Centre-Val de Loire

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Centre-Val de Loire region in central Francewhich stretches along the banks of the Loire, the country's longest river. This region is a veritable showcase of diversity, offering a wide range of landscapes, cultures and activities to charm every traveler. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, a gourmet or in search of relaxation, the Centre-Val de Loire has something for everyone.

This article guides you through the must-see activities and sites in this UNESCO World Heritage region. The majestic châteaux of the Loire ValleyYou'll also discover the region's rich gastronomy and viticulture, key elements of its identity. You'll also explore the rich gastronomy and viticulture that are key elements of the Centre-Val de Loire identity.

Discover the Centre-Val de Loire, an invitation to wonder and surprise, by following us on this unique exploration!

Must-sees: Castles and historical heritage

The Centre-Val de Loire region is renowned for its castles, living emblems of French history and the Renaissance period. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, these majestic architectural edifices house precious art collections and are surrounded by gardens of exceptional beauty.

Here's a selection of must-see castles to visit during your stay in the region.

The châteaux of the Loire Valley: a plunge into the Renaissance

Spread along the Loire River and its tributaries, over three hundred châteaux were built or renovated between the 10th and 18th centuries, reaching their peak during the Renaissance. The kings and lords of the time called on the most eminent artists and craftsmen for their construction, including Italian Renaissance figures such as Leonardo da Vinci. Among the most renowned are :

• The castle of Chambordthe largest and most impressive, with 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces, built by François I. Originally conceived as a hunting residence, it is famous for its double-revolution staircase and offers panoramic views from its terraces.
• The castle of Chenonceauknown for its elegance and grace, spans the Cher River and has been embellished by the likes of Catherine de Médicis. Its bridge gallery, which served as a hospital during the First World War, is a remarkable feature.
• The majestic Château d'Amboise overlooks the town and the river. A former royal residence, it has a rich history, having played host to numerous royal figures, and houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci in the Saint-Hubert chapel.

Chartres Cathedral and its famous labyrinth

A symbol of Gothic architecture, the cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres was built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is renowned for its exceptionally rich stained-glass windows and its labyrinth, the embodiment of the Christian spiritual path.

Orléans: in the footsteps of Joan of Arc

Capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, Orléans is a city steeped in history. It is famous for the liberation of the city by Joan of Arc in 1429, marking a key episode in the Hundred Years' War. Every year, Orléans pays tribute to this historic figure during the Fêtes johanniques. The city is also famous for its Sainte-Croix cathedral, the Place du Martroi with its statue of Joan of Arc, and the house where La Pucelle was born, which is open to visitors.

Nature and relaxation activities

The Centre-Val de Loire region is famous for its invitation to relaxation and well-being. Whether you're looking for a quiet, cool, green or sensory-rich place, you'll discover a wide variety of natural and relaxing activities to suit your desires.

Explore some of the must-see experiences during your visit.

Chaumont-sur-Loire gardens: art meets nature

The gardens at Chaumont-sur-Loire are a fascinating place where art and nature merge. Every year, the estate hosts the International Garden Festival, a gathering of international designers who create temporary gardens around a specific theme. For 2024, the chosen theme is "Garden as Source of Life".

Admire more than 20 unique gardens, which will take you on a voyage of discovery and make you dream thanks to their original, poetic, playful or eco-responsible aspects. The Chaumont-sur-Loire estate also boasts permanent plant collections, with perennial gardens featuring Asian, Mediterranean and English influences. The château also hosts contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.

La Loire à vélo: discovering the Loire landscapes

The Loire à vélo is an exceptional 900 km cycle tourism route, running along the Loire from Cuffy to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins. This route offers an ecological and original way to immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. Riding on dedicated tracks or shared lanes, you'll discover picturesque towns and villages, famous vineyards, forests, meadows and river islands.

The route is punctuated by cultural stops to explore castles, museums, churches and abbeys. Suitable for all profiles, whether you're traveling as a family, with friends or solo, the Loire à vélo offers services and accommodation with the "Accueil vélo" label to guarantee your comfort.

Regional nature parks: for lovers of biodiversity

The Centre-Val de Loire is home to three Regional Nature Parks, areas of delicate balance and precious, yet vulnerable, natural and cultural heritage. They are havens for wildlife and offer a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, horse riding and fishing.

