Are you going to visit the Centre-Val-de-Loire? Here is a selection of 14 must-see places to visit in the Loir-et-Cher!
Between History and Nature, visit the Loir-et-Cher! From the Middle Ages, Loir-et-Cher is one of the strategic territories of the famous County of Orleans. When Louis XII ascends to the throne of France, this department is of paramount importance in politics. Indeed, this king was the twenty-third hereditary count of Blois.
Also, monarchs and other bourgeois begin to compete to build great fortresses in the region. These are today real architectural and historical treasures. This is partly why the territory has a rich cultural heritage. But the department was also the scene of many wars of religion and legendary conflicts.
Here is a selection of the must-sees of the region.
1. The Château de Chambord
Photo credit: Shutterstock – gumbao
When one wonders what to do in the Loir-et-Cher, Chambord Castle appears as a must. This fortress built in the 16th century is the largest des Châteaux de la Loire .
Built on François I’s initiative, he has been at UNESCO World Heritage since 2000. With its magnificent yet intact architecture, it is one of the most beautiful monuments to visit in the Loir-et-Cher!
2. The ZooParc de Beauval
Photo credit: Shutterstock – duchy
As you travel, you will discover a lot of things to do in the Loir-et-Cher. But for visitors, one of the inevitable stops is the Beauval Zoo. It includes more than 3,000 animals, including multiple exotic species.
Considered one of the most impressive in Europe, this park will certainly appeal to the little ones and adults! Also, this is a pedagogical visit, and you can learn many things, you and your children.
3. The Equatorial Dome
Photo credit: Facebook – Zoo de Beauval
At the Zoo de Beauval, you should not miss one of the must-see activities in the Loir-et-Cher. In the heart of the park, you will discover the fabulous Equatorial Dome. Inaugurated at the beginning of 2020, this huge building is home to many animals.
This is a huge room in which a mini tropical forest was built. The temperature and humidity of the place are therefore optimal for many species to cohabit. By exploring this exceptional dome, you’ll feel like travelling in the heart of the Amazon forest. That's why you're upset while staying in France.
4. The Royal Castle of Blois
To better visit the Loir-et-Cher, it is essential to understand its exceptional past. The Château de Blois is one of the most beautiful vestiges of the Renaissance. He has long been the favourite home of the kings of France.
But it is characterized mainly by its amazing architecture, which seems to trace the history of our country. From the Middle Ages to the Revolution, it will make you cross the centuries through an unusual visit!
5. The Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin
Photo credit: Facebook – Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin
Since we have selected the best things to do in the Loir-et-Cher, we could not forget this activity. The Maison de la Magie promises a surprising stop during your trip. It highlights the life of the famous illusionist, inventor and watchmaker.
In the 19th century, Jean-Eugène Robert Houdin was indeed one of the greatest “magorians” of the Hexagon. This real museum of prestidigitation will thus easily seduce the little ones, and the great children!
6. The Church of the Trinity of Vendôme
Photo credit: Flickr – Daniel Jolivet
The region with a rich cultural heritage, there are many historical monuments to visit in the Loir-et-Cher. One of the most emblematic is the Church of Vendôme. The legend says that in the 11th century, Geoffroy I Martel saw a few stars falling into a well.
Thinking of a divine sign, he decided to build an abbatial building in this place. Since the Middle Ages, the Trinity Church is therefore a true architectural gem of our country.
7. Le Jardin du Plessis Sasnières
Photo credit: Facebook – Jardin Du Plessis Sasnières
This English garden is one of the most beautiful vestiges of the region. It stands on a magnificent limestone hill, and covers almost eleven hectares. His geography has allowed his designers to make it a real corner of paradise.
Between its clear sources, its splendid buildings, and its relief, you will be immersed in a vegetable relaxation bubble. So, if you were wondering what to do in the Loir-et-Cher, visit the Jardin du Plessis Sasnières!
8. The Caves Monmousseau
Photo credit: Facebook – Caves Monmousseau
The Caves Monmousseau are a must-see place to visit in the Loir-et-Cher. Indeed, the department is not only characterized by its exceptional history. Its terroir and specialities are an integral part of its cultural heritage.
Through its two rivers, its vineyards are particularly renowned. Also, what better than discovering fabulous cellars for an immersive experience? You will learn more about local traditions, while enjoying delicious grape varieties!
9. The Troglo Degusto
Photo credit: Facebook – Troglo Degusto
Let us continue our discovery of the activities to be done in the Loir-et-Cher with the TrogloDegusto. This site was elected a French tourism winner in 2017, and is a must in the region. It immerses you in the heart of amazing caves that have been transformed into cellars.
Between historical careers and wine tasting, we bet you will love this unusual visit!
10. The Museum of Fine Arts of Blois
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Stephane Mahot
Museums are not the only interesting visits to do in the Loir-et-Cher. Nevertheless, Blois's is worth discovering it. His galleries are full of French and Flemish tapestries and paintings.
