Summary
There is no ambiguity surrounding the popularity of Centre-Val de Loire among travelers. First and foremost, the region boasts breathtaking landscapes, characterized by vineyards that gently descend to the banks of its expansive and legendary river.
Moreover, the rich heritage is significant, as the Loire Valley served as a favored retreat for France’s Renaissance monarchs, who commissioned the opulent palaces for which the region is renowned.
This article contains a wealth of historical information, making it easier to denote the few monuments not classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Let us explore the premier attractions in Centre-Val de Loire:
1. Chartres Cathedral
This UNESCO-listed monument is recognized as one of the most exquisite Gothic cathedrals globally, retaining nearly all of its 13th-century architecture.
The multitude of sights to behold, both inside and out, is nearly unimaginable, from the flying buttresses and striking Gothic tower to its stained glass windows and grand facades, which feature more sculptures than any other cathedral worldwide, alongside remarkable smaller attractions such as the labyrinth, ornate monumental screen surrounding the choir stalls, and the Sancta Camisa.
This relic is claimed to be the silk veil worn by Mary during the birth of Jesus, drawing pilgrims from across the globe.
During summer evenings, the cathedral’s facades are illuminated with vibrant colors for the unmissable Chartres Light Show.
2. Château de Chambord
As the largest of the Loire Valley’s many châteaux, Chambord is an emblematic French landmark, easily recognized for its cluster of chimneys, cupolas, and towers.
Constructed in the early 16th century as a royal hunting lodge for King Francis I, its stunning Renaissance design and remarkable scale served as a subtle symbol of French royal authority.
The immense château continues to astonish with its grandeur: it encompasses 440 rooms, 84 staircases, and the total length of its four facades measures 128 meters.
Among the many interior marvels is the central double spiral staircase that commands attention.
The grounds are similarly expansive, enclosed by a fence extending more than 30 kilometers and still hosting large herds of red deer.
3. Château de Chenonceau
This iconic Gothic and Renaissance palace is perched on an arched bridge over the River Cher, and is one of the most photographed sights in France.
Throughout its history, many of France’s most significant women resided here.
During the 16th century, Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henry II, played a crucial role in the royal court at the time.
Following her, Catherine de’ Medici, Henry II’s wife, displaced Diane upon Henry’s death and implemented the updates observable today.
In the 18th century, Louise Dupin hosted a literary salon at the palace, where Enlightenment figures like Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Fontenelle gathered.
The interiors and gardens are splendid, particularly in the grand gallery that spans the river, where you can find exhibitions detailing the chateau’s rich and fascinating history.
4. Château de Blois
In contrast to most other palaces in the Loire Valley, the Château de Blois is situated in an urban setting and comprises several distinct buildings dating back to between the 1200s and 1600s.
However, similar to Chambord, it is an expansive complex featuring over 560 rooms and 75 stairways, the most spectacular being the Renaissance-style exterior spiral staircase on the Francis I wing.
The château became a royal residence in the late 1400s during Louis XII’s reign; it was here that Joan of Arc received a blessing from the Archbishop of Reims before embarking on her quest to lift the Siege of Orléans in 1429. Visitors can tour the chambers of King Henry IV as well as the “chamber of secrets” adorned with finely carved and gilded cabinets.
5. Château de Villandry
More than any other chateau mentioned thus far, the UNESCO-listed Villandry is renowned for its splendid gardens.
Visitors can explore six distinct terraces, including a formal ornamental garden adorned with tall boxwood hedges, a tranquil water garden, a recently landscaped sun garden, a hedge maze, a medieval garden, and perhaps most impressively, a decorative kitchen garden.
This vegetable garden is meticulously arranged in neat geometric plots, characteristic of the French style, and is protected by the château’s 12th-century keep.
The remaining structure showcases Renaissance architecture, warranting a tour for its unexpected neo-Mudéjar influences left by the turn-of-the-century Spanish owner Joachim Carvallo.
6. Bourges Cathedral
Another magnificent Gothic church in France, Bourges Cathedral was completed swiftly, within just 35 years up to 1230. It was conceptualized as an undeniable testament to French royal power in opposition to the Plantagenet-controlled regions in the south-west.
For those familiar with cathedrals, it is noteworthy that it was constructed without a transept (the section that forms the arms of a cross on the floor plan). Like Chartres, visitors will encounter numerous captivating features.
Look out for the sculptures in the tympanum on the west facade and the stained glass windows in the ambulatory, dating back to 1215. Be sure to bring your camera for photographs from the top of the North Tower—just be prepared for the spiral stairway with its 396 steps!
7. Château d’Amboise
Perched atop a spur overlooking the Loire, this royal palace provides breathtaking views of the river from its manicured gardens, particularly at sunset.
For just over a century, beginning in 1434, it was a favored residence of French monarchs, with Francis I, who later acquired the Mona Lisa for France, being raised in these structures during the early 16th century.
