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

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"...

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

Un édifice « Royal » Érigée en 1816 à l’emplacement de l’ancienne forteresse des Comtes de Dreux, la Chapelle Saint-Louis de Dreux abrite les sépultures de la Famille de Bourbon-Orléans. Le premier édifice élevé dans un style néo-classique par la duchesse d’Orléans, est ultérieurement agrandi par son fils le Roi Louis-Philippe, dans le style néo-gothique Un exceptionnel ensemble de gisants À partir de 1830, la chapelle Saint-Louis de Dreux devient la nécropole de la Maison de France. Les gisants de la famille du Roi Louis-Philippe sont commandés aux plus grands noms de la sculpture funéraire du XIXe siècle : Millet, Barre, Lenoir, Pradier et Mercié. C’est ce dernier qui exécute le mausolée du roi et de la reine Marie-Amélie. Le parcours de visite parmi ces tombeaux permet d’évoquer les heures et les malheurs des membres de la Famille de Bourbon-Orléans qui traversent les tumultes du XIXe siècle. Et des vitraux remarquables

In the royal city, you can visit the dungeons and a royal lodge.

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.

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

Lovingly surrounded by nature, the troglodyte site of la Magnanerie de Bourré will amaze visitors longing for a different experience. Overlooking the Cher valley, this true paradise will leave no one untouched. Come and feel the serenity of a world made of galleries secretly hidden within a sunny hillside. Oh yes, some people are lucky enough to live there ... and it will be their pleasure to show you around : the old "tuffeau" galleries (where the Loire castles stones were quarried), the 17th century silkworm farm (learn all about silk production in the region and the rearing of silkworms) and the traditional cave dwellings (hear about everyday life inside the rock).Access to the site is by guided tour only. The hour-long visit is fun, educational and guided by one of the inhabitants. So, if you wonder why and how people still live "in there" nowadays : feel free to ask. Your host will be more than happy to explain. The tours can be offered both in French and English