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

Beautiful country villa surrounded by a moat and inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

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.

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

With friends, group or family , come and discover the vineyards of Sancerre. Sancerre wines will no longer hold any secrets for you thanks to this unique interpretive center : 4D experience, augmented reality, 360 degree view on the vineyards, immersive adventure in a vinification tank... a visit you can share with friends or family !

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

A journey full of fun and surprises through a whole era of mechanization of French rural areas and industrialization of France: first cars and tractors, bikes & motorbikes, engines & steam machines, airplanes & locomotives, agricultural & military machines, weaving loom, guillotine and lots of other remarkable items. Following the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, it’s mechanical, industrial & human ingenuity of the 19th and 20thcentury which is exhibited here! The evolution of the agricultural world and modes of transport, the Industrial Revolution, the Second World War: these are some of the biggest themes showcased in museum Maurice Dufresne. An incredible journey through time, contributing to family stories, bringing back memories and evoking great emotions. A visit to the museum will surely animate conversations of elderly people as well as the youngest, men as well as women, even long a er your visit.

Le Muséum d’Histoire naturelle de Bourges a pour mission de : - conserver, restaurer, étudier et enrichir les collections, - rendre les collections accessibles au public le plus large, - concevoir et mettre en œuvre des actions d’éducation et de diffusion visant à assurer l’égal accès de tous à la culture, - contribuer aux progrès de la connaissance et de la recherche ainsi qu’à leur diffusion. Le Muséum de Bourges est spécialisé dans l’étude des chauves-souris et a créé un centre de documentation spécifique pour répondre aux attentes nationales. Bourges accueille également, tous les deux ans, les Rencontres nationales « chauves-souris » de la Société Française pour l’Étude et la Protection des Mammifères. Le Muséum est ouvert Tous les jours : 14h00 - 18h00 Pendant les vacances 10h00 - 12h00 et 14h00 - 18h00

This Museum shows you about sixty cars from 1898 which are all in capacity to run. We have garage ensigns' collection, car parts and ancient posters too.