The Chapel of Saint-Hubert on the site serves as the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last three years of his life in Amboise at the invitation of Francis I. A noteworthy event in French folklore associated with the palace is the death of Charles VIII in 1498, who met his demise after accidentally bumping his head on a doorframe.
8. Briare Canal
Constructed in 1604, the Briare Canal is one of France’s oldest artificial waterways, connecting the Seine with the Saône River.
It was the first canal in the nation to implement the pound lock system; however, the most remarkable feature is the aqueduct that elevates it 30 meters above the Loire River.
The Briare Aqueduct in Châtillon-sur-Loire was assembled in the 1890s with assistance from Gustave Eiffel and held the title of the world’s longest traversable aqueduct until 2003.
9. Abbaye de Fleury
Located on the right bank of the Loire near Orléans, the Abbaye de Fleury stands as one of the original Benedictine abbeys, founded in the 7th century.
This site is home to the relics of Benedict of Nursia, the 6th-century saint after whom the Benedictine order is named.
Like nearly every other monument in the region, it is a UNESCO site, currently inhabited by a community of over 40 monks.
The abbey’s architecture showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles and is esteemed for its remarkable sculptures from the 11th and 12th centuries, visible on the capitals in the gatehouse and on the tympanum and lintels of the northern portal of the basilica.
10. Palais Jacques-Coeur, Bourges
One of the most impressive sights during a walking tour in Bourges is this flamboyant Gothic palace, built in the 1400s, which predates the Renaissance châteaux that would later dominate the Loire Valley.
The palace’s elaborate architecture and luxurious interiors set new standards for stately homes during the 15th century, constructed for the affluent merchant Jacques Coeur, who served as treasurer to Charles VII but never occupied the residence due to being imprisoned in 1450. A guided tour reveals his intriguing story, highlighting modern conveniences he ordered, such as sanitary latrines, washrooms, and lavishly carved fireplaces in the apartments and reception areas.
11. Jardin Botanique de Tours
The southern section of Tours’ botanical garden presents a refreshing contrast to the formal arrangements common in the region’s châteaux.
This area of the park features an arboretum styled in a more relaxed English garden approach, while the northern end displays a classic French parterre filled with magnolias and ponds adorned with lotuses and water lilies.
The park is home to approximately 2,000 different plant taxa, and for children, there are animal enclosures with tortoises, emus, and wallabies.
12. Château de Cheverny
Fans of Hergé’s Tintin comics may recognize Château de Cheverny, as its design inspired Marlinspike Hall, home of Captain Haddock.
A small exhibition detailing the Tintin connection is available within the château.
The château was seized as royal property in the 16th century after its owner committed fraud against the crown; however, the current structure was built in the mid-17th century.
During a self-guided tour, you will discover rooms filled with historic curiosities including medieval armor, antique musical instruments, Flemish tapestries, and an 18th-century sedan.
13. Cité Royale de Loches
The 11th-century keep of this castle towers over the town of Loches by the Indre River.
This is the oldest and most distinctive feature of the castle, rising dramatically as a monolith from the castle walls.
An internal metallic stairway has been added, allowing visitors to ascend to the top and survey the landscape as the watchmen once did nearly a millennium ago.
The castle, originally constructed by the English, was seized by Philip II at the onset of the 13th century.
Today, it provides an engaging insight into France’s more tumultuous history, serving as a stark contrast to the region’s more ornate palaces.
To emphasize this aspect, the museum showcases one of France’s largest collections of medieval armor.
14. ZooParc de Beauval
For family travelers to the Loire Valley, a day of enjoyment can be found at ZooParc de Beauval, which hosts a greater variety of animals than almost any other zoo in Europe.
Adult visitors will be particularly fascinated by the giant pandas, as the zoo is one of only 12 facilities outside of China to house this species, and the only one in France.
Also unique to France are the koalas, while okapis and tree kangaroos are located at only a few other attractions within the country.
In total, there are seven distinct zones, featuring a spacious gorilla complex rising nine meters in height and an African savannah habitat, home to zebras, wildebeests, white rhinos, and giraffes.
15. Loire Valley Wine
The picturesque green landscapes of the Centre-Val de Loire region are blanketed with vineyards, forming part of the middle and upper Loire Valley wine areas.
A dizzying array of wines is produced in this part of France; if one seeks an entry point, the impeccable Chenin Blancs produced by wineries surrounding Tours provide an excellent starting point.
Further east, the climate transitions to continental, featuring hot summers and cold winters akin to Burgundy.
This region is home to the acclaimed Sancerre AOP, known for crafting some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc whites and sophisticated Pinot Noir reds.
Sancerre is also an ideal location for wine tours: participants are whisked around local wineries while learning intricate details about the winemaking process in this celebrated area.
