Centre-Val de Loire - 80 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Centre-Val de Loire

The Centre-Val de Loire is a large inland region of central France located in the south-west of the French capital Paris. The region is known for its fine historical towns, for its vineyards and agricultural produce, and for its many beautiful castles.

Types of Attractions in Centre-Val de Loire

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Centre-Val de Loire

Abbaye de Noirlac

Abbaye de Noirlac

Iconic Buildings

The Noirlac abbey is an abbey Cistercian situated Bruere-Allichamps, near Saint-Amand-Montrond, in the department of Cher. It is one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys. Acquired by the department of Cher in 1909, restored from 1950 to 1980, it is currently a cultural meeting center, member of the European network of meeting centers 4, 5. Noirlac Abbey is a member of the Charter of Cistercian abbeys and sites in Europe.

Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours

A stylish neo Byzantine basilica was built in the year 1886 and It was at first served by a community of monks under an abbot. One of the beautiful church which is famous in this area and is also a good example of the architecture of France.

Blois Cathedral

One of the majestic cathedral in Blois which was dedicated to Saint Louis. The 'Cathédrale can be seen from almost anywhere in and around the fine city of Blois due to its hilltop location. It was a fine example of the gothic style architecture and is also faces so many wars and natural calamities. has been a monument Historique since 1906.

Bourges Cathedral

The Cathedral of St Etienne of Bourges, built between the late 12th and late 13th centuries, is one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art and is alsoa good example of the unity of design. It was dedicated to Saint Stephen and It is the seat of the Archbishop of Bourges. One of the majestic and beautiful buolding in this area and its architecture is truly wondrful.

Brenne Natural Regional Park

Brenne Natural Regional Park is situated in the region of Centre in the south-west of the Indre département. It is said to be one of France’s best-kept secrets this is probably due to the size of the area and its ability to remain hidden from the casual tourist. It covers around 166,000 hectares and it has around 2,000 lakes and ponds and a paradise for flora and fauna. To discover the rich biodiversity of this magnificent area of calm and serenity, visitors can take a number of discovery hikin

Briare aqueduct

Briare aqueduct

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Man-made Structures- Other

An outstanding piece of engineering which was located in central France Built from 1890 to 1896. This Built from 1890 to 1896. One of the nice places to spend some nice time with pavements, elegant lamp posts, and beautiful views of the Loire River and its banks.

Canal d'Orléans

Canal d'Orléans

Lake/ River/ Ponds

The Orleans Canal is a former waterway located in the French department of Loiret . With a length of 78.65 km , this canal connects the Loire to the Loing canal and to the Briare canal . It thus ensures continuity by waterway between Orleans and Paris to the north and Briare and the canals of the Center to the south.

Castle Chamerolles

Castle Chamerolles

Iconic Buildings

Notable Architectures

A beautiful Chateau which was built in the 16th century situated in Chilleurs-aux-Bois. The main feature of this chateau is the ascents and perfumes museum introducing visitors to the history and evolution of perfume. It also has a beautiful garden with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It has been classified as a historical monument since 1927 and an inscription since 1988.

Castle Gizeux

Castle Gizeux

Iconic Buildings

Castle Gizeux is an important building from the Middle Ages and altered over the centuries, including the Renaissance and at the time of the Enlightenment. it belonged to the family of the poet Joachim du Bellay from 1315 to 1660. The castle stands in the Regional Natural Park Loire-Anjou-Touraine. The building is 250 meters long, making it the longest château in Touraine angevine. One of the main attractions in this area and is a fine example of Gothic architecture.

Castle of Saint Brisson sur Loire

The castle of Saint-Brisson is a castle French located in Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire in the department of Loiret in the region Center-Val de Loire. The borders of Berry and the gates of Orleans, overlooking the bank left the main bed of the Loire, dried up at the opening of the side channel to the Loire at the end of xix th century in the neighboring town of St. Firmin-sur-Loire. The Château de Saint-Brisson is the Loire château located furthest upstream on the river.

Castle Park and Gardens of Azay-le-Ferron

Castle Park and Gardens of Azay-le-Ferron

Iconic Buildings

Notable Architectures

Botanical Gardens

The Chateau Azay le Ferron is a typical example of beautiful French rich architecture features a garden à la française and a French landscape garden dating to the 17th century in 123 acres in total. it is owned by the city of Tours and is open to the public. Visitors can take a tour of the 18 furnished rooms featuring sumptuous collections of furniture, tapestry, paintings, and objets d'art.

Cathédrale Saint-Gatien

The Saint-Gatien Cathedral of Tours is a Roman Catholic cathedral, located in Tours in the Vieux-Tours, in Indre-et-Loire. Dedicated to Saint Gatien, the first bishop of Tours, it is the seat of the archdiocese of Tours and the metropolitan cathedral of the ecclesiastical province of Tours. It was classified as a historical monument by the list of 1862.

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans

The Sainte-Croix d'Orléans cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral built from the 13th to the 19th century. This majestic Gothic structure is listed as a historical monument in 1862. The cathedral is probably most famous for its association with Joan of Arc. One of the main pilgrimage site in this area which is historically important too.

Cave of Goupillières

The eighth longest explored cave in the world and the second deepest cave in the United states and It is most famous for its unusual geology, rare formations, and pristine condition. ess to the cave is limited to approved scientific researchers, survey and exploration teams, and National Park Service management-related trips.

Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré

It is Neither museum nor foundation. With a total area of ​​4,500 square meters, the CCC OD has three exhibition spaces: the nave has monumental installations permanently visible from the outside, the black gallery is dedicated to artists of our time and the white gallery is regularly devoted to the work of Olivier Debré. The CCC OD also has a bookstore and a restaurant. One of the nice location where you can understand the history.

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral

Churches

Notable Architectures

Also known as the cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is a gothic cathedral located in Chartres, France. It was constructed between 1194 and 1220 and is designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The vast nave of the church, the porches with fine sculptures, and the stained-glass windows increase the beauty of the church. This church is a milestone in the development of Western architecture because it employs all the structural elements of the new Gothic architecture.

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil

Iconic Buildings

Notable Architectures

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil is a 14th-century castle built on the grounds of an earlier 12th-century castle in Ainay-le-Vieil, France. The castle has been listed as a Monument Historique since 1968 by the French Ministry of Culture. The castle, now part of Jacques Cœur's tourist route, has been nicknamed "the little Carcassonne" because of its circular shape. It is now one of the best-preserved fortresses of the 14th century.

Château d'Anet

Château d'Anet

Iconic Buildings

Notable Architectures

A majestic castle which was A jewel of French Renaissance architecture built by Philippe l'Orme in 1548. There is a sign of every renowned architects of that time. it underwent considerable and magnificent enlargement in the future and It is now one of the notable architecture in this area. The château is especially noted for its exterior, notably the Fountain of Diana is also the main attraction here.

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

A beautiful castle which was built in the Loire valley is one of the loveliest and most visited chateaus of the Loire Valley. It was built on an island in the river Indre. One of the gorgeous building in this area which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and also The interior of the castle is truly wonderful. It is one of the must-visit places in this area.

Château d'Ussé

Château d'Ussé

Iconic Buildings

Notable Architectures

One of the most surprising castles in the Loire valley. originally built as a stronghold in the Middle Ages but developed over time to become a jewel of French architecture. The current chateau was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries and later modified in the 17th century to give the elegant castle which is now the home of the Duke of Blacas and his family who lovingly preside over this enchanting place. It was classified as a monument historique in 1931 by the French Ministry of Culture.

Map of attractions in Centre-Val de Loire

Comments

For more information about Centre-Val de Loire, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre-Val_de_Loire