Accueil Discover Strolling around our cities and villages Discovering the most beautiful villages in the Loire Valley
Would you like to experience the relaxed pace of country living in the Loire Valley? The best way to do so is to explore the places listed as the Most Beautiful Villages in France and Small Towns of Character in the region: Lavardin, Trôo, Yèvre-le-Châtel, Montrésor and Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, to name just a few… These wonderful spots are home to remarkable architectural heritage, surrounded by exceptional landscapes. Take the time to stroll through their little streets and admire the treasures hidden within… in short, enjoy a moment where time stands still!
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES IN FRANCE IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
Time to escape and explore the countryside, destination: the Most Beautiful Villages in France in the Loire Valley. The architectural heritage, surrounding natural beauty and cultural wealth of these villages makes them undoubtedly worth the detour. Here is a little shortlist of hotspots to visit, taking your time, so as to better enjoy the charm of slow tourism.
Lavardin: one of the “most beautiful villages in france”
Lezbroz – Teddy Verneuil
On the banks of the Loir, the medieval village of Lavardin is listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. It is located near Vendôme and will welcome you with its charming little cobblestone lanes lined with old houses, with the ruins of the château overlooking the village. Don’t miss a visit to the Lavardin Museum to explore the village’s captivating history. Step inside the Saint-Genest Church to admire the splendid frescoes adorning the walls.
Crissay-sur-Manse : A Renaissance GEM AT THE HEART OF TOURAINE
In the Manse Valley, head to the former castellany of Crissay-sur-Manse – a veritable architectural treasure. Walk between magnificent traditional houses made from white tuffeau stone, featuring the classic square turrets – authentic symbols of the region. You will also have the opportunity to admire the amazing ruins of the 15th-century château and see the 16th-century church
Montrésor: perfectly nestled along the indrois
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Only 50 km from Tours, you’ll find the picturesque village of Montrésor. This charming spot is appropriately named “My Treasure” in French! Here, the walls of white tuffeau stone houses blend with half-timbered facades and dwellings semi-built into the rock. In this authentic setting, the Renaissance-style château is a true historic treasure. Perched on a rocky spur, you can see it from the lovely “Balcons de l’Indrois” walk.
From village to village in the loire valley
Whether you’re travelling by bike, on horseback or even on foot, the Loire Valley offers many different routes. Out of the other villages bearing the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” label, don’t miss Yèvre-le-Châtel, the second village in France with a “Remarkable Garden” rating, and Candes-Saint-Martin, at the confluence between the Vienne and the Loire.
Lastly, while you’re near the Loire Valley, you can also explore the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” in Berry: Sancerre and its internationally renowned wines, Apremont-sur-Allier and its magnificent flower garden, Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, an ancient medieval city, and Gargilesse-Dampierre, a romantic, peaceful haven.
J.C. Coutand – ADT Touraine
THE SMALL TOWNS OF CHARACTER IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
During a family trip or a bike outing, let yourself be swept away by the captivating atmosphere of the Small Towns of Character in the Loire Valley. Nestled on the banks of a river, around the curve of a hill or on a spectacular site, these places have conserved and showcased their remarkable heritage, revealing the beauty of their treasures!
SAINT-DYÉ-SUR-LOIRE, FORMER PORT OF CHAMBORD
Lezbroz – Teddy Verneuil
In the Valley of Kings, Saint-Dyé-Sur-Loire is an unmissable gateway to the mythical Loire Châteaux and Sologne. The town is the historic port of Chambord and closely connected to the National Estate of Chambord. Why not enjoy a boat ride on the Loire, the perfect way to drift along the peaceful flow of the river.
LUYNES, HISTORIC CHARM ON THE LOIRE
On the banks of the royal river, the town of Luynes is a beautiful location nestled in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landscapes. Not far from the prestigious Loire Châteaux, it has a uniquely bucolic setting, the perfect reflection of the relaxed pace of living in the region. Don’t miss seeing the ruins of its Gallo-Roman aqueduct!
SAINT-BENOÎT-SUR-LOIRE: “SMALL TOWN OF CHARACTER”
Benoît Voisin – ADRT 45
Visitors to Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire (around 40 km from Orléans) can enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Loire. This charming stage in the cycle tourism route known as “La Loire à Vélo” is over 1,400 years old. It was built around the Benedictine Abbey – a must-see site!
TRÔO: THE UNMISSABLE TROGLODYTE VILLAGE
This village is just as surprising as its funny name! Trôo is the troglodyte capital of the Loire Valley. You will be astonished by the dwellings built into the rock, tiered terraces and picturesque paths in this “Small Town of Character”, located near Vendôme. Here, the traditional streets and town centre are home to a unique atmosphere!
LEVROUX, CITY OF LEATHER AND PARCHMENT
This ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’ (small town) with a medieval flavour is famous for its leather and parchment work. Even today, Levroux has managed to preserve and bring to life this rich past. To find out more, opt for a guided tour of the village before pushing open the doors of the Leather and Parchment Museum or even visiting a parchment-maker’s workshop.
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
ILLIERS-COMBRAY, MARCEL PROUST'S ‘MADELEINE
On the banks of the River Loir, the small village of Illiers-Combray treasures the memory of Marcel Proust. Everywhere in this village, you can follow in the footsteps of the famous writer. Visit Tante Léonie’s house, where he spent his holidays as a child. Stroll through the paths of the romantic Pré Catelan garden, which became Swann’s garden under his pen.
AUBIGNY-SUR-NÈRE, CITY OF THE STUARTS
You’ll be amazed to discover this charming town with a touch of Scotland about it! To find out more about the history of Aubigny-sur-Nère and its close links with the land of the Stuarts, visit the Auld Alliance Museum housed in the castle… of the Stuarts. Every year in July, the Fêtes Franco-Écossaises (Franco-Scottish Festivals) are an opportunity for the Petite Cité de Caractère to celebrate the alliance sealed between France and Scotland in 1295!
