Open to the public all year round, the Château de Cheverny, still lived in today, is a building of Classical style dating from the 17th century. The interior of the château, full of magnificent furniture, objets d'art and tapestries, is exceptional and not to be missed. Visitors can explore very sumptuous rooms like the king's bedroom, the drill hall, the library and the tapestry salon.

The Château de Cheverny is also unusual in that it was a source of inspiration for Tintin illustrator Hergé. Minus its two outer wings, this majestic residence closely resembles Marlinspike Hall, the country residence of popular Tintin character Captain Haddock. A permanent exhibition called "Les Secrets de Moulinsart" (The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall) is dedicated to the world of Tintin.

The tree-lined park is a very pleasant and relaxing place for a stroll. Tours in electric car or by boat on the canal are also available and make an excellent way of exploring the park and its natural heritage.

Situated on the edge of the Loire River, Blois, a City of Art and History, forms an attractive and harmonious architectural group with its royal château, houses in the old town and religious monuments.

A former residence of French kings, the Château de Blois is a majestic building that is unusual because it features several different architectural styles - Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, Italian Renaissance and Classical - a wonderful range of French architecture. The château's highlights include the gate topped by an equestrian statue of Louis XII, the stunning internal courtyard and the four wings from different periods and of different architectural styles, and the sumptuous spiral staircase in the Francis I wing. The fine art museum in the Louis XII wing houses a collection of tapestries, paintings and sculptures. From April to September every year, an enchanting evening light and sound show, "Ainsi Blois vous est conté...", which recounts the history of this famous building, is put on in the courtyard.

Outside its walls, Place du Château is a very pleasant place for a drink on one of the café terraces. Horse-drawn carriage tours of the old town depart from this square, at the château entrance.

In front of the castle, the Robert Houdin magic museum is dedicated to magic and illusion. Kids and adults can discover the history of magic, as well as collections of magician's tools, like those of the famous French conjurer Robert Houdin. Another museum to visit is the Objet museum, a former convent housing a collection of works by modern and contemporary artists, such as Dali, Caesar, Arman and Christo. Horse fans should go to the National stud farm and immerse themselves in the world and history of horses.

The visit of Blois continues in the picturesque narrow, sloping streets of the historic centre, which are full of charm and great to stroll around. There are also beautiful gardens to be seen towards Saint-Louis cathedral. From the vast esplanade of the town hall, there is a fantastic view of the bishop's palace gardens, the slate roofs of the old town and the royal river!

In the heart of the forest of Boulogne abounding in game, on the site of a fortress, King François I built an imposing, richly decorated residence as his hunting lodge in the 16th century. A Renaissance masterpiece, the Château de Chambord is the biggest in the Loire Valley, with 440 rooms, 800 carved capitals and 282 fireplaces!

This striking and elegant building consists of a central keep with four round towers and a surrounding wall. Its famous double spiral staircase is a remarkable architectural feat. This ingenious construction allows two people to go up and down the stairs without passing each other!

After visiting the apartments, a walk around the château terrace is mandatory. From there, the view of thousands of attic windows, chimneys, capitals, spires and little steeples of the building makes an amazing picture. The terrace of the keep also offers a beautiful view of the park of Chambord national estate. A hunting reserve, the park is surrounded by a 32-km wall, making it the largest enclosed forested area in Europe. Visitors wishing to go for a walk can do so along the numerous waymarked footpaths. Horse-drawn carriage tours are also available from the Marshal of Saxony stables.

Dominating majestically the Loire River, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. It used to belong to Catherine de Medici and then to her rival Diane de Poitiers. Open to visitors, its apartments contain some magnificent tapestries and rooms like Catherine de Medici's and Diane de Poitiers' bedrooms, the council room and the library.

From the château terrace, the panoramic view of the Loire Valley is magnificent.

An event not to be missed: the International Garden Festival, which takes place in the château park from June to October every year and brings together landscapists from all over the world. This very creative and colourful event is a showcase for fantastic plant-based compositions and works around a given topic. A delight for the eyes and the nose!

Ranked among the world's five best zoos and considered to be France's finest, the ZooParc de Beauval in Saint-Aignan has plenty to appeal to all kinds of visitors. Wildlife conservation is its number one mission, and it is home to around 800 species, some of which are unique in France. The giant panda, a symbol of environmental protection, is represented by Huan Huan, the star of the zoo!

In 2020, the zoo is celebrating its fortieth anniversary with a major event: the opening of the impressive equatorial dome, a giant 38-metre-tall greenhouse containing 200 species, where you can go on an extraordinary journey around the equator. This original creation, unique in the world, takes you from one continent to another, amid lush, abundant exotic vegetation. In the 19 pools and aquariums, discover exceptional aquatic animals ranging from manatees to pygmy hippos, through giant otters, piranhas, turtles and alligators. All these species live harmoniously together and every care is taken to recreate their natural environment. At the heart of this tropical paradise lies the Bivouac Beauval Nature. This fun and educational place offers handling sessions, with the aim of raising public awareness of the fragile balance of our ecosystems, and providing information about worldwide actions.

