Top 10 most beautiful cities in Centre-Val de Loire to visit2026 ranking

The Cher River flows right beneath a castle perched on a rocky bluff, well away from the crowds at the more famous Loire Valley landmarks. Expect steep lanes, troglodyte houses carved directly into the tuffeau limestone, and wine cellars where you can linger over a tasting.

This is a practical base for reaching the ZooParc de Beauval or cycling along the Cher through the surrounding wine villages.

Amboise sits in the heart of Touraine, where the history of French kings intersects with the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci. Between the royal castle and the Clos Lucé, you can spend your days exploring Renaissance architecture and local culinary traditions along the banks of the Loire River. It is a practical choice for history buffs or families looking to walk through the same halls where royalty once lived.

The name Chambord is synonymous with one thing for almost everyone in France, its magnificent Château. However, the town in the Loir-et-Cher department of the Centre-Val-de-Loire region has plenty more to offer if you are planning a long weekend.

The château, its gardens, and the estate

Chambord is, first and foremost, the largest and most majestic of the châteaux of the Loire Valley, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. In the 16th century, Francis I decided to transform the site into a hunting lodge, launching a massive construction project. The castle sits within the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, covering 50 square kilometers (about 19 square miles), which made it the ideal playground for hunting-obsessed nobility.

A guided tour is the best way to dive into the building's history. Do not miss the famous double-helix staircase, designed so that a person going up and a person coming down never cross paths. This architectural marvel is widely attributed to Leonardo da Vinci himself. Once you have explored the castle from top to bottom, spend the rest of the day wandering through the formal Renaissance gardens. Afterward, head into the vast forest estate, which remains a national hunting reserve. It is common to spot red deer, wild boar, and even Mediterranean mouflon sheep. If you visit between September and October, you might hear the roaring of the stags during the autumn rut.

Vegetable gardens and timber-framed houses

There are plenty of other ways to fill your time in Chambord. You can rent a rowboat, electric boat, or canoe to explore the canal. Cruising the banks in a golf cart or a pedal-powered rosalie is another effective way to take in the local flora and fauna. Think of it like a leisurely afternoon at a state park, but with a royal backdrop.

If you are interested in permaculture or want to show your children where food comes from, head to the potagers de Chambord. Workshops led by a market gardener teach the basics of organic farming and its importance for biodiversity. You can taste the produce directly at the restaurant or buy some to take home.

The town center of Blois, about 20 kilometers away, is also worth a stroll. Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the streets are quite hilly. You will see historic timber-framed houses and private mansions. The Maison des acrobates, located on the Place Saint-Louis, is one of the oldest buildings in town, dating back to the reign of Louis XI. Be sure to catch the view of the Loire River from the 18th-century Pont Jacques-Gabriel.

When to go

The warmer months are the best time to explore Chambord on foot. If you want to avoid the peak crowds visiting the château, skip the summer months and plan your trip during the spring or fall.

How to get there

Chambord is located near Paris, just a two-hour drive via the A10, A85, or A71 highways. If you are not renting a car, the easiest way to arrive is by train to the Blois-Chambord station. There are also bus shuttles that run directly from the capital to the château.

Chenonceaux is a small town in the Indre-et-Loire department, within the Centre-Val-de-Loire region. It is best known as the home of the Château de Chenonceau, one of the most visited sites in the Loire Valley. It is an ideal village for a weekend getaway.

On the water, in the air, or on land

Chenonceaux is a charming town that rewards a slow walk through its medieval streets. History buffs should stop by the église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, built in the 12th century and later renovated in the 16th. The Maison des Pages and the Maison du Garde-Barrière are also worth a look for their Gothic architectural details, which echo the design of the main castle.

If you prefer the outdoors, take advantage of the local landscape. The Cher river offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. You can paddle upstream in a canoe or kayak, or opt for a gabarre, a traditional flat-bottomed boat. Passing underneath the castle arches by boat is a popular way to see the structure from below. To view the Cher valley from the air, you can also book a ride in a hot air balloon, a microlight, or a helicopter.

For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, local trails wind through the surrounding woods and countryside. Cycling is a prime way to explore the region. Make sure to stop at one of the nearby vineyards to sample the local wine, typically paired with a plate of local charcuterie, rillons, or rillettes.

