10 Must-See Sites in Centre-Val de Loire
Discover or Revisit These Unmissable Sites in Central France
In Centre-Val de Loire, you’ll find prestigious châteaux and monumental cathedrals in a peaceful rural setting. While it is the heartland of the kings of France, with its sumptuous Renaissance chateaux and their French-style gardens, it is also made up of the vast rural and forest landscapes that flourish in the Loire Valley.
Around 100 km from Paris, you will find pleasant provincial towns such as Orléans, Tours and Bourges, which have a rich architectural heritage with many listed monuments and pretty historic centres. The region also boasts a well-preserved natural heritage, as in the Brenne. So relax and enjoy the Centre-Val de Loire, where life is sweet, and live like a king. Discover the 10 must-see sites in Centre-Val de Loire.
1. Chambord’s double spiral staircase
An architectural gem, instrumental to the chateau’s renown
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História, Foto
The Château de Chambord has an astonishing architectural feature from the Renaissance period: a double spiral staircase. In the heart of an immense wooded park in Sologne, stands this majestic 16th-century palace with its lantern tower, which is part of the main building. It houses a central staircase leading to the terraces.
In the form of a helix, it is beautiful and rather fun. With its two interlocking spirals, two people can use it simultaneously without crossing each other. You can, however, be seen through the skylights inside. This staircase is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, although he would certainly not have been able to direct the work himself, as his death occurred before construction started.
Localização: Château, 41250 Chambord, France
Abre: Daily from 9 pm to 5 pm, and even 6 pm from the end of March to the end of October
Telefone: +33 (0)2 54 50 40 00
Chambord's double spiral staircase
2. Parc Floral de La Source in Orléans
A remarkable 35-hectare garden
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Econômico, Aventura
Parc Floral de La Source is a magnificent green space perfect for walking, relaxing and having fun. Located in the La Source district of Orléans, its main entrance is located on Avenue du Parc Floral, opposite the university. Its pathways, with benches, border well-kept gardens so you can sit or stroll at your leisure.
On the banks of the Loiret river, which flows in front of the castle, you can even admire a group of pink flamingos. On the Rue du Gobson side, you can play a game of mini-golf with your family.
Localização: Avenue du Parc Floral, 45100 Orléans, France
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm and until 7 pm from the end of May to the end of September
Telefone: +33 (0)2 38 49 30 00
Parc Floral de La Source in Orléans
3. The gardens of the Château de Chenonceau
Captivating beauty of historic plants
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História, Foto
The gardens at the Château de Chenonceau are some of the most beautiful in France. This Loire château, which spans the River Cher, is an idyllic place to stroll. You will pass through two magnificent reconstructed French Renaissance gardens. One belonged to Diane de Poitiers and features a fountain, while the other has a circular pool and belonged to Catherine de Medici.
Enjoy losing yourself in the yew-tree maze and succumb to the delicious scents of the flower garden. If you like beautiful bouquets, discover the floral workshop in the farm’s courtyard. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings in summer, the gardens are illuminated by a sound and music show, providing a magical setting for a romantic rendezvous.
Localização: 37150 Chenonceaux, France
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +33 (0)8 20 20 90 90
The gardens of the Château de Chenonceau
4. The gardens of the Domaine de Cheverny
From humble vegetable garden to intriguing labyrinth
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História, Foto
The Domaine de Cheverny has no less than four themed gardens to offer. It is located in Sologne, not far from Blois. Opposite the trophy room, next to the château’s kennels, is a kitchen and flower garden where vegetables and flowers create a colourful and fragrant setting. Towards the Orangery is an expansive landscaped area with large flower beds.
This is the apprentices’ garden, where you can admire the château’s magnificent main facade. It adjoins a fun maze constructed with plants. On the edge of the pond, the garden of love features six bronze statues hidden in its groves. Between March and April, don’t miss the bright colours of the tulip garden in full bloom.
Localização: 41700 Cheverny, France
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm and until 6 pm in high season
Telefone: +33 (0)2 54 79 96 29
The gardens of the Domaine de Cheverny
5. The Gothic cathedral and Palace in Bourges
Must-see buildings in the capital of Berry
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História, Foto
The historic centre of Bourges boasts 2 beautiful examples of Gothic architecture, a cathedral and palace. Bourges Cathedral, with its 2 different sized towers, dominates the square, its 5 sculpted porches open onto, fitting with its five interior naves. Climb the steps of its highest tower, the Tour de Beurre, to admire a panorama of the city.
To the north-west, near the Berry museum, you will find the Palais Jacques Cœur. This 15th-century mansion was built in the pure, flamboyant Gothic style. Note the carved friezes and the details on the keep’s balcony, for example, which is decorated with scallops alternating with hearts, recalling the name of its sponsor.
