France Centre

Orleans is a city in north-central France. Orleans is located in the northern bend of the Loire, which crosses from east to west. Orleans belongs to the vallee de la Loire sector between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, which was in 2000 inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city offers many sights, including the Gallo-Roman town-wall on the north side of the cathedral (4th century AD) and along the rue de la Tour-Neuve; The Hotel Groslot, built between 1550 and 1555; Many historical houses and mansions can still be admired in the city center which is one of the largest in France due to the great importance of the city until the 20th century.

Tours is a city in central France. It stands on the lower reaches of the river Loire. Touraine, the region around Tours, is known for its wines, the alleged perfection of its local spoken French, and the Battle of Tours in 732. It is also the site of the Paris–Tours road bicycle race. Tours is famous for its original medieval district, called le Vieux Tours. Unique to the Old City are its preserved half-timbered buildings and la Place Plumereau, a square with busy pubs and restaurants, whose open-air tables fill the center of the square. The Boulevard Beranger crosses the Rue Nationale at the Place Jean-Jaures and is the location of weekly markets and fairs.

Amboise is a commune in central France. It lies on the banks of the Loire River, east of Tours. Today a small market town, it was once home of the French royal court. The town of Amboise is also only about 18 kilometres (11 mi) away from the historic Chateau de Chenonceau, situated on the Cher River near the small village of Chenonceaux. The city is famous for the Clos Luce manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived (and ultimately died) at the invitation of King Francis I of France, whose Chateau d'Amboise, which dominates the town, is located just 500 m (1,640 feet) away. The narrow streets contain some good examples of timbered housing.

Blois is a city & the capital of Loir-et-Cher department in central France, situated on the banks of the lower river Loire. The Chateau de Blois, a Renaissance chateau once occupied by King Louis XII, is located in the center of the city, and an 18th-century stone bridge spans the Loire. As Blois is built on a pair of steep hills, winding and steep pathways run through the city, culminating in long staircases at various points.

Chartres is a commune and capital of the Eure-et-Loir department in northern France. Chartres is best known for its cathedral, the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, which is considered one of the finest and best preserved Gothic cathedrals in France and in Europe. Its historical and cultural importance has been recognized by its inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Bourges is a city in central France on the Yevre river. The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Etienne, located in Bourges, begun at the end of the twelfth century, ranks as a World Heritage Site. It is considered as one of the earliest examples of the High Gothic style of the thirteenth century. The city has a long tradition of art and history. Apart from the cathedral, other sites of importance include the 15th-century Palace of Jacques Coeur and a sixty-five-hectare district of half-timbered houses and fine town-houses.

Loches is a commune in central France. It is situated on the left bank of the Indre River. The town, one of the most picturesque in central France, lies at the foot of the rocky eminence on which stands the Chateau de Loches, the castle of the Anjou family, and consisting of the old collegiate church of St Ours, the royal lodge and keep. Loches has a town hall and several houses of the Renaissance period.

Chinon is a commune in central France well known for the Château de Chinon, a medieval castle which at times served as the residence of the kings of France and England. It is also known for its wine and historic town. Chinon is in the Loire valley, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Chaumont-sur-Loire is a commune in central France known for its historical defensive walls and its castle.