51 Iconic Buildings to Explore in Centre-Val de Loire

Checkout places to visit in Centre-Val de Loire

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.

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Iconic Buildings to Explore in Centre-Val de Loire

Abbaye de Noirlac

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.

Castle Chamerolles

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 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

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.

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil

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

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

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.

Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley

A beautiful castle that was built in the late 15th century but this has given way to the current structure which was built by Jean du Thiers secretary of state to King Henry II. The castle is renowned for its Gallery of portraits decorated in the 17th century with 327 portraits of famous people. The castle was surrounded by a beautiful garden and is a nice place to spend some nice time and also it is an example of a FIne architecture.

Château de Bouges

An elegant, 18th-century Italian-style residence is reminiscent of the Petit Trianon at the Palace of Versailles. It was located in the village of Bouges-le-Château in the heart of the Berry. The 80-hectare garden, lake, and cutting flower garden increase the beautify of this \chetau. The castle is listed in monument historique and the gardens are listed by the Ministry of Culture as among the Notable Gardens of France. The château and gardens are open to the public.

Château de Chambord

The Chateau de Chambord, located in the Loire Valley of Loir-et-Cher, France, was built between 1519 and 1547 CE. This fine French Renaissance building which is incredible with its size and architecture was built by Francis I. This largest castle was built to serve as a hunting lodge for Francis I. One of the unique buildings in this area and it is now one of the main attraction.

Château de Chaumont

A Majestic fortress which was built around the year 1000 to keep watch over the border between the counties of Blois and Anjou. It was owned by the Amboise family for a good 500 years. It was one of France's largest, most impressive historical sites. Located in the center of the Loire Valley, home to several medieval castles and it is famous for its architecture too. One of the most t visited locations in this area and is protected as a Monument Historique since 1840, the château was given into

Château de Chenonceau

One of the beautiful castle located in the heart of France which is also called the ladies chateau’ as throughout its history it is they who have most influenced its design and its destiny. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river. An architectural mixture of late Gothic and early Renaissance and it also has a beautiful garden that is open to the public.

Château de Cheverny

A beautiful castle which was the remains of ancient French architecture. Built between the years of 1604 and 1634, and changed little since, the castle presents an immaculate picture of symmetry, peace, and the aristocratic good life. The interior reflects a living history of the generations of the family and it is still owned by descendants of the original builders. There is also a beautiful garden around this place and is one of the visitors paradise.

Château de Culan

This unique historic building in France, with its 70-meter façade, is governed by imposing circular towers, crowned with well-preserved wood hourds. It s construction began in 1180. it was once owned by Sully and also the Price of Condé. The castle, listed as a monument historique at the start of the 20th century. tody the chateau is beautifully restored and is maintained in good condition. The castle is open to visitors every day from Easter to the end of October.

Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre

Originally an 11th-century structure, it was entirely rebuilt at the end of the 15th century, with only the large, square keep remaining original. Fougères is distinguished from other great châteaux by a more sober and robust architecture, mixing the styles of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The walls of the château of Fougères-sur-Bièvre are made from the hard limestone of Beauce. The softer and whiter tufa limestone, from the Cher valley, was used for the more decorative elements.

Château de l'Islette

The Renaissance castle, surrounded by the arms of the Indre, recalls that of Azay-le-Rideau, its neighbor. Two brothers, we often say ... Today it is the home of the current owners who have the pleasure of sharing their home, showing the rooms currently inhabited and thus the development of a castle in the 21st century.

Château de la Bussiere

The castle of La Bussière is a French castle located in the commune of La Bussière and the department of Loiret in the Center-Val de Loire region. Its main buildings were constructed between the end of the xvi th and beginning of the xvii th century under the Tillet. It has been open to the public since 1962 and houses an important collection of objects on freshwater fishing.

Château de Langeais

One of the beautiful castle which is in the center of a busy street. A powerful building with its drawbridge and its towers with their machicolations. Château of Langeais and its park Rebuilt in the 15th century by Louis XI, the castle of Langeais is one of the oldest Loire Valley chateaux. Its architecture illustrates the transition between two styles. One of the beautifully constructed building and has a lot of historical importance.

Map of Iconic Buildings to explore in Centre-Val de Loire