Loir-et-Cher is first and foremost this: millions of visitors flock each year to two or three iconic sites. Chambord. Beauval. The Loire Valley châteaux. Must-sees that live up to their reputation—but which, on their own, don't tell the whole story of the region. Just a few kilometers from the crowded parking lots, other experiences await: more intimate, more surprising, often more memorable. Here's our map of the area, from the major sites to the hidden gems.
🏰 Major attractions — what draws millions of visitors
Two giants dominate tourism in Loir-et-Cher. Their reputation is well-deserved — but it's best to know what to expect.
🔍 Focus on Chambord: The estate is much more than just the château. Its 20 kilometers of trails, game-filled woods, and meadows along the Loire River make Chambord an exceptional natural area—often overlooked by tourists in a hurry. Sunrise or sunset over the towers, with no one else around, is well worth the trip outside of peak hours.
The Loire Valley castles
UNESCO World Heritage Site · Loir-et-Cher
Chambord is the largest and most iconic—designed under Francis I with its famous double helix staircase, often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is surrounded by 5,000 hectares of forest. Cheverny, Blois, and Chaumont-sur-Loire complete the region's royal panorama.
📊 22 castles · +800,000 visitors/year
Beauval Zoo
Saint-Aignan · Loir-et-Cher
The other tourist engine of the department. Giant pandas, gorillas, manatees, animal shows… Beauval attracts families from all over France and its hotel on site makes it a weekend destination in its own right.
📊 3,000+ animals · Top 3 Zoos in Europe
💎 Hidden treasures right next door
Just a stone's throw from the giants, experiences that change everything — fewer people, more contact, often more memories.
01 · “The Château de Villesavin, a Renaissance interlude outside of time. https://www.chateau-de-villesavin.fr/
In the shadow of Chambord · Tour-en-Sologne
Just 10 minutes from Chambord, the Château de Villesavin is a hidden gem. Built in 1527 by Jean le Breton—the man whom François I had tasked with overseeing the Chambord construction site—it was nicknamed "the Chambord construction site hut." Four centuries later, it remains remarkably well-preserved, far from the crowds and tour buses.
Once there, the surprises keep coming: the world's largest collection of wedding-related objects, a museum of 19th-century horse-drawn carriages, a bee garden dedicated to pollinators, a mini-farm for children, and even a ghost hunt in the park. A warm and quirky family castle-museum that will continue to surprise.
📍 Tour-en-Sologne · 🏰 10 min from Chambord · 🚲 Certified "Accueil Vélo" (Cyclist Welcome) · ♿ Partial wheelchair access
02 · Trott’in Loire: the territory as you've never seen it before ✦
Our flagship activity · Sustainable mobility · Muides-sur-Loire
What if the best way to understand a region was to traverse it slowly, on an all-terrain electric scooter? That's the premise of Trott'in Loire, based in Muides-sur-Loire. Accompanied by a passionate guide, you'll explore the wild Loire River, the forests of Sologne, and the Petite Beauce region—far from marked trails and tourist buses.
The "Slow Tourism" walks blend nature, heritage, and encounters with local producers. You stroll along the river at sunset, spot wildlife, and stop at a winery. It's a format for those who travel to experience, not just to tick boxes. Awarded the Destination of Excellence label.
📍 Muides-sur-Loire · ⏱ 2 to 3.5 hours · 💶 From €69 · 👤 Ages 14+
03 · The TrogloDégusto: underground, between history and wine. https://troglodegusto.fr
Underground Heritage & Wine Tourism · Montrichard Val de Cher
Between Chenonceau Castle and Beauval Zoo, Troglo Degusto opens the doors to a 1,000-year-old underground world. By torchlight, your guide will lead you through the galleries of the troglodytic village of Bourré—carved by hand into the tuffeau, the same white stone used to build the Loire Valley châteaux. Geology, history, traditions: everything intertwines in a fascinating and timeless setting.
The visit continues with a tasting of AOC wines from Domaine des Tabourelles — a perfect blend of heritage and terroir. And for thrill-seekers, Troglo Degusto also offers treasure hunts and immersive escape games in the galleries. Winner of the 2017 Tourism Trophy.
📍 Bourré, Montrichard Val de Cher · ⏱ 90 min · 💶 From €8 · ♿ Wheelchair accessible
04 · Lama Emoi: walking with a llama (yes, really). https://www.lama-emoi.com
Nature & slow living · Saint-Aignan
In Saint-Aignan, Aurélie Robert has created something unique: a respite farm nestled in the heart of nature, where llamas and alpacas are much more than just animals to observe—they are true companions. Walks through the countryside, immersive visits to the herd, educational workshops, an unusual tiny house among the camelids… Lama Emoi offers a soothing escape, designed to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters.
An address open all year round, by reservation, for families, the curious, dreamers — and all those who need to unwind.
📍 Saint-Aignan · 🦙 By reservation only · 👨👩👧 Open to all · 🏡 Tiny house available
Ready to explore differently?
Chambord and Beauval are worth the trip—that's undeniable. But the real treasure of Loir-et-Cher lies in what you discover when you venture a little away from the crowds. And for that, we know just the place.
🧭 Coming soon: Truly unusual activities in Loir-et-Cher — 2CV in Sologne, microlight flight over Chambord, fat bike in the forest… Follow us on Instagram.