40 Best Stops Between Giverny and Madrid (2024)

33 lists

What an amazing experience! An amazing cathedral. The love everything was built with on and in this unique monument, is breathtaking! It is really astonishing how people managed to create such wonders centuries ago and with what tools?When visiting France, visiting Chartres just for its cathedral is a must!Unbelievable! ❤️

Grand. Historical. Not crowded at all. May not been as famous as Notre Dame in Paris, but no less magnificent without all the hassles in the busy city. Watch out for Google directions though, it led us through a restricted pedestrian zone which was barred from outside traffic on tiny one lane streets. Thankfully the parking attendant pitied us and let us through but it was a nightmare. Be sure to map to cathedral parking instead of cathedral.

This cathedral is definitely one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen:When you approach the city from outside, you can see this majestic building long time before you arrive. From outside it is beautiful and impressive, but also from inside it is definitely an exciting deep dive into the Middle Ages. I can definitely recommend to stop by

Amazing building and I especially loved the intricate sculptures and stained glass windows. Plus it's free ( able to donate of course) lots of work needed and scaffold up. Some bits covered but of course these things need to be restored

It's differently worth the visit with beautiful stained glass windows that are very hard to photograph. The story of Jesus in 40 Scripture scenes in great detailed the before through after his death on the cross. It was all pretty amazing and how they saved the stained glass windows during WW2 for the Cathedral. Now, you can view them for yourselves. Enjoy the Cathedral while you're in Chartres!

Beautiful cathedral in Chartres. It's undergoing lots of maintenance right now, but still a great place to visit and marvel at the construction and history. Definitely encourage a visit at night during the festival of lights. The cathedral is lit up on all sides and really showcases the rose windows and statuary figures.

Impressive building in a pretty town. While Chartres is not as beautiful as some other French cities it nevertheless presents a very unique and hom*ogenous center. The cathedral dominates the view. It’s surroundings are very touristic, so try to move away from it to get some food.

Obviously the star in Chartres … generations have rebuilt this cathedral over and over again on this special spot … just allow yourself to be blasted away with the magnificent artwork you will see inside - small wonders of craftsmanship for centuries and centuries … if you come during the summer months you will be lucky to see some great light performance projected onto the cathedral - and on some other 10 sites in Chartres - starting when night falls and running until something like 1 am. Indeed to stroll around town (easily by foot no need for the tourist „train“) and suck in all these light shows and music performances that automatically start after sunset

Visited Chartres last week on a Tuesday afternoon. Our group enjoyed the stained glass windows, which were stunning! We spent a few hours walking around the grounds and the interior of the Cathedral.The standouts were the stained glass, gothic architecture, and the non-existent crowds. Compared to Paris, this felt like a secluded getaway where time could be spent enjoying the Cathedral without having so many others around (we noticed probably less than 10 other tourists). This is especially key given at this time in 2023 Notre Dame in Paris is not rebuilt and is not available for entry. Come to Chartres (pronounced ‘Shart’) and enjoy the same era or architectural brilliance up close.By the way, when mapping to Chartres, make sure to set your GPS to “Q-Park Cathedrale” and not the actual Chartres Cathedral. If you map directly to the Cathedral, your GPS might take you through the local streets some of which are very small with blocked-off access points without space for u-turns.

This is one of the best cathedrals for a day trip from Paris. The church and it's stained glass windows are very well preserved. I would strongly recommend anyone to rent the audio guide which was extremely detailed and the in-app videos and features definitely helped me to learn a lot about the history of chartres cathedral.

Amazing cathedral with beautiful colorful windows If you pay attention to details you will notice the immense maze on the floor quite entirely hidden by the benches. You could buy ticket for guided tour of cathedral tower. During the night there is a great facade light show. Different from Rouen show that is quite off topic and inappropriate this Chartres show is very well done highlighting the architecture of the facade with colorful scenes

Always check a cathedral’s website for scheduled events. Our local choir performed and the acoustics are wonderful. The docents lead a very in-depth experience. "Friends of Chartres" in North America contribute annually to the upkeep & cleaning restoration. Way to go, the results are spectacular!

Wowwowwow always wanted to see this beauty, it's lovely 😍 👌 stained glass is amazing

4th time to this amazing, ancient cathedral. They say there is much symbolism in not only the architecture, statues and Stella’s with regards to New Jerusalem, but also in the spiritual journey one embarks on when in and around this Gothic masterpiece.Since my last visits, the restoration work they have completed is amazing. The cathedral speaks more than ever and has a story to tell to believers and non believers alike.

