Le Saint-Martin-de Tours
Guided trip along the Loire from Rochecorbon.
NaviLoire offers short guided boat trips on the Loire river from Rochecorbon, taking in cave dwellings, discovering the rich wildlife along the banks, as well as catching a glimpse of the wine-producing Château de Moncontour.
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What to see
Sights in La Loire
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Cathedrale Saint-Gatien
The building of this impressive Roman Catholic cathedral commenced in the 12th century and not completed until the 16th century. It is a national historic monument, in a glorious Gothic style, though it has Romanesque features such as its tower buttresses. It is nearly 100 metres long.
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Musee du Gemmail
This museum is dedicated to modern stained glass and mosaic producing techniques and contains pieces of art which are famous paintings depicted in glass colours. It is located in the Hôtel Raimbault which dates back to the early 19th century. This particular stain glass technique was developed by Jean Cocteau.
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Chateau de La Bourdaisiere, Montlouis-sur-Loire
Dating back to the 14th century, this Renaissance château was home to many royal mistresses. Nowadays it is visited more for its beautiful grounds which include a vegetable garden with a massive 650 varieties of tomato, the contemporary and colourful Dalhia garden and a medicinal garden. It is possible to stay in the château and take cookery classes there.
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Prieure de Saint-Cosme
Founded in the 11th century, this priory has long been a place where pilgrims took shelter en route to Santiago de Compostela. In the 16th century Pierre de Ronsard, the French Renaissance poet, became the prior - the priory still features the prior's house with de Ronsard's workroom. The rose gardens pay an appropriate homage to the poet who is buried in the church apse.
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Chateau de Luynes, Luynes
This 12th century château is located on the north bank of the Loire. Well maintained, and extravagantly decorated, it was owned by a close friend of Louis XIII, Charles d'Albert who became Constable of France. His family still live in this pretty grey château today.
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Chateau d'Amboise, Amboise
This emblematic monument and its landscaped gardens offer one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Loire Valley. A regal heritage, the Château d'Amboise has been home to Charles VII, Louis XI and Charles VIII. The château is registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Still incredibly impressive, the current buildings are just one fifth of the original palace which was destroyed and neglected over the years. Leonardo da Vinci is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in the château's grounds.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in La Loire
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Le Grand Velum Restaurant, Chaumont-sur-Loire
This restaurant located at the south gate in the grounds of the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire offers a refined and inventive cuisine which is created around the theme of the annual garden festival. Only open from April.
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La Chaumiere Restaurant, Aubigny-sur-Nere
This old post house dating from the 19th century has managed to retain a unique style where beams, bricks and tiles combine with modern comforts.
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Closerie des Roses Restaurant, Varades
With a wonderful spot overlooking the Loire river, this restaurant is located in the fishing villages of Varades. The chef, Jean-Marc Terrien and his team produce mainly fish dishes using local market produce.
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Cak'T Restaurant, Bourges
Charming little coffee shop and lunch spot offering good food on its terrace or tucked away in the cellar. Look out for the decadent dessert selection.
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Le Lift Restaurant, Orleans
This modern restaurant is located at the top of an art gallery and its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and terrace offer great views of the quays. Simple white chic tables and chairs with dark walls and a splash of colour give this place a fun trendy feel. The cuisine is modern European, with lots of excellent fish dishes.
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BarJu Restaurant, Tours
This restaurant brands itself as 'almost traditional' and offers contemporary twists on classic French cuisine.
What to do
Things To Do in La Loire
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Chateau de Cheverny Golf Course, Cheverny
The golf course of the Château Cheverny has been constructed in the 142 hectares of the historic hunting grounds of the château.
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Domaine de Vaugouard Golf Course, Fortenay-sur-Loing
This 18-hole course is set in the grounds of an 18th-century château which is now a leisure complex with outdoor pool and tennis courts as well as a charming hotel.
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Zoo de La Fleche
This zoo opened in 1946 and is the oldest zoo in France. It is located in a lovely natural environment and gardens. It is one of the most popular attractions by the river Loir and a whole day out for the family.
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Le Saint-Martin-de Tours
NaviLoire offers short guided boat trips on the Loire river from Rochecorbon, taking in cave dwellings, discovering the rich wildlife along the banks, as well as catching a glimpse of the wine-producing Château de Moncontour.
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Erdre Golf Course, Nantes
This golf course is part of the Blue Green group of golf courses.
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Sully Golf Course, Sully-sur-Loire
Located in the heart of the Sologne, this 27-hole club offers three courses; Sarcelles, Faisans and Chevreuils. You can do 9 holes, combine two courses to do a round of 18, or if you're feeling energetic, you can do all 27!