CENTER-VAL DE LOIRE

Intertourisme, specialist in organizing trips in Center-Val de Loire since 1981

Intertourisme is an agency specializing in organizing trips in Centre-Val de Loire. We offer a multitude of trips to discover the cultural, historical and gastronomic richness of these regions.

We work closely with local professionals to ensure our customers have an authentic and immersive experience. Our tours include castle visits, wine tastings, bike rides along the Loire and much more.

We also offer personalized services to create tailor-made trips that meet the needs and preferences of our clients. Our team of enthusiasts is at your disposal to help you discover the beauty and secrets of this magnificent French region.

Which places to visit in Centre-Val de Loire ?

The Centre-Val de Loire region in France is rich in historical monuments, castles and natural sites to discover.

The must-see cities are Orléans, Tours and Blois with their emblematic castles such as the Château de Chambord and the Château de Chenonceau. You can also visit the towns of Bourges and Chartres as well as their famous Gothic cathedral.

For nature lovers, the region is dotted with natural parks such as the Brenne regional natural park and the Loire-Anjou-Touraine regional natural park. Finally, the Loire Valley is also famous for its many vineyards, so you can enjoy cellar tours and wine tastings in the region’s different appellations such as Sancerre and Chinon.

What monuments can we discover in Centre-Val de Loire?

The Centre-Val de Loire region is famous for its majestic castles which bear witness to its rich royal past. Château de Chambord is perhaps the most famous of all, with its distinctive spires, imposing towers and formal gardens.

Other notable castles include the Château de Chenonceau, built above the Cher River, and the Château de Blois, which was occupied by seven different kings and dukes throughout history. The House of Magic of Blois which reached 100,000 visitors in 2022 and celebrated its 25th birthday in 2023. The region also includes the imposing cathedral of Chartres with its famous stained glass windows, the palace of Jacques Cœur in Bourges, and the medieval town of Chinon, home to the famous Château de Chinon where Joan of Arc met with the Dauphin for the first time. The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, gardens, culture and history. The Château de Cheverny, model for Moulinsart in the adventures of Tintin. The Château du Clos Lucé, final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. The Château de Villandry, with its famous French Renaissance style gardens. The Château d’Ussé, which is said to have inspired the author of Sleeping Beauty, by Charles Perrault.

And other castles to visit, less known but which are just as beautiful!

Which villages to visit in Centre-Val de Loire?

The Centre-Val de Loire is full of picturesque villages to discover. Here are a few :

– Amboise: located on the banks of the Loire, this medieval village is home to the Château d’Amboise and the Clos Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci lived.

– Chinon: famous for its medieval castle, this town is also known for its red wines.

– Loches: with its imposing castle and its medieval atmosphere, Loches is an unmissable village

– Chenonceaux: located on the banks of the Cher, Chenonceaux is famous for its Renaissance castle built on the water.

In summary, the Centre-Val de Loire region is rich in charming villages to explore, each offering its own charm and unique history.

How many entrance tickets sold for the castles?

• The Château de Blois recorded more than 350,000 validated tickets in 2022.
• The Château de Chambord had high attendance with more than 1 million tickets sold in 2022: 1,053,943.

Oenology in Centre-Val de Loire

Discovering a region through the know-how of its winegrowers, exploring oceans of vines or even tasting emblematic vintages, that’s the whole philosophy of wine tourism! From Sancerre to Tours and Chinon, the Loire Valley vineyard deploys its vines along the royal river. In the Loire Valley, immerse yourself in the heart of a region where tradition and elegance become one. Visit to cellars, wine tasting, discovery of the vineyards, participation in the harvest or a food pairing workshop & wines… Come and meet those who fly the flag of Loire winemaking know-how!

With nearly 25 appellations and a few thousand producers.

In Center-Val de Loire, you can visit troglodyte cellars and unusual cellars. The cellars labeled Cave Touristique du Val de Loire, recognized for their quality of welcome, will be able to offer you unique wine tourism experiences. You will be able to participate in the harvest with the winegrowers, learn about tasting, or even sleep in the heart of the vineyard, with family or friends! In the heart of the Loire Valley, the charming vineyards of the Châteaux de la Loire await you: Cheverny, Valençay and Azay-le-Rideau.

What events around wine in the Loire Valley?

• Come and celebrate wine around the great Loire Valley wine festival, at the Vitiloire trade fair in Tours. Opening May 25, 2024!
• Vignes Vins Hikes to combine walks, tasting and discovery of the Loire Valley vineyards. Usually takes place at the beginning of September.