick to and the rest of the space left for the animals. All the animals are very well cared for and have plenty of space both in the sun and the shade. If they want some bread they happily hop over to you and take it so gently. It reminded us of the day we spent in Australia Zoo way back in 2006. Overall a wonderful experience, and completely unexpected in the Loire!
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. Gadawi Park
9. Les Jardins de Roquelin
10. Chateau Gaillard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 601 reviews
The Royal Estate of Chateau Gaillard is a 15 hectares paradise of greenery located in the heart of the city of Amboise. It is the forgotten Paradise of the Renaissance in Touraine. On his return from Italy in 1496, young King Charles VIII fell in love with Italian cities and palaces and decided to recreate a "Paradise on Earth" at Chateau Gaillard in Amboise. In order to fulfill this dream, he convinced 22 Italian artists to come back with him to Amboise. Dom Pacello, the most famous gardener in 1500, was also part of the team. He planted the first gardens of the French Renaissance at Chateau Gaillard and acclimated the first orange trees in France. After 5 years of intensive restoration carried out by 50 artisans and craftsmen from the Loire Valley the castle is now open to the public. (Free Car Park 99 avenue Leonard de Vinci)
Reviewed By DAJ2908
A lovely secluded chateau beautifully restored by the current owner, a room is dedicated to the restoration- a labour of love. You can bring a picnic and sit in the garden on the deck chairs looking at the chateau. You can wander in the forest, check out their vegetable garden, we took some good ideas from this visit. At the end of the visit you can drink a delicious freshly squeezed orange juice with a lovely moist orange cake. To top it off, if you are a dog lover you could get to meet Max, the beautiful black resident Labrador, a big strong lad, but very obedient. The staff were first class and the owner charming.
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