Top 10 Free Things to do in Centre-Val de Loire, France

March 26, 2022 Dorsey Hagwood

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. Vignoble de la Jarnoterie

Lieu Dit la Jarnoterie, 37140 Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil France +33 2 47 97 75 49 http://www.jarnoterie.com
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 75 reviews

Vignoble de la Jarnoterie

Reviewed By leerV8101YK

Warm welcome. An interesting and passionate tour of the caves with wine tasting afterwards . Would recommend for couples and groups

2. Cathedrale Saint-Gatien

Place de la Cathedrale, 37000, Tours France +33 2 47 71 21 00 http://www.paroisse-cathedrale-tours.catholique.fr/patrimoine-visitez-la-cathedrale/cathedrale-saint-gatien
Excellent
59%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,090 reviews

Cathedrale Saint-Gatien

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.

3. Hotel Groslot

Place de l'Etape, 45000, Orleans France +33 2 38 79 22 30 http://www.tourisme-orleansmetropole.com/
Excellent
46%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 391 reviews

Hotel Groslot

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. Cathedrale De Bourges

Place Etienne-Dolet, 18000 Bourges France +33 2 48 23 02 60 http://www.bourges-cathedrale.fr
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,090 reviews

Cathedrale De Bourges

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.

5. Chartres Cathedral

16 Cloitre Notre Dame, 28000, Chartres France +33 2 37 21 75 02 [email protected] http://www.cathedrale-chartres.org
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,907 reviews

Chartres Cathedral

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

6. Cathedrale Ste-Croix

Pl. Ste-Croix Place Sainte-Croix, 45000, Orleans France +33 2 38 24 05 05 http://www.tourisme-orleansmetropole.com/
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,703 reviews

Cathedrale Ste-Croix

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.

7. Pont Canal de Briare

45250, Briare France +33 2 38 31 28 73 http://www.charmes-nautiques.com
Excellent
56%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 558 reviews

Pont Canal de Briare

This is an incredible architectural feat - we traveled over the bridge in a canal boat and then went back to bike on it.

Reviewed By edhimal

One of those strange constructions that you can find in France. It's worth the visit because of: -its uniqueness; -it's located in a nice and quiet region; -it's well kept; -the possibility of a small stroll; -... And take the opportunity to shoot some nice photos.

8. Abbaye de la Trinite

Rue de l'Abbaye, 41100 Vendome France
Excellent
64%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 116 reviews

Abbaye de la Trinite

Reviewed By laidlerpaul53 - Vendome, France

I really enjoyed my visit here. The stonework at the front is exquisite and less damaged by atmospheric erosion than other buildings of a similar age, although there has been some restoration, and I can't always tell the full extend of the restoration. The interior with its massive vaulted ceiling impressed this 21st century peasant as I'm sure it has for hundreds of years. Some excellent stained glass, including some modern windows that fitted the setting very well.

9. Jardin Botanique de Tours

35 boulevard Tonnelle, 37000, Tours France +33 2 47 21 62 67 [email protected] http://www.tours.fr/services-infos-pratiques/585-jardin-botanique.htm
Excellent
51%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 542 reviews

Jardin Botanique de Tours

Depuis 1843, le jardin botanique est un lieu de promenade incontournable, rempli de charme et de souvenirs. D'un côté, on découvre un espace dédié à la botanique avec ses serres de collection Biodivers présentant des plantes exotiques (plantes utilitaires, sous-bois tropicaux, flore d'Afrique du Sud) ainsi que des jardins à thèmes (jardin d'inspiration japonaise, jardin de l'évolution, jardin des plantes vivaces, etc.) et de l'autre un espace ludique avec les jeux et les espaces animaliers au milieu des arbres remarquables de l'arboretum. 2 espaces complètent ce jardin : - au nord, le jardin des 2 mondes structure l'espace autour des végétaux aux formes élaborées répartis à l'est avec les plantes asiatiques et à l'ouest avec les végétaux américains. - au sud, un jardin des plantes médicinales accueille les plantes qui sont toujours utilisées dans la pharmacopée européenne.

Reviewed By ScotsTravels - Glasgow, United Kingdom

Walked round on Thursday 8 May, weather was mixed with a light shower, but generally dry with some Sunshine. A lovely mixed garden with lots of wildlife especially Ducks & Pink Flamingos. Bits of colour through the garden but not as colourful as the Prébendes d'Oé Garden. Excellent water features for the wildlife and plenty of amazing trees ... all shapes and sizes , well balanced with flower beds. Overall great place to visit and spend a couple of hours. Have fun!

10. Jardins des Prebendes d'Oe

Rue Roger Salengro, 37000, Tours France +33 2 47 21 62 67 [email protected] http://www.tours.fr/services-infos-pratiques/250-jardin-des-prebendes.htm
Excellent
55%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 240 reviews

Jardins des Prebendes d'Oe

Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia

Jardins des Prebendes d'Oe is a wonderful place where you can find some peace and quiet. It's also good for a picnic, a walk, a run, a jog or just a lie down. We did not intend visiting it but came across it by chance and just walked through. There are some lovely landscaped gardens, beautiful plants and nice trees, as well as water features and areas for children to play.

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