Really impressive cathedral... even though I did not get to enter. But very imposing from he outside. Currently a lot of construction around it though limiting access.

One of the most amazing experiences I had in France. The cathedral itself is amazing. So well restored after the fire it looks like how it first must have when built.The most amazing part however is the light show in the evening. This truly is a must see. Sensationally mind blowing.

Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture! I was in awe of the endless stained glass and detailed art carvings throughout. This cathedral is well known for housing the relic that is believed to be of the Mother Mary's veil worn during the birth of Jesus. This history of this cathedral is incredibly impressive. It's tough to comprehend the endless hours invested into the creation of this magnificent artwork, including the years of renovation. I highly encourage you to make the pilgrimage to see this unbelievable cathedral in Chartres France!

Absolutely beautiful cathedral with marvelous art. Especially the long marble sculpture behind the altar is astonishing. A must see while in Chartres!

A must see when in Chartres, during the day or after darkness when a light show uses the cathedral front as it's screen. It was nice to see the renovation of the interior which makes it look bright and airy inside, work ongoing. Don't miss it when in this beautiful French city

The Cathedral dominated the small city of Chartres, and is definitely worth a visit inside. I walked the labyrinth, and found it relaxing.

Chartres Cathedral is one of Europe’s most beautiful and an experience that promises to transcend time and leave you spellbound. The cathedral stands as a testament to the zenith of French Gothic architecture. With harmonious designs, detailed rose windows, and balanced proportions, every nook and cranny speaks of the meticulous hands and visionary minds behind its creation. Every glance at Chartres Cathedral is an ode to the architectural genius of the past. Its towering spires seem to pierce the sky, and the intricate facade tells tales of craftsmanship that few structures of our time can parallel.

This cathedral is a must see! On a sunny day, the stained-glass windows shine with magical colour, the secret of which has not been revealed so far, and the magnificent sculptures describe in detail the life of the holy family and Christ.

Beautiful structure: historic, big, and inviting. The community surrounding the Cathedral was welcoming. The village of Chartes is clean and inspiring...especially to a history buff. The evening light show on the front was breathtaking.

Spectacular!! You can’t believe the scale of the place until you see it for yourself!! Beautiful!!

One of the best examples of stain glass in Europe. Truly stunning to see. Take your time to take it in and go for a service if you have the time.

4.8

(16441)

4.5

(5072)

16 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres, France

17 lists

A magnificent piece of architecture and history.The story of Jeanne can be seen in the stained glass. The cathedral also has a lot of history to it, a guide is useful to know a bit more about everything there is to see in the cathedral.No entry fee.

A really big and impressive church. It contains a lot of royal and noble families flags, they look pretty cool. What I think it's nicer is the fact that they illuminate it in blue after 9 o'clock in the evening and they hold an adoration moment with songs and prayers.

A beautiful cathedral with magnificent stained glass and impressive ceilings. The grandeur, opulence, and serenity found here are truly amazing for the senses to behold. Highly recommend a visit.

This Cathedral is maybe the main symbol of this city, the city of Giovanna D'arco and the simbol of resistance in France. The Cathedral is quite big and very cool from outside, while inside the isn't so much to see. In any case, if you are visiting Orlean you must come and visit it.

Very nice and impressive cathedral. Can be assessed free of charge and not extremely busy. Very well restored interior and exterior. Nice organ playing going on when I visited it, which was really enchanting. A car park is very close by. Really convenient.

A very beautiful cathedral in gothic style. It is also one of the largest cathedrals in France.

Impresionante Catedral....me ha encantado....no invertí el tiempo que merece....fue una visita rápida... volveré(Translated by Google)Impressive Cathedral...I loved it...I didn't invest the time it deserved...it was a quick visit...I will return

Large and imposing cathedral with intricate architecture. Looked very good inside but there was a lack of accessible information.

Very beautiful cathedral, next time will check the tickets to guided visits and upstairs (in the touristic center).

Stunning. Need I say more. Worth a visit. No charge.Great display of the regions history

Wonderful church and one of the highlights of Orleans. It has a special lighting show during winter. Impressive!

The Gothic-style building, resonating with the spirit of the Middle Ages, exudes a sacred and majestic presence. As you open the doors, you are greeted by soaring ceilings and stunning stained glass windows depicting the life of Joan of Arc, leaving you in awe.

