The 10 Best Historic Sites in Centre-Val de Loire, France

With the dawning of the Renaissance, the mighty medieval fortress of Amboise gave way to a royal residence, during the reigns of the Kings of France Charles VIII and François I. The Court, a large number of men and women of letters and European artists, stayed here on invitation from the sovereigns, one example being Leonardo da Vinci who lies here in peace in the Château’s Chapel.This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. After a visit of the Royal House and the impressive Cavalry Towers, the walk continues in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire river.

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

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.

The “Grant’Maison” of Jacques Cœur, financier to king Charles VII, was built in the mid-15th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic civic architecture in France. The relatively unadorned western facade, built on the Gallo-Roman town walls, contrasts starkly with the richly decorated eastern facade overlooking the street. The Palais Jacques Cœur is a fine example of the Flamboyant style of the late Middle Ages and its attention to the comfort of the inhabitants prefigures the great residences of the Renaissance. Open: > 2nd May to 30th June: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. > 1st July to 31st August: from 9.45 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st to 30th April and 1st to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. 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

Open every day of the year ! The medieval fortress dominates the village with its austere facade. But don't be daunted: the open drawbridge is an invitation to enter into the refined lodgings of a great lord. It is the most fully furnished castle of the Loire Valley. The hushed ambiance of the rooms and the splendor of the great reception halls will plunge you into the daily life of a 15th century prince. You will relive the event that distinguished the history of the locale: the wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, recreated with strikingly realistic wax figures.In the park, you will discover the recreated construction site of France's oldest keep. The promenade, punctuated with playgrounds and the tree house, can be followed through cedars and sequoias to the gazebo overlooking the Loire.

Aux portes du Val de Loire, le château royal de Blois présente un véritable panorama de l'art et de l'histoire des châteaux de la Loire, ce qui en fait la meilleure introduction à leur visite par sa richesse architecturale. Autour de la cour, dominée par le monumental escalier François Ier, se déploie un florilège de quatre styles de l'architecture française, le style gothique avec la salle des Etats généraux, les prémices de l'influence italienne avec l'aile Louis XII, Renaissance dans l'aile François Ier et enfin classique avec l'aile bâtie par Mansart pour le duc d'Orléans. Résidence de sept rois et de dix reines de France, le château royal est le lieu évocateur du pouvoir et de la vie quotidienne de la cour à la Renaissance, comme en témoignent les appartements royaux, meublés et ornés de magnifiques décors polychromes.

A monumental countryside villa surrounded by world-famous gardens, organized in the classic French Renaissance style.