In the heart of the Loire Valley, explore typical little villages with real character. Nestled in their magnificent surroundings, these unique places are cradled by the Loire and its tributaries.
A stopover in Briare
With its impressive canal bridge overlooking the Loire, Briare has a lot going for it. Cast off, soak up the atmosphere of the river and embark on a canal cruise. A guaranteed change of scenery!
Wander around Beaugency
The medieval city of Beaugency invites you to take a stroll along the Ru, a charming little river that winds its way through the heart of the old town. The Château and its Digital Art Centre, the Tour César and the bridge, the oldest bridge over the Loire are well worth a visit!
Take a stroll in Chaumont-sur-Tharonne
Chaumont-sur-Tharonne offers you all the charm of a typical Sologne village. Red brick houses and flat tile roofs promise you an enchanting stroll. You will also enjoy the works of contemporary art installed along the streets and in the squares. To find out more about the history of the village, sit down and listen to…
Explore Trôo
The tiny village of Trôo, in the heart of the Loire Valley, hides some mysterious troglodyte dwellings. Visit an ancient troglodyte dwelling, take a stroll through its narrow streets and climb the steps. An unusual walk that will shed light on this fascinating world.
An excursion to Lavardin
Still in the Loire Valley, the village of Lavardin proudly displays its medieval character! Head for the ruins of the château to admire it from above. Once used by goats, the “Rotte aux biques” walking track also offers lovely views of the village and surrounding valley.
A walk in Candes-Saint-Martin
A small village where slate roofs complement the white tufa facades, Candes-Saint-Martin is intimately linked to the royal river. Stroll through its streets, discover the Saint-Martin collegiate church and enjoy a traditional boat trip on the Loire aboard the Belle Adèle from this former fishing port.
A stroll through Chédigny
In the “garden village” of Chédigny, rambling roses climb up the facades of houses, and pavements are lined with beds of roses, shrubs and other grasses. Let yourself be charmed by the atmosphere. In May, don’t miss the Rose Festival!
Discover Montrésor
In the Indrois valley, the tiny village of Montrésor, dominated by its château, was awarded second place in the 2015 “Favourite Village of the French” competition. It has to be said, its charm can be felt instantly! Head off to discover its narrow streets and alleys.
Visit Illiers-Combray
In the Loir valley, Illiers-Combray is a place where the memory of Marcel Proust lives on. This charming ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’ invites you to enjoy a gentle getaway between heritage and nature. Stroll through its narrow streets, discover the famous Maison de Tante Léonie – Musée Marcel Proust and let yourself be enchanted by the poetic soul of the Pré Catelan garden.
Getaway to Thiron-Gardais
In the heart of the Perche Regional Nature Park, Thiron-Gardais, a ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’ (Small Town of Character), plunges you into history with its abbey church, picturesque little streets and peaceful setting. Don’t miss the Royal and Military College and the abbey gardens, real havens of tranquillity in the heart of the village.
Walking around Apremont-sur-Allier
Apremont-sur-Allier, listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, will charm you with its narrow flower-lined streets and blonde stone houses topped with tiled roofs. Don’t miss a visit to its magnificent floral park. Inspired by Vita Sackville-West’s English garden at Sissinghurst, it will amaze you and take you on a journey with its pagoda bridge, its Turkish pavilion…
Stopover in Sancerre
Perched on a hill, Sancerre has been awarded the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ and ‘Petites Cités de Caractère’ labels. It offers incredible views over the surrounding vineyards. Stroll through its picturesque streets, soak up its medieval charm and savour its famous wines, true treasures of the terroir, which you can discover at the Maison des Sancerre.
Explore Gargilesse
In the Creuse valley, Gargilesse, listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, offers a bucolic interlude where charm takes over. At your own pace, discover its Romanesque church and its remarkable frescoes, its cobbled streets, its artists’ studios and the villa “Algira”, George Sand’s thatched cottage and refuge…
Stopover at Saint-Benoît-du-Sault
Listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, perched on a rocky spur, has a seductive medieval charm. The cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, church, priory and ramparts offer a timeless interlude and a visit full of discoveries.
Thematics
