Centre-Val-de-Loire

Choose from gîtes, chambres d'hôtes, group holiday cottages, children's cottages, campsites and chalets, in the countryside or in the City, in Cher, Eure-et-Loir, Indre, Indre et Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret.

A life-size history book, the Centre Val de Loire region invites you to discover centuries gone by. The region is synonymous with châteaux. These architectural masterpieces, including Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Château d'Amboise, offer a memorable journey back in time. Each tells a fascinating story of bygone eras, royal love affairs and devastating wars.

Step back in time, with the course of the Loire and its tributaries as your hourglass.Kings and lords have built their châteaux here, like jewels in their gardens. Poets and writers have dipped their pens here, giving birth to some of the greatest works of French literature. A land of fervor, it is home to the cathedrals of Chartres and Bourges.

Stroll along the Loire River, a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore the verdant forests of Sologne, or immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Parc naturel régional du Perche. Discover preserved spaces, parks and gardens abound alongside natural areas such as the Parc Naturel de la Brenne and its thousand ponds, or the Parc Naturel Loire Anjou Touraine and its troglodytes... Glide along the water and listen to the sounds... The abbeys and squares of the cities and villages let out streams of music... Spring is musical in Bourges, and summer comes in all shades. Classical, romantic, baroque, folk, jazz...

On the gastronomic front, plates abound with fresh cheeses, Loire fruits, Touraine poultry and, of course, famous wines such as Sancerre and Vouvray. And for those looking to nourish their spirits, the region's vibrant culture won't disappoint. Numerous Museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, and festivals, such as the Festival International des Jardins de Chaumont-sur-Loire, offer a glimpse of local creativity.

In Indre-et-Loire, history and architecture are omnipresent, thanks in particular to its incredible diversity of châteaux. Among them, don't miss the Château Royal d'Amboise, the Château de Chenonceau known as the "Château des Dames", and the Château de Villandry with its renowned gardens. The region is dotted with hiking trails, magnificent gardens and the Loire itself, ideal for boat trips or canoeing. The Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park is also a must for nature lovers. Finally, the local cuisine is rich, with specialties such as rillette de Tours, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheese and tarte Tatin.

Loir-et-Cher is famous for its castles. Among the most famous are the majestic Château de Chambord, designed by François I, and the Château de Cheverny, which inspired the Château de Moulinsart in the adventures of Tintin. The ZooParc de Beauval, one of the world's top ten zoos, is home to over 10,000 animals, including the famous giant pandas. Sologne, a region of marsh, forest and heather, is ideal for Hiking and animal watching. Gourmets will delight in the region's wines, notably Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny, and cheeses, such as Selles-sur-Cher.

Orléans, the capital of Loiret, is home to the majestic Cathédrale Sainte-Croix, a remarkable example of late Gothic architecture, and the Musée historique et archéologique de l'Orléanais. And don't miss the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, a magnificently preserved medieval fortress. Enjoy peaceful walks along the Loire, France's longest river, or explore the majesty of the French Gâtinais Regional Nature Park, with its vast forests and pretty villages. Taste the famous Crottin de Chavignol, a local goat's cheese, and the succulent andouillettes de Jargeau. And of course, don't forget to savor the wine of the Coteaux du Giennois.