Vestiges of the Renaissance, these have long been part of private collections. Thanks to this site, you can discover them and better understand regional history!
11. The Natale House of Ronsard
Photo credit: Facebook – Vendôme Tourisme
This 15th century manor house is a must-see in the Loir-et-Cher. Indeed, he would have seen the birth of the famous poet Pierre de Ronsard. The building is also known as Possonnière, due to its magnificent French gardens.
However, it was between its historical walls that the inspiration of the founder of the Pleiades was born. Through your visit, perhaps you will understand where his fabulous worms came from.
12. Scratch
Photo credit: Facebook – Savonnières-Villandry Pencil Caves
The adventurers no longer have to wonder what to do in the Loir-et-Cher! In fact, they must discover the famous Pétrifiante Cave. This cellar of several million years will fill the small and large explorers. Through impressive rooms and splendid rivers, you can make a real leap in history.
But it is also in these caves that an astonishing art was born: that of Petrification! It is therefore in the heart of this extraordinary cave that you can admire fabulous sculptures made by nature.
13. The Roseraie of Blois
Photo credit: Flickr – Daniel Jolivet
The Roseraie de Blois has been among the Remarkable Gardens of the Hexagon for nearly twenty years. Also, it is its extraordinary design that makes it an essential place to visit in the Loir-et-Cher. At the foot of the city’s bishopric, she takes you to discover ancient species of this plant.
Between its floral scents and vibrant colors, you can only better disconnect from everyday life. In addition, culture feruses can learn more about the amazing history of these gardens. And nature lovers will not find more beautiful garden to visit.
14. The Château des Énigmes
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Le Château des Enigmes – Val de Loire
The Château de Rocheux is a historic building built in the middle of the 19th century. Nowadays, it is a mandatory stop in the Loir-et-Cher. For about 20 years, he has been home to a fun theme park.
With almost thirty animations, he invites you to face funny challenges! However, it also immerses you in its history and Renaissance style architecture. It is therefore a place that will certainly please the whole family!
15. See also in the Loir-et-Cher
Château de Beauregard -
Photo credit: Shutterstock – pikselstock
Of course, these fourteen activities are only a selection among all things to do in the Loir-et-Cher. History mordus may, for example, continue their discovery of the fabulous Loire Castles. By exploring Beaumont or Beauregard, they will learn more about the Renaissance. In the same way, culture feruses can visit amazing traditional places.
One thinks of the House of the ponds or the strange Puits that Speaks. Finally, for the summer holidays, the department also houses many water parks and recreation grounds! You will find it for the whole family, whether for children or adults.
How do I go to the Loir-et-Cher?
By plane
To visit the Loir-et-Cher, you can choose the path of the air. This way, you can go on site from any country or region of France. Use a flight comparison like Skyscanner to choose the cheapest flight ticket for your vacation.
You will then have to land in Orleans or Tours, and then join the department. For this, you can opt for car rental, or for railroad, depending on your preferences.
By car
If you prefer farmland, you can go to Loir-et-Cher by car. You will then have to follow the highway A10 leaving Paris .
If you leave the South of the Hexagon, you will have to take the A71 or A20 . Thus, passing through Tours or Orleans, you can then reach the city of Blois or other. You will only have to choose the different activities to do in the Loir-et-Cher!
By train
Also, you might choose to go to this fabulous department by train. Fortunately, many cities in the region all have very well-served stations such as Blois-Chambord. However, we recommend you rent a vehicle on site.
Indeed, the department is quite large, and does not count a lot of bus lines. It will therefore be better if you can move around as you wish to visit the Loir-et-Cher! Especially if you stay a week or more on the spot and want to make all the essentials.
Where to stay in the Loir-et-Cher?
The Loir-et-Cher counts many cities to the wonderful tourist attractions. It is a department with a rich cultural heritage, and one of the most visited of the Hexagon. Also, the accommodation available in the region is often rare pearls. But for an exceptional stay, we recommend using a hotel comparison . You can easily choose the type of accommodation you want, between comfort and unusual places.
Obviously, visiting the Loir-et-Cher is a must-see for the summer holidays in the Centre-Val-de-Loire. Also, between 30 and 100 euros per night for most hotels in the department. Some cottages also offer exceptional stays in fabulous historical buildings.
However, if you don’t like hotels, you can opt for a different accommodation, especially with private booking sites like Airbnb . Between villas, apartments and master houses, you will have the choice for your holidays. Prices of this type of booking are quite similar to those of hotels for the summer season. Also, for a full apartment, the rate is about 50 euros per night on average.
In addition, it may be practical to opt for housing in the largest municipalities in the region. Indeed, by choosing a rental in Blois or Vendôme , you will be close to the main tourist attractions. But you will have access to many amenities and to highway axes.
However, if you don’t like affluence, you might opt for a smaller city. For example, we think of the surprising Romorantin-Lanthenay, and its famous Sologne Museum.
You just have to pack your bags and go to the Loir-et-Cher!
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