The most beautiful villages of Loir-et-Cher: Discover our 7 hidden gems!

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Good news! The Loire Valley châteaux aren’t the only must-visit of Loir-et-Cher! Villages like Saint-Aignan, Thésée, and Montrichard each tell their own unique story — through crypts, amphorae, and half-timbered houses.

Want to go back in time while strolling in Sud Val de Loire? Lace up your walking shoes, grab your bagpack and come explore our 7 most beautiful villages in Loir-et-Cher.

⛪ 1 - Saint-Aignan: Renaissance castle, crypts... and pandas!

Perfectly located close to the Loire Valley châteaux, Saint-Aignan is surrounded by lush nature and filled with half-timbered houses steeped in history — such a perfect plan for a stay full of discovery and wonder. Follow the family-friendly discovery trail through the town and admire the elegant Renaissance château of Saint-Aignan, with its grand courtyard and historic charm. A perfect setting for a stroll filled with stories from the past.

Still have energy? Don’t miss the charming Villa Rose, a lovely Italian-inspired house designed by a local architect. With such heritage, it’s no surprise Saint-Aignan has become a favorite stop for visitors!

🎒 Bonus adventure: ZooParc de Beauval

Your little ones are going to roar with delight at the renowed ZooParc de Beauval, just a few minutes from Saint-Aignan. With over 35,000 animals, it’s an unforgettable experience full of wonder, wildlife and wide eyes. Roar!

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©Destination Village Pontlevoy Musee Dans La Rue|NIGEL HUDSON

©Destination Village Chocolaterie Poulain Blois

⚔️ 2 - Pontlevoy: Abbey, photography and chocolate

Some villages in Loir-et-Cher have a more dramatic past. Among them, Pontlevoy was the place of a fierce 11th-century battle between the Count of Blois and the Count of Anjou.

Today, the village is a peaceful haven with plenty to discover. Start your visit with the Abbey of Pontlevoy, a historic gem with so many purposes: once a refuge for the sick, a college, a military school, an emergency shelter… and now it’s a highschool!

The village also features a charming open-air photo exhibition, Musée dans la rue (literally, “The Museum in the street”), showcasing everyday life in Pontlevoy during the early 20th century. Art meets history, right here in Sud Val de Loire!

🏺 3 - Thésée: Amphorae, hiking and giant trees

Halfway between two of Loir-et-Cher’s most beautiful villages, Thésée is well worth a stop. History lovers will be fascinated by the Maselles archaeological site, home to Gallo-Roman remains dating back to the 2nd century. You may wonder what were they used for and why were they built here? Even today, historians are still wondering… maybe your little explorers can help solve the mystery!

For budding botanists, the Vaulx Saint-Georges public park is a peaceful green escape. With sequoias, cedar of Lebanon, tulip trees, and wild orchids, it’s a real connection with nature!

Allée du Parc du Vaulx Saint-Georges à Thésée — ©SudValdeLoire

rue Porte au Roi - accès au donjon — ©Coeur de ville de Montrichard|SudValdeLoire

🏰 4 - Montrichard: Fortified castle, half-timbered houses and stunning views

Montrichard takes you back to the age of fortified castles, and it’s own imposing fortress is one of the most striking in the region. Climb up to the top and enjoy sweeping views over the Cher River, an absolute must-see in Sud Val de Loire!

Want to take your visit even further? Try the augmented reality tour of the keep for a fully immersive experience. Just be careful not to lose your balance! To wrap up your visit of the town, don’t miss the Maison du Prêche, the oldest surviving house in Montrichard, remarkably spared from past fires.

🪖 5 - Noyers-sur-Cher: Harleys Davidson, walnut oil and street art

Want a taste of America in Sud Val de Loire? Noyers-sur-Cher carries the memory of the American soldiers stationed here during World War I. Thanks to hiking trails and 3D reconstructions, the historic US military camp seems to come back to life right in the heart of the village. Keep your eyes wide open… it’s like stepping into history.

But the American spirit lives on in a much louder way too! Calling all thrill-seekers: the Harley Davidson meeting in Noyers-sur-Cher is an epic celebration of rock’n’roll energy, with stunt shows, car parades, live music, and more. Get ready to feel the roar in the most all-American village in Loir-et-Cher!

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🦖 6 - Selles-sur-Cher: Keep, dinosaurs and goat cheese

At the crossroads of Berry, Sologne and Touraine, the whole family is in for a journey through time in Selles-sur-Cher, one of our hidden gems of Loir-et-Cher. Your adventure begins with a visit to the château, a place that has evolved over centuries. From the first keep built in 935 by the Count of Blois to the grand expansions carried out until the 17th century, the estate has become one of the largest castles in the Loire Valley!

🎒 Bonus adventure: the Dashanpu Park

In the château gardens, the Dashanpu park is home to some very strange creatures… Wait! Are those dinosaurs?! Quick, everyone hide!

And for food lovers: don’t forget to try the famous Selles-sur-Cher PDO goat cheese, a delicious local specialty!

🍇 7 - Châteauvieux: Grapevines, water voles and scenic heights

Last but not least on our list of Loir-et-Cher’s most beautiful villages: welcome to Châteauvieux! Start your visit with a look at the village’s hilltop château, once a fortified manor house perched 600 meters high. The view? Simply breathtaking!

More into nature? Châteauvieux is full of natural treasures! This living vineyard conservatory proudly preserves 52 grape varieties and features a wine museum.Take the educational nature trail and set off in search of the elusive amphibious vole, a rare species that lives in the region’s waterways. A clue? A bit of patience, and a good dose of curiosity!