The 8 most beautiful villages in Centre-Val-de-Loire

When you discover a region, what better than exploring its extraordinary historical hamlets? Let's start discovering the most beautiful villages in the Centre-Val-de-Loire!

In the heart of the hexagon, the Centre-Val-de-Loire is one of the historic cradles of our country. The region is located at the turn of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the Pays de la Loire and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine. To the north, it runs along Normandy and Île-de-France , while in the east, it joins Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Unmissable territory for nature's ferus, it houses many exceptional forests. And the river that crosses it, the Loire, also borders beautiful natural parks.

But it is particularly characterized by its rich cultural heritage. She was the cradle of the legendary Dukes of Orleans and Counts of Anjou and Blois. The territory was also the scene of many conflicts in the Gallo-Roman era. If you discover the region, don’t hesitate to make a stop in these splendid villages of the Centre-Val-de-Loire!

1. Montrésor

In the Indre-et-Loire, this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire shows an undeniable charm. It is also ranked among the most beautiful communes of the hexagon. On the banks of the Indrois, its picturesque streets invite you to the promenade.

In medieval style, they seem to contrate the history of the citadel through your steps. Thus, they will lead you to the fabulous fortress of Montrésor.

Between the stones of this imposing building, you can discover more than a thousand years of history. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, you will be charmed by its exceptional stories. But the fort of this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire also houses a splendid collection of art objects. We bet you'll let yourself be seduced by his multiple mysteries.

2. Saint-Benoît-du-Sault

Between Berry and Limousin, this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire is considered a small village Mont-Saint-Michel . A true regional wonder, this city stands in the heart of a magnificent landscape. In addition to its exceptional location, this commune also has a rich architectural heritage. Indeed, his church and his priory are among the historical monuments of the hexagon.

Nevertheless, this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire is not only known for its historical vestiges. At the border of the Paris basin and the Central Massif, it has always been a real cultural and commercial crossroads. Nowadays, the commune has the objective of maintaining this asset. So you can easily get caught by its many local shops, crafts and restaurants. Nothing like this for an immersive experience in the heart of the region!

3. Lavardin

At the foot of the ruins of a fortified castle, this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire will make you travel through the ages. To enter the citadel, you will have to cross a charming Gothic bridge, built in the 13th century. Through your steps, you will dive into the atypical atmosphere of its walls. You can admire the remains of the medieval ramparts, as well as its Romanesque church. By advancing in the alleys, you can cross the centuries and discover splendid Renaissance style houses.

But it is only at the foot of the hill that you can finally admire it fully. The emblematic castle of the city, which resisted an assault Richard Lion Heart . Overlooking all this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire, it seems to us to be able to guess its architectural prominence.

Today, there are, of course, only a few elements of its superb era. But he still seduces the thousands of travelu·rses who visit him every year.

4. Glaysse Dampierre

In the heart of the green Creuse Valley, this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire will charm artists. Indeed, he has long been one of the favorite places of George Sand. But he especially inspired many painters through the centuries. Its houses with hanging roofs actually offer a most romantic setting for visitors. Harmoniously grouped around the church, they are an architectural treasure.

Nevertheless, music lovers can also find their happiness in this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire. This commune is, in fact, the cradle of the virtuoso harpist, Pierre Jamet. The latter also created an International Harpe Academy between the sacred walls of the city. Every year, a festival is even organized to celebrate this unusual instrument, as well as the fourth Art.

5. Apremont-sur-Allier

On the banks of the Allier stands this amazing village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire. In the heart of a sumptuous log, it is dominated by a magnificent castle. In the Middle Ages, he was a must-see for careers that brought stones to the Cathedral of Orleans.

Thus, over the centuries, its ideal location allowed it to keep the remains of this time. He will therefore plunge you into his exceptional history, at the pace of your visit.

This village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire is not only characterized by its cultural heritage. Indeed, it is nestled in the midst of an extraordinary natural setting. The green valleys of Berry surround him, almost echoing his magnificent floral park. The ferus of nature and flowery gardens will therefore soon be seduced by this amazing commune.

6. Crissay-sur-Manse

In the Manse Valley, this small village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire was once a chestnut. It belonged to Bouchard Island and the archbishop of Tours. Also, its extraordinary historical heritage attracts many visits each year. In the Middle Ages, its emblematic castle was the star of the famous Hundred Years War. Nevertheless, it was rebuilt during the 15th century, and was fortunately preserved.

But the most beautiful curiosity of this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire is probably its 16th century church. In Gothic style, it is a treasure of architecture. She has the particularity of having been constantly altered through the ages.

Nowadays, it has been listed in the Historical Monuments of France for nearly a century. Finally, it contains the tomb of Catherine of Bellay, cousin of the famous poet Joachim of Bellay.

7. Yèvre-Le-Chatel

About forty minutes from the city of Orleans, this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire has a rich historical heritage. As its name suggests, it is built around a medieval fortress. Even before entering the commune, the visitu·rs·ses can also admire its watch towers.

But along the alleys, they will be allowed to stroll through this soothing and flowery atmosphere. Indeed, its beautiful stone houses and its former bass-course give the old citadel an undeniable charm.

However, the legendary walls of this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire contain an amazing secret. To discover it, you will have to climb to the round towers of its ramparts. From the top of the fortifications, you can only better perceive it. The magnificent regional panorama will then offer you, in all its splendor.

During the beautiful season you can even admire the thousand and a color of the surrounding nature...

8. Candes-Saint-Martin

At the confluence between the Loire and Vienna, Candes-Saint-Martin invites his travels to relaxation and rest. Candes, one of the most beautiful villages in the Centre Val-de-Loire, is located on the charming shores of these two rivers.

The white of the tuffeau stone, a regional symbol, will draw the contour of the bright blue of the sky. During a walk on the banks of the Loire, you can only admire the beauty of this natural contrast. The feet in the sand of its beaches, you will dive into a real postcard decor.

But this is not the only feature of this village of the Centre-Val-de-Loire. During your visit, you can actually get drunk by the warm atmosphere of its architecture. As you go quietly to the famous Saint-Martin Collégiale, take the time to observe the historic buildings.

In fact, most of the citadel was restored in the middle of the Renaissance. Nowadays, the centre of the commune shows perfect artistic harmony.

So, what are the villages of the Val-de-Loire Centre that charmed you? Tell us a comment!