10 History Museums in Centre-Val de Loire That You Shouldn't Miss

Come to discover the territory of the "pays loire val d'aubois" thanks to a permanent exhibition around six main themes : the water, the ground, the fire, the men, the terra-cotta and the bats, by traveling a former hoffmann oven kept as is. You will also take advantage of an accessible temporary exhibition free of charge.

At the invitation of Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci came to live at the Château du Clos Lucé and stayed here for the last three years of his life, devoting himself to perfecting his inventions. Leonardo was prolific and inspired, working as an engineer, architect and theatrical director, organising lavish festivities for the Court. At his residence 300 metres from the Château Royal, he drew up plans for a model château for Francis I in Romorantin and designed the double-helix open staircase in the Château de Chambord.The Château du Clos Lucé is dedicated to showing and explaining to the public the great knowledge acquired by the Italian Maestro.

George Sand’s house was built at the end of the XVIII century. The great woman writer spent her childhood at Nohant and wrote most of her works in the house, which retains the original furniture and decor. Site with the "Outstanding Garden" label. Open: > 2nd May to 30th June: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st July to 31st August: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st to 30th September and 1st to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

Honore de Balzac was one of the great writers of the first half of the 19th century. Throughout his life, he remained faithful to his native soil, Touraine. From 1825 to 1848, he paid regular visits to Jean Margonne, a friend of his parents, at Chateau de Sache. There, far removed from the bustle of Parisian life and his financial worries, the writer found the silence and austerity that enabled him to work between twelve and sixteen hours a day. Le Pere Goriot, Louis Lambert, Cesar Birotteau and Illusions Perdues were all partly written there. Sache also served as a source of inspiration for Balzac, who set his novel Le Lys dans la Vallee in the idyllic surroundings of the Indre Valley.

The commandery of Arville is one of the best preserved Knights Templar commanderies in France with its church and fortied porch (12th century), stables, tithe barn and dovecote (15th-16th centuries). The museum reveals the fascinating story of the Knights Templar and the Crusades. An immersive exhibition with 8 galleries oers you an interactive experience : it’s as if you were travelling to Jerusalem. Audioguides and exhibition notes in English are available to enhance your visit.

La deviniere, a country cottage and the birthplace of François Rabelais, is situated near Chinon (7 kms) in a village called Seuilly. The french writer used this place and surrounding lanscapes as the natural setting for a family of giants. The museum traces the life of rabelais : writer, doctor, humanist during a period called la Renaissance.