Loire Valley: European Heritage weekend 2026...what's on.

This weekend, 19–20 September 2026, is the perfect opportunity to discover—or rediscover—the remarkable heritage of the Loire Valley and Centre-Val de Loire.

European Heritage Days invite visitors to explore the region's rich cultural heritage, from magnificent châteaux and historic monuments to museums, gardens, churches, villages and places that reveal the stories of the people who shaped the region.

The Loire Valley is particularly rich in heritage, and this special weekend offers the chance to look beyond the best-known sights and discover places and events you may not have encountered before.

Whether you're a long-time resident or visiting the region for the weekend, take the opportunity to explore somewhere new and experience the heritage of Centre-Val de Loire.

We find best place for information is here: This is for Indre-et-Loire but you can search other departments on this site.

Bon week-end — and happy heritage hunting!

Part of the “Bon weekend from the Loire” Series

Each Friday, we share a quiet moment from the Loire — a region that invites you to unwind, a beautiful weekend at a time.

Discover more from the Loire

© Experience Loire — Have a good weekend from the Loire · Back to Home

A Château with a moat...a rare thing here in Touraine.

The Château du Châtelier near Paulmy in Southern Touraine is a rare survivor. Built as a fortified stronghold in the 12th and 13th centuries, it still has its moat surrounding the rocky site, complete with water. The original fortress had a double enceinte, towers and a deep defensive ditch whose water level could be controlled through channels from the nearby Brignon.

There is another detail we particularly like: on the western side, the pedestrian drawbridge still survives. The main drawbridge disappeared in the 18th century, but this smaller one remains, giving the château an unusually convincing medieval approach.

We love the little pedestrian bridge with its drawbridge — but what really makes the Châtelier special is seeing a medieval château with its moat still complete and holding water. That is becoming a rare sight indeed.

Happy Monday in the Loire Valley!

“Each château tells a story — of kings, of artists, and of the dream of France itself.”

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Part of the “Châteaux of the Loire” Series

Every Monday, we explore one of the Loire Valley's legendary châteaux — from royal residences to riverside retreats — each revealing a different chapter of the region's story.

Discover more about the Loire Valley

Browse the full series

 © Experience Loire — Châteaux of the Loire · ,

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Monday's Chateau - Chateau du Rivau.

Château du Rivau is one of those châteaux that seems to change character with every viewpoint. The towers, walls, gardens and surrounding landscape give it plenty of different faces, making it surprisingly photogenic from almost any angle. I have more photographs on my Château du Rivau page which also explains the Joan of Arc connection.

Happy Monday in the Loire Valley!

“Each château tells a story — of kings, of artists, and of the dream of France itself.”

---

Part of the “Châteaux of the Loire” Series

Every Monday, we explore one of the Loire Valley's legendary châteaux — from royal residences to riverside retreats — each revealing a different chapter of the region's story.

Discover more about the Loire Valley

Browse the full series

 © Experience Loire — Châteaux of the Loire · ,

Back to Home

Have a lovely weekend everyone...wear a hat if visiting Villandry.

Chateau Villandry

Part of the “Bon weekend from the Loire” Series

Each Friday, we share a quiet moment from the Loire — a region that invites you to unwind, a beautiful weekend at a time.

Discover more from the Loire

© Experience Loire — Have a good weekend from the Loire · Back to Home

Bon week-end from the Loire Valley, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, reflected in the still water of its moat, is one of the most recognisable sights in Touraine. Built in the early 16th century, it combines French tradition with the new Italian Renaissance style then arriving in the Loire Valley.

The château was built for Gilles Berthelot, Treasurer-General to King François I. When he fell from favour, he fled France, and the unfinished château passed to his wife, Philippe Lesbahy, who is thought to have overseen much of its completion.

Part of the “Bon weekend from the Loire” Series

Each Friday, we share a quiet moment from the Loire — a region that invites you to unwind, a beautiful weekend at a time.

Discover more from the Loire

© Experience Loire — Have a good weekend from the Loire · Back to Home