Off to visit the Centre-Val-de-Loire region? Here’s a selection of 14 must-see places to visit in the Loir-et-Cher!
Between history and nature, visit the Loir-et-Cher! Since the Middle Ages, Loir-et-Cher has been one of the strategic territories of the famous Comté d’Orléans. When Louis XII ascended the throne of France, this département took on a major political role. Indeed, he was the twenty-third hereditary Count of Blois.
As a result, monarchs and burghers began competing to build large fortresses in the region. Today, these fortresses are veritable architectural and historical treasures. This is one of the reasons for the region’s rich cultural heritage. But the département has also been the scene of many religious wars and legendary conflicts.
Here’s a selection of the region’s must-sees.
1. Château de Chambord
If you’re wondering what to do in the Loir-et-Cher region, the Château de Chambord is a must. This fortress, built in the 16th century, is the largest of the Loire Châteaux.
Built on the initiative of François I, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. With its magnificent architecture still intact, it’s one of the finest monuments to visit in the Loir-et-Cher region!
2. Beauval ZooPark
As you travel through the Loir-et-Cher region, you’ll discover plenty to do. But for visitors, one of the unavoidable stops is the Beauval Zoo. It features over 3,000 animals, including many exotic species.
Considered one of the most impressive in Europe, this park is sure to please young and old alike! It’s also an educational visit, so you and your children can learn a lot.
3. The Equatorial Dome
At Beauval Zoo, you won’t want to miss out on one of the must-do activities in the Loir-et-Cher region. At the heart of the park, you’ll discover the fabulous Equatorial Dome. Inaugurated in early 2020, this gigantic edifice is home to a host of animals.
It’s a huge room in which a mini rainforest has been set up. The room’s temperature and humidity are optimal for the cohabitation of numerous species. As you explore this exceptional dome, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The perfect change of scenery, while remaining in France.
4. The Royal Château of Blois
To visit the Loir-et-Cher, it’s essential to understand its exceptional past. The Château de Blois is one of the finest vestiges of the Renaissance. For many years, it was the favorite residence of the kings of France.
But its main feature is its astonishing architecture, which seems to retrace the history of our country. From the Middle Ages to the French Revolution, it will take you through the centuries on an extraordinary visit!
5. The Robert-Houdin House of Magic
Since we’ve selected the best things to do in Loir-et-Cher, we couldn’t leave out this activity. The Maison de la Magie promises a surprising stop on your journey. In particular, it showcases the life of the famous illusionist, inventor and watchmaker.
In the 19th century, Jean-Eugène Robert Houdin was one of France’s greatest « magicians ». This veritable museum of prestidigitation is sure to appeal to young and old alike!
6. Trinity Church, Vendôme
With the region’s rich cultural heritage, there are many Monuments Historiques to visit in the Loir-et-Cher. One of the most emblematic is the Church of Vendôme. Legend has it that, in the 11th century, Geoffroy I Martel saw a few stars fall into a well.
Thinking it a divine sign, he decided to build an abbey on the site. Since the Middle Ages, the Eglise de la Trinité has been one of our country’s architectural jewels.
7. Le Jardin du Plessis Sasnières
This English-style garden is one of the finest remaining in the region. It stands on a magnificent limestone hillside, and covers almost eleven hectares. Its geography enabled its designers to create a veritable corner of paradise.
With its clear springs, splendid buildings and relief, you’ll be immersed in a bubble of plant relaxation. So if you’re wondering what to do in the Loir-et-Cher region, visit the Jardin du Plessis Sasnières!
8. Caves Monmousseau
Caves Monmousseau is a must-see in the Loir-et-Cher region. Indeed, the department is characterized not only by its exceptional history. Its terroir and specialities are an integral part of its cultural heritage.
Along its two rivers, its vineyards are particularly renowned. So, what better way to immerse yourself in the region than by discovering fabulous wine cellars? You’ll learn more about local traditions, while tasting delicious grape varieties!
9. The Troglo Degusto
Let’s continue our discovery of things to do in Loir-et-Cher with TrogloDegusto. This site was voted the French tourism award winner in 2017, and is a must-see in the region. It plunges you into the heart of amazing caves that have been transformed into cellars.
Between historic quarries and wine tasting, we bet you’ll love this unusual tour!
10. Blois Fine Arts Museum
Museums aren’t the only interesting things to do in the Loir-et-Cher region. Nevertheless, the one in Blois is well worth a visit. Its galleries are packed with French and Flemish tapestries and paintings.
Remnants of the Renaissance, they have long been part of private collections. Thanks to this site, you can discover them and better understand regional history!