Preciosa Catedral neogótica que se convierte en un imprescindible a visitar en Orléans. Muy recomendable visitar también el interior que es igual de impresionante que el exterior. A pesar de que la que se ve ahora no es la original su valor artístico y arquitectónico es incontestable.(Translated by Google)Beautiful neo-Gothic Cathedral that becomes a must-see in Orléans. It is also highly recommended to visit the interior, which is just as impressive as the exterior. Although the one seen now is not the original, its artistic and architectural value is incontestable.

The Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d’Orléans is a truly lovely and magnificent place. The high ceilings are beautiful with hidden things imbedded. The stained glass is great and the whole place is awe inspiring. A lovely cathedral and must see when in Orleans.

Such an amazing, beautiful, magnificent cathedral which rich history written on stained glasses, craved in stones for centuries to tell their stories.Was luckily to have the chance to witnessed their Friday session to enjoy the beauty of songs echoing within the Cathedral.A must see when you're in this area!

A giant cathedral which will stone you just by looking at its beauty on the outside. When you go inside the cathedral, a nice and peaceful atmosphere of historical and cultural (and religious) scenes will surely make you agree that this place is a remarkable stop on your trip to the region.

Impresionante catedral, muy interesante y con muchas reliquias y obras de arte. Fue fundada en 1601, y es de estilo Neogótico. Posee una hermosa aguja, y su insterior esta decorada con muchas blasones y banderas. En la segunda guerra mundial sufrio algunos daños por los bombardeos alemanes.(Translated by Google)Impressive cathedral, very interesting and with many relics and works of art. It was founded in 1601, and is in the Neo-Gothic style. It has a beautiful spire, and its interior is decorated with many coats of arms and flags. In the Second World War it suffered some damage from German bombing.

One of many beautiful French Cathedrals. We did a short, self-guided visit during the week in June. Bonus: No crowds! Free entry.

The cathedral is very impressive, the entrance was free and there is a parking lot directly there. The price was also perfectly fine.

4.7

(9762)

4.5

(1790)

Pl. Sainte-Croix, 45000 Orléans, France

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This is the best castle I've seen in the Loire valley. It is huge and the architecture is very complex, like its spiraling main staircase. There is a lot to see, and the castle also has some art displays. It's actually a big site with a garden, church, village, etc. The only downside is that the parking lot is €6 (other castles don't make visitors pay parking) but given the size of the site, I suppose it goes toward its preservation. A must see!

Very amazing building and grounds in a beautiful setting. The place is huge so you could spend all day there. We visited the castle and gardens. The castle was quite amazing with lots to see and learn about. Most of the castle is open to explore so there is plenty to see. The gardens were a bit disappointing however, not a lot of actual garden to see and nothing too spectacular either.

Beautiful Chateau in beautiful grounds.Amazing place to visit with plenty of facilities and places to eat / drinkNice green area outside for picnic too and cheap all day parking.Would recommend and would go back again.

The castle is lovely, worth the price. Lots of different rooms to see and lovely gardens around it, we spent about 2,5 hours viewing the castle but it felt like 30 minutes. Also the view from the roof of the castle is amazing. If you going to stay locally, make sure you visit this beautiful place.

Château magnifique qu’on a eu plaisir à redécouvrir et faire découvrir à notre fils de 3 ans qui a adoré.Nous avons eu la chance de faire la visite sous un grand soleil avec peu de monde (arrivée à l’ouverture).C’est un château à ne pas manquer. ✨(Translated by Google)Magnificent castle that we had the pleasure of rediscovering and introducing to our 3 year old son who loved it.We were lucky enough to visit in bright sunshine with few people (arriving at opening).This is a castle not to be missed. ✨

Fabulous Chateau, beautiful grounds, huge amount to see and do. You can park and walk around the grounds without paying to visit the chateau but would recommend to do it all. Restaurants available as well as cafes, some souvenir shops and even a bird show.

Huge palace, very few pieces of furniture. Tons of rooms. Went to the very top and had great views of the gardens. When arriving early through the mist, the main entrance just looks amazing. There are places to eat, ATM, bike racks. It even has its own police force on horseback. Impressive.

Impressive castle set on huge grounds. We found the artwork exhibits the most interesting aspects, plus the double helix staircase at center of building. Very crowded, next time we would try to be there early when they open.

First visit on a Saturday. Not as crowded as expected. Still enough free parking lots. We did not find an e-car charging station. If you are disabled with a cars, you can enter for free and your accompanying person as well. Even parking will be free. This is outstanding!The castle ist amazing, the gardens wide and well to access. You can rent a golf caddy or a boat. There are some local vendors on a market styled place offering their crafted foods and drinks.We did not like the current art exhibition, but tastes are different. The collection of oil paintings is superb.