The castle, a local landmark

It is difficult to talk about Chenonceaux without mentioning its castle, which draws over 800,000 visitors annually. It is one of the most significant monuments in the Loire Valley. It is often called the Château des Dames because of the influential women who shaped its history, including Katherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers, and Catherine de Medici. The monument was built between 1513 and 1517 on the foundations of a 12th-century medieval fortress. Its architecture remains impressive, particularly the arches that span the Cher river with ease.

During your tour, you can view rooms decorated with floral arrangements and master paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The two-story gallery commissioned by Catherine de Medici is the castle's most famous feature. Don't overlook the Renaissance gardens, which span 12,000 square meters and are kept in immaculate condition.

Getting there

Chenonceaux is a 40-minute drive from Tours and about 2 hours and 50 minutes from Paris via the A10 motorway. You can also arrive by plane via the Tours airport, then take a regional TER train directly to the Chenonceaux station.

When to go

You can visit Chenonceaux year-round, as the castle remains open every month. However, the warmer months are better suited for long outdoor walks. If you visit in the summer, plan to book your entrance tickets to the Château de Chenonceau in advance.

Blois is a manageable city in the Loire Valley that balances royal history with a relaxed riverside pace. Its historic center, set along the Loire, features steep streets and landmarks that reflect centuries of regional heritage. With its river views and steady cultural scene, it serves as a straightforward stopover for travelers looking to walk through history in a quiet setting without the heavy crowds found in bigger hubs.

Set on an island in the Indre river, the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau appears as a vision of white stone. This early French Renaissance masterpiece, commissioned under Francis I, mirrors perfectly in the surrounding still water. The village moves at a slow pace, defined by flower-lined lanes, artisan shops, and local Touraine cuisine. Just a few miles away, the Château de l'Islette preserves the history of Rodin and Camille Claudel. It is a quiet, reflective stop in the heart of the Loire Valley.

As the county seat of the Eure-et-Loir department, Chartres is famous for its cathedral, whose stunning blue stained glass windows are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notre-Dame de Chartres preserves nearly 2600m² of colored stained glass dating back to the Middle Ages and houses the famous Veil of the Virgin, which Mary is said to have worn during the Annunciation. The two bell towers of the cathedral, one Romanesque and the other Gothic, can be seen from miles away. Furthermore, the cathedral sits atop the largest crypt in France, the Fulbert Crypt, which visitors can tour in the summer by candlelight!

The Stained Glass Capital

Even today, Chartres includes numerous artisan workshops that carry on centuries-old glassblowing and stained glass techniques. Furthermore, the Centre International du Vitrail brings together 70 authentic stained glass windows dating from the Renaissance. It was founded in 1980 in the enclos de Loëns, which the bishopric once used for storing harvests. Street artists are also well represented: covered in murals depicting local heritage, the Bel-Air neighborhood attracts numerous visitors.

Nearby, the former bishop's palace has also been converted into an exhibition space. The 17th and 18th-century former palace now houses the Chartres Museum of Fine Arts. On the heritage front, admire the incredible entrance gate and the beautiful wrought iron staircase, both crafted in the Louis XV style. Inside, you will discover significant works of art such as twelve enamels made for King Francis I by enamel painter Léonard Limosin, works by painter Maurice de Vlaminck, and Soutine's painting "Choirboy." Glasswork is also featured with an exhibition of numerous pieces by glass sculptor Henri Navarre.

Heritage enthusiasts should head to the château de Maintenon to discover a remarkably well-preserved period castle with its formal French gardens and the remnants of an aqueduct initially designed under Louis XIV to divert water from the Eure river to supply Versailles!

A Pleasant Millennial City

Next, wander through the streets of the old town where you will cross paths with the oldest timber-framed houses in Chartres, such as la Maison du Saumon. The vegetable market, covered by a handsome 19th-century Baltard-style market hall, is particularly notable. Then take a stroll along the Eure river, which offers a bucolic route close to nature. On the north side, you might reach the charming Chartres horticulture garden. On the south side, walk along the Eure riverbanks park before reaching a local curiosity, the maison Picassiette, whose walls and furniture are entirely covered in mosaics!

Finally, a visit to the capital of the Beauce region would not be complete without stopping by the Compa or Conservatoire de l'Agriculture, which houses a fascinating collection of vintage agricultural machinery.

When to Go?

The warm season between May and September is ideal for visiting Chartres. Note that every evening from April through late December, the Chartres en Lumières festival takes place, illuminating all the local monuments.

