Want to explore one of France’s most beautiful regions? Take a break and visit the Centre Val-de-Loire!
On the banks of the Loire River lies a verdant region, renowned for its famous châteaux. Visiting the Centre Val-de-Loire undeniably includes discovering this fascinating architectural heritage. Nevertheless, your destination offers a rich and varied range of activities. Wine tasting, strolls through historic towns or nature walks are sure to delight. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for what to do in the Centre Val-de-Loire thanks to our 14 ideas.
Sail on France’s longest river and stop off as your mood takes you!
1. Amboise
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The jewel of the Loire Valley, Amboise is an obvious choice for visitors. The town was once the beating heart of power and art. Charles VIII and François I both took up residence in the Château d’Amboise.
It is also the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci. To learn more about this Renaissance genius, visit Clos Lucé, his final resting place. If you don’t know what to do in the Centre Val de Loire after these visits, we recommend the Mini-Châteaux park. All you need is a stroll to contemplate all the châteaux of the Loire, in miniature!
2. Blois
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Continue on to Blois, home to another château. A rival to Amboise, it was home to numerous personalities of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Walk in the footsteps of Anne de Bretagne, Charles V, Pierre de Ronsard, Louis XII and many others. After this journey through time, enjoy a variety of delights at the astonishing Maison de la magie, as well as in the gardens of the former bishop’s palace.
3. Beauval Zoo
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Look no further for what to do in the Centre Val de France. Follow us to ZooParc de Beauval! Meet the 35,000 animals protected on the zoo grounds. And if you want to see them in a surprising way, the zoo has set up gondolas over different territories.
You can also round off the day with a bird show or a visit to the equatorial dome. This new attraction invites you to plunge into the heart of the jungle. That’s all we have to say.
4. Bourges
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If you’re planning a visit to the Centre Val-de-Loire region, Bourges is sure to pique your curiosity. Start with a tour of the historic district. The narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses will lead you to Saint-Étienne cathedral and the gardens of the archbishop’s palace.
Walk past the beautiful post office to the Palais Jacques-Coeur. This magnificent 15th-century monument bears witness to the wealth of this extraordinary merchant. Finish your day with a stroll along the restful marshes.
5. Chateau de Chambord
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More than 5,000 hectares make up the Chambord estate. At its center, the château is a nugget created at the instigation of François I. This ambitious project was not completed until the reign of Louis XIV. However, this ambitious project was not completed until the reign of Louis XIV. Here, you’ll discover over 60 rooms, terraces and formal gardens.
Nevertheless, the key element of this majestic edifice is the double-revolving staircase, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. This masterpiece allows two people to go up and down the staircase without seeing each other. Experience it for yourself!
6. Orleans
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Wondering what there is to do in the Centre Val-de-Loire? Stroll around Orléans, of course! Stroll through the old town, past the Place du Martroi, Sainte-Croix Cathedral and the Hôtel Groslot. This Renaissance-style building is one of the city’s treasures.
Going to Orléans also means meeting its virgin, Joan of Arc. She’ll be with you every step of the way. Statue, house or other, she is the emblem of the city. Finally, if you have time, take a look at the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Parc de la Source.
7. Chinon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lev Levin
Bathed by the Vienne River, Chinon is the epitome of the gentle way of life. It’s true that this town of art and history is a feast for the eyes, with its half-timbered houses and tufa mansions. Here and there, you’ll come across stalls, particularly in the Grand Carroi, its old town center.
Stop off at Place du Général de Gaulle, where the terraces are in full bloom. Then set off for the royal fortress. Perched on the heights, it was in turn in the hands of the Counts of Blois, Anjou and the Plantagenets.
8. Taste regional specialities
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Among the things to do in Centre Val-de-France, a gourmet break is a must. Savoury eaters will be tempted by Chartres pâté and Tours rillettes. Sweet tooths will prefer tarte Tatin or Forestines de Bourges.
