Best Places to Visit and Things To Do

One thing we didn’t really understand before actually touring France is that the Loire Valley includes two different regions: Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire. We already have a post published on our blog that rounds-up some of the highlights of the Pays de la Loire region. This post is dedicated to all the must-see sites and can’t miss aspects of the Centre-Val de Loire region, known as “the land of a thousand castles.” While this region is famous for its castles, this week’s post will focus on all of the other amazing things there are to do, see, and visit in this region. In a couple weeks, we will cover all the Must-See Castles of the Loire Valley.  We’ve done a lot of research on the area and have compiled an extensive bucket list for future visits to this beautiful region that we’ve chosen to share with you. Please note that some of the links will take you to a homepage that is in French. Some of these sites will have a pop-up asking if you’d like the page translated into English. For others, you may need to use Google Translate. We hope you’ll be inspired to spend some time in the beautiful Centre-Val de Loire region.

9 Tips for Visiting Centre-Val de Loire, France with Kids

1. Find the Perfect “Home Base” for Your Visit – We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this region thanks, in part, to our wonderful “home base.” We chose a beautiful Gîte cottage in the countryside of Dhuizon that is owned by a lovely family who work together to maintain it. Many of the most famous châteaux of the region were just a short drive away. We only had a few days to spend here and were schooling and working while traveling so we got to see just a few of these iconic castles, which are featured in great detail in some of our other posts and will be touched on again in a future post. Our cottage home provided a comfortable place to settle in and enjoy home cooked meals and the charm of a small village while also giving us convenient access to all the wonderful sites and activities of the beautiful Centre-Val de Loire region. We highly recommend this beautiful Airbnb if you’re looking for a place to stay in this region!

Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.

1. Escape to the Medieval Town of Chartres – The town of Chartres is located just 80 km southwest of Paris making it a terrific escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can see the highlights in a day trip or you can spend 2-3 days exploring this gateway to the Loire Valley. Perhaps best known for its stunning Gothic Cathedral, there is much more to see in Chartres.

   Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres (known, in English, as Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres) was built between 1194 and 1220 upon the site where at least 5 cathedrals had previously stood. It was referred to by UNESCO as “the high point of French Gothic art” and a “masterpiece” in 1979 when it was designated a World Heritage Site. The exterior is dominated by flying buttresses and two ornate spires along with the facade that boasts more sculptures than any other cathedral in the world! The interior features are well preserved, including mostly original 12th and 13th century stained glass windows. While you’re near the cathedral, be sure to visit the 24 hour clock located to the left-hand side. Created in 1520, this unique attraction is one of the most beautiful clocks in France.

   If you love the stained glass that brightens historical buildings throughout France, you may also be interested in visiting the Chartres International Stained Glass Centre. This special center, the only one of its kind in France, serves as a museum, a professional training center, and a cultural heritage school. It is located just steps from Chartres Cathedral and is open daily with both permanent and temporary exhibitions, workshops for children, and guided tours.

   Spend some time exploring Old Town. Chartres' old town is located on the banks of the Eure River. It is best explored on foot but if your children need a break, you can hop aboard Le Petit Chart’Train. This tourist train winds its way through the streets of the old town. You can sit back and relax during the 35 minute guided tour (provided in multiple languages) that will tell you the history while you gaze upon the architectural splendor of the town.

   For an extra special treat, visit Chartres at night from April until January when 21 sites around town are lit up with an explosion of magical color, beginning at dusk. The Chartres en Lumières (Chartres Light Show) thrills audiences of all ages by lighting up Chartres Cathedral along with other prestigious buildings. This free show, which began as a summer treat, has grown throughout the years and now lasts most of the year. Le Petit Chart’Train even offers a 45-minute night-time tour during the light festival but you’ll want to book early to ensure a seat. The light festival has been celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

1. Discover the Abundant Historical Sites of Orléans – Orléans serves as the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is best known as one of the cities visited by Joan of Arc. Its most prized building is the Orléans Cathedral which was founded in the third century by the Bishop of Orléans. Though it was destroyed more than once during the wars of religion in the 16th century, it was rebuilt with several kings of France (Henry IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV) adding their personal touches. The Gothic cathedral stands 80 meters tall with a spire reaching 100 meters.

   Your school-aged kids will likely study Joan of Arc at some point and they’ll find evidence of her influence throughout Orléans, including the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc (house of Joan of Arc) where she stayed in 1429. The building, which was mostly destroyed after WWII, has been rebuilt. Today, the museum contains exhibits that pay homage to 17 year old Joan of Arc who was based here during England’s siege of Orléans.

   Take time to wander through Old Town where you’ll find the Fine Arts Museum and the Hôtel Groslot. The cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses serve as a beautiful backdrop and encourage visitors to discover quaint cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. You won’t want to miss the bronze statue of Joan of Arc, mounted on her horse, in Place du Martroi. The statue was inaugurated in 1855 and is the site of the festivities for the liberation anniversary that is still celebrated each spring.

