15 Places to Visit in Loire Valley 2024, Tourist Places & Attractions

Loire Valley Tourist Places

Chateau de Chambord,Chateau de Chenonceau,Chateau de Villandry,Chateau du Clos Lucé,Chateau de Langeais,Chateau de Langeais,Chateau Gaillard,Château de Cheverny,Chartres Cathedral,Château de Chaumont and many more. Explore the enchanting gardens and more with enticing Europe packages for a comprehensive and memorable journey.

Your trip to the beautiful country of France will remain incomplete if you do not explore the well known places to visit in Loire Valley. The valley is located in the middle of the Loire River and has been classified under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The area is well known for its stunning châteaux and is known to be the densest castle area in the country with over 300 castles. During your visit to the valley, you will be able to look at some of the well-known ones such as the Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and others.

Apart from its beautiful chateaus, Loire Valley is also known for its spectacular gardens. While some of the gardens will enchant you with their Renaissance style layout, others will mesmerise you with their English style garden architecture. Some of the best places to visit in Loire Valley to see these beautiful gardens include the Chateau de Villandry, Château de Cheverny, Château de Chaumont and others.

Here is the list of best places in Loire Valley:

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01

Chateau De Chambord

  • Your list of places to visit in Loire Valley must include the Château de Chambord, one of the most famous as well as the largest Chateaux of the Loire Valley. 
  • Visit the captivating chateau, well known for its unique Renaissance style architecture, which blended the classic Renaissance structures with French mediaeval ones. 
  • Look for the influence of Italian architecture in the chateau’s designs and feel amazing knowing that it was designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. 
  • Visit the Chambord Castle surrounded by beautiful gardens, along with its ground and feel mesmerised looking at its grandeur and magnificence. 
  • Nature and wildlife lovers must visit the park around the chateau with rich biodiversity.

Location: Château, 41250 Chambord, France

Timings: Daily 9 am to 5 pm

02

Chateau De Chenonceau

  • One of the best places to visit in Loire Valley is the beautiful French château, the Château de Chenonceau, which has been built directly over the River Cher, near the village of Chenonceaux. 
  • Explore the three different parts of the castle to get a glimpse of 500 years old French history.
  • Take a look at the two-storey building that has been flanked by corner turrets and was built on the foundation of the old mill. 
  • Go to the Tour des Marques, a remnant of an older castle, the second part.  
  • Visit the long gallery joining the two buildings spreading across the river Cher, resting on five arches, and leaning on the south facade of the two-storey building. 
  • Walk into the gallery with around twenty rooms and take a look at rich antique furniture, rare tapestry, paintings and more. 
  • End your tour by strolling into the mesmerising garden surrounding the chateau. 

Location: Château de Chenonceau; 37150 CHENONCEAUX

Timings: Daily: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

03

Chateau De Villandry

  • Those wondering what to see in Loire valley can pay a visit to the Chateau de Villandry, which has gained a reputation owing to its stunning grounds from the Renaissance era. 
  • Explore the gardens of the chateau and witness the 16th-century Ornamental Garden with neat rows of vibrant flower beds and manicured shrubbery. 
  • Look into the Kitchen Garden where vegetables have been laid out in geometric forms or wander into the Herb Garden with its medicinal and culinary herbs in circular beds. 
  • Witness the stunning view of the Villandry village and its church from a distance.

Location: 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry

Timings: Daily: 9:30 am to 5 pm

04

Chateau Du Clos Lucé

  • The spectacular Château du Clos Lucé, also known as Clos Lucé, is a 15th-century castle. 
  • Pay a visit to this enchanting place which was built by Hugues d'Amboise in 1471, and currently is a museum dedicated to the history of this castle. 
  • It also narrates the life and work of the famous artist and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci, making it one of the best places to visit in Loire Valley. 
  • Feel mesmerised as you roam around its beautiful rooms full of period furniture and gothic elements and feel transported 800 years back. 

Location: 2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise, France.

Timings: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

05

Chateau De Langeais

  • The list of Loire Valley top attractions includes the Château de Langeais, one of the oldest châteaux of the valley. 
  • The castle, built in the 1460s, will mesmerise you with its massive towers and the life-size wax-figure tableau portraying the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany in one of its rooms. 
  • Stroll into its various other rooms to take a look at beautiful faded Flemish and Aubusson tapestries, and other intricate works. 
  • Walk on the Chemin de Ronde to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding areas. 

