Loire Valley

1. Terra Botanica

There is much to see and do at this plant-themed amusement park outside Angers. There are 275000 plant species, ranging from orchids to roses and palm trees. Visitors can explore 600 years of botanical history by following the Spice Road and the Trade Routes through several countries. There are butterfly and tropical greenhouses to visit at Terra Botanica. A tethered hot air balloon rises to 150 m where visitors get a panoramic view of the gardens. Children can play games, dig for amber and study the beginning of plant life among the animated dinosaurs. Indoors there are 4D films to watch.

2. Chateau de Chambord

Chateau de Chambord is the largest in the Loire valley. It was built in 1519 as a hunting lodge for Francois I. It has 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases. Writer Henry James remarked that the “the towers, cupolas, the gables, the lanterns, the chimneys, look more like the spires of a city than those of a single building”. It was not built for defense but as a show of power and wealth and reflected the kings love of art and design. The chateau is surrounded by extensive gardens, a moat and water features. It attracts 700000 visitors a year.

Château, 41250 Chambord, Phone: +33-02-54-50-40-00

3. Oriental - Japanese Gardens

Oriental - Japanese Gardens were designed by Parisian architect, Alexander Marcel, for his parents-in-law who lived at Chateau Colbert. They were constructed between 1899 and 1913, based on the Japanese gardens of the 16th to 19th centuries. Marcel died in 1928 and his in-laws remained on the property until 1945. Thereafter the land reverted to farming and forestry and by 1980 was abandoned. The city bought a portion of the land and rediscovered the gardens, With the help of Japanese horticulturists the gardens and their symbolism were restored. They are open from mid-March to November each year. Night walks through six stations which reveal Japanese tales are a highlight.

4. Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park

Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park required the cooperation of 128 municipalities. They came together to protect the heritage of the region and to enhance the value of local resources. The award-winning Maison du Parc visitors' center was erected at Montsoreau in 2017. It houses a tourism information desk, a permanent exhibition on the various landscapes found in the park, temporary exhibits, a workshop area and a gift shop. Outside there is a picnic area for visitors. The building was built to be environmentally sustainable and visitors can take a self-guided tour through it. The park has several walking and nature trails.

Maison du Parc, 15 avenue de la Loire, 49730 Montsoreau, Phone: +33-2-41-38-38-88

5. Les Machines de L'ile

Set on an island in the Loire River, at Nantes, is Les Machines de L'ile. This is where the invented worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci and the industrial history of the city come together. A giant walking elephant, a sea-themed carousel and a greenhouse filled with huge mechanical birds and insects are the main attractions. The giant elephant carries 50 passengers around the former shipyards at the height of a 4 story building. The creative processes of the steampunk wonderland projects have been well documented so that visitors can view and understand them.

6. Centre de Creation Contemporaine Olivier Debre

This center in Tours was constructed in 2017 to host contemporary art. There are three main exhibition areas – the white gallery, the black gallery and the 11m high nave. The black gallery opened with the work of Olivier Debré, a local artist who died in 1999, and after whom the museum is named. The setting offsets the vivid colors of his collection. The nave opened with a work by Per Barclay. A shallow tank on the floor was filled with oil to create intriguing reflections. His work is usually created for photographs only. The building is lit at night so that the art is visible from outside.

Centre de Creation Contemporaine Olivier Debre, François 1er Garden, 37000 Tours, France, Phone: +33-2-47-66-50-00

7. Chartres Cathedral Notre Dame

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres was built between 1194 and 1220 in Gothic and Romanesque styles. At least five cathedrals have occupied the site since the 4th century. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There have been very few changes since it was built and most of the original stained glass, which was removed during the Second World War for safekeeping, is intact. In 2009, the cathedral was restored, cleaned and protected against future damage. It is the seat of the Diocese of Chartres and is a working Roman Catholic Church. Regular sacred music events are held there.

Chartres Cathedral Notre Dame, 16 Cloister Notre-Dame, 28000 CHARTRES

8. Le Cadre Noir

The National Riding School of France was established in 1815. It is based near Saumur. The school gives several command performances during the year. Galas include a Spring event, an Academic event showing off the horses' work in the artillery, and a musical event. Throughout the year, public performances are held to show the public how the horses are trained to jump and work on long reins. Classical riding is also demonstrated. Behind the scenes tours are available and visitors can accompany the horses and riders on their morning exercise routines. The school is closed on Sundays.

Le Cadre Noir, Avenue de l'Ecole Nationale d'Equitation, 49400, Phone: +33-2-41-53-50-60

9. Rose Garden

The Path of the Roses was opened in Doué La Fontaine, the city of roses, in 1999. There are 13000 rose bushes in the 4 ha English-styled garden. Each season offers its delights. In spring the colors of the blossoms are vibrant against the green lawns. In summer, the climbing roses come into their own. The old roses bloom and the rose hips form in fall. The structure of the garden and the preparation work for the next growing year can be seen in winter. Roses are sold throughout the year in bags but in November, bear roots are on offer.

Rose Garden, Courcilpleu Park, Doué La Fontaine 49700 Doué-En-Anjou

10. Lakes and Swimming Spots on the Loire River

As the 'last wild river of France', swimming in the Loire is discouraged and in many places banned altogether. There are however unusual places very close to the river that can be enjoyed. For example, there is a lake in Millocheau island which is situated in the Loire. On Charlemagne Island, near Orleans, there is a 70 ha resort which consists mostly of lakes. Water sports and swimming can be enjoyed in the water and beach volleyball and Boule on land. Near Nantes, a 3000 square meter lake has been created in an old disused quarry.