Things to do & places to visit in Centre-Val de Loire, France

Centre-Val de Loire #8 destination in France 2023. The average rating score is 4.45 based on 121.4k traveler reviews, of 170 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Paris, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 11:20.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Freemove Segway Centre (588 reviews)
- Just do it!
Segway Tours • Gear Rentals

Whole family took part, all complete novices to Segways. Up and running in no time and within minutes relaxed and under control enough to enjoy the witty and amusing tour commentary as we traveled through Amboise. Without doubt this is going to be a highlight of our holiday in France as we stopped off just to do this activity before continuing our journey south. See more..
5.0 Troglo Degusto (463 reviews)
- Lovely activity on a very hot day!
Spent 2-3 hours Wineries & Vineyards

We really enjoyed our tour and wine tasting this afternoon. Today was very hot, 40 degrees, so the cool of the caves was welcome! You definitely need to take warm clothes, a few in the group seemed uncomfortably chilly! The guide was a very friendly and knowledgeable woman - the tour was in French but she gave us English guides detailing each point of the tour and also a verbal summary as we went round. She was also good at engaging the children in the group. During the tasting, she explained the wines to us in a helpful manner. We appreciated the lack of 'hard sell' and actually bought two boxes as the rose was dry and tasty and the red had a little more body than some local wines. I think it may be possible to book a tour in English for a group, see website for minimum numbers. See more..
5.0 Aerocom Montgolfiere (454 reviews)
- BUCKET LIST MUST!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Balloon Rides • Private Tours • Air Tours

We took our flight from Chaumont-sur-Loire……late on a Friday afternoon. Federico was our pilot and he did an outstanding job. There were 16 people in our large basket and we were not crowded at all. It was very smooth and calm….no anxious moments or ever any reason to doubt Federico’s ability to land us perfectly, which he did. It was well worth the cost from beginning to end!…..lasted about an hour…..fascinating to watch them unload the balloons and get them ready! See more..
4.5 ZooParc de Beauval (20.4k reviews)
- A very happy family day
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

What a wonderful day we had. So much to see, and we saw most of it, in 8 hours! The Pandas were cheeky; the Lions looked regal and the Dome glowed golden in the sunset and warmed our chilled bodies as we enjoyed the exhibits at the end of our truly memorable day. See more..
4.5 Chateau de Chenonceau (8.923 reviews)
- Plan Carefully when going in high seasons as entry is limited.
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Beautiful country villa surrounded by a moat and inspired by the Italian Renaissance. See more..
4.5 Château de Chambord (8.123 reviews)
- Worth a visit!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

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. See more..
4.5 Le Château du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci (6.351 reviews)
- Inspiring visit
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums

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. See more..
4.5 Château Royal d'Amboise (5.607 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles

With the dawning of the Renaissance, the mighty medieval fortress of Amboise gave way to a royal residence, during the reigns of the Kings of France Charles VIII and François I. The Court, a large number of men and women of letters and European artists, stayed here on invitation from the sovereigns, one example being Leonardo da Vinci who lies here in peace in the Château’s Chapel.This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. After a visit of the Royal House and the impressive Cavalry Towers, the walk continues in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire river. See more..
4.5 Chartres Cathedral (5.019 reviews)
- Beautiful, especially restored! Incredible architecture
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its high-Gothic art and architectural style. See more..
4.5 Chateau Royal de Blois (4.129 reviews)
- One of the best Chateaus
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles

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. See more..
4.5 Château de Cheverny (4.082 reviews)
- Lovely castle and grounds - plan ahead
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles

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 ! See more..
4.5 Chateau de Villandry (3.890 reviews)
- Lovely Visit
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles • Gardens

A monumental countryside villa surrounded by world-famous gardens, organized in the classic French Renaissance style. See more..
4.5 Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau (3.119 reviews)
- Lovely Small Chateau
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles

The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, masterpiece of the Renaissance. The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, built at the heart of Touraine under the patronage of François Ier, has all the charm of the Renaissance. Masterpiece of the 16th century architecture, it rises up on an island designed by the river Indre and is surrounded by a romantic 19th century park. The château has some prestigious historical decorations telling about its 4 centuries of history. It also has some sumptuous collections of items, tapestries and furniture. To be discovered : - On the ground floor : restoration of the 19th century decoration and atmosphere. - On the first floor : an immersion at the heart of the Renaissance, the great hall and its period furniture, as well as the restoration of a Renaissance chamber, whose walls are fully made of bullrushes braids. - The Pressoir (former press room), an interpretation center reachable by everyone in order to know more about the château. - The romantic park of 8ha with many points of view on the château and its water mirrors. See more..
4.5 Cathedrale De Bourges (2.168 reviews)
- A superb, impressive cathedral
Closed now - 9:00 AM - 5:45 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

A must in Bourges, with the Jacques Coeur Palace. Impressive ceiling height, Surrounded by very nice gardens See more..
4.5 Cathédrale Saint-Gatien (2.156 reviews)
- Stained glass and reliefs like you have never seen
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

This is a beautiful cathedral in a lovely town. The relief works that encircle the alter are like none we have ever seen. The front of the church tells many bible stories as do the magnificent stained glass windows. An extra bonus is the village of Chartes. If you can go on market day you'll get an extra bonus experiencing life in a French village. See more..
4.5 Cathedrale Ste-Croix (1.767 reviews)
- Marvelous Cathedral in Orleans center
Tuesday: 9:15 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

