The 13 essential things to do around the Beauval Zoo

Passing in the Loire Valley? Discover the 13 essential things to do around the Beauval Zoo!

The Beauval Zoo is considered one of the most beautiful animal parks in Europe. It is in the heart of one of the most beautiful regions of France, rich in a long history and an exceptional heritage. The nearby city of Saint-Aignan is obviously a must when you come to the Beauval Zoo.

But there are many other wonders around. To help you discover them, in this article you will find the 13 essential things to do around the Beauval Zoo!

1. The old town of Tours

If you come to visit the Beauval Zoo, you should not miss a tour in this city in exciting history. It collects the titles: former Caesarodunum, city of the Turones founded by Auguste, capital of the County of Tours, the garden of France, or city of art with the School of Tours. The White and Blue City sees its historic centre inscribed at Unesco: its Old Town, a remarkable Heritage Site.

You can discover its special medieval and Renaissance hotels, its boulevards and monuments with very Parisian architecture. You will admire his Cathedral of Saint-Gatien of Tours, its Basilicas and dazzling churches. You will also enjoy the calm and beauty of its gardens, beautiful views of the Loire as its beautiful bridge enjambe.

In short, the city is a must for anyone who loves history, culture or architecture.

2. The Castle of Chenonceau

The Loire Valley is obviously known for its many castles. Former fortresses protecting the region in time of the Hundred Years War for the most part, they were rebuilt or rebuilt in the 15th and 16th century. At the time, the court of the kings of France was set up in this region, Charles VII and Louis XI, having made Tours the capital.

If you come to visit the Beauval Zoo, do not miss a tour at the Château de Chenonceau. It is famous for its two-storey gallery overlooking the Cher. Fleuron de l’architecture du Val de Loire, we notice its borrowings from Italy and its French characteristics.

3. Blois and its Royal Castle

Another important city in the region, Blois is another historic highland of the region. Under Louis XII, and for about a century, the city was even a royal residence. It retains an important cultural heritage from this time, including its Château Royal, its Cathedral Saint-Louis and two magnificent churches.

Like its neighbour Tours, it houses beautiful private hotels, peaceful gardens and a magnificent bridge that spans the Loire. Visiting Blois and its castle are a must-see around the Beauval Zoo!

4. The Château de Chambord

Chambord is one of the most famous Châteaux de la Loire. Built in the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed forest park, it is one of the largest. Francis I, a young king, ordered the construction of it. A true architectural work, it appears as a symbol of royal power inscribed in stone.

The plan of the castle and its decors were designed around a central axis: the famous double-revolution staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. A symbol of the Renaissance, the Château de Chambord is a must in the region! If you come to visit the Beauval Zoo, you should not miss going there.

5. Visit the Vignobles of the Touraine

Another of the essential things to do around the Zoo de Beauval is obviously the visit of the vineyards of Touraine. Filed in World Heritage by Unesco, the Loire Valley is home to unique landscapes. Designed for centuries by passionate winemakers, these terroirs are fortunately easy to discover.

In South Val de Loire, you can thus make the tourist route of the vineyards on foot, by car or by bike. This experience will make you discover many labelled domains. In these cellars you will discover the 8 AOCs present in the territory. You will enjoy exceptional products in a beautiful environment.

6. The Brenne Regional Natural Park

South of Beauval Zoo is one of the most beautiful regional parks in France. In addition to wild and natural landscapes, the Brenne has an exceptional biodiversity. In the middle of the moorings, ponds, woods and meadows, a fauna and flora flourishes peacefully.

You will observe butterflies, dragonflies, birds and many other animals. The park is ideally on foot, by bike, canoe-kayak and even by horse. Many are marked routes to go through it. You will also find some charming villages and towns, as well as equally unmissable castles.

7. The city and the castle of Loches

This small town of Touraine, located on Indre, is known for its preserved historical heritage as well as its castle. You will discover an untouched Roman dungeon, remarkable fortress by its size and architecture.

You can also visit the Royal Logis, built on the tip of the rocky spoon overlooking the Indre valley. He was one of Valois’ favourite residences during the Hundred Years War. Apart from the castle, the city houses many ancient monuments, houses and churches to be discovered absolutely.

