Museums in
Of the loire
The Loire Valley is home to a constellation of castles that never fail to amaze visitors. Their majestic silhouettes stand along the riverbanks, silent witnesses to a bygone era. These buildings, sometimes imposing, often graceful, tell a story spanning millennia, where stone and time blend harmoniously. Follow the guide and let yourself be captivated by the architectural beauty of the Valley of the Kings!
Beaugency Castle – Castle of Lights
Among all the Loire Valley châteaux, Beaugency stands out with its unique offering: here, history meets light in an unprecedented immersive experience. Much more than a château, it's a sensory playground where you learn while having fun, where you capture, explore, and immerse yourself in light. Between digital art and heritage, experience […]
Laval Castle – Museum of Naïve and Outsider Art
In Mayenne, the original fortress of Guy de Laval has stood the test of time and invites visitors to discover its history. It was at the beginning of the 11th century that Guy de Dénéré built his motte-and-bailey castle on a rocky spur overlooking the Mayenne River. The first earth and timber structure was superseded […]
Montsoreau Castle – Museum of Contemporary Art
Created in April 2016, the Château de Montsoreau – Museum of Contemporary Art is a radical, committed, and vibrant space, located two hours from Paris in the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Housed in a Loire Valley château, it boasts exceptional architecture, a remarkable collection, and extraordinary exhibition spaces that […]
Saumur Castle – Museum of Decorative Arts and the Horse
The Château de Saumur, a palace-castle belonging to the Dukes of Anjou in the 14th and 15th centuries, where King René resided, is the last remaining example of the princely palaces erected at the end of the Middle Ages by the Valois dynasty. A residence of the city's governors, a prison, and later an arms and ammunition depot, it was later purchased […]
Castle of the Dukes of Brittany – Nantes History Museum
An iconic site in the city, birthplace of Anne of Brittany, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, at the heart of the Voyage à Nantes tourist and cultural event, has become a major player in Western France. A testament to Nantes' industrial history, the museum acquired new pieces in 2018 […]
Gien Castle-Museum – Hunting, history and nature in the Loire Valley
Dominating the town of Gien and the Loire River, the Château de Gien was built at the end of the 15th century at the request of Anne de Beaujeu. It stands on the site of an old medieval fortress, of which only the "Jeanne d'Arc" tower remains today, built towards the end of the 14th century and known as […]
Royal and Military College of Thiron-Gardais – Museum and Garden
In the Perche region, the hermit Bernard of Tiron settled in the parish of Gardais with a few disciples in 1114. There he founded the Abbey of the Holy Trinity. It quickly prospered thanks to the honorable reputation of Saint Bernard. Protected by King Louis VI the Fat, it flourished and oversaw nearly 22 other abbeys, in […]
Hôtel Cabu – Museum of History and Archaeology of Orléans
In the heart of Orléans, a stone's throw from the Maison Jeanne d'Arc, the Hôtel Cabu now houses the Museum of History and Archaeology. Built in 1547 for the lawyer Philippe Cabu, this private mansion, whose architecture is attributed to none other than Jacques Androuet du Cerceau, is one of the city's most remarkable Renaissance buildings. Its façade, organized […]
Discovery
See also
The Loire Valley offers a multitude of activities and experiences to enjoy alone or with family. Between nature, heritage, history, gastronomy and wine, it appeals to those who love discovery.
The castles of the Loire
Parks and Gardens
