17 Unusual Things to Do in Loire Valley

🏞️ Google Images Overview – Gardens

⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website – Fr)

📜 Wikipedia

The castle is located in the village of Valençay.

➡️ 4 Things to Do in Valençay

Valençay Castle & Gardens ✦✦✦✧✧
Automobile Museum ✦✧✧✧✧
etc.

2. Angers City

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A historic city known for the imposing Château d’Angers, which houses the famous Apocalypse Tapestry. The city blends some medieval architecture and is also known for its many gardens.

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📜 Wikipedia

➡️ 24 Things to Do in Angers

Angers Castle & Tapestry ✦✦✦✦✧
Terra Botanica Nature Theme Park ✦✦✦✧✧
City Center ✦✦✧✧✧
etc.

3. Saumur Town

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Saumur, located along the Loire River, is a historic town famous for its castle, cavalry school, and sparkling wines.

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📜 Wikipedia

➡️ 15 Things to Do in Saumur

Saumur Castle ✦✦✦✧✧
Wine Houses ✦✦✦✧✧
Town Center ✦✦✧✧✧
etc.

4. Chinon Town

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A medieval town dominated by the Chinon Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the Vienne River.

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📜 Wikipedia

➡️ 10 Things to Do in Chinon

Chinon Fortress ✦✦✦✧✧
Town Center ✦✦✧✧✧
etc.

5. Candes & Montsoreau Villages

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These neighboring villages along the Loire river are renowned for their scenic beauty and historical architecture. Candes-Saint-Martin offers a Romanesque-Gothic church, while Montsoreau boasts a picturesque château by the river.

Candes-Saint-Martin

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📜 Wikipedia

➡️ 4 Things to Do in Candes-Saint-Martin

St. Martin Church ✦✦✧✧✧
Village Itself ✦✦✧✧✧
etc.

Montsoreau

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📜 Wikipedia

➡️ 6 Things to Do in Montsoreau

Montsoreau Castle ✦✦✧✧✧
Village Itself ✦✦✧✧✧
Flea Market ✦✦✧✧✧
etc.

6. Chédigny Village

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The streets of Chédigny are renowned for their floral beauty, with the village often referred to as a “garden village.”

Historically, the village has been transformed into a floral haven since the late 20th century, with efforts led by local residents and the mayor. It has won numerous awards for its floral displays and community initiatives.

📍 Google Maps

➡️ 3 Things to Do in Chédigny

Village Itself ✦✦✦✧✧
Curé de Chédigny Garden ✦✦✧✧✧
St. Pierre-ès-Liens Church ✦✧✧✧✧

7. Montrésor Village

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This village is noted for its picturesque Château de Montrésor. The village itself is a gem, with lovely streets and a charming riverside setting.

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➡️ 5 Things to Do in Montrésor

Montrésor Castle & Park ✦✦✧✧✧
Balcons de l’Indre Hike ✦✦✧✧✧
Village Itself ✦✦✧✧✧
etc.

8. Montreuil-Bellay Town

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A medieval-style town known for its castle and fortified walls, all overlooking the Thouet River below.

📍 Google Maps

➡️ 6 Things to Do in Montreuil-Bellay

Montreuil-Bellay Castle & Garden ✦✦✧✧✧
Notre-Dame Church ✦✧✧✧✧
etc

9. Richelieu Village

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Known as the “ideal city” designed by Cardinal Richelieu, this village boasts unique classical architecture and a grand park. The village layout is a rare example of planned urban development from the 17th century.

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📜 Wikipedia

➡️ 7 Things to Do in Richelieu

Village Itself ✦✦✧✧✧
Richelieu Park ✦✦✧✧✧
etc.

10. Ussé Castle & Garden

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Type Castle & Garden
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid

French Name
Château d’Ussé

The original fortress at Ussé was built in the 11th century and later transformed into the current château during the Renaissance.

Also known as the “Sleeping Beauty Castle,” beautiful gardens, this castle inspired Charles Perrault’s famous fairy tale.

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🏞️ Google Images Overview – Garden

📜 Wikipedia

11. Serrant Castle

Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Castle & Park
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid

French Name
Château de Serrant

The Château de Serrant is a Renaissance castle from the 16th century known for its with tapestries, artworks, furniture & artifacts.

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📜 Wikipedia

12. Islette Castle & Garden

Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Castle & Garden
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid

French Name
Château de l’Islette

The Château de l’Islette is a charming Renaissance castle from the 16th century, reminiscent of the famous Château d’Azay-le-Rideau.

The surrounding gardens and riverside location add to its charm.

📍 Google Maps

13. Rivau Castle & Garden

Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Castle & Garden
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid

French Name
Château du Rivau

The Château du Rivau is a medieval castlefrom the 15th century known for its fairy-tale gardens and contemporary art installations.

It’s also a hotel.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview – Garden

📜 Wikipedia

14. Montbazon Fortress

Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Fortress
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid

French Names
Forteresse de Montbazon
Site Castral de Montbazon

A medieval fortress built from the 11th to the 15th century offering panoramic views from its tower. Chateau Montbazon hosts medieval reenactments and workshops, providing an immersive historical experience.

📍 Google Maps

15. Montpoupon Castle

Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Castle
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid

French Name
Château de Montpoupon

The current Montpoupon Castle was built in the 15th century on the ruins of previous structures.

It features a small museum dedicated to hunting and the local traditions.

📍 Google Maps

📜 Wikipedia

16. Valmer Gardens & Castle

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Type Gardens & Castle
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid

French Name
Château de Valmer

The gardens at Valmer are the main attraction, featuring traditional designs and plantings. The castle itself is modest but charming. The estate’s focus is on its horticultural aspects rather than grand architecture.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview – Gardens