Top Loire Valley Arts & Design in 2026

Discover Nantes, one of France’s most dynamic and creative cities, with a local guide. Take in all the highlights, including the giant mechanical Elephant and the Iles de Machines, the Passage Pommeraye, and the picturesque gardens of the Ile de Versailles. Gain a local perspective as you visit the most popular sights, as well as a few surprises along the way.

Leave behind the unhelpful and lengthy group tours and get exactly what you need—an hour with a local to show you the best of Nantes. You’ll get a first-hand look at life in the city, learning as you walk from Place Royale to Basilique Saint Nicolas, Jardin Ile de Versailles, and beyond. You’ll also get loaded up with Nantes tips, from cafes and restaurants to photo ops and scenic views.

Discover one of the hidden gems of the Loire Valley when you book tickets to the Royal Domain of Château Gaillard. Commissioned by King Charles VIII in the 15th century, this chateau is known for its Italianate inspiration, and for its sprawling gardens, which were planted with the first orange trees in France. Book tickets to secure your admission to the picturesque landmark; entry also includes a free guided tour (offered in French).

Your creative journey begins in the town of Amboise, a place largely unchanged for five centuries. Its timber-framed streets, historic architecture, and scenic riverbanks serve as both your subject and your classroom. Here, you will learn to perceive the world with a photographer’s eye, honing your skills in composition and light. As you immerse yourself in the town's atmosphere, you'll experiment with everything from intricate textures to expansive landscapes, creating a unique visual diary of your exploration. The tour continues at the Royal Château, where you will refine the art of visual storytelling. Beyond simply capturing images, you will discover how to convey emotion and narrative through your lens. By observing subtle patterns and moments that often go unnoticed, you will learn to capture the true essence of this historic site. Each click of the camera brings you closer to becoming an expressive photographer, turning the beauty of Amboise into a masterclass in perspective.

Our audio guide is a mobile companion designed to assist you in planning a self-guided journey through the castles of the Loire Valley. It includes brief walking tours of the major towns in the valley, along with audio commentary on renowned castles and the historical events linked to them. Admire the exteriors of the majestic castles and make an informed decision about whether to venture inside. The audio guide provides narration about the following castles (please note that actual visits to the castles are not included): Meung-sur-Loire, Beaugency, Chambord, Blois, Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chenonceau, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Montrichard, Tours, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Usse, Chinon, Abbey of Fontevraud, Breze, Saumur, Brissac, Angers, and other ancient sights. A convenient map in the mobile app, powered by GPS, will guide you to your destination. The tour includes 50 audio recordings, all written by a professional historian.