UNESCO-listed landscapes

The Loire Valley is the largest French site ever listed as a World Heritage. From Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes, a total of 280km and 800km² were listed by the UNESCO in 2000 as Living Cultural Landscapes. It is true that the dozens of chateaux spreading along the Loire Valley could not be dissociated from the streams and rivers by which they were erected. From Chambord to Amboise, from Chenonceau to Azay-le-Rideau, all these Renaissance jewels have an entwined link with their rivers, the Loire, the Cher or the Indre.

Cycling on the banks of river Loire in Amboise Loire Valley

A land shaped for the king’s pleasure

Still nowadays, the Loire Valley landscapes bear the trace of the great figures of the French History. Next to the worldwide famous chateaux are some modest and intimate residences, former witnesses of a golden age. Forests rich with wildlife, rivers rich with fish, meadows and slopes perfect for agriculture, these landscapes once shaped for the king’s pleasure are nowadays a delight for our senses. Regular exhibitions and events about the river take place at the Maison de la Loire.

Several hiking possibilities

In Amboise, these landscapes can be discovered on foot, along one of many hiking trails going along the slopes, and also by bike. The marked Loire à Vélo cycle trail, spreading over 800km from Nevers to the Atlantic Ocean goes across the Amboise district with amazing views and charming paths. From Amboise and the surrounding towns, half-a-dozen loops take you out to the countryside, in the forests and colorful fields.

Find out about the hiking and cycling trails