The 14 things to do in the Val-de-Loire Centre

Want to explore one of the most beautiful regions in France? Enjoy the time of a stay to visit the Val-de-Loire Centre!

On the banks of the Loire there is a green region, renowned for its famous castles. It is true that visiting the Val-de-Loire Centre undoubtedly includes the discovery of this fascinating architectural heritage. However, your destination offers a wide range of rich and diverse activities. Wine tasting, strolling in historic cities or walking in nature should delight more than one. You will not lack inspiration to know what to do in the Val-de-Loire Centre thanks to our 14 ideas.

Voguez sur le plus long river de France et faire escale au fil de vos moods !

1. Amboise

Joyau de la Vallée de la Loire, Amboise imposes himself on the visitu·rs·ses as an evidence. The city was a time the heart of power and art. For proof, Charles VIII and François I established their residence in Amboise Castle.

Let us stress that it also welcomes the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. To learn more about this Renaissance genius, go to Clos Lucé, his last home. If you only know what to do in the Centre Val de Loire after these visits, we recommend the park Mini-Châteaux. A ride is enough to contemplate all the castles of the Loire in miniature!

2. Blois

Continue your road to Blois, where another castle stands. Rival of Amboise’s, he welcomed many personalities from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Walk in the footsteps of Anne de Bretagne, Charles Quint, Pierre de Ronsard, Louis XII and many more. After this journey in time, vary the pleasures to the amazing Magic House, as well as in the gardens of the ancient bishopric.

3. The Beauval Zoo

Looking for more than doing in the Centre Val de France. Follow us at the ZooParc de Beauval! Go to meet 35,000 protected animals in the zoo. And to observe them surprisingly, the zoo has planned cable cars over various territories.

You can also complete this day with a bird show or a passage to the equatorial dome. This novelty invites you to dive into the heart of the jungle. We don't tell you any more.

4. Bourges

If you have planned to visit the Centre Val-de-Loire, Bourges will take your curiosity. For this, start with a tour in the historic district. The alleys lined with shaded houses will lead you to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the gardens of the archdiocese.

Then head to the beautiful post to reach the Jacques-Coeur Palace. This magnificent 15th century monument bears witness to the richness of this outstanding merchant . Finish your day by strolling near the resting marshes.

5. Chambord Castle

More than 5,000 hectares make up the estate of Chambord. In its center, the castle is a perimeter created by François I. However, this ambitious project will only be completed under Louis XIV. You will discover more than 60 rooms, terraces and French gardens.

Nevertheless, the key element of the majestic building is the double-revolution staircase, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. This masterpiece allows two people to descend and climb by crossing, but without seeing each other. Experience it!

6. Orleans

Are you wondering what to do in the Val-de-Loire Centre? Break in Orleans of course! Take a walk in the old town, including Martroi Square, St. Croix Cathedral and Groslot Hotel. This Renaissance-style building is one of the city’s treasures.

Going to Orleans, it is also to meet his maid, Jeanne d’Arc. She accompanies you during your walk. Statue, home or other, it is the emblem of the city. Finally, if you have time, take a look at the Fine Arts Museum and the Source Park.

7. Chinon

Chinon embodies the sweetness of life. It is true that the city of art and history regales its eyes with its wood-paned houses and its tuffeau hotels. Here and there, you will cross the clusters, especially in the Grand Carroi, its old centre.

Make a stop at General de Gaulle where the terraces bloom. Then go to the assault of the royal fortress. Perched on the heights, it was in turn in the hands of the Counts of Blois, Anjou and the Plantagenas.

8. Tasting regional specialties

Among the things to do in the Centre Val-de-France, a gourmet break is worth a break. The salted beaks will be tempted by the pâté de Chartres and rillettes de Tours . While sweet sweet sweetness amatters will prefer pie Tatin or Forestines de Bourges .

And so as to sublimate the meal, choose one local wine , for example a Chinon, a Cancer, a Quincy, a Reuilly, a Valençay... Wouldn’t it also be an opportunity to practice oentourism?

9. The castle of Chenonceau

The castles to visit in the Centre Val-de-Loire are not missing. And Chenonceau's is one of the must-sees. It is also called the "Château des Dames" because of the attachment of strong female personalities to the place. These include Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. This amazing monument built in 1513 enjambes the Cher thanks to its galleries surmounting the arches. A pretty prowess.

10. Other castles to visit in the Centre Val-de-Loire

The region has many other castles worthy of cape and sword films. Let yourself be marvelled again for example by:

• Ussé ;
• Villandry ;
• Visit the Château de Cheverny : tickets, prices, times ;
• Azay-le-Rideau ;
• Chaumont-sur-Loire ;
• Valençay ;
• Anet ;
• Langeais ;
• Sully-sur-Loire ;
• Or domain of Georges Sand.

11. The troglodytes

The region is constellated with dwellings dug into the tuffeau, a porous limestone rock. To see a large number of troglodytes , go to Troo, nicknamed "the capital of troglodytism". Some homes were from the Middle Ages!

On the other hand, some fungus occupies troglodytes that sink deep into the cliffs. The dark and wet atmosphere is perfect for their culture.

12. Charters

It would be a shame to visit the Centre Val-de-Loire without going to Chartres. You would then miss his Gothic cathedral, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. You wouldn't see either his high town and his low-rise medieval town.

Then you could also have extended your day by a walk on the edges of the Eure. Or a trip to the Picassiette house, an unusual house decorated with pieces of plates.

13. Tours

A tourangeau stay offers a nice escape in the past. For this, head to the old Tours with its Place Plumereau, its shaded houses and Renaissance hotels. The most remarkable is undoubtedly the Hotel Goüin. Take a look at the small castle, Saint-Gatien Cathedral and Saint-Martin Basilica. Finally, admire the Ligerian show from the Wilson Bridge.

14. The Brenne Nature Park

Did you think you've checked everything on your list of what to do in the Centre Val-de-France? Let’s move our regional tour by taking a bowl of air to the Brenne. These landscapes composed of ponds are suitable for an absolute disconnection.

Herons, boars, deer and even turtles live here peacefully. Moreover, guided hikes are organized to share with the visitors the knowledge of the park.

How to get to the Val-de-Loire Centre?

To visit the Val-de-Loire Centre, board your preferred means of transport:

• By car: since Paris,A10 leads you to Orleans 1h20 about and in Tours 2:30. If you come from Clermont-Ferrand, the A71 goes back to Bourges and Orléans.
• By train: the TER Paris-Orléans 1h-1h30, while the TGV Paris-Tours puts 1h. TER and cars connect the major cities of the Val-de-Loire Centre.
• By plane: the area is equipped with Tours-Val de Loire Airport. It serves some close international destinations and Marseilles. See a flight comparison like Skyscanner to book your arrival at the best price.
• Cycling: well-appointed bike paths along the Loire. Perfect for a green stay! Special mention of the route between Bracieux and Chambord, whose frame is exceptional.

Where to stay in the Val-de-Loire Centre?

Find your happiness among cottages, hotels, troglodytic guest rooms, campsites, cabins or trailers. Would you like to put your suitcases in the centre of Orleans, the regional capital? You will then have to pay 45€ on average for one night in Airbnb (full housing) to two.

In comparison, a hotel night will cost you about €1,000 in a quality hotel. In view of sometimes high prices, it is wise to rely on a Compare hotels to make the best choice and find the best price.

Now that you know what to do in the Val-de-Loire Center, it's time to pack!