11. Ronsard’s birthplace
This 15th-century manor house is a must-see in the Loir-et-Cher region. It is said to have been the birthplace of the famous poet Pierre de Ronsard. The building is also known as Possonnière, because of its magnificent formal gardens.
However, it was within these historic walls that the inspiration for the founder of the Pléiade was born. Perhaps your visit will help you understand where his fabulous verses came from.
12. The Petrifying Grotto
Adventure buffs no longer have to wonder what to do in the Loir-et-Cher! Discover the famous Grotte Pétrifiante. This million-year-old cave is sure to delight explorers young and old. Through impressive chambers and splendid rivers, you can take a real leap back in history.
But it was also in these caves that an astonishing art form was born: Petrification! So it’s in the heart of this extraordinary cave that you can admire fabulous sculptures made by nature.
13. La Roseraie de Blois
The Roseraie de Blois has been one of France’s Jardins Remarquables for almost twenty years. And it’s its extraordinary design that makes it a must-see in the Loir-et-Cher region. At the foot of the town’s bishop’s palace, you’ll discover ancient species of this plant.
With its floral fragrances and vibrant colors, you’ll find it easy to disconnect from everyday life. What’s more, culture buffs can learn more about the amazing history of these gardens. And nature lovers won’t find a more beautiful garden to visit.
14. Castle of Riddles
Château de Rocheux is a historic building, constructed in the mid-19th century. Today, it’s a must-see in the Loir-et-Cher region. For the past twenty years, it has been home to a fun theme park.
With almost thirty activities, it invites you to take up some amusing challenges! However, it also plunges you into the heart of its history and Renaissance-style architecture. It’s a place that’s sure to please the whole family!
15. Also to be seen in Loir-et-Cher
Of course, these fourteen activities are just a selection of the many things to do in the Loir-et-Cher region. History buffs, for example, can continue their discovery of the fabulous Châteaux de la Loire. Explore Beaumont or Beauregard to learn more about the Renaissance. Likewise, culture buffs can visit some amazing traditional sites.
These include the Maison des Étangs and the strange Puits qui Parle. Finally, for summer vacations, the département is also home to numerous water parks and leisure centres! You’ll find something for the whole family, from children to adults.
How do I get to Loir-et-Cher?
By plane
To visit Loir-et-Cher, you can choose to fly. You can fly to the region from any country or region of France. Use a flight comparator like Skyscanner to choose the best-priced plane ticket for your vacation.
You’ll then need to land in Orléans or Tours, to reach the département. You can either rent a car or take the train, depending on your preference.
By car
If you prefer the mainland, you can reach Loir-et-Cher by car. Take the A10 freeway from Paris.
If you’re coming from the south of France, you’ll need to take theA71 orA20. So, passing through Tours or Orléans, you can then reach the town of Blois, or elsewhere. All that’s left for you to do is choose your activities in the Loir-et-Cher region!
For sustainable travel, don’t hesitate to carpool or even take the bus.
By train
You could also choose to travel to this fabulous département by train. Fortunately, many of the region’s towns have excellent train stations, such as Blois-Chambord. We do, however, recommend that you rent a car on site.
In fact, the département is quite vast, and doesn’t have many bus routes. So it’s best to get around the Loir-et-Cher as you please! Especially if you’re staying for a week or more and want to do all the must-sees.
Where to stay in Loir-et-Cher?
The Loir-et-Cher boasts many towns with wonderful tourist attractions. It’s a department with a rich cultural heritage, and one of the most visited in France. As a result, the accommodation available in the region is often a real gem. But for an exceptional stay, we recommend using a hotel comparator. You’ll easily be able to choose the type of accommodation you want, from comfortable to unusual.
Of course, a visit to the Loir-et-Cher is a must for any summer vacation in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region. You can expect to pay between 30 and 100 euros a night for most of the department’s hotels. Some gîtes also offer exceptional stays in fabulous historic buildings.
Nevertheless, if you don’t like hotels, you can opt for a different kind of accommodation, especially with private booking sites like Airbnb. Between villas, apartments and mansions, you’ll be spoilt for choice for your vacation. Prices for this type of booking are quite similar to those for hotels in the summer season. So, for a complete apartment, the rate is around fifty euros per night on average.
What’s more, it can be practical to opt for accommodation in the region’s larger towns. Indeed, by choosing a rental in Blois or Vendôme, you’ll be close to the main tourist attractions. But above all, you’ll have access to numerous amenities and motorway links.
However, if you don’t like crowds, you could opt for a smaller town. Romorantin-Lanthenay, with its famous Musée de Sologne, comes to mind.
Now all you have to do is pack your bags and head off to discover the Loir-et-Cher!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Centre-Val de Loire