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Centre-Val de Loire includes castles, remarkable gardens, stained glass windows, street art, and protected wildlife.

CENTRE-VAL DE LOIRE - EN

South of Orléans, this one-of-a-kind setting immerses you in the majestic beauty of Sologne. The estate has been a showcase for the area’s natural heritage for 40 years. More than 740 acres of greenery stretch forth from the beautiful red brick building. Visitors are drawn in by the wildlife, which includes the presence of 130 species of birds, the sound of roaring stags in the autumn, and fishing ponds filled with carp. But you'll also find activities for children, including workshops to build playhouses, birdhouses, and more. For more information, please consult [domaineduciran.com](http://domaineduciran.com). A 30-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Orléans Portes de Sologne. **@Tom Muller/Unsplash**

Domaine du Ciran

The history of this castle dates back more than 350 years. The superbly furnished interiors are revealed through an immersive treasure hunt tour. Solving the riddles will bring your attention to the details of each room that you visit. This entertaining exploration is as engaging for kids as it is for adults. Beginning in October, experience “Les Fantômes de la Ferté” (“The Phantoms of la Ferté”). The activity challenges visitors to discover the story of a forgotten ghost, reconstruct its life, and attempt to break the curse in an hour and a half... For more information, please consult [chateau-ferte.com](http://chateau-ferte.com). 12 minutes from Hotel Mercure Orléans Portes de Sologne. **@Gilles/Wikimedia Commons**

Château de la Ferté-Saint-Aubin

Street art is visible all over Orléans, from Thoma Vuille’s “Chat” to MifaMosa’s mosaics to Levalet’s collages! To discover this hidden facet of the city, head for the converted industrial complex of the former Dessaux vinegar manufacturer. The factory has been closed for many years, but graffiti brings it to life in a new way. While you’re in the city, don’t miss the facade of the Carmes movie theater on Rue Henri Roy, a work in perpetual progress. Each year in the month of April, the city holds two street art events: the Loire Art Show and the Roads festival. A 20 min walk from Hotel Mercure Orléans Centre. **@Joostbaptiste/Pixabay**

Vinaigrerie Dessaux

Located in a small valley, this marvelous garden, a listed “Jardin Remarquable,” nestles up to a limestone hillside. It is open to the public from April 1st to October 31st. The garden features a tea room, a small boutique, a kids’ circuit, water features, and bucolic flower beds which make it a unique setting. The English-style garden covers no fewer than 27 acres. You’ll wander from a central walk lined with magnolias to a rustic pond, and on to the “flower enclosure” filled with perennials, rose bushes, and shrubs. For more information, please consult [jardin-plessis-sasnieres.fr](http://jardin-plessis-sasnieres.fr). Located 44 minutes from Hotel Mercure Blois Centre. **©Istock by Gettyimages**

Jardin du Plessis Sasnières

We recommend bringing your appetite for this tour! Discover local cheeses, cured meats, regional wines and craft beers, among more. For three hours, take a morning walk to taste a number of specialties and discover what makes the cookery of Tours so dynamic. Explore the city’s medieval streets and stop over to taste its best treats. The destinations include the Halles de Tours, a bakery, and a wine cellar… Reservations are compulsory on [foodtoursintours.com](http://foodtoursintours.com). The departure point is a 25-minute walk from Hotel Mercure Tours Centre Gare et Congrès. **@Jordi Vich Navarro/Unsplash**

A gourmet tour of Tours

At the gateway to Tours, Les Bateliers du Cher offer commented tours departing from Savonnières all year long. The boat cruises up the Cher River to Tours for an hour-and-a-half ride. In addition to the incredible setting, you’ll enjoy the authenticity of this river craft, in the pure tradition of the 18th and 19th centuries (12 seats). Get away from it all and enjoy tranquility on the water! Reservation is compulsory on [bateliersducher.net](http://bateliersducher.net) or at the Tours tourist information center. The departure point is a 20-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Tours Centre Gare et Congrès. **@Eviatar Bach/Wikimedia Commons**

CENTRE-VAL DE LOIRE - EN

Domaine du Ciran

Château de la Ferté-Saint-Aubin

Vinaigrerie Dessaux

Jardin du Plessis Sasnières

A gourmet tour of Tours

Boat cruise on the Cher