The Loire Valley, known as ‘the garden of France’, is a true treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is a selection of unmissable historic sites to visit:
Iconic châteaux:
- Château de Chambord
The largest of the Loire Valley châteaux. A Renaissance masterpiece featuring a staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.
- Château de Chenonceau
The famous ‘ladies’ castle’, built over the River Cher, with its elegant arches and a history shaped by powerful women.
- Château d’Amboise
A royal residence where Leonardo da Vinci is buried, offering breathtaking views of the Loire.
- Château de Blois
A distillation of French history: four architectural styles and the residence of several kings.
- Château de Villandry
Famous for its exceptional, immaculately maintained Renaissance gardens.
- Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
A gem on the water, a perfect reflection of French Renaissance architecture.
Historical attractions:
- Briare Canal Bridge
A 19th-century engineering masterpiece, designed with the involvement of Gustave Eiffel.
- Clos Lucé in Amboise
Leonardo da Vinci’s final home, converted into an interactive museum.
Historic towns:
- Tours
A city of art and history: Saint-Gatien Cathedral, the old town of Tours with Place Plumereau.
- Saumur
With its château overlooking the Loire, its cavalry school and its sparkling wines.
- Orléans
Famous for Joan of Arc, with its magnificent Sainte-Croix Cathedral.
- Loches
A medieval town with an impressive royal citadel and its 11th-century keep.
Abbeys, churches and other sacred sites:
- Fontevraud Abbey
Burial place of the Plantagenets (Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart). One of the largest monastic complexes in Europe.
- Chartres Cathedral
A Gothic masterpiece with extraordinary stained-glass windows (a little way outside the valley, but a must-see).
