Top Things to do in Loir-et-Cher
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What to do and see in Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Loir-et-Cher, France including Eglise Saint Dye, Chateau de Chambord, Plessis Sasnieres Garden, Pierre Cochee, Pavillon Anne de Bretagne, Porte Saint Georges, Eglise Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Maison de l'Acrobate, Place du Chateau, Chocolaterie Poulain.
Restaurants in Loir-et-Cher
1. Eglise Saint Dye
2. Chateau de Chambord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,668 reviews
Chambord is the emblem of the French Renaissance through Europe and the world. The Domain of Chambord is made up of the château, a village, farms and a wooded area. The domain of Chambord is completely enclosed within a wall, all 5,440 hectares of it. That’s the equivalent of the city of Paris! It is the largest enclosed forest in Europe. The entire site has been the property of the state since 1930; when the public estate was created, article 230 of the law dated 23 February 2005 stated that the possessions making up the domain were given over to it without restriction or exceptions.
Reviewed By 430fredg - Milton, Canada
Our group of travellers from Canada visited this incredible chateau on our recent tour of the Loire Valley. The Chateau de Chambord, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance, is famous for its double-story staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The chateau is linked with its natural forest surroundings and its 5440 hectares, while the Domaine is the largest walled estate in Europe, thirty-two km of walls. The staircase involves two spiral stairs that turn in the same direction but never meet. It took between twenty and thirty years to finish the construction of the chateau-eighteen hundred people worked at building it. There are 282 chimneys, 77 staircases and 32 apartments for friends of the king Francois the first, and his court. Although king Francis was responsible for creating the concept of Chambord Chateau, he himself only spent 72 days in it, and the building was eventually completed by King Louis IV. Use the headsets provided, as there is a historical treasure trove in the numerous rooms. Also walk around the gardens, they are very colourful and visually stunning.
3. Plessis Sasnieres Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
You will find yourself in a timeless garden with a peaceful atmosphere around a freshwater lake with its waterfall. In all seasons the romantic setting of Le Plessis Sasnieres is ideal for a stroll. You are enchanted by the abundance of rosebushes - ancient and modern varieties - subtly combined with perennials. The flowery fence around the large vegetable garden and its original arched pergola.
Reviewed By pilipili2009
The gardens of Plessis are a surprising experience in the Loire region. Most gardens are typically "French" and this one is more English. You notice the dedication of this private initiative. The setting is exceptional with a hill where the visit starts before you go down to the lake and flower gardens. We took 1.5 hours to visit and had a lunch at the restaurant. Overall our best experience in four days in the Loire region. Excellent lunch on the terrace. Nice atmosphere and professional service. The shop is also worth a visit.
4. Pierre Cochee
5. Pavillon Anne de Bretagne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
6. Porte Saint Georges
7. Eglise Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By nancyen - Annapolis, United States
Passed by this picturesque spot while walking from the train into town. Convenient location across from the chateau, it is well worth a stop. The church is lovely, ornate but not overly so. The soft colors and relatively small size give it an intimate feel. Of special interest to me were the stained glass windows, the ceiling and the statuary, particularly the Pietà.
8. Maison de l'Acrobate
9. Place du Chateau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By KTGP - Adelaide, Australia
Head up Grands Degrés du Château, (lots of steps) to Place du Château, a lovely little pocket of Blois, filled with history. It is a large square with a wing of Château Blois. Saint-Sauveur Collegiate Church was on the square, until it was demolished during the French Revolution. The church in its day was used for a few notables, such as the burials of the Counts of Blois, the blessing in 1429 of Joan of Arc’s standard and the funerals of Catherine de Medici and Anne of Brittany. The portion of Blois Château facing the square is the Louis XII wing built 1498-1500. The beautiful Gothic façade, features a stunning equestrian statue of Louis XII, this is a copy created in 1858, the original was destroyed during the French Revolution. Above the statue is a delightful porcupine, the emblem of Louis XII. To the left is the rebuilt, Hôtels Amboise and Epernon. Both buildings were built at the turn of the 16th century, sadly they sustained heavy damage during WWII. They were reconstructed in the 1950’s, while the façade is close to the original the ornate embellishments were not replaced. Photos can be seen online of the buildings before and after they were destroyed. At the opposite end to the château is Maison de la Magie built 1856, it was the home of Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, (1805–1871) an illusionist who was born in Blois. The building is now a Museum of Magic dedicated to Houdin and there is a statue of him, out the front of the museum. Every 30 minutes or every hour, (not sure) six golden mechanical dragons appear at the window, with red eyes, breathing smoke and they even push over a portion of the balcony, adults as well as children get a bit of a buzz out of this. The museum is not open all year round. Jardins St Sauveur are on one side of the square, named for the church which once stood there. At the end of the gardens near the Museum of Magic, are steps leading to a lookout where there is a view of Blois Cathedral. The Tourist Office is just across the road from the square and there are a couple of restaurants nearby. In the garden are some benches, and a low wall to sit on. It is a lovey area to sit while waiting for the dragons to appear at the windows and do their thing. It is fun watching peoples reaction to them, especially the little tackers, none of them seemed frightened, they were more squeals of delight.
10. Chocolaterie Poulain
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