Castles & tourist sites

Price: €11.50 (public price: €12.50) The Royal Fortress of Chinon is a unique medieval site in the Loire Valley! Surrounded by the River Vienne and a host of vineyards, this landmark of French history (where Joan of Arc met Charles VII in 1429 before liberating Orléans) offers several types of tour: self-guided with a Histopad, guided tours, children's trails, etc. Special events are organised for families at every holiday period.

Price: €6.50 (public price: €7.50) From the remains of the ancient church where Ronsard is buried to the gardens that 12th century canons saw as a “paradise on earth”, the former monastery has retained its historical, spiritual and poetic dimension. Today, it offers a wide range of visitor itineraries linking different eras and arts through the prism of architecture, poetry and contemporary art.  Its eclectic program, its facilities that appeal to all five senses and its interactive mediation are all invitations to learn, be surprised and relax, with family or friends.  The Saint-Cosme priory is a timeless place whose forms never cease to renew themselves.

Price: €14.50€ (public price: €15) In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci accepted the invitation of Francis I and moved to the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, where he worked on numerous projects for the King. From Rome he brought his notebooks and three of his major works: the Mona Lisa, the Saint Anne and the Saint John the Baptist, now in the Louvre. Prolific and inspired, he worked as an engineer, architect and stage director, organising sumptuous festivities for the court. On 2 May 1519, he died in his bedroom. The house, its park - a veritable open-air museum - and the Leonardo da Vinci Painter and Architect Galleries invite you to discover the many facets of this genius through his restored workshops, models of his inventions and an immersive show presenting his 17 masterpieces...

Price: €11.50 (public price: €12) A castle facade (drawbridge, towers, machicolations...), but on the garden side, a residence marked by the Renaissance style! In this castle located 200 metres from the Loire, the marriage between Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany sealed the attachment of Brittany to the kingdom of France. Richly furnished, this monument belongs to the Institut de France.