City: Centre-Val de Loire
Top Things to do in Centre-Val de Loire
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Centre-Val de Loire, France
Centre-Val de Loire (French pronunciation: [sɑ̃tʁ val də lwaʁ], "Centre-Loire Valley") is one of the 18 administrative regions of France. It straddles the middle Loire Valley in the interior of the country. The administrative capital is Orléans, but the largest city is Tours.
Restaurants in Centre-Val de Loire
1. Vinitour Centre-Loire
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 188 reviews
Wine Tours in the vineyard and winery around Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Menetou-Salon...and wine tastings "Discovery of Upper-Loire wines".Circuits oenotouristiques autour de Sancerre et soirees degustation "Decouverte des vins Centre-Loire"...
Reviewed By DaveHelen16 - Brussels, Belgium
We thoroughly recommend this 3-hour wine tour which also includes a visit and tasting at a goats cheese farm. Laure is very friendly and knowledgeable about the production techniques of both, explaining it all in great detail. She speaks excellent English. We really enjoyed our afternoon with her.
2. Chateau de Chenonceau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,584 reviews
Beautiful country villa surrounded by a moat and inspired by the Italian Renaissance.
Reviewed By Voyagerthes - Thessaloniki, Greece
Beautiful castle and gardens with so much history,romantic setting and unbelievable views!!!you can relax at the self-service cafe or lunch in the excellent restaurant of the Chateau L'orangerie!!
3. Cathedrale Saint-Gatien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,090 reviews
Reviewed By 590JackK - Lebanon, United States
While there are many sites to behold in the city of Tours, be sure to visit this cathedral. It took four hundred years to build, and was listed as an historic monument in 1862. Everything about it is astonishing to see, from the portals of the facade to the stained glass windows. The two towers each hold something significant in them: the north the royal stairs; the south the cathedral's bells. Aside from other Parisian-style gothic architecture, there are also the tombs of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's children, all in the south chapel. There are plentiful cathedrals to visit when visiting this region; I'd make this one of them.
4. Chateau Royal d'Amboise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,378 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 70MikeMM - San Francisco, United States
Everything about this beautiful chateau is impressive - the setting on the cliffs above the river, the gardens, the staterooms, and the small chapel with the grave of Leonardo DaVinci. It’s an unforgettable experience.
5. Hotel Groslot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Reviewed By Tanmouss - Oslo, Norway
Its charm comes from the bricks on the facade, the woodwork inside and particularly the painted ceilings and walls. Some precious furniture to be seen as well. The visit is free of charge and takes a few minutes.
6. Cathedrale De Bourges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,090 reviews
Reviewed By MattNys - Antwerp, Belgium
France being the walhalla of Cathedral lovers, if you have to choose a few, put Bourges at the top of your list. Beautiful city, fantastic Cathedral, I have never seen such a fine stained window art and there are so many windows to see. If you have the time, book a tour with a guide that knows the stories of each window, You will not be bored. If you don't have the time, just walk around in awe.
7. Le Chateau du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,037 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 76marab - Green Mountain, United States
This wonderful look at the life and accomplishments of Leonardo Da Vinci as seen through a day in the life at his home (for the last three years of his life) Clos du Lucé is so lifelike it feels like he might be back for lunch. Period music is playing, his writing, experiments and painting supplies are all strewn about and admits to it all are little vignettes telling you more about his inventions and life. Many miniature models exists of his prototypes and as an added bonus, there are animated videos showing via computer graphics how some of the larger scale ones would have or did work. Life size models on campus as well. Great fun for all ages. Restaurant and gif5 shop on site at this park like setting.
8. Chartres Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,907 reviews
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its high-Gothic art and architectural style.
Reviewed By djmmyv - Bishops Stortford, United Kingdom
Excellent examples of stain glass and possibly the tallest cathedral I have visited The town has a free light show through summer through to September that is unmissable
9. Palais Jacques-Coeur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 852 reviews
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
Reviewed By darrylr561 - Royston, United Kingdom
A wonderful and interesting building in the heart of Bourges giving a fascinating insight to French history with some clear explanations about the background and history of the structure.
10. Cathedrale Ste-Croix
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,703 reviews
Reviewed By LiamBateman - Greater London, United Kingdom
This is an amazing cathedral and very interesting to visit. Plus during the summer check out the amazing light and sound show at night.