   Nestled along the right bank of the Loire River, near Orléans, you’ll find an original Benedictine abbey that was founded in the 7th century. Listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Abbaye de Fleury boasts an architectural mix of both Romanesque and Gothic features. The entrance tower is adorned with twelve intricate carvings that cap the columns. The interior features a spectacular nave. The church was restored from 1835 to 1923 and the abbey was refounded in 1944. Today, a community of about 40 monks can be found in residence.The crypt is believed to hold the remains of Saint Benoît (Benedict), who founded the community of monks who reside there. While the monastery is private, the abbey-church and crypt are open to the public and can be explored at no cost.

1. Experience the Former Capital City of Bourges –  This beautiful city has a rich history. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of France during the reign of Charles VII. So much of its history has been carefully preserved and yet it has evolved to maintain its relevance in a modern age. It has also defined itself as one of the greenest cities in France, boasting more than 50 square meters of parks per inhabitant. Considered a city of culture, Bourges has proudly hosted an annual international music festival - “Le Printemps de Bourges” - each spring since 1977.

   Those who love history and architecture will be drawn to the city’s monuments. Palais Jacques-Coeur, commissioned by the wealthy merchant and treasurer to Charles VII, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Other stunning places to visit include Hôtel Lallemant, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance, and both Musée Estève and Musée du Berry, impressive Gothic mansions.  

   One of the most stunning pieces of architecture in all of Europe can be found in Bourges. Bourges Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges, was dedicated to Saint Stephen (Étienne in French), the first Christian martyr. Built in the 11th and 12 centuries, this Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 65 meter tall North Tower, which was rebuilt after collapsing in 1506, can still be climbed by visitors if you’re willing to make the roughly 400-step journey to the top. Both the interior and exterior feature stunning architectural features. You’ll definitely want to take time to appreciate the stunning stained glass windows, many of which date back to the early 13th century and feature stories from the Bible. While visitors can freely wander the impressive interior when services are not going on, guided tours are the only way to explore the crypt and tower of this beautiful cathedral. Rates are reasonable and visitors under 18 are free.

   Old Town is a delightful sight for visitors. Due to a great fire in 1487, the entirety of the town had to be rebuilt. As a result, there is a beautiful symmetry to the diamond-pattern timber houses that were built close together, creating an enduring sense of community throughout the town. In addition, several Renaissance mansions were built from stone during the same era. You can freely wander the town and take in the fabulous merchant houses that survived the great fire, including the birthplace of Jacques-Coeur.

   Just a few minutes away from Old Town, you’ll find a stunning section of reclaimed marshland. It is said that the terrain here slowed the advance of Julius Caesar in his conquest of Gaul in 52 BC. Today, the Marais is a beautiful outdoor retreat for walkers and cyclists. Gardeners enjoy the 1,500 allotments that they can plant and harvest to keep the whole city supplied with produce.

   If you visit from June to September, you’ll want to stick around after dark. Each spring and summer, Bourges lights up their beautiful Gothic and Renaissance monuments with colorful projections. Combined with music, this light show is a delight for visitors of all ages and is a show that celebrates all that is special about this fantastic city.

1. Discover Tours, the Largest City in the Region – During Roman times, Tours was the capital of the kingdom of France and, to this day, remains an important and historic city. You’ll want to wander through Old Town at Place Plumereau (Plum Square) and gaze upon the half-timbered houses. Rescued from demolition in the 20th century, the old city center has been renovated and given new life. Tours isn’t just about history though, you’ll find a lively city center filled with students and restaurants and no shortage of bars, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to visit Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, a beautiful gothic structure with stained glass windows that dates back to the 12th century. To give your children a break from all the historical sites, you could even stop into the Tropical Aquarium or the wax-work museum in the Tour de Guise house.

   While in Tours, be sure to visit Jardin Botanique de Tours. This 5 hectare botanical garden was established in 1843 by a pharmacist and is the oldest garden in the city. It began as a collection of about 2,000 medical and exotic plants and has grown throughout the decades. Today, it includes a tropical greenhouse, orangery, a medicinal herb garden, a small zoo (with tortoises, emus, and wallabies), and a children’s playground. The arboretum contains hundreds of varieties of trees and the gardens themselves are the perfect location for a leisurely walk. You can even grab a bite to eat at the snackbar or have a sit down meal at the restaurant.

1. Explore Amboise, the Last Home of Leonardo da Vinci – This beautiful town, home to Château Royal d’Amboise, is truly special. Here, you can wander the cobblestone streets of a quintessential French town that sits in the shadow of a castle. You can browse the shops, have a wonderful lunch while gazing at the castle, and stop at the chocolatier for a sweet treat. Visit Château Clos Luçe, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. You can even wander across the bridge to view a unique statue of da Vinci depicted as a Greek god. From there, you’ll have a stunning view of the royal castle from across the Loire River. Both Château d’Amboise and Château Clos Luçe will be featured in our future post of Must-See Castles of the Loire Valley. You can also read last week’s post that gave an in-depth description of our tour of Château Royal d’Amboise.