And to enhance the meal, choose a local wine, such as Chinon, Cancerre, Quincy, Reuilly, Valençay… Wouldn’t this also be an opportunity to practice wine tourism?
9. Chenonceau castle
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There’s no shortage of châteaux to visit in the Centre Val-de-Loire region. Chenonceau is one of them. It’s also known as « le château des Dames » (the ladies’ castle), due to the attachment of strong female personalities to the site. These include Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. This astonishing monument, built in 1513, spans the Cher thanks to its galleries surmounted by arches. An impressive feat.
10. Other castles to visit in Centre Val-de-Loire
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Berestetsky
The region boasts many other castles worthy of cloak-and-dagger films. Let yourself be amazed, for example, by :
- Ussé;
- Villandry;
- Visit Château de Cheverny: tickets, prices, opening hours;
- Azay-le-Rideau;
- Chaumont-sur-Loire;
- Valençay;
- Anet;
- Langeais;
- Sully-sur-Loire;
- Or Georges Sand’s estate.
11. The troglodytes
Photo credit: Flickr – Phillip Capper
The region is dotted with dwellings carved out of tuffeau, a porous limestone rock. To see a large number of troglodytes, go to Troo, nicknamed the « capital of troglodytism ». Some of these dwellings date back to the Middle Ages!
In addition, a number of mushroom farms occupy troglodytes deep in the cliffs. The dark, damp atmosphere is perfect for growing mushrooms.
12. Chartres
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It would be a shame to visit the Centre Val-de-Loire region without passing through Chartres. You’d miss out on its Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’d also miss its upper and lower medieval towns.
You could also have extended your day with a stroll along the banks of the Eure. Or a trip to the Picassiette House, an unusual house decorated with pieces of plate.
13. Tours
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A stay in Touraine is an escape into the past. To do so, head for the old town of Tours, with its Place Plumereau, half-timbered houses and Renaissance hotels. The most remarkable is undoubtedly the Hôtel Goüin. Take a look at the Petit Château, Saint-Gatien Cathedral and Saint-Martin Basilica. And don’t forget to admire the river from the Pont Wilson.
14. Brenne Nature Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rudmer Zwerver
Thought you’d ticked off everything on your list of things to do in Centre Val-de-France? Let’s round off our regional tour with a breath of fresh air at La Brenne. These landscapes of ponds are perfect for a moment of absolute disconnection.
Herons, wild boar, deer and even turtles live here peacefully. Guided hikes are organized to share knowledge of the park with visitors.
How do I get to Centre Val-de-Loire?
To visit the Centre Val-de-Loire region, board your favourite means of transport:
- By car, carpool or bus: from Paris, theA10 takes you to Orléans in around 1h20 and to Tours in 2h30. From Clermont-Ferrand, the A71 takes you up to Bourges and Orléans.
- By train: the TER Paris-Orléans takes 1h-1h30, while the TGV Paris-Tours takes 1h. TER trains and coaches connect the major towns in the Centre Val-de-Loire region.
- By plane: the region has its own airport, Tours-Val de Loire. It serves a number of nearby international destinations and Marseille. Consult a flight comparator like Skyscanner to book your flight at the best possible rate.
- By bike: well-developed cycle paths run along the Loire. Perfect for a green holiday! Special mention should be made of the route between Bracieux and Chambord, with its exceptional setting.
Where to stay in Centre Val-de-Loire?
Find what you’re looking for among our gîtes, hotels, troglodytic B&Bs, campsites, cabins and caravans. Would you like to set down your bags in the center of Orleans, the regional capital? If so, you’ll have to pay an average of €45 for a night’s Airbnb accommodation for two.
In comparison, a night in a hotel will cost you around €100 in a quality establishment. In view of the sometimes high prices, it’s a good idea to use a hotel comparator to make the best choice and find the best price.
Now that you know what to do in the Centre Val-de-Loire region, it’s time to pack your bags!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Centre-Val de Loire