At the ZooParc, you can also enjoy attractions featuring some of the site's residents. Birds have pride of place in "masters of the air", where birds of prey, owls, macaws and cockatoos fly above spectators' heads. During "the sea lion odyssey", these majestic creatures perform artistic routines to music in the aquatic amphitheatre. Throughout the season, outreach scientists provide information on the habits and life of the zoo animals, especially at feeding sessions. Relaxation, fun, surprise and discovery all make a visit to the ZooParc de Beauval an unforgettable meeting with biodiversity!

The Renaissance and Classical Château de Valençay, the Prince of Talleyrand's former residence, is an architectural jewel in the heart of the Berry region. In the 19th century, Napoleon's minister of foreign affairs, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, organised lavish receptions there in honour of foreign high dignitaries.

The château is a remarkably well-preserved listed historic monument. It boasts a superb Renaissance keep, a magnificent Italian arcaded gallery, an elegant Classical-style wing and corner towers with domed roofs. Inside, the sumptuously-furnished rooms such as the Grand Salon, Prince of Talleyrand's Chamber, Blue Salon, Study, Music Salon, King of Spain's Chamber, Duchess of Dino's Chamber, Dining Room, Grand Butlery and kitchens testify to the Château's past splendour.

Surrounding the château are wonderful gardens to stroll around. Featuring a formal garden (Jardins à la Française) with pristine beds, the Damier Fleuri, a patchwork of meadow flowers, the Jardin de la Duchesse with a terrace overlooking the green Nahon valley, a deer park, a children's playground and Napoleon's maze, they will delight both grown-ups and kids.

Daytime and evening shows starring costumed actors and candlelit visits are put on during the summer season.

Chenonceau Castle in Indre-et-Loire is surely among the most majestic of all the Loire castles. Is it because of its famous gallery overlooking the River Cher, its sumptuous interior or its magnificent gardens? It is most certainly all of these at once. This building is a true masterpiece of the Renaissance, embellished by two iconic women: Catherine de' Medici and Diane de Poitiers. The wife and favourite of King Henry II respectively, they developed, managed and protected the castle. For the record, Henry II gave the castle to his mistress, who was driven out when the queen became regent.

First, an avenue of plane trees leads you to the monument's entrance. On either side of this avenue lie the gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. Both are composed of magnificent French-style flowerbeds. The castle is made up of three parts: there is the two-storey main building, decorated with corner turrets, and the grand gallery, 60 metres long, with 18 windows and five arches spanning the river. Then there is the keep, a vestige of an old fortified castle, today known as the Marques Tower.

As you enter the castle, you cannot fail to admire the tasteful decoration. Renaissance furniture, paintings and 16th-century Flemish tapestries adorn the various rooms. Step into the private quarters of the castle's residents and mistresses by visiting the chambers of Francis I, Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de' Medici and the five queens. Discover the green cabinet, the room where the regent used to work. You will then continue to the Francis I and Louis XIV drawing rooms, followed by the kitchens, which are exceptionally well preserved. In this vaulted room, the copperware sparkles next to a monumental fireplace.

Back outside, take a peaceful stroll in the park for an overview of Chenonceau Castle's architecture. Wander around the flower patch or try to find your way out of the maze of 2,000 yew trees.

Sound and light shows take place on summer nights, entitled "In the time of the Ladies of Chenonceau". The site also offers boat rides on the Cher so you can admire the building from close up, and night walks in the gardens.

Nestling along the Loire River, the medieval town of Beaugency possesses a rich architectural heritage, including the Château de Dunois dating from the 15th century, the town hall with a Renaissance facade, the former Notre-Dame abbey with its Romanesque abbey church, an 11th-century keep, a clock tower, an old bridge over the Loire River and beautiful old houses.

Make a point of visiting the Hall of Honour (Salle d'Honneur) in the town hall, which contains eight magnificent embroidered wall hangings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the Daniel Vannier museum in the Château de Dunois, dedicated to the arts and popular traditions of the Orléanais area.

On the banks of the Cher, the medieval town of Mennetou-sur-Cher is a town full of character in Loir-et-Cher. Once you have passed through the 13th-century ramparts, soak up the atmosphere of the place by strolling along the flowery cobbled streets lined with old stone, cob and half-timbered houses. Your steps will lead you to the 11th, 13th and 16th-century Church of St. Urban, featuring a square choir in the Angevin Gothic style, or maybe to the drawbridge. The town has also preserved three circular towers with arrow slits as well as fortified gates.

During the summer period, take part in a rather unusual tour of the town: at night by torchlight!

Montrésor... The very name of this village in Indre-et-Loire, reminiscent of the French for "my treasure", is promising. To start with, it enjoys a scenic location by the Indrois, where the river banks prove to be a very pleasant place for a walk. Then the village itself, where the narrow streets and half-timbered houses give it a unique charm. And what about the castle, built in the Middle Ages and later turned into a magnificent Renaissance edifice? Or the Gothic Collegiate Church of St. John the Baptist, containing several rare paintings from the 16th century? At the centre of the village, the Cardeux Hall with its Mansart roof was a centre for textile work. All of these buildings and the authenticity of Montrésor have earned it the Most Beautiful Villages of France label.

