Top Things to do in Loire Valley
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Loire Valley, Centre-Val de Loire
Old world villages and storybook chateaux bedeck the Loire, once fought over by Gauls, Romans, Visigoths and even Attila the Hun. Rent bikes and roll through the lush valley, visiting fortresses in Amboise and Angers, UNESCO-designated Chartres Cathedral and the Gothic cathedral in Nantes. Musee Jules Vernes houses replicas of inventions designed by the futuristic author. Pay respects to other former residents: the Romans in Tours, the cave dwellers of Touraine, and the liberator of Orleans, Joan of Arc.
Restaurants in Loire Valley
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Musee des Blindes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,336 reviews
Reviewed By ianj776 - Usk, United Kingdom
Situated near Saumur in the Loire Valley is this superb display of armoured fighting vehicles, some in full working order including the formidable Tiger 2. there are some 300 vehicles on display -all under cover, well presented and maintained.
5. 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.
6. Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,967 reviews
The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, masterpiece of the Renaissance. The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, built at the heart of Touraine under the patronage of François Ier, has all the charm of the Renaissance. Masterpiece of the 16th century architecture, it rises up on an island designed by the river Indre and is surrounded by a romantic 19th century park. The château has some prestigious historical decorations telling about its 4 centuries of history. It also has some sumptuous collections of items, tapestries and furniture. To be discovered : - On the ground floor : restoration of the 19th century decoration and atmosphere. - On the first floor : an immersion at the heart of the Renaissance, the great hall and its period furniture, as well as the restoration of a Renaissance chamber, whose walls are fully made of bullrushes braids. - The Pressoir (former press room), an interpretation center reachable by everyone in order to know more about the château. - The romantic park of 8ha with many points of view on the château and its water mirrors.
Reviewed By Bheathen
This is a lovely building with (of course) an interesting history, and offers plenty of explanatory material in English. Most of the chateau is open to the public. Apart from the main bedrooms and the huge rooms for entertaining, you can visit the attic level where the astonishing roof structure is on view.. The chateau, right on the river, is only metres from the village centre, and is surrounded by splendid trees and spacious parkland. Certainly well worth a visit.
7. Chateau de Villandry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,717 reviews
A monumental countryside villa surrounded by world-famous gardens, organized in the classic French Renaissance style.
Reviewed By jackychina2015 - Belfast, United Kingdom
I’ve always wanted to see Villandry and I wasn’t disappointed. We didn’t bother with the Chateau just wallowed in the world-famous gardens. They are huge yet intimate because they are divided into rooms and sections. The planting is masterful, the plants are immaculate and the whole visit was an experience. There is a suggested route which we ignored and regretted as we did it afterwards and it makes more sense. Lovely little garden shop selling plants and garden-related goodies. There is a crêperie just outside but we left our car in the (free) car park and had lunch on one of the many restaurants in the little village. It’s just a couple of minutes away on foot. Loved every minute.
8. Caves Louis de Grenelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Situated at 12m underground in the centre of Saumur, the Louis de Grenelle wine cellars have been producing, in the purest tradition, Cremant de Loire and Saumur Brut ever since 1859. In this former tufa quarry, you will discover the secrets of traditional wine-producing methods. After the guided tour there will be a commented wine-tasting session. You will also be able to discover wine in a wine-dedicated space.
9. Le Cadre Noir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,140 reviews
Reviewed By 959billm - Berwick upon Tweed, United Kingdom
We had a fantastic look around last week - a really knowledgeable guide who spoke excellent English and took a great deal of time to discuss horses with my granddaughter who is a very proficient and experienced dressage rider It's a absolute must place to visit if you are in the area even if you are not a Horsey person
10. Musee du Compagnonnage
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