Best Towns and Cities to Visit in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is known not only for its stunning châteaux and vineyards but also for its charming towns and cities, each offering its own unique character, history, and attractions. Here's a guide to the key towns and cities in the Loire Valley, giving you a deeper sense of what makes each destination special:

City Hall at Jean Jaures Square in Tours

Tours

• Overview: Often referred to as the gateway to the Loire Valley, Tours is a vibrant university city known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and lively cultural scene. It's an ideal base for exploring the region’s châteaux and vineyards.

• Highlights:

  • Cathédrale Saint-Gatien: A stunning Gothic cathedral with beautiful stained-glass windows.

  • Place Plumereau: A medieval square filled with half-timbered houses, bustling cafés, and restaurants.

  • Les Halles: A fantastic indoor market for local food products like cheese and wine.

• Why Visit: Tours blends history with modern life, offering both architectural wonders and contemporary amenities like museums, shopping, and dining.

Château d'Amboise

Amboise

• Overview: Amboise is a picturesque town perched on the banks of the Loire River, famous for its Renaissance château and as the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. This small town offers stunning views and a relaxed, historic atmosphere.

• Highlights:

  • Château d'Amboise: The royal château where French kings lived, with panoramic views of the river.

  • Clos Lucé: The former residence of Leonardo da Vinci, now a museum dedicated to his life and inventions.

  • Sunday Market: One of the largest and liveliest markets in the region, perfect for sampling local produce.

• Why Visit: The town’s connection to royalty and Leonardo da Vinci makes it a cultural and historical hub in the Loire Valley.

Saumur

Saumur

• Overview: Located on the Loire River, Saumur is famous for its fairy-tale château, equestrian traditions, and sparkling wines. It has a charming old town filled with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.

• Highlights:

  • Château de Saumur: Overlooking the river, this château offers stunning views and houses a museum.

  • Cadre Noir: A prestigious equestrian school known for its horse-riding performances.

  • Saumur Wine Caves: Known for Crémant de Loire, the local sparkling wine.

• Why Visit: Saumur combines scenic beauty with cultural richness, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers and history buffs alike.

Old town of Blois

Blois

• Overview: The city of Blois is known for its royal château and medieval streets. It played a significant role in French history, particularly during the Renaissance, and remains one of the most charming cities in the Loire Valley.

• Highlights:

  • Château de Blois: A stunning château that hosted French kings and offers a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical architectural styles.

  • Maison de la Magie: A museum dedicated to the art of magic and the famous magician Robert-Houdin.

  • Church of Saint-Nicholas: A beautiful Romanesque church with impressive stained-glass windows.

• Why Visit: Its rich history, coupled with its vibrant cultural scene, makes Blois a must-see for anyone visiting the Loire Valley.

Place du Ralliement et Théâtre in Angers

Angers

• Overview: Located in the western Loire Valley, Angers is the capital of the ancient province of Anjou. It's known for its massive fortress, fine wines, and as a center for tapestry art.

• Highlights:

  • Château d'Angers: A formidable fortress housing the Apocalypse Tapestry, one of the largest and oldest medieval tapestries in the world.

  • Cathédrale Saint-Maurice: A beautiful Gothic cathedral located in the city center.

  • Terra Botanica: A unique botanical themed Amusement park, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.

• Why Visit: Angers’ mix of medieval history, art, and nature makes it an attractive destination for both culture and outdoor lovers.

Château de Loches

Loches

• Overview: A smaller, less touristy town, Loches is known for its medieval fortress and charming old quarter. It's a wonderful place to explore the history of the region without the large crowds found at more popular destinations.

• Highlights:

  • Royal City of Loches: A well-preserved medieval citadel with towers, dungeons, and panoramic views.

  • Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours: A Romanesque church with impressive architecture and historical significance.

  • Market Days: Loches hosts one of the best outdoor markets in the region, held twice a week.

• Why Visit: For a more relaxed and intimate experience of the Loire Valley’s medieval past, Loches is the perfect stop.

Chinon

Chinon

• Overview: Chinon is a small riverside town famous for its fortress and vineyards, producing some of the best red wines in the Loire Valley. The town’s medieval streets and historical connections to Joan of Arc give it a charming, rustic feel.

• Highlights:

  • Fortress of Chinon: Perched high above the Vienne River, this medieval fortress offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Steeped in French history, it played a pivotal role during the Hundred Years' War. The fortress is particularly famous for its association with Joan of Arc, who met Charles VII here in 1429. This meeting, commemorated by the Joan of Arc Tower within the fortress, was a turning point in the war, leading to her command of the French army and eventual victory at Orléans.