   While in Amboise, be sure to tour the Mini-Châteaux Park. This unique park is sure to delight your young children (and even some of the older ones). Spread out along a 1.5 km route, you’ll find over 40 miniature châteaux along with miniature railways and landscaped gardens. Here, you can experience all the most famous châteaux of the Loire Valley in one enchanting visit. Château de Chambord, Château d’Amboise, and many others have been created by master modelers to delight young and old alike. Your kids will feel as though they’ve grown into giants as they gaze upon the intricate castles, reproduced at 1/25th scale. You can even rent a HistoPad so you can learn more about each of the miniatures and the iconic châteaux they represent.

1. Spend a Day (or two) at ZooParc de Beauval – Ranked among the 5 most beautiful zoos in the world, ZooParc de Beauval is sure to provide an unforgettable day. If you’re traveling with little ones and need a break from touring castles and learning history, this zoo trip is just the day you need. With over 10,000 animals in 22 different territories, there is plenty to see and explore.

   Pass under the red and gold archway and explore the Heights of China, the territory with giant pandas! This is the only place in France, and 1 of only 12 places outside of China, where you can see this beautiful species of pandas. This area also features other creatures from Asia including red pandas, snow leopards, and takins. Other territories include The Land of the Lions, The Equatorial Dome, The Big Cat Woodlands, The African Savannah, The Koala Greenhouse, and many more! Added in 2023 is The Great South American Aviary which covers almost 2 hectares, making it Europe’s largest aviary. Here, you can walk across a series of rope bridges making you feel as though you’ve taken flight over South America.

   This park works hard to offer a memorable experience. You can even book a stay at Beauval in one of 5 themed hotels giving you experiences from China, Indonesia, Africa, Vietnam, and the newly added Les Rivages de Beauval which provides a Mexican theme. These hotels provide easy access to the Zoo via a short walk or drive. They even accommodate large families with each hotel having rooms for up to 5 people. (Woohoo!!) The Vietnam themed Les Hameaux de Beauval even accommodates up to 8 people per apartment! Our family of 5 learned during our travels throughout France that hotel accommodations for more than 3-4 is unusual so this is a very welcome, and uncommon, aspect of these ZooParc hotels.

2. Tour the Briare Aqueduct (and maybe take a cruise) – Over 100 canal bridges have been built in France over the centuries. The Briare Canal, which was dug in 1604, is the oldest and was built under Henri IV (also known as Henry IV). It links the Seine River with the Loire River. Although it was not the first canal in Europe, it was the first one to cross a watershed. Because of this, it was the first canal to use a lock system.

   The most exciting part is the aqueduct that channels water 30 meters above the Loire River. The Briare Aqueduct at Châtillon-sur-Loire was constructed between 1890 and 1896 with the help of Gustave Eiffel (you may be familiar with his name from the most recognized monument in the world). In the steepest section at Rogny, a staircase of seven locks was built. Each boat would have to pass through all seven locks before another boat could start. Eventually, that section was bypassed to speed up travel. For over 100 years, until 2003, the canal was the longest navigable aqueduct in the world (the bypassed section took away this distinction). The metal canal bridge is bordered by 72 lampposts and giant pillars adorned with coats of arms are located on each end. For a truly special experience, you can book a barge cruise that will allow you to pass through the section of waterway that includes the Briare Aqueduct. These tours will take you past several beautiful villages and through multiple locks.

3. Indulge in the Fabulous Food & Wine of the Region – The food and wine of Centre-Val de Loire reflects the opulence of the nobles and royals who once resided in the abundant châteaux of the region. Here, you will find numerous varieties of rich and creamy goat cheese along with several cow’s milk cheeses produced from the goats and cows that graze on the lush green grasslands. You’ll also find several regional specialties including Rillettes de Tours, a rough country paté that is traditionally served at room temperature and spread on crisp bread.

   The city of Orléans has built a reputation for its wine-based vinegars and mustards. Production began in the Middle Ages to salvage any spoiled wine that arrived in port. Martin-Pouret has been producing vinegars and mustards since the 1700s and you can still visit the shop and factory today. Many visitors take a bottle of champagne vinegar or a pot of mustard home as a souvenir from the region.

   There are also plenty of sweet treats to be found in the area. Pears, peaches, and apples are grown throughout the region and can be found in many desserts. The most notable was invented in the 1880s when an effort to salvage a traditional apple dessert resulted in an upside down tart. The concept turned out to be a hit and the Tarte Tatin became legendary. In addition to tarts, you’ll find jellies and jams and even flavorful dried fruits.

   This region is covered with vineyards that thrive in the climate and produce some world-famous wines including Bourgueil, Vouvray, Chinon, and Sancerre. Wines that are produced in this area of France range in style from dry to sweet, and still to sparkling, each with its own distinct character. These wines aren’t just for drinking, they are an important part of the local cuisine. Vouvray is often used as a marinade for tripe sausages and Chinon is added to the local coq-au-vin that is another of the region’s specialties. One third of the region’s wines are exported with 40% ending up in the United States.

Clearly, there is much to see and do in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Despite spending three months touring France, we have added so many things to our bucket list and hope to return many times in the years ahead. Have you visited Centre-Val de Loire? Did we include your favorite place? If not, we’d love to know what you would add to our list. We hope we’ve encouraged you to spend some time enjoying this beautiful region, beyond just the iconic châteaux, on your next trip to France.