The three Regional Nature Parks are :

• The Parc Naturel Régional de la Brenne, also known as the land of 1,000 ponds, is home to fabulous biodiversity, including birds, orchids and cistudean tortoises.
• The Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, covering both banks of the Loire, offers a diversity of landscapes, from forests and hedged farmland to moors, valleys and sandy shores.
• The Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, on the borders of the region, boasts an exceptional natural and cultural heritage, characterized by hills, forests, manor houses, churches and picturesque villages.

Gastronomy and viticulture

The Centre-Val de Loire region is a paradise for food and wine lovers. The region's local produce, culinary specialties and exceptional wines offer a wide range of authentic and varied flavors.

Let's discover some of the gastronomic and viticultural treasures this region has to offer.

On the Loire Valley wine trail

Occupying third place among France's largest vineyards, the Loire Valley, which stretches 800 km from Sancerre to Nantes along the Loire and its tributaries, boasts over 50 appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) and 4,000 vineyards. Its diversity is remarkable, offering white, red, rosé, dry, sweet, sparkling and still wines, thanks to a variety of grape varieties such as sauvignon, chenin, cabernet franc, gamay, pinot noir and melon de Bourgogne. The Loire Valley Wine Route is a not-to-be-missed adventure to visit wineries, meet winemakers and taste their creations. It's also an opportunity to admire the wine-growing landscapes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tarte Tatin: a sweet not to be missed

The emblem of pastry-making in the Centre-Val de Loire region, tarte Tatin, discovered by accident by the Tatin sisters in Lamotte-Beuvron, is an upside-down apple tart made with apples caramelized in butter and sugar, topped with shortcrust or puff pastry. Served warm or cold, it is ideally accompanied by crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream, to the delight of gourmets of all ages.

Local markets and crafts: regional flavours in the spotlight

The Centre-Val de Loire region celebrates its local produce and crafts through its many markets, bringing towns and villages such as Orléans, Tours, Blois, Loches, Chinon and Vendôme to life. These markets offer a wide variety of products: seasonal fruit and vegetables, renowned goat's cheeses, traditional charcuterie, honey, jams, cookies, craft beers and natural cosmetics. They also showcase traditional craftsmanship in wood, leather, ceramics, glass, textiles and basketry. Friendly, colorful spaces, the markets are an opportunity for enriching exchanges with producers and craftsmen, steeped in the warm atmosphere of the region.

Conclusion

The Centre-Val de Loire promises a memorable experience, drawing on its impressive cultural heritage, verdant landscapes, culinary specialties and renowned wine-growing. Whatever your interest - culture, relaxation, gastronomy or adventure - this region, honored as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, will meet all your expectations. You'll have the opportunity to explore the famous châteaux of the Loire, living witnesses to the history of France and the Renaissance period, to admire the majestic cathedral of Chartres and its unique labyrinth, to follow in the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Orléans, marvel at the gardens of Chaumont-sur-Loire, embark on the adventure of "La Loire à vélo", explore the Regional Nature Parks, savor an authentic Tarte Tatin, travel the Val de Loire wine route, and much more.

Don't delay, organize your getaway to the Centre-Val de Loire nowa destination full of surprises and wonders.

FAQ

What are the departments in Centre-Val de Loire?

The Centre-Val de Loire region comprises six departments: Cher (18), Eure-et-Loir (28), Indre (36), Indre-et-Loire (37), Loir-et-Cher (41) and Loiret (45). This information is confirmed by Insee and various other sources.

What is the main city in the Centre-Val de Loire region?

Orléans is the main city of the Centre-Val de Loire region, serving as the prefecture for both the region and the Loiret département. With around 116,000 inhabitants, the city lies on the banks of the Loire River.

What are the inhabitants of the Centre-Val de Loire region called?

The inhabitants of the Centre-Val de Loire are known as Centrais, a term derived from the name of the region that encompasses six departments around the Loire.

Where is the Loire Valley located?

France's Val de Loire natural region stretches along the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire. The area crosses four départements: Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire and Maine-et-Loire: Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire and Maine-et-Loire.