What to do and see in Centre-Val de Loire, France: The Best Gardens

"De la fourche a la fourchette" is an urban vegetable farm in organic agriculture, based on the Montargoise agglomeration in Chalette-sur-Loing. You can admire fruits and vegetables produced in a green setting of 4.5 hectares bordered by the Loing. A place open to picking in the heart of Gatinais with a multitude of organic and/or local products in its country market!

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

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

Although built at the same time of the great castles in the Loire valley, Talcy remains untouched by the popular Italian style and its love of decoration. The wells, outhouses including press and dovecote and the garden all emphasize the rural nature of the estate. The castle has retained its interior decoration and furniture from the 18th century. Site with the "Outstanding Garden" label. Open: > 2nd May to 4th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 5th September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > Tuesdays from 1st October to 31st March. > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; 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

Castle and Fairytale Gardens Le Rivau was constructed in the 15 century by Pierre de Beauvau, Great Chamberlain of Charles the 7th. It is also renown for having been visited by Joan of Arc on her way to Orleans to get some horses. This medieval private castle is animated by more than 380 art-objects. In the royal stables, an exhibit on Francis the First last king-knight is shown. Gem among the Loire Valley, Rivau Gardens are labbled 'Remarquable Gardens'. All around the year, discover our amazing flower collections of bulbs, iris, peonies, roses, lavender, dahlias, ornemental grasses and vegetables. Rivau gardens are Conservatory of Fragrant Roses and Conservatory of Vegetables that are used in our restaurant. The castle and gardens are suitable for the whole family, adults will be interested in botanic, history and contemporary art and kids will be transported in a fairytale like environnement.

Built in the Italian style during the reign of Louis XV, the Chateau contains furniture of exceptional quality, a large collection of objets d’art, gardens with trimmed box trees, a park of 80 hectares, former stables, a harness room and a museum of horse-drawn carriages. Site with the "Outstanding Garden" label. Open: > In April, May, June, September and October (everyday except on Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > In July and in August (everyday) from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. > In March and in November on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed: > From December to February, except for groups. > 1st May. 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

Enter into the magic of this garden and let yourself be charmed by the colored and scented festival of the many varieties and species of trees, plants and flowers from all over the world. Your fairytale walk will be punctuated by waterfalls, buildings and invitations to travel and to discover the talent of its fanciful designer, the great traveller and nature lover, Gilles de Brissac. The Park has been awarded the "Jardin Remarquable" label by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.

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.

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.