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Places to Visit in Loire Valley

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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

• 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. 

• 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

• 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;

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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