Centre - Val de Loire, the heart of France

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Explore a region rich in castles and history.

Experience a unique adventure at the heart of the Loire castles.

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Metropolitan - Centre - Val de Loire: when to go?

Centre-Val de Loire enjoys a mild and temperate climate, perfect for exploring its castles and flower-filled gardens. Spring and summer offer sunny days ideal for cycling or walking along the Loire. Autumn dresses the region in magnificent golden colors, while winter generally remains mild, perfect for culinary and cultural discoveries. A pleasant destination in every season, where the weather always invites adventure!

Activity ideas

  • Discovery of Renaissance Castles - Explore the sumptuous castles of the Loire and immerse yourself in history by admiring their refined gardens.
  • Bike ride on the Loire à Vélo route - Pedal along the Loire, between picturesque villages and enchanting landscapes.
  • Local wine tasting - Savor the unique aromas of local wines during a friendly tasting in the heart of the region.
  • Discover the Gardens of Villandry - Let yourself be surprised by the harmony of the Villandry gardens, a masterpiece of plant creativity and French elegance.
  • Troglodyte villages: discovering a unique heritage - Explore the fascinating troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock and let yourself be charmed by the mysterious allure of these unique villages on the banks of the Loire.
  • Traditional boat cruise - Naviguez paisiblement sur la Loire à bord d’un bateau traditionnel et laissez-vous envoûter par la beauté sauvage du fleuve et des villages alentour.
  • Hiking in the Sologne Forest - Set off on an adventure along the wooded trails of Sologne and breathe in the scent of unspoiled nature.
  • Introduction to Regional Gastronomy - Discover the secrets of the iconic dishes of the Loire Valley during a gourmet workshop led by a passionate chef.

Must-see locations

Centre - Val de Loire, a journey to the heart of French history.

A rural and relatively sparsely populated area, but experiencing strong demographic growth, it is home to only two metropolises with over 400,000 inhabitants, Tours and Orléans. Added to this are charming cities with their historic centers: Blois, Bourges, or Chartres. Crossed by the Loire Valley, this territory is especially known for its sumptuous castles, particularly the most famous among them, the Château de Chenonceau and the Château de Chambord. It is also a wine destination appreciated for its white wines such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Moreover, the Centre-Val de Loire, with its gently rolling terrain, is particularly suited to cycle tourism with routes totaling 800 km long (The Loire à Vélo) and hiking. Unmissable, the Beauval Zoo pampers its famous baby panda named by the First Lady of France. The castles should not make us forget about the cathedrals! Those of Chartres, Orléans, Tours, or Bourges are all jewels. One must also see the Jacques-Coeur Palace in Bourges and the Briare aqueduct bridge. The banks of the Loire, the rolling forests, villages, and fields make up romantic and charming landscapes. All in all, an inspiring country, that of Descartes, Rabelais, Balzac, Proust, and George Sand... So take your Petit Futé Centre-Val-de-Loire to brush up on your French history and prepare your stay!

Journey to the Heart of French Treasures

The Centre-Val de Loire region comprises six departments: Cher, Eure-et-Loir, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Loiret, and Loir-et-Cher. This region, located in the heart of France, is rich in history and heritage. It is known for its magnificent Loire castles, picturesque landscapes, and delicious gastronomy. Each department offers unique treasures to discover, ranging from vast agricultural plains to lush forests and winding rivers. The Centre-Val de Loire is an ideal destination for nature and culture lovers.

Unforgettable Castles

In the Centre-Val de Loire, the castles stand like timeless jewels, each telling centuries of history with elegance. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Château de Chambord, where the spirit of the Renaissance envelops you at every step. Let yourself be charmed by the enchanting gardens of the Château de Villandry, where nature itself becomes a living work of art. Explore the mysteries of the Château d'Amboise, witness to royal intrigues and the dreams of Leonardo da Vinci. At Chenonceau, cross the bridge that spans the Cher and feel the imprint of the ladies who shaped its destiny. Each fortress tells a story, each stone whispers a secret. From lush vineyards to picturesque villages, the region offers an idyllic setting for unforgettable strolls. The authentic flavors of local gastronomy will awaken your taste buds, while the gentle murmur of rivers invites you to relax. Come experience a journey out of time where each castle is a promise of wonder and emotion.

Breathtaking Nature: Discovery of Centre-Val de Loire

Discover the magic of nature in Centre-Val de Loire, where the landscapes seem straight out of a fairy tale. Here, nature unfolds in diverse scenes: from mysterious forests to fields golden with sunlight, and winding rivers that elegantly carve the land. The hiking trails invite you to explore exceptional biodiversity, where each step reveals a new wonder. For outdoor enthusiasts, regional natural parks offer an ideal setting to escape and breathe in serenity. Birds sing their symphony at dawn, while the rustling of leaves underfoot adds to the ambient harmony. Whether you prefer a bike ride along the cycle paths or a canoe trip on the tranquil waters of the Loire, each activity promises total immersion in this breathtaking nature. Come experience unforgettable moments in the heart of France, where the wild beauty of Centre-Val de Loire awaits you for a rejuvenating and inspiring journey.
To fully enjoy the Centre-Val de Loire, it is recommended to plan a stay of 4 to 7 days. This allows you to visit several castles, explore historic towns, and appreciate the local gastronomy without rushing.
To organize a honeymoon in the Centre-Val de Loire, start by selecting châteaux for romantic nights, plan vineyard tours, and book gourmet dinners. Consider renting a car to explore the region.
For a good holiday with a baby in the Centre-Val de Loire, choose suitable accommodation, visit castles that are accessible by stroller, and enjoy the natural parks for peaceful family walks.
For a family hiking trip in the Centre-Val de Loire, explore the Chambord forest, the trails of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park, and the banks of the Loire. Also visit the castles of Chenonceau and Amboise.
To practice ecotourism in Centre-Val de Loire, choose eco-friendly accommodations, explore natural parks by bike or on foot, and support local producers during your visits to castles and villages.
For a stay in the Centre-Val de Loire, plan for an average budget of 80 to 150 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, and visits. Prices vary according to the season and the type of accommodation chosen.
To reach Centre-Val de Loire, you can take a train from Paris (Austerlitz station) to Orléans, Tours, or Blois. It is also possible to get there by car via the A10 motorway or by long-distance bus.
To travel to Centre-Val de Loire, France, citizens of the European Union only need a valid identity card. For non-EU nationals, a passport and sometimes a visa are required.
To travel with peace of mind in Centre-Val de Loire, it is recommended to follow local guidelines, keep your valuables safe, and favor frequented places. The region is generally safe and welcoming.
To travel or stay in Centre-Val de Loire, no specific vaccine is required for travelers coming from France or Europe. However, it is recommended to be up to date with universal vaccinations, such as DTP.

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