The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
France ·
Description
The Loire Valley is France at its most elegant. Fairy-tale châteaux succeed along the river: Chambord with its Da Vinci staircase, Chenonceau floating on water, Amboise where Leonardo died. Vouvray and Sancerre vineyards, Villandry gardens and white stone villages complete a landscape that defined the French Renaissance.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
The Loire Valley represents Western civilization's development over two millennia. Renaissance châteaux were a laboratory for artistic and architectural ideas. The cultural landscape combines towns, vineyards and forests.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For representing two millennia of Western civilization with Renaissance châteaux and exceptional cultural landscape.
It was inscribed in 2000 under criteria (i), (ii) and (iv).
Over 300; must-sees are Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Villandry and Cheverny.
By car or bicycle; organized tours from Tours or Paris available.
Minimum 3-4 days for main ones; a week to explore thoroughly.