17 Less Touristy Things to Do
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | ➡️ Angers | ★★★☆☆ | City | - | - |
| 02 | ➡️ Chinon | ★★☆☆☆ | Town | - | - |
| 03 | ➡️ Saumur | ★★☆☆☆ | Town | - | - |
| 04 | Château d'Ussé | ★★☆☆☆ | Castle & Garden | Self | Paid |
| 05 | Château de Valençay | ★★☆☆☆ | Castle & Garden | Self | Paid |
| 06 | ➡️ Candes & Montsoreau | ★★☆☆☆ | Villages | - | - |
| 07 | ➡️ Chédigny | ★★☆☆☆ | Village | - | - |
| 08 | ➡️ Montrésor | ★★☆☆☆ | Village | - | - |
| 09 | ➡️ Montreuil-Bellay | ★★☆☆☆ | Town | Self | Paid |
| 10 | ➡️ Richelieu | ★★☆☆☆ | Village | - | - |
| 11 | Château de Serrant | ★★☆☆☆ | Castle | Self | Paid |
| 12 | Château de l'Islette | ★★☆☆☆ | Castle & Garden | Self | Paid |
| 13 | Château du Rivau | ★★☆☆☆ | Castle & Garden | Self | Paid |
| 14 | Château de Montbazon | ★★☆☆☆ | Fortress | Self | Paid |
| 15 | Château de Montpoupon | ★★☆☆☆ | Castle | Self | Paid |
| 16 | Château de Valmer | ★★☆☆☆ | Garden & Castle | Self | Paid |
| 17 | Bourdaisière | ★★☆☆☆ | Garden | Self | Paid |
01. Angers City
Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
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.
02. Chinon Town
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
A medieval town dominated by the Chinon Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the Vienne River.
03. Saumur Town
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Saumur, located along the Loire River, is a historic town famous for its castle, cavalry school, and sparkling wines. ,
04. Ussé Castle & Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type A
Visit Self
Cost Paid
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.
05. Valençay Castle & Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type A
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Valençay Castle is known for its mix of Renaissance and Classical architecture and beautiful gardens.
Historically, the castle has been associated with Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, a prominent diplomat. It played a role in French history during the Napoleonic era and is a symbol of aristocratic heritage.
06. Candes & Montsoreau Villages
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
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.
07. Chédigny Village
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
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.
08. Montrésor Village
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
This village is noted for its picturesque Château de Montrésor. The village itself is a gem, with lovely streets and a charming riverside setting.
09. Montreuil-Bellay Town
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
A medieval-style town known for its castle and fortified walls, all overlooking the Thouet River below.
10. Richelieu Village
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
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.
11. Serrant Castle
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
The Château de Serrant is a Renaissance castle from the 16th century known for its with tapestries, artworks, furniture & artifacts.
12. Islette Castle & Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type A
Visit Self
Cost Paid
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.
13. Rivau Castle & Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type A
Visit Self
Cost Paid
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.
14. Montbazon Fortress
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type A
Visit Self
Cost Paid
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.
15. Montpoupon Castle
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type A
Visit Self
Cost Paid
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.
16. Valmer Garden & Castle
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type A
Visit Self
Cost Paid
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.
17. Bourdaisière Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type A
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Bourdaisière estate is renowned for its extensive tomato conservatory and gardens.
It also has a castle, which is not open for public visits, it serves only as a hotel.
