Centre-Val de Loire is the land of the Loire châteaux. Just south-west of Paris, the region gathers some of the most famous castles in the world, the cathedral of Chartres, and a long stretch of the Loire Valley, listed by UNESCO as a cultural landscape. This travel guide helps you plan châteaux, cycling and wine.
Why visit Centre-Val de Loire
The region is easy to reach and wonderfully relaxing: Renaissance châteaux, gardens, troglodyte villages, vineyards and flat cycle paths along the rivers.
Top places to visit in Centre-Val de Loire
Chambord
The vast Château de Chambord, built for François I, is famous for its double-helix staircase and its forest park.
Chenonceau, Amboise and Blois
Chenonceau spans the River Cher on graceful arches. Amboise has a royal château and the Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home. Blois has a château showing four centuries of architecture.
Villandry and its gardens
The Château de Villandry is known for its spectacular Renaissance-style kitchen and ornamental gardens.
Chartres
Chartres Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece with exceptional medieval stained glass, a UNESCO site about an hour from Paris.
Tours and Orléans
Tours is a lively student city with a half-timbered old town; Orléans is the city of Joan of Arc.
Best time to visit
April to October is the season for châteaux, gardens and cycling. May, June and September are ideal, with fewer crowds than in summer. Some châteaux hold light shows on summer evenings.
Getting to and around
Trains from Paris reach Tours in about 1 hour 15 minutes by TGV, and Orléans, Blois and Chartres in around an hour or a little more. The Loire à Vélo cycle route links many châteaux. A car gives the most flexibility.
What to eat and drink
Rillettes de Tours, goat’s cheeses such as Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine and Crottin de Chavignol, tarte Tatin (born in Lamotte-Beuvron), and wines from Vouvray, Chinon, Sancerre and Touraine.
Travel tips
- Pick two or three châteaux a day at most.
- Rent a bike for a day on the Loire à Vélo.
- Book château tickets online in summer.
Centre-Val de Loire FAQ
Which Loire châteaux should I visit first?
Chambord, Chenonceau and Villandry are the classic trio.
Can I visit the Loire Valley from Paris?
Yes – Tours, Blois and Orléans are about one to two hours away by train.
