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Most Beautiful Towns and Villages for a Holiday Home in Centre
If you’re looking for a holiday destination that offers both relaxation and cultural enrichment, the Centre-Val de Loire region in France is a fantastic choice. This area has so much to offer, from breathtaking landscapes to historic castles and vibrant towns. Below, we introduce you to three of the most beautiful cities for booking a holiday home in Centre-Val de Loire. Of course, there are many other stunning towns and villages waiting to be discovered, but these three are definite highlights not to be missed. Whether you love history, art, or simply a pleasant city stroll, these top destinations in Centre-Val de Loire have something for everyone.
The first recommendation is a holiday home in Tours. As the capital of the region, Tours boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times. In the heart of the city, you’ll find the impressive Saint-Gatien Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece from the 13th century. The city is also famous for its many museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée du Compagnonnage. Don’t miss Place Plumereau, a beautiful square surrounded by historic half-timbered houses. The second top pick is a holiday home in Orléans. This lively city is especially known for its role in the Hundred Years’ War with Joan of Arc as a central figure. Be sure to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the magnificent Orléans Cathedral during your stay. Finally, we recommend a holiday home in Bourges as a third highlight. Often overlooked by tourists, Bourges is definitely worth a visit. Its stunning Saint-Étienne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city also features interesting museums such as the Musée du Berry and the Musée Estève. The charming historic centre, with its medieval houses and narrow streets, is perfect for exploring.
A Suitable Holiday Home for Every Group
Whether you need a large or small holiday home in Centre for your group, you’ll find the perfect match on Holidayhome.com. This beautiful region in France is ideal for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Centre offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you’re searching for a dreamy getaway for two or a spacious holiday home for a bigger group, Holidayhome.com has something for everyone. For instance, you can choose a lovely holiday home for 4 people, or a cosy holiday home in Centre for 6 people for a family trip. Planning a getaway with a large group of friends? You’ll easily find a spacious holiday home for 10 people, or even an extra-large holiday home for 12 people in Centre. You can also use the search filters to specify the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, ensuring everyone has plenty of space to relax. Don’t wait—book the perfect holiday home now for an unforgettable stay in Centre!
Book an Affordable or Luxury Holiday Home in Centre
Discover the wide selection of affordable holiday homes and luxury accommodations in Centre! This stunning region of France has beautiful holiday homes available to suit all tastes and budgets. Choose a holiday home in the natural surroundings of Centre-Val de Loire or opt for a city stay. For example, you might select a charming holiday home by a river or lake in Centre, or a stylish apartment. There are plenty of beautiful holiday homes along the Loire River in Centre. Start your search early to find the best options. Depending on your group’s preferences, you can book a stay at one of the lovely holiday parks in Centre or choose a private holiday home. You can easily indicate your requirements, such as the type of holiday home and specific amenities, using the search filters. You can even look for a pet-friendly holiday home in Centre!
The Top Three Attractions in Centre-Val de Loire
Welcome to picturesque Centre, a region in the heart of France known for its rich history, culture, stunning nature, and delicious cuisine. Whether you love medieval castles, charming villages, or sprawling vineyards, Centre has something for everyone. Below are three top attractions in this region that you shouldn’t miss during your holiday.
Chartres Cathedral
The Chartres Cathedral, located in the city of Chartres, is one of the world’s most impressive Gothic cathedrals. Construction began in the 12th century and took over 100 years to complete. The cathedral is especially famous for its beautiful stained-glass windows, some of which date back to the 13th century. The interior is just as breathtaking, with stunning sculptures, frescoes, and paintings depicting the history of Christianity. The Chartres Cathedral also houses a special relic: the veil of the Virgin Mary, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world each year. A visit to Chartres Cathedral is a must for anyone interested in medieval history, religious art, and architecture.
Mini Castle Park
Another unique attraction in Centre is the Parc des Mini-Châteaux in Amboise. This park is a delight for castle enthusiasts, featuring more than forty miniature versions of famous French castles and palaces. Established in 1990, it has become one of the most fun and surprising attractions in the region. Stroll past miniatures of Chambord Castle, the Palace of Versailles, and many other historic buildings, all recreated in impressive detail with tiny figures and accessories that bring the scenes to life. The park is very family-friendly, with playgrounds and activities for younger visitors. Parc des Mini-Châteaux is a great choice for families seeking a unique day out.
Château de Chenonceau
One of the region’s most renowned sights is the beautiful Château de Chenonceau. Located in the department of Indre-et-Loire, this castle is also known as the “Ladies’ Castle” due to its many prominent female owners throughout history. The castle is built over the River Cher and features a striking blend of Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of artwork and historical objects, including paintings by renowned artists. The château is also surrounded by magnificent gardens, including a maze, vegetable garden, and colourful flowerbeds. In short, Château de Chenonceau is a must-see for anyone interested in French history and architecture.
