Centre-Val de Loire

The Centre (pronounced "son-truh") [1] is a large inland region of central France located to the south-west of the French capital Paris. The official name for the region is frequently combined in tourist literature with the French appelation Val de Loire to produce the combination Centre-Val de Loire, reflecting the fact that much of this region embraces the renowned valley of the river Loire. The region is known for its fine historical towns, for its vineyards and agricultural produce and for its many beautiful castles (chateaux). Departments The region is divided into six departments: Cher Eure-et-Loir Indre Indre-et-Loire Loiret Loir-et-Cher Cities Amboise Azay-le-Rideau Blois Bourges - home of the famous cathedral St Etienne Chartres - home of the famous cathedral of stained-glass Chinon Issoudun Maintenon Nogent le Rotrou Orléans - town protected by Joan of Arch Saint-Benoît-du-Sault — medieval city Tours (pronounced "Tuurh") — located on the river Loire in the Centre-Val de Loire region Nançay - delighful small village, home of the delicious "Sablés de Nançay" (shortbread cookies, as well as the radioastronomy facility. Le Pôle des étoiles offers guided tours of the facility, sky theater shows as well as interesting science exhibits. Official website of the learning center Other destinations Perche Understand Talk Get in Get around See Châteaux (Castles) Angers Amboise Azay-le-Rideau Blois Chambord [2] Chaumont-sur-Loire Chenonceau Cheverny Chinon [3] Langeais Loches Montreuil-Bellay Rivau Saumur Ussé Valencay Villandry Do Visit the Pôle des étoiles and discover the Universe! Located in Nançay, a delightful Sologne village, Pôle des étoiles is a learning center. It offers guided tours of the radioastronomy facility, sky thearter shows, as well as iteresting science exhibits. Official website Eat Drink Stay safe Get out Travellers wishing to see more of the Loire Valley can continue further west into the adjoining Pays de la Loire region, studded with additional historical cities and chateaux at sites such as Angers and Saumur. This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!