Centre-Val de Loire

Centre-Val de Loire is a large inland region of central France located to the south-west of the French capital Paris. The name reflects the fact that much of this region embraces the renowned valley of the river Loire. The region is known for its fine historical towns, its vineyards and agricultural produce and its many beautiful castles (châteaux). Until 2015 it was called simply (Le) Centre.

By Train
Both Tours and Vendôme are on the LGV Atlantique (commonly known as the TGV) from Paris Montparnasse.

By air
Tours Val de Loire (TUF) Airport is the region's international airport. Other nearby airports include Paris Orly (ORY), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Limoges (LIG).

Châteaux (Castles)

 * Angers
 * Amboise
 * Azay-le-Rideau
 * Blois
 * Chambord
 * Chaumont-sur-Loire
 * Chenonceau
 * Cheverny
 * Chinon
 * Langeais
 * Loches
 * Montreuil-Bellay
 * Montsoreau
 * Rivau
 * Saumur
 * Ussé
 * Valencay
 * Villandry

Do
Visit the Pôle des étoiles and discover the Universe! Located in Nançay, a delightful Sologne village, Pôle des étoiles is a learning center. It offers guided tours of the radioastronomy facility, sky theater shows, as well as iteresting science exhibits. Official website

Stay safe
The Centre-Val de Loire is among France's safest regions. Certain neighbourhoods in and around cities like Tours, Orléans, and Vierzon might require extra caution at night, but the rest of the region is safe.

Go next
Travellers wishing to see more of the Loire Valley can continue further west into the adjoining Pays de la Loire region, studded with additional historical cities and chateaux at sites such as Angers and Saumur.