8. The Matra Automobiles Museum

Car sports enthusiast, if you come to visit the Beauval Zoo, do not miss a tour at the Matra Museum. Located in Romorantin-Lanthenay, it retraces Matra’s history in the automotive industry.

The museum thus presents the extraordinary saga of the three-dimensional brand: the industrial adventure it represents and its unique sporting heritage. You will also discover its spirit of innovation, symbolized by the many prototypes presented. In total, you will admire a good fifty vehicles.

9. The village of Issoudun

Strong place in the Middle Ages, Issoudun was once a high place of fairs and markets. He thus retains several monuments witnesses to his rich history. Among them, you can admire the White Tower, built in the 12th century by order of Richard Cœur de Lion.

Watching from the top of its 28 meters on the city, it offers a superb panorama of Issoudun and its surroundings. This medieval dungeon today houses a beautiful exhibition on its history and its legendary characters. Also take a tour of the former Hôtel-Dieu and its Museum of the Hospice Saint-Roch, which houses superb collections.

10. Montrichard

Along the Cher lies the beautiful city of Montrichard. You will make a real journey in time here. Beautifully preserved, this authentic medieval city of the 11th century invites you in a historical atmosphere to discover its famous dungeon and its fortifications.

Through its paved streets, you will discover an exceptional heritage. You will also enjoy a wonderful view of the Cher valley. If you’re visiting the Beauval Zoo, don’t miss a tour!

11. La Magnanerie, site troglodytique

Located in Montrichard, in the middle of nature, this troglodytic site offers visitors in search of authenticity a most atypical visit. Dominant le Cher, this place will enchant you first with its tranquility, beauty and the mysterious universe of its galleries piercing this pretty hillside.

You will discover the old farmhouse dug in the Bourré tuffeau and the magnanerie. The latter is an ancient historical space of silk production in Touraine and silk worm education.

12. Bourges

The beautiful city of Bourges is obviously one of the must-sees around the Beauval Zoo. Inscribed to Unesco World Heritage, Saint-Étienne Cathedral is its most famous monument. This sublime Gothic cathedral dominates the whole city.

Built in 1195, it peaks at 65 meters high in the heart of Bourges. Also take a tour in its medieval district and take the time to admire the Jacques Cœur Palace and then visit the Berry Museum.

13. Les autres Châteaux de la Loire

Are you still wondering what to do about the Beauval Zoo? So enjoy the rest of your stay to visit more Châteaux de la Loire. In addition to Chenonceau and Chambord, there are many unique sites to be discovered.

You can visit the royal castle of Amboise or the Château de Beauregard. Also take a tour at the Château du Clos Lucé, which houses a small museum in the old house of Leonardo da Vinci. In particular, the latter outlines models of its work.

How to get to Beauval Zoo?

Depending on where you come to visit the Beauval Zoo, different options are available to you.

By car

The Zoo de Beauval is located near the village of Saint-Aignan, just an hour from Tours or Blois by car.

Here are several routes to follow from several major cities:

• From Paris, you can take theA10 until Orléans, then theA71 direction Vierzon and finally theA85 exit Saint-Aignan ;
• De Rennes, join theA81 to Le Mans then take theA28 until Tours, finally turn on theA85 ;
• From Nantes, you can take theA11 then turn on theA85 ;
• From Clermont-Ferrand, take theA71 until Vierzon then follow theA85 ;
• From Limoges, take itA20 until Châteauroux then take the departmental roads.

By train

To reach the Beauval Zoo by train, several options are available to you. You can take a train to Blois Station. A bus shuttle operated by the animal park will then take you to the destination.

You can also take a train to Tours and then a regional train to Saint-Aignan Station.

By bus

The Beauval Zoo is served in certain times by a Flixbus line. It is also possible to reach by bus the city of Tours, then the village of Saint-Aignan by train.

Where to stay at the Beauval Zoo?

If you plan to visit the Beauval Zoo and the Loire Valley, you must ask where to sleep. Fortunately, housing is not missing in the region.

In particular, you can stay in one of the animal park hotels. You can also opt for a cottage or camping nearby as in Saint-Aignan and its surroundings like Seigy. In all cases we advise to use a hotel comparison to find the most appropriate solution.

Now that you know what to do, are you ready to visit the Zoo de Beauval and its surroundings?