Staying in Cour-Cheverny and wondering what to do near Cheverny? Good news: from our holiday home in the heart of the village, much of the Loire Valley’s treasures lie within 30 minutes. Here are our ten must-sees, from famous châteaux to quieter pleasures.
The châteaux, within easy reach
1. The Château de Cheverny (10 min walk) — The closest, and one of the most elegant. Still lived in and beautifully furnished, it inspired Tintin’s Marlinspike Hall. Don’t miss the pack of hounds and the gardens.
2. The Château de Chambord (20 min) — The Renaissance giant, its double-helix staircase and rooftop terraces. A vast estate where you can also picnic and cycle.
3. The Royal Château of Blois (20 min) — Four architectural styles in one place, in the heart of a pretty town on the banks of the Loire, perfect for late afternoon.
4. The Chaumont-sur-Loire estate (30 min) — A château above the river and, above all, its International Garden Festival, renewed each year from April to November.
Nature, cycling and open spaces
5. The Loire à Vélo — One of Europe’s finest cycle routes passes close by. Several waymarked loops link the châteaux by bike from Cour-Cheverny.
6. The Sologne (to the south, just outside the village) — A land of ponds and forests, ideal for a nature walk. In autumn, people come to hear the deer’s rutting call.
Local flavours
7. The Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny vineyards — Two neighbouring appellations, including the rare Romorantin grape unique to Cour-Cheverny. Nearby estates open their doors for tastings.
8. Markets and food — Village markets, Sologne game, goat’s cheese and tarte Tatin: the local table works just as well for a picnic as for a restaurant meal.
With the family
9. Beauval Zoo (30 min) — Regularly ranked among the finest zoos in the world: giant pandas, white lions, tropical greenhouses and shows. Set aside the whole day.
10. Amboise and Clos Lucé (45 min) — A little further, but not to be missed: the royal château of Amboise and the final home of Leonardo da Vinci, with his machines and gardens.
Things to do near Cheverny, season by season
In spring, the Chaumont-sur-Loire garden festival reopens and the châteaux are free of the summer crowds.
In summer, it’s time for the Loire by bike, picnics on the Chambord estate and festivals in the châteaux.
In autumn, the Sologne echoes with the deer’s rutting call from mid-September, and the vineyards come alive with the harvest and tastings.
In winter, the châteaux dress up for Christmas, before an evening by the fire.
To plan it all, see our 3-day Loire Valley châteaux itinerary from the house, and our advice on where to stay near Chambord.
Where to stay to explore the region?
Le Clos Amarante is a large 4-star character holiday home for 8 to 10 guests, in the heart of Cour-Cheverny — right at the centre of château country.