Landscapes and Nature in Centre-Val de Loire
Centre-Val de Loire is a French region with diverse landscapes and beautiful nature. In the south, you’ll find the foothills of the Massif Central, a mountain range running through central France, featuring forests, lakes, and rivers—ideal for outdoor activities like kayaking, climbing, and mountain biking. The best-known nature reserve in Centre is La Brenne, a vast natural park with over a thousand lakes, home to many bird species. The Loire Valley in Centre is another stunning area with expansive forests and rivers, famous for its vineyards and castles, including the renowned Château de Chambord. In spring, the blossoming fruit trees create colourful scenery. The region also includes the Vallée du Cher, known for its beautiful castles and gardens, and the Val d’Amboise with its impressive limestone formations. There are many more lovely natural areas to explore in Centre, making it the perfect destination for walking, cycling, boating, or simply enjoying the peace and beauty of nature.
Book Your Holiday Home in Centre Now via Holidayhome.com
Don’t miss out on your ideal holiday home! Reserve your dream holiday property in Centre now through Holidayhome.com, in one of the region’s beautiful towns or villages. This gives you the best chance of finding the perfect accommodation to compare and choose from. Our website offers an excellent selection of holiday homes in this unique French region, with options to suit every budget and preference, including charming bungalows. You’ll often find last-minute availability for Centre on Holidayhome.com, so even spontaneous travellers have a good chance of securing a wonderful place to stay. Don’t wait—start booking your special holiday home in Centre today for a memorable getaway!
Frequently Asked Questions about Centre-Val de Loire
In the heart of France, you'll find a wide range of activities to suit all types of travellers. Whether you're planning a city break in Orléans, eager to explore the countryside and charming villages, or looking to treat your taste buds to local delicacies, the Centre region has something for everyone. After reading this page, you'll have a clear idea of what there is to see and do in this unique province. Still have a question about Centre-Val de Loire? Check out the frequently asked questions—your answer might be there.
Centre-Val de Loire is a region in central France, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. The area is home to many castles and includes the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notable cities in the region include Orléans, Bourges, and Tours.
In Centre-Val de Loire, you can explore many castles and visit historic cities such as Orléans, Bourges, and Tours. Enjoy tasting local wines and dishes, or go for a walk or bike ride through beautiful countryside and picturesque villages.
The Loire Valley, Brenne Nature Park, Sologne, Perche National Park, and the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Park.
- The Loire Valley: Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Loire Valley features beautiful landscapes with vineyards, forests, rivers, and historic towns. The area is rich in wildlife, including herons, beavers, and otters.
- Brenne Nature Park: Brenne Nature Park is an impressive natural area known for its more than 2,000 ponds, lakes, and wetlands. The park is home to a wealth of flora and fauna, such as wild orchids, butterflies, and a wide variety of birds.
- Sologne: Sologne is a vast, forested region stretching across several departments of Centre-Val de Loire. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and birds of prey.
- Perche National Park: Perche National Park spans several regions, including Centre-Val de Loire, and offers a varied landscape of forests, hills, and meadows. It provides a habitat for many different plant and animal species.
- Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Park: This regional park follows the Loire River and features a diverse landscape of forests, rivers, and meadows. It is rich in wildlife, including many species of birds, fish, and mammals.
The most charming cities and towns in the Centre-Val de Loire region include Orléans, Tours, Blois, Chartres, Chinon, Amboise, and Bourges.
- Orléans: A historic city set on the banks of the Loire River, Orléans is renowned for its impressive cathedral and the pivotal role it played in French history during the Hundred Years' War.
- Tours: Tours is a vibrant city filled with restaurants, cafés, and shops. It features a stunning cathedral and an acclaimed fine arts museum.
- Blois: Blois is a beautiful medieval town famous for its striking château, which was once home to French royalty. Its narrow streets and half-timbered houses add to its old-world charm.
- Chartres: Chartres is well known for its magnificent cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city also offers picturesque medieval streets and a historic bridge over the Eure River.
- Chinon: Chinon is a delightful town along the Vienne River, home to a castle that once housed Richard the Lionheart. The area is also celebrated for its wine production.
- Amboise: Amboise is a scenic town dominated by a grand château overlooking the area. It has a rich royal history, a beautiful church, and atmospheric medieval lanes.
- Bourges: Bourges boasts a rich history and stunning architecture, including an impressive cathedral and medieval houses. The city also features a fine arts museum and lovely parks.
Centre-Val de Loire is an excellent destination for a family holiday. This region in France offers a wide range of activities and attractions for both children and adults.
The area is home to many castles and historic sites, such as Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Chenonceau, and Chateau de Blois. These landmarks are fascinating for adults and also capture the imagination of children with their impressive architecture and rich history.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including cycling along the Loire, canoeing on the rivers, and hiking in the nature parks. The region features amusement parks and zoos, such as Parc des Mini-Châteaux and ZooParc de Beauval, providing fun for the whole family.