Our guide to...

Centre

The Centre region of France isn’t technically in the centre. In fact, its name is a cause of debate for the people that live in the region. Its most interesting feature is the Loire Valley, which is why the region is often known as Val de Loire to draw tourists to the lush rural spaces and the many castles and vineyards. The Loire River runs through the region, as do the tributaries of Loiret, Cher and Indre which give their names to the individual departments. Known for its cultural events and festivals, the Centre region is a place of gardens, castles and golf courses. The rich culture of the region draws visitors to holiday in self catering cottages, gites and villas to live “La Vie Francaise” – our motto at GiteSearch is “Love France, Live France”.

Cher, a department named after one of the tributaries of the Loire, is a department best known for the city of Bourges where you’ll find the extravagant St Stephen’s Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a shopper’s paradise – a place where your credit card will be your most important ally – and is a great place to eat with a wide range of restaurants and great little pancake shops. Treat the kids to a visit to the Lakeside Playground, Le Moulin Du Porche, with its ice cream stands and traditional carousel rides.

The department of Eure-et-Loire is a magical destination, with mysterious forests and a history of Druid religion. Now, like the rest of the Centre region, it’s known for its widespread farms and its towns and villages with their elaborate castles and cathedrals. One of the best ways to see the beauty of Eure-et-Loire is to view it from the sky. Hot air balloon rides over green and golden fields make for an unforgettable experience and would be great for a wedding proposal or a birthday celebration. Back on the ground historic buildings that include the Chapelle Royale St-Louis, and underground caves at the Grottes du Foulon, are ideal attractions to visit.

Indre is known for its natural beauty, and was a place of inspiration for writer George Sand and for artists including Claude Monet. In fact, the Maison de George Sand (George Sand’s House) is still one of the biggest attractions in Indre. The Brenne Regional Nature Park is in the Indre department, and is a haven for wildlife with lakes and marshes home to beautiful plants and flowers, a wide variety of birds and animals that include frogs, turtles, salamanders and otters. From the Loire Valley Gardens to the Château of Valençay, which is an opulent palace open to the public, there are plenty of things to see. Stop at the Château of Valençay’s bright and sunny restaurant, or find time to visit the Musée Automobile de Valençay to see the vintage cars on display.

In Indre-et-Loire, there are some truly spectacular sights worth capturing on camera. This department is steeped in history, and home to some of the most wonderful French castles and imposing fortresses. You’ll love the Château de Chenonceau, which stands at the waterside on the edge of the River Cher with cellars, tea rooms and gardens to explore. For kids, the iconic castle includes a maze, a play area and a farm and donkey park. For adults, it offers gorgeous gardens and an elegant Orangerie restaurant. Cave attractions include Les Grottes Petrifiantes and the Cave du Pays de Bourgueil, though some of the most awe-inspiring scenes are best viewed from the sky aboard a hot air balloon.

The Loire-et-Cher department is home to wonderful examples of fine architecture, with buildings like the Château de Chambord and the Château de Beauregard waiting to be captured on camera. You can take a train ride through the countryside, or enjoy a hot air balloon flight to see your favourite French castles from a completely different angle. The ZooParc de Beauval is a favourite family attraction, with animal shows and educational talks as optional extras. A holiday in Loire-et-Cher provides a completely new way to see the beauty of France.

Loiret is one of the most beautiful departments in the centre region, with wonderful historic buildings and architectural icons. It’s worth visiting the Orléans Cathedral, and going to see the Château de Sully in its peaceful waterside location. Loiret has lovely landscaped gardens and interesting museums, including the Musée du Président Jacques Chirac. Better suited to couples than it is to families, Loiret is enjoyed for its peace and tranquillity.

Use the search page at GiteSearch by clicking the link below to find your ideal cottage, gite or villa to explore this region of France.

Areas of Centre

Eure et Loir
The department of Eure-et-Loire is a magical destination, with mysterious forests and a history of Druid religion. Now, like the rest of the Centre region, it's known for its widespread farms and its towns and villages with their elaborate castles and cathedrals.

Cher
Cher, a department named after one of the tributaries of the Loire, is a department best known for the city of Bourges where you'll find the extravagant St Stephen's Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Indre
Indre is known for its natural beauty, and was a place of inspiration for writer George Sand and for artists including Claude Monet. In fact, the Maison de George Sand (George Sand's House) is still one of the biggest attractions in Indre. The Brenne Regional Nature Park is in the Indre department, and is a haven for wildlife with lakes and marshes home to beautiful plants and flowers, a wide variety of birds and animals that include frogs, turtles, salamanders and otters.

Indre et Loire
In Indre-et-Loire, there are some truly spectacular sights worth capturing on camera. This department is steeped in history, and home to some of the most wonderful French castles and imposing fortresses.

Loire et Cher
The rivers Loire and Cher pass through, hence the name of this department. You'll find many of the famous castles of the Loire valley such as Chambord.

Loiret
The river Loire meanders through the Loiret, situated to the south of Paris. The capital city is Orleans which holds a special place in history for the French People as this is the home town for Joan of Arc.