Localização: Cathedral: Place Etienne Dolet, 18000 Bourges, France
Palais Jacques Cœur: 10Bis Rue Jacques Cœur, 18000 Bourges, France
Abre: Cathedral: Daily, open visits
Palais Jacques Cœur: Daily from 9.30 pm to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm
Telefone: Cathédrale : +33 (0)2 48 65 49 44
Palais Jacques Cœur : +33 (02) 48 24 79 42
The Gothic cathedral and Palace in Bourges
6. Place Plumereau and surroundings in Tours
The heart of the capital of the Val de Loire
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
Place Plumereau is the perfect spot to relax on a bistro terrace in a historic setting in Tours. This charming square, nicknamed ‘Place Plume’ by the locals, is at the heart of Old Tours. It is surrounded by traditional half-timbered houses and some beautiful Renaissance-style residences.
Amid this rich architectural heritage, the numerous cafes and restaurants set up their tables on the terrace, occupying almost the whole square when the weather is fine. The surrounding cobbled streets are full of character, with pretty 15th and 16th century half-timbered houses and, further north, the preserved remains of the Gothic church of Saint-Pierre-le-Puellier.
Localização: Place Plumereau, 37000 Tours, France
Place Plumereau and surroundings in Tours
7. The Château de Maintenon
A rural estate steeped in history
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
Château de Maintenon is the former residence of Madame de Maintenon and considered a small Renaissance-style château. Located an hour from Paris, near Chartres, it stands on the banks of the Eure River, in the city centre. With its apartments decorated and furnished with period furniture, it tells us the tales behind the great history of France.
You can visit the lady’s chamber, the king’s salon and the grand gallery, which presents a collection of portraits of historical figures. The park has been redesigned following Le Nôtre’s plans to bring its magnificent formal gardens back to life. In the background, the ruins of an unfinished aqueduct designed by Vauban are poetically reflected in the water of the canal.
Localização: 2A Place Aristide Briand, 28130 Maintenon, France
Abre: In high season, from Tuesday–Sunday from 10.30 am to 7 pm. In low season, from Tuesday–Friday from 2 pm to 6.30 pm and weekends from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Telefone: +33 (0)2 37 23 00 09
The Château de Maintenon
8. The gardens of the Château de Villandry
Acres of well-structured Renaissance-style gardens
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História, Foto
The gardens at Villandry offer an incredible array of colourful plants. To the west of Tours, this Renaissance château on the banks of the Loire boasts remarkable gardens. Arranged over four terraces, the first level is a sun garden with a central pool and paths arranged to catch sunbeams.
A maze and water garden arranged around a large pool fill the second level. Ornamental salon spaces with formal gardens are on the third level and attractive kitchen garden squares are on the final level. During the garden’s open days in June or the Kitchen Garden Days in early autumn, you have the chance to discover the secrets of the outstanding gardeners who maintain this park of rare beauty.
Localização: 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (until 7 pm in summer)
Telefone: +33 (0)2 47 50 02 09
The gardens of the Château de Villandry
9. Abbeye de Noirlac
Enjoy the musical history of a discreet Cistercian abbey
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
The Abbeye de Noirlac features a refined architecture dating from the 12th century. Located in Berry, south of Bourges, it overlooks a natural countryside bordered by the Cher river. This unadorned monastic complex is arranged around a central cloister and an abbey church, all built in bright white stone, with few ornaments and more contemporary stained glass windows chosen for their simplicity.
Today, it is a cultural meeting place and its wonderful acoustics are intelligently exploited. There are artists in residence creating music, and many concerts are organised, especially during the summer season. To extend this moment of bliss, you can even take a break in the nearby tea room.
Localização: 366 Noirlac, 18200 Bruère-Allichamps, France
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +33 (0)2 48 62 01 01
Abbeye de Noirlac
10. The Brenne Natural Regional Park
The land of 1,000 ponds
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Foto, Econômico, Aventura
The Brenne Natural Regional Park is a rural area with a preserved natural and architectural heritage. It encompasses 51 towns and districts in the south of the Centre-Val de Loire region. Dotted with small, traditional villages, it is characterised above all by human-made ponds, pools, marshes and peat bogs, which form a protected wetland. It is the habitat of many insects, birds, amphibians, fish, turtles and aquatic plants.
Criss-cross these wetlands in search of the best birdwatching spot on foot on the discovery trails or by bike on one of the 16 cycle routes. On the pond of Bellebouche, the leisure centre and fine sandy beach are perfect for relaxing, between swimming and outings by pedal boat or kayak.
Localização: Bureaux de l’administration du PNR Maison du Parc, Le Bouchet, 36300 ROSNAY, France
Telefone: +33 (0)2 54 28 12 12
The Brenne Natural Regional Park
Este artigo inclui opiniões da equipe editorial dos Go Guides. A Hoteis.com remunera os autores dos textos publicados neste site, o que pode incluir custos de viagens e outras despesas.