Location: Place Pierre de Brosse, 37130 Langeais, France

Timings:
Daily 10 am to 5 pm

06

Chateau Gaillard

  • One of the best places to visit in Loire Valley is the Château Gaillard, known to be one of the early impressions of the Italian Renaissance in France. 
  • Walk into the château to take a look at 16th-century furniture along with modern stained-glass medallions. 
  • Take a look at other attractions such as the 16th-century 'mask of shame', a vaulted 13th-century kitchen, a 17th-century troglodyte kitchen, and others as you explore the place.
  • The castle is also well known for having France's first royal Orangerie and is now home to about 60 varieties of orange trees along with 90 varieties of grapes. 

Location: 27700 Les Andelys, France

Timings: Wed-Mon: 10 am - 1 pm & 2 pm - 6 pm

07

Château De Cheverny

  • The Château de Cheverny is one of the most enchanting Loire Valley top attractions and is a private estate that is surrounded by woodlands. 
  • Opened to the public in 1922, the 17th-century manor house will captivate you with its well-maintained apartments and grand halls, still decorated with original decor and furniture. 
  • Explore the manor house with its English-style park and have fun looking at an exposition of Tintin comic strips. 
  • Go for an experience of boating on the lake.
  • The castle also has its own Café de l'Orangerie where you can stop for snacks and beverages.

Location: Avenue du Château, 41700 Cheverny

Timings:
Daily 10 am to 5 pm

08

Chartres Cathedral

  • Listed amongst the various places to visit in Loire Valley is the famous Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, locally known as the Chartres Cathedral. 
  • Visit the spectacular cathedral to take a look at its enchanting stained glass and workmanship.
  • Go to the cathedral in the summer to watch a light show in the evening, projected outside the cathedral after the darkness sets in.

Location: 16 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres, France

Timings:
Mon to Sat: 10 am to 12:30 pm; Sun: 2 pm to 7:30 pm;

09

Château De Chaumont

  • One of the best places to visit in Loire valley is the Château de Chaumont, located around 18 km from Blois. 
  • Feel fascinated as you take a look at this fairy tale castle with its multi-tower and turreted fortress. 
  • Walk inside to look at the château's apartments filled with works of art as well as historic tapestries. 
  • Take a look at the decor and furniture of the bygone eras, renovated to their former glory. 
  • Stroll into the English-style gardens to enjoy the blooms.

Location: 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire

Timings:
Daily 10 am to 5 pm

10

Château Royal De Blois

  • Château Royal de Blois is one of the most distinguished Renaissance monuments in France. 
  • Visit this castle which is one of the  Loire Valley top attractions that will give you a glimpse into the evolution of French architecture from the early periods of the middle age till the 17th century. 
  • Walk inside to feel awe-struck looking at the Stateroom with its ornate thrones and other evidence of grandeur. 
  • Move to the 'Architecture Rooms' and look at examples of original sculptures that have been restored from different parts of the chateau buildings.

Location: 6 Pl. du Château, 41000 Blois, France

Timings:
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

11

Musée Du Compagnonnage

  • Your list of what to see in Loire Valley must include a visit to Musée du Compagnonnage, an extraordinary museum showcasing the French Compagnonnage system.
  • Witness masterpieces of the 19th century in the form of paintings, and souvenirs.
  • Look at displays of intricate crafts and other exhibits related to the trade-guild history of France.
  • The museum offers several activities for children, so they will be able to enjoy their visit to this place.
  • Check out the various exhibitions, thematic visits, and other activities that bring the place alive.

Location: 1 square Prosper Mérimée, 37000 Tours, France

Timings: Daily 9 am to 12:30 pm; 2 pm to 6 pm;

12

Château De Montrésor

  • The Château de Montrésor, overlooking the town of Montrésor, is one of the must-see places to visit in Loire Valley. 
  • Montrésor is ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France and perched atop a hill overlooking this town is the beautiful Renaissance building. 
  • Visit this enchanting castle with 1000 years of history and art and witness the rooms, beautifully furnished in the Second Empire style. 
  • Take a look at art exhibits that have partly been a part of Cardinal Fesch, Napoleon's uncle’s collections.

Location:11 Rue Xavier Branicki, 37460 Montrésor, France

Timings: Daily 10 am to 6 pm

13

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans

  • The 13th century Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans would surely be a part of any list of things to see Loire Valley. 
  • The Roman Catholic church has an impressive gothic structure and is a landmark building in Orleans, visible from every corner of downtown Orleans. 
  • Walk inside to look at the captivating stained glass windows telling the story of Joan of Arc. 
  • Look at other attractions of the place such as the choir's magnificent carved woodwork, and the headboards of 11 palatial 13th-century chapels.

Location: Pl. Sainte-Croix, 45000 Orléans, France

Timings: Daily 9:00 am - 05:30 pm

14

Château D'Azay-le-Rideau

  • Those planning for what to see in Loire Valley can include a visit to the moat-ringed Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. 
  • The romantic Château with its charming turrets, intrinsic stonework, well-proportioned windows and slate roofs will surely enchant you. 
  • Explore the Azay-le-Rideau, known to be one of the loveliest castles of the Loire, located on a natural island in the middle of the Indre River. 
  • Take a look at the famous Italian-style loggia staircase that overlooks the central courtyard and is decorated with ermines and salamanders of Queen Claude and François I. 