  • Wine Tasting: Chinon is renowned for its Cabernet Franc wines, with many vineyards offering tastings.

• Why Visit: Chinon’s medieval streets, historic significance, and outstanding wines make it a top destination for history enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs.

Orléans

Orléans

• Overview: As the capital of the Loiret department, Orléans is a lively city that blends modern life with deep historical roots, particularly its connection to Joan of Arc.

• Highlights:

  • Cathédrale Sainte-Croix: A stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of the city.

  • Place du Martroi: A bustling square featuring a large statue of Joan of Arc, the city's hero.

  • Maison de Jeanne d’Arc: A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Joan of Arc.

• Why Visit: Orléans is a great place to explore history, particularly the legacy of Joan of Arc, while also enjoying modern French city life.

Beaugency

Beaugency

• Overview: A small, medieval town on the banks of the Loire River, Beaugency is known for its historic bridge and quiet charm. It’s a great place to experience the Loire Valley’s medieval architecture in a less-touristy environment.

• Highlights:

  • Beaugency Bridge: An ancient stone bridge that connects the town to the northern bank of the Loire River.

  • Château de Beaugency: A medieval fortress that now houses contemporary art exhibitions.

  • Abbey Church of Notre-Dame: A Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century.

Château de Montsoreau

Montsoreau

• Overview: This riverside village is known for the Château de Montsoreau, the only château built directly on the Loire River. Montsoreau is also famous for its antique markets and scenic beauty.

• Highlights:

  • Château de Montsoreau: A blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, now home to a museum of contemporary art.

  • Troglodyte Houses: Unique cave dwellings carved into the hillsides.

  • Village Fleuri: Montsoreau is classified as a “village fleuri” for its picturesque flower-lined streets.

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Azay-le-Rideau

• Overview: This small town is home to one of the most elegant châteaux in the Loire Valley. The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is famous for its reflection in the surrounding water, making it one of the most photogenic castles in the region.

• Highlights:

  • Château d'Azay-le-Rideau: A beautiful Renaissance château built on an island in the middle of the Indre River.

  • Historic Town Center: Full of charming 16th and 17th-century houses.

  • Gardens of Azay-le-Rideau: The landscaped English gardens surrounding the château are perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Château de Brissac

Brissac-Quincé

• Overview: This quaint village is dominated by the Château de Brissac, the tallest château in France. The village itself is picturesque, and its nearby vineyards produce excellent Anjou wines.

• Highlights:

  • Château de Brissac: Known for its height and stunning interiors, including a private theater.

  • Anjou Wine Route: The vineyards around Brissac-Quincé are perfect for wine lovers, with tastings available at many local producers.

Vendôme

Vendôme

• Overview: A small city located slightly north of the Loire Valley, Vendôme is known for its historical abbey, medieval streets, and peaceful riverfront.

• Highlights:

  • Abbey of the Trinity: A former Benedictine abbey with stunning Gothic architecture.

  • Château de Vendôme: The ruins of the medieval castle overlook the town, offering scenic views.

  • Place Saint-Martin: A charming square with beautiful 17th-century architecture.

Château de Sully-sur-Loire

Sully-sur-Loire

• Overview: A peaceful town with a strong medieval heritage, Sully-sur-Loire is most famous for its château, which played an important role in French history as a defensive fortress.

• Highlights:

  • Château de Sully-sur-Loire: A UNESCO-listed medieval fortress surrounded by a moat, known for its picturesque appearance and historical significance.

  • Festival de Sully et du Loiret: A classical music festival held every summer, attracting international artists.

Candes-Saint-Martin

Candes-Saint-Martin

• Overview: This small village, classified as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France), is known for its lovely riverside setting and historic buildings.

• Highlights:

  • Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin: A beautiful medieval church that overlooks the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers.

  • Troglodyte Houses: Like Montsoreau, this village features ancient cave homes carved into the cliffs.

  • Scenic River Views: The village offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and rivers.

Saint-Aignan

(Pictured Above)

• Overview: Saint-Aignan is a picturesque town situated on the banks of the Cher River, offering a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Known for its medieval architecture, the town is also home to the world-famous ZooParc de Beauval, one of France's largest and most popular zoos.

• Highlights:

  • Château de Saint-Aignan: A stunning Renaissance château that dominates the town. While privately owned and not open to the public, it offers an impressive backdrop to the town’s skyline.

  • Collegiate Church of Saint-Aignan: This 11th-century Romanesque church is a focal point of the town, with intricate carvings and a fascinating crypt that dates back to the early Christian period.

  • ZooParc de Beauval: Located just outside the town, this massive zoo is renowned for its rare species, including giant pandas, and is consistently ranked among the best zoos in the world.