Must-Sees

Welcome to the Loire Valley in Loir-et-Cher, a treasure inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. As a witness to the History of France, this place was the favoured residence of kings and queens. Explore the majestic Châteaux of the Loire Valley and discover the unspoiled beauty of the Loire, the last wild river in Europe, with its rich wildlife and flora. An immersion between culture and nature awaits you.

The Sologne… a natural region of incredible diversity! Its vast forests and countless ponds create a mosaic of enchanting landscapes. Explore picturesque villages and hidden châteaux, and immerse yourself in this land of human and wildlife encounters. The roar of the stag, themed houses, and even sweet delicacies make this region a true source of discoveries and curiosities.

The Royal Château of Blois, home to the kings and queens of France, weaves the tale of the History of the Kingdom of France. Its blend of styles, from medieval to classical, makes this extraordinary château the most royal of the Loire Castles. Like an open book, the château continues its story through the Museum of Fine Arts, where sculptures, art objects, and paintings are revealed throughout the visit.

426 rooms, 83 staircases, and 282 chimneys… grandiose! The Château of Chambord is a true architectural masterpiece at the gateway to Sologne. Away from prying eyes, this royal palace, built in 1519 under the orders of Francis I, stands above an ancient forest, the largest in Europe. A symbol of the Renaissance extravagance in the Loire Valley, Chambord rightly deserves its title as the largest of the Loire Castles!

More than just a historic site, the Château of Cheverny embodies the French art of living, welcoming visitors every day since 1922. As the inspiration for Hergé’s design of Moulinsart Castle in the Tintin albums, Cheverny is a must-see gem among the Loire Castles. Richly furnished, its exteriors change with the seasons, making it a perennial favorite.

A perfect blend of gardens, culture, and history, the Domaine of Chaumont-sur-Loire is the foremost ambassador of contemporary art in the Loire Valley! The château, a subtle fusion of Gothic style and Renaissance architecture, hosts both temporary exhibitions and permanent works. From April to November, the International Garden Festival is a must-visit event for garden enthusiasts.

The ZooParc of Beauval, the most beautiful zoo in France, delights both young and old. Ranked as the 4th most beautiful zoo in the world, it spans 45 hectares of splendor where nearly 35,000 animals thrive, including the only panda family in France. Captivating shows, a monumental equatorial greenhouse, a cable car, and the largest aviary in Europe await you. An unforgettable adventure for those seeking a world tour of animals!

“A historic city built like an amphitheatre”… this is how Victor Hugo described Blois during one of his visits. Designated as a “City of Art and History,” Blois is an exceptional town with a proud history spanning over a millennium. Gracefully nestled along the Loire River, it offers visitors a charming urban escape. With its royal château, picturesque alleyways, and vibrant atmosphere, Blois brims with secrets and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Vendôme is a town where the charm of the past comes alive at every turn. Its cobbled streets lead to lush gardens gently caressed by the tranquil waters of the Loir. Discover the ruins of the former Château of the Bourbon-Vendôme family, wander through the Rochambeau district, and admire the flamboyant Gothic style of the Trinity Abbey. The remnants of ancient ramparts and the half-timbered houses in the historic centre whisper the secrets of the town’s storied past.

Nestled in the picturesque corners of the Loir Valley, a rare gem unfolds: Lavardin, the only “Most Beautiful Village in France®” in Loir-et-Cher! This charming floral village sits at the foot of the ruins of its medieval château. Here, panoramic viewpoints offer vibrant perspectives of the valley, while the Loir gently winds its way through the landscape. Are you ready to join us on a journey through history and nature?

In the Loir Valley, the troglodytic village of Trôo, proudly bearing the “Small Town of Character®” label, rises majestically on a tuffeau hillside. Its ingenious architecture and spectacular layout reveal breathtaking views of the valley below. At every turn, history unfolds, offering a truly memorable experience. Come and explore with us!

Montrichard, a medieval town frozen in time… Nestled in the heart of the Cher Valley, its ancient fortifications, defensive tower, and former moats unveil a captivating history. Discover the "Maison du Prêche," the oldest house in the town, built from tuffeau stone, and wander through the town centre, where 15th-century timber-framed houses, including the Ave Maria, showcase an exceptional heritage. Here, a step back into the medieval past awaits you.

The town of Romorantin-Lanthenay is a true capsule of history in the heart of Sologne. Captivating François I and Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century, it was once considered as the potential capital of the Kingdom of France. Its unique architecture, including the Carroir Doré and the birthplace château of Claude de France, reflects its fascinating history. The town's industrial past is showcased in the Matra Automobile Museum, the former mills housing the Sologne Museum, and the Normant factories.

Nestled on the banks of the Cher, perched on a hillside, lies the majestic historic town of Saint-Aignan. Its château, a 16th-century noble residence, stands on the remnants of a former feudal castle, with a 9th-century keep still intact. The town reveals its treasures: a 12th-century collegiate church, a Romanesque crypt, and 15th-century timber-framed houses. Saint-Aignan is undoubtedly a destination worth exploring! Make the most of your visit by discovering the nearby ZooParc de Beauval for a truly unforgettable experience.