How to Get There?

Chartres is easily accessible via the A11 highway, train, or bus. From Paris, expect a one-hour train ride departing from Montparnasse for a distance of about one hundred kilometres.

Inside the Chinon Fortress, a seventeen-year-old farm girl once convinced an uncrowned king to hand her an army. Six centuries later, these limestone walls still hold the history of the Plantagenets and Joan of Arc, while the cliffs house cellars filled with the best reds in the Loire Valley. The lower town winds through medieval alleys at the foot of the ramparts, feeling like a blend of French history and the tall tales of Gargantua.

Cheverny provided the architectural inspiration for the château de Moulinsart in the Tintin comics. This 17th-century estate remains the most lavishly furnished residence in the Loire Valley and has been held by the same family for six centuries. Between the Tintin exhibit, the hunting hound kennel, themed gardens, and lesser-known AOC vineyards, this Sologne village offers a quiet alternative to the heavy crowds found at Chambord.

Located in western France on a strategic axis between Paris and Bordeaux, the city of Tours, a former Gallo-Roman settlement and capital of the kings of France, is famous for its Saint-Gatien Cathedral and its regional art of living. As the birthplace of Honoré de Balzac, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Loire Valley châteaux. You will be charmed by Vieux-Tours, featuring timber-framed facades and slate roofs, alongside its 600 hectares of green spaces waiting to be explored on foot, by bike, or aboard a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat known as a gabare. Offering a strong cultural scene, the city welcomes visitors with a relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere. You will also have the chance to sample local specialties like rillettes, or perhaps try a fouace, nougat, or the macarons of Cormery.

The climate is temperate oceanic, bringing remarkably mild temperatures throughout the year.

A rich medieval heritage

Start at place Plumereau, affectionately known as Plum' to locals in the heart of Vieux-Tours. A lively social hub by day and night, the square impresses visitors with its 15th-century building facades and stately mansions that reflect local bourgeois history. Do not miss the hôtel de Jérôme Binet, home to a former mayor of the city, or the hôtel Renaissance Gouüin.

Strolling through the cobblestone alleys reveals unexpected sights like the hôtel Raimbault, which houses a museum dedicated to gemmail, an art form using assembled colored glass pieces, the eclectic rue du Château Neuf, the hôtel de la Croix-Blanche (also called the hôtel des ducs de Touraine), Saint-Denis church, and the Clock Tower. Climb the 248 steps of the Charlemagne Tower, standing 48 metres tall, for a sweeping 360-degree panorama.

Saint-Martin, an emblematic figure of the city, is honored with a fine mausoleum in his basilica and an adjoining museum. Stop by if you have the time.

Built between the 12th and 16th centuries in Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles, the stunning Saint-Gatien Cathedral is just as impressive inside as out. Its stained-glass collection shines with remarkable luminosity and variety. Right at its feet, the Psalette cloister is well worth a detour. Nearby, you can spot the Grand Théâtre, the Fine Arts Museum, and the National Conservatory of Music. Art lovers should also visit the Contemporary Art Center Olivier Debré.

Take a break in the shade of the horse chestnut trees in the superb parc Mirabeau.

A welcoming, nature-focused college town

Another major gathering spot is place Jean Jaurès, featuring the majestic city hall and the courthouse. Local favorites for walking include rue Nationale and the shopping destination rue de Bordeaux. Nearby, pause for a refreshing break at the pretty fontaine de Beaune, known locally as the lovers' fountain.

Positioned along the banks of the Loire, the Château de Tours hosts a well-documented History of Tours workshop alongside regular art exhibitions.

Unwind afterward in the botanical garden or the jardin des Prébendes d'Oé, which features a pleasant bandstand and a charming pond. As evening falls, the illuminated stone bridge offers a striking view.

If you visit in June, do not miss the musical concerts at the Grange de Meslay, a former fortified farm transformed into a prestigious venue.

Outdoor sports enthusiasts head to île Aucard, while those seeking peace and quiet prefer île Simon.

If you are traveling with children, bring them to the Vallée des Rois, Gadawi Park Sud, or Youpi Mom.

When to go

To avoid the heaviest crowds, plan your trip for May, June, or September.

How to get there

The train is the best way to reach Tours, taking a little over an hour from Paris; travelers from North America connect there first.

Getting around

Walking and biking are the best ways to explore the city.