The Gorges of the Loire, Natural gorges in Monistrol-sur-Loire, France
The Loire gorges extend across 4000 hectares between Velay and Plaine du Forez, featuring rocky cliffs and steep forested slopes.
The Grangent dam, built between 1955 and 1957, transformed this section of the Loire into a lake winding through steep hillsides.
The Saint-Just glassworks maintains a two-century tradition of producing colored glass plates through traditional glassblowing techniques.
The leisure center provides water activities, hiking, and cycling options, with 31 starting points for trails of varying difficulty levels.
Essalois Castle provides a panoramic view over Lake Grangent from its rooftop terrace and houses an interpretation center about the gorges.
Location: Allier
Location: Ardèche
Location: Cher
Location: Indre-et-Loire
Location: Loir-et-Cher
Location: Loire
Location: Haute-Loire
Location: Loire-Atlantique
Location: Loiret
Location: Maine-et-Loire
Location: Nièvre
Location: Saône-et-Loire
Address: La Loire, 41500, France 41500 Cordelle
GPS coordinates: 44.84167,4.21861
Latest update: July 2, 2025 08:57
Between plains, dormant volcanoes, and deep forests, the Loire reveals a wealth of cultural heritage. Here, medieval castles stand alongside the wild landscapes of gorges and the Pilat massif, abbeys weave through hills and valleys, and fortified villages still carry the scent of the Middle Ages. From Saint-Étienne to Roanne, you pass cobbled streets, castles perched on heights, hidden waterfalls, and buildings designed by Le Corbusier. Each turn tells a chapter of history, an ancient stone, a landscape brought to life by the wind. The Loire is a land of contrasts, both industrial and poetic, proud of its legacy. These are the places not to miss to explore its soul, between built heritage and preserved nature.
The bodies of water in Centre-Val de Loire include natural lakes, ponds, and artificial reservoirs. The region features Lake Éguzon for water sports, the Brenne ponds forming a mosaic of 2000 water bodies, and recreational bases like Lake Bretonnières. These sites offer opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and bird watching. The Briare Canal and Loire River also run through the region. The Sologne ponds and Orléans forest ponds are natural areas with beaches and trails.
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Clos Lucé
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Château Mouton Rothschild
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Cordouan Lighthouse
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Marais Poitevin
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La Rochelle submarine base
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Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
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Vézelay Abbey
294.4 kmReviews
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