One of the most impressive Cathedrals we saw on our 10 day tour was this one. It adorns the central city square in its glorious Gothic beauty with two twin towers. The interiors are spectacular with amazing rose windows and stained glass telling among others the story of Joan the Arc. See more..
4.5 Place Plumereau (1.458 reviews)
- Beautiful timbered buildings
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Scenic Walking Areas

So many restaurant options that allow you to just sit and marvel at the beautiful timbered buildings! Definitely worth the time to visit. We were there on a gorgeous Monday evening at the end of June. A great mix of young adults, families and what looked like groups of business people all sharing a wonderful experience. See more..
4.5 Chateau de Langeais (1.295 reviews)
- Beautiful Christmas experience especially for kids
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Open every day of the year ! The medieval fortress dominates the village with its austere facade. But don't be daunted: the open drawbridge is an invitation to enter into the refined lodgings of a great lord. It is the most fully furnished castle of the Loire Valley. The hushed ambiance of the rooms and the splendor of the great reception halls will plunge you into the daily life of a 15th century prince. You will relive the event that distinguished the history of the locale: the wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, recreated with strikingly realistic wax figures.In the park, you will discover the recreated construction site of France's oldest keep. The promenade, punctuated with playgrounds and the tree house, can be followed through cedars and sequoias to the gazebo overlooking the Loire. See more..
4.5 Château de l'Islette (1.141 reviews)
- The Rodin et Camille Claudel love Castle
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 30, 2023 Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

Due to a problem with the structure of a floor, urgent work lust be undertaken and the castle is therefore closed to visitors until the end of the season for safety reasons. It will reopen on 1 May 2023. Thank you for your understanding. See more..
4.5 Royal City of Loches (1.010 reviews)
- From dungeon to donjon, it takes you back to medieval real time.
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

In the royal city, you can visit the dungeons and a royal lodge. See more..
4.5 Palais Jacques-Coeur (894 reviews)
- Great private palace
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

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 See more..
4.5 La Forteresse de Montbazon (883 reviews)
- Learn about the Middle Ages in a fun interactive way.
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Castles

Such a great day out. The staff are so friendly and passionate about the Middle Ages. Great visit, interesting workshops and reasonably priced food. We spent 4 hours and didn’t finish everything. Lots to do! Highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Château du Rivau (835 reviews)
- A very interesting visit, many unexpected things to see.
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles • Gardens

Castle and Fairytale Gardens Le Rivau was constructed in the 15th 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. See more..
4.5 Chateau de Maintenon (787 reviews)
- A hidden gem in Eure-et-Loir
Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Stumbled upon this Chateau by chance and spent a lovely Sunday afternoon walking around the gardens and rooms. Off the beaten track a bit but we'll worth a visit. Gardens were neat and beautiful and the rooms in the chateau were exquisite. The aqueduct is just incredible!!! €6 each, free parking in the square and tour guide information and help second to none. After a couple of hours here pop over to the cafe in square for a coffee to finish off the trip See more..
4.5 Château Gaillard (714 reviews) from $14.99
- Serenity
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles • Gardens

The most Italian Chateau in the Loire Valley ! 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 in Europe, was leading 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. A diving into a marvelous story and fascinating unknown treasures such as a collection of 250 citrus & an ARCIMBOLDO bust (Free Car Park 99) See more..
4.5 Château de Sully-sur-Loire (689 reviews)
- Great place to visit, learn a bit of history
Tuesday: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles

The imposing medieval architecture of the chateau de Sully has dominated the Loire for seven centuries. With its high towers, its moats still filled with water and its superb conical roofs, the château gives the impression of having seen some of the finest moments of France's history. You can visit the residence of Maximilien de Béthune, better known by the name Duke de Sully, Henri IV's famous minister, and discover the history of this family which owned the castle for nearly four centuries ! See more..
4.5 Musee du Compagnonnage (653 reviews)
- Fascinating Museum
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

This museum will not be for everyone but I am interested in French history and this is one of the most fascinating museums I have ever visited. The Compagnons du Devoir is a very old worker's movement, more or less unique to France. It was somewhat similar to a guild, but much more than a guild. I think the best way to describe it is an organization that sought to preserve and transmit the heritage of crafts. Really, it's hard to describe. The works presented in the museum demonstrate enormous skill and craftsmanship and are impressive, even without the historical background. It's not for everyone, and to get the full historical story it's helpful if you read French since the English descriptions are much abbreviated compared to the French, but I loved it. See more..
4.5 La Vallee Troglodytique des Goupillieres (584 reviews)
- Lovely little place
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Lady on the entrance was very kind and patient with us and then the place itself was lovely. Clearly lovingly maintained and very interesting. Very sweet animals too! Even just stood watching some baby birds in a nest inside the caves. Doesn't take long to get round but worth a visit! See more..
4.5 Pont Canal de Briare (581 reviews)
- Don't miss it! . Ne le ratez pas !
Historic Walking Areas

This is an incredible architectural feat - we traveled over the bridge in a canal boat and then went back to bike on it. See more..
4.5 Château de Meung sur Loire (579 reviews)
- Don't skip this castle
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

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. See more..