Location: 19 Rue Balzac, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France

Timings: 
Daily 10 am to 5:15 pm

15

Château Royal D'Amboise

  • An absolute must include in the list of things to see in Loire Valley is the fascinating Château Royal d'Amboise, which has been the residence of French royalty for five centuries. 
  • Visit the 15th-century castle that exemplifies late Gothic architecture. 
  • Walk inside the castle to take a look at its imposing round towers as well as its richly articulated facade. 
  • Look out for attractions such as a jewel-box interior illuminated by brilliant stained-glass windows, gargoyles on the facade and others.

Location: Mnt de l'Emir Abd el Kader, 37400 Amboise, France

Timings: 9 am to 12:30 pm; 2 pm to 4:30 pm

People Also Ask About France

  1. What are the most famous places to visit in Loire Valley?

    • Musée du Compagnonnage: If you are interested in the French Compagnonnage system and want to know more about it, then you must head towards the Musée du Compagnonnage, one of the best places to visit in Loire Valley. Stroll into the place to take a look at exhibits and crafts showcasing the trade-guild history of France.
    • Château-Gaillard: Explore the Château Gaillard, known to be one of the early impressions of the Italian Renaissance in France. Stroll into France's first royal Orangerie which is now home to about 60 varieties of orange trees along with 90 varieties of grapes. 
    • Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans: The 13th-century Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans is a landmark building in Orleans, and you can see it from every corner of downtown Orleans. The Roman Catholic church with its impressive gothic structure is known for being visited by the Joan of Arc.
    • Château d'Azay-le-Rideau: One of the things to see in Loire Valley is the most-ringed Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, located on a natural island in the middle of the Indre River. Take a look at its charming turrets, intrinsic stonework, well-proportioned windows and slate roofs before going inside to look at a beautiful 19th-century decor. 
    • Château Royal d'Amboise: One of the best places to visit in Loire Valley is the enchanting Château Royal d'Amboise. The castle has been the residence of French kings for five centuries and you will get a glimpse of their grandeur while exploring the place.
  2. What are the best things to do in Loire Valley?

    • Explore Château de Chambord: Explore the Château de Chambord, one of the largest Chateaux of the Loire Valley which has earned fame for its unique Renaissance style architecture. The surrounding gardens, known as the ‘Garden of France’ are also much famed and must be included in the list of things to see Loire Valley.   
    • Wander through Château de Chenonceau: The beautiful French château, the Château de Chenonceau, has been built directly over the River Cher and has been in existence for 500 years. Wander through the three parts of the architectural magnificence - the two-storey building, the Tour des Marques and the amazing gallery standing on the river Cher. 
    • Visit Château de Villandry: Visit the Chateau de Villandry, one of the places to visit in Loire Valley, to take a look at its spectacular gardens that have been created in the Renaissance era. Feel amazed looking at the various gardens where the flower and plant beds have been created in various geometric forms.
    • Go on a trip to Château du Clos Lucé: Go on a trip to the Château du Clos Lucé, one of the best places to visit in Loire Valley, to know more about its age-old history as well as about the life and work of the famous artist and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci. 
    • Pay a visit to Château de Langeais: Those wandering for what to see in Loire Valley can pay a visit to the Château de Langeais. Its star attraction is the life-size wax-figure tableau portraying the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany in one of its rooms. 
  3. What is the Loire Valley famous for?

    The Loire Valley, located on the Loire River, has earned its fame for having the highest numbers of castles in France. Home to over 300 beautiful castles, the list of places to visit in Loire Valley includes some of the well-known attractions such as Château Chenonceau, Château Villandry, Château de Chambord and others. Apart from the castles, the valley is also known as the ‘Garden of France’ owing to its spectacular gardens. While visiting this area, you must also check out its vibrant culture, amazing French cuisine and flavoursome wine, all of which have made the valley famous.
  4. Is Loire Valley worth visiting?

    Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will surely enchant you with its fairy tale castles, serene gardens, vibrant culture and tasteful wine. Considered one of the best places to visit in France, the Loire Valley top attractions includes some of the well-known castles of the country such as the Chateau de Chambord, the Château de Chenonceau and others, making the area worth a visit.
  5. What is the best time to visit Loire valley?

    The best time to visit the Loire Valley is during the spring months starting from April to August. During these months, the weather is warm but not hot and the chateaux’s gardens are in full bloom. You will also be able to enjoy outdoor activities during these months.
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