Occupying the guest quarters (11C) and monks’ dormitory (16C) above the chapter house of the abbey of St Julien, this museum traces the history, customs and practices of the town guilds’ journeymen. It explains trades (some extinct, some not), tools ..

Built at the end of the Renaissance, the Château de Villandry has retained the keep of an earlier fortress. Heralding the emergence of Classical architecture, its interior decor is particularly impressive. The chamber with the 13C Mudejar ceiling f..

You can see the remains of timber-framed Medieval houses while roaming Chinon's alleys, notably in Rue Voltaire or Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The Grand Carroi was the town centre in Medieval times. Along the way, you'll see churchs such as St. Étien..

Built in the 12C, abandoned by the court in the 15C, purchased by Cardinal Richelieu in the 17C, before being progressively abandoned, this fortress was rescued by Mérimée. Sited on a rocky outcrop, it is made up of the fort de Coudray with a 13C k..

A precursor of Blois and Chenonceau, this charming château also has a charming 19C landscaped park, fine stables and the popular international garden festival . Inside, the apartments of Catherine de Médicis and Diane de Poitiers recall their rivalr..

This church combines elements from various periods; decorative openwork of the amazing Flamboyant Gothic west front contrasts with a plain Romanesque 12C bell tower, 80m high. Inside, the transept is an 11C vestige. The vaulting was altered in the 13..

Built from the 13C to the early 16C, the cathedral was partly destroyed in 1586 by the Protestants. In recognition of the town's support, Henry IV undertook its reconstruction in a composite Gothic style. There is a lovely three-porch façade with ros..

The quality and diversity of this collection make it one of the most important in France. Pictures, sculpture and objects recount the history of European art from the 16C to the 20C. Note the series of 18C portraits of Mme de Pompadour by François-Hu..

This 30 hectare park is a window on horticulture in the Orleans region. It contains a large variety of plants and several animal species including deer and emu. Among the other delights for the eyes, the mirror gives a beautiful view of the castle ..

Built at the same time as the Eiffel Tower, this 1890 bridge allows a canal running lateral to the Loire to cross it and join the Briare canal. The metallic structure containing the canal is made up of plates held together by millions of rivets. It i..

This interesting museum of hunting is housed in the Château de Gien (rebuilt just before 1500). It offers a full picture of the arts and techniques of hunting: tapestries, ceramics, paintings and also beautifully made hunting weapons. The great hall ..

Planted in 1991, these gardens have now reached full maturity. Designed by landscape gardener Alain Richert and occupying 6ha, they include an orchard , a vegetable garden and ornamental garden . The ornamental gardens marry French, English and I..

A former ward in the old hospital of Saint Jean makes a fine backdrop for Jean Lurçat’s 10 Chant du Monde tapestries. Created in 1957, the series illustrates the joys and sorrows of human life and draw upon the experiences of the artist: a monument..

An attractive collection of works of art from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, tapestries , (an astounding dance of the savages ), French pottery and porcelain from the 17 and 18C. Be aware of ongoing works which might affect visits.

This museum is home to 800 military vehicles (tanks, armoured cars and artillery pieces), 200 of which are operatonal, from 17 different countries. The museum traces the history of armoured vehicles from 1917 to today. Among the best examples are a S..

With its towers and sloping roofs, this château has a proud air to it, dominating the Loire from its pedestal. King René rebuilt this château as a “love mansion” in the 14C, adorning it with a well thought out decorative design in the Gothic style. A..

With Europe’s deepest dry moat, this place has an amazing secret. Don’t miss the entrance recessed between two walls in the heart of the village. This elegant Renaisssance château remodelled in 1824 by Anjou architect Hodé has residential lodgings, a..

Last resting place of the Plantagenets, the abbey of Fontevraud remains (despite numerous mutilations) one of France’s most important monastic sites. Don’t miss the vast 12C church and the Plantagenet tombs in its chancel, the 16C wall paintings ..

Set in a fine park planted with cedar trees , this family château overlooks the Aubance Valley. 200 windows punctuate the façades, which are an unusual blend of two styles, one medieval and the other dating from the time of Louis XIII. Inside, the F..

Note the superb Gothic chevet which must be seen it for its system of flying buttresses. Then looking out over place Saint-Michel there is a very attractive doorway . Inside, the chancel (34m high and lit by stained-glass windows ) has a depth an..