On summer nights, the village offers a sound and light trail, the Solar Nights (Les Nuits Solaires), to discover Montrésor in a new way.

Towering over the Loire and the town of the same name, the Royal Château of Amboise in Indre-et-Loire is a reminder of a glorious past. Originally a medieval fortress, it was converted into a sumptuous Renaissance château from the 15th century onwards at the behest of several Kings of France. First there was Charles VIII, who was born at the castle. He brought artists over from Italy to give it a First French Renaissance style. But he died prematurely without being able to complete his work. His successor Louis XII then undertook to continue the work and the Heurtault Tower was built as a result. After taking over from him, King Francis I decided to raise the height of the Royal Lodge, where you can admire a beautiful collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture. He also brought in Italian artists to embellish Amboise, like Leonardo da Vinci, whom he appointed to the role of first painter, engineer and architect of the King. He gave him the use of the Clos Lucé manor located near the castle, where the inventor spent the last three years of his life. A little anecdote: the two men used to meet up by taking an underground passage that connected the two buildings. The Clos Lucé manor is open to visitors and contains creations and models by the genius inventor. Not to be missed under any circumstances.

Let's go back to the Château of Amboise to discover rooms richly decorated with wood panelling, columns and carved fireplaces. Examples include the King's Lodge of course, and the Guard Room featuring rib vaults and tapestries from the 16th century. The Council Chamber, perhaps the most beautiful room in the castle, with its pillars decorated with fleur-de-lis. Or the Cupbearer's Room, also decorated with period furniture and 17th-century tapestries. Continue your tour all the way to the ramparts, where the Flamboyant Gothic Chapel of St. Hubert is located, containing the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. Afterwards, treat yourself to a stroll in the castle's beautiful gardens, where the view of the Loire Valley will enchant amateur photographers.

Between July and August, the night show "In the Court of King Francis" tells the story of the various events that took place during the reign of Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I. The programme includes image projections, water and light shows, dances from the period and fireworks.

A wild and peaceful area, the Sologne is covered with game-filled forests and numerous ponds and is therefore popular with hikers, fishermen and hunters. No fewer than 2,800 ponds are scattered over the Sologne countryside! Besides its beautiful landscapes, the Sologne is a wonderful place for walkers, with its beautiful villages, such as that of Chaumont-sur-Tharonne, typical with its brick-built houses. The village of Souvigny-en-Sologne is also worth the trip for its charming church with a timbered porch (caquetoir).

Fine food and patisserie fans should stop off in the little town of Lamotte-Beuvron, the birthplace of the famous upside-down apple tart, Tarte Tatin. Happy tasting!

The town of Romorantin-Lanthenay is also worth a trip for, among others, the Sologne museum.

The Château du Moulin, nicknamed "the pearl of the Sologne", in Lassay-sur-Croisne, the Domaine du Ciran estate in Ménestreau-en-Villette, dedicated to the flora and fauna of the Sologne, and the elegant Château de La Ferté-Saint-Aubin are among the places not to be missed.

Finally, the Maison des Étangs (Pond House) in Saint-Viâtre explains all about pond life in the Sologne, including displays on the history, fauna and flora of the ponds, as well as how they function and are maintained.

A Town of Art and History, Vendôme in the department of Loir-et-Cher enchants visitors with its tranquil atmosphere and verdant surroundings. The Loir runs through it, and you need only cross one of the bridges to come and go between the two sides of the town. Along the way, notice the pretty riverside houses.

Vendôme has several buildings that are a big part of its charm. There are the old half-timbered houses on Place Saint-Martin, the Trinity Abbey, a remarkable religious monument with its Flamboyant façade, Romanesque bell tower and 16th-century wooden stalls, the Baltard-style covered market and the former Oratorian college where Honoré de Balzac studied.

Lined with shops, Rue du Change is perfect for strolling, as is Ronsard Park on the banks of the Loir. The footbridge and washhouse give this peaceful and shady place a romantic air. Overlooking the town, the park around the feudal castle of the Bourbon-Vendômes offers a stunning view of the historic centre!

If you are interested, the town offers two visitor circuits with explanation stands and signs to point you in the right direction. In summer, don't miss the chance to take a little trip on the Loir, for a pleasant boat ride that will show you the town from another angle.

Situated in the heart of Sologne, the Château de La Ferté-Saint-Aubin is open to the public and comprises 15 furnished rooms, large kitchens where you can taste honey madeleines, and stables containing dressage horses.

A great place to wander round, the vast 40-hectare park features the reconstruction of a 1930s train station, an enchanted island for the children and a wildlife park.

The town of Meung-sur-Loire's rich past is revealed through its château (the former residence of the bishops of Orléans), the medieval gateway of Amont, remains of ramparts, old houses and the 11th- and 13th-century Saint-Liphard collegiate church.

There is also pleasant walking along the Mauves, small rivers that cross the town.

The town of Cléry-Saint-André has a magnificent religious building: the Notre-Dame basilica of Flamboyant Gothic style. Inside, the tomb of king Louis XI and his wife can be found.