This castle is a miracle! It looks amazing, especially its roof, which is impressive. I loved wandering inside and getting lost in the maze of corridors and staircases. It all looks like a fairytale. The courtyard and gardens are astonishing as well!

Nous avons visité le château en prenant en supplément la visite guidée d'1h30.C'était une vraie découverte avec notre guide Maximilien qui était très investi et extrêmement intéressant.Sans ses précieuses explications nous serions passés à côté de nombreuses informations sur l'histoire du château et de François premier(Translated by Google)We visited the castle by taking the 1h30 guided tour as an extra.It was a real discovery with our guide Maximilien who was very involved and extremely interesting.Without his valuable explanations we would have missed out on a lot of information on the history of the castle and Francis I.

Incredible castle and must see in the region. The inside stairwell was designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself.Two tips - (1) get a guided tour! They will show you amazing parts of the castle including the attic which you cannot see without one. (2) dress warm! The castle has this weird layout that makes it super windy inside even on a hot day, so we got super cold. Bring layers even if you’re here in summer!

We visited the Chateau on a French holiday. A very impressive place with heaps of history and things to learn. Lovely expert staff on hand to answer questions. The gardens are amazing to wander around. There is a huge car park, plenty of room for campervans. Its 12 euros for the day to park up so you can make a day of it.

Absolutely stunning and incredibly fasscinating. Not only is the chateau immense and beautiful, but there are folks running aorund in periodic-correct dress and frequent demonstrations of dance and music that occur throughout the mansion. This was a once in a lifetime visit and worth every minute.

Amazing chateau that has been kept nicely. Parking was close and very easy. Lots of grounds to walk around (or bike). We went to the falcon and horse show and it was great. Our son loved it!

An easy walk to the Chateau from the car park. It wasn't crowded at all. I really enjoyed getting kind of lost inside and wish we'd had more time from our tour to explore. It was fun to find all the outdoor corridors that connected different rooms and areas. Kids really seemed to like it.

One of the biggest castles in France. Most famous for its double helix staircase. Recently renovated, it doesn't have as many fully furnished rooms as it used too. It's become more of a museum of history and art. The catering is much improved and there are lots of activities around the castle. There's a Kid's Discovery Zone inside the castle. You should come early, so you can use the whole day to explore the castle and it's surroundings.

Splendid views!! Lots of stairs to climb, but it is worth the energy. Stairs were not steep. Found the decor of some of the rooms to be beautiful. Best to plan to spend the day. There are many things to do like riding bikes, renting a golf cart. Several places to eat and have a relaxing snack a stones throw from the chateau.

Very very cool. I loved this place. The grounds are amazing and the chateau sort of feels recently lived in. The sandwich shop was really good as well!

Wow this castle was very much bigger and grander than I’d imagine while the locals were telling us about the chateau that it’s a must-go. Indeed it is. There is a lot of history and stories inside the chateau with a very helpful slew of videos. The best part is the multiple translations available for the videos each plastered on different sides of the wall making it easy for many tourists to learn about its history in comfort.Favourite room: the video room.Favourite exhibit: the hunting room with buttons displayI’d recommend getting the iPad to view the exhibits and follow the map in the given sequence in order to fully cover the château should time permit.There are also sprawling gardens for you to walk which we couldn’t finish and a cafe/restaurant inside the castle and another few outside the chateau to fill your empty stomachs from the long walks. The inside cafe only has light bites past lunch hour.There is also a kids friendly room located at the top floor, there’s a “finding Wally” game there which is pretty goofy fun.Fun fact, the chateau felt colder in the winter inside than outside. A fellow B&B owner said a similar thing too.

Beautiful castle with a rich history that clearly inspired the castle of Beauty & the Beast. It is definitely worth a trip from Paris to see this 500+ year old estate of the French monarchy.

Impressionné par le gigantisme des lieux on a un peu peur de louper des choses car pas très évident de s'orienter. Vu la taille des pièces obligatoirement cela paraît un peu vide. Mais cela reste sans conteste un château à voir.(Translated by Google)Impressed by the gigantism of the place, we are a little afraid of missing things because it's not very easy to find our way. Given the size of the rooms it obviously seems a little empty. But it undoubtedly remains a castle to see.

We have been there at the Eastern Holiday. We started our tour after 20 min wait for security confirmation which is acceptable.It is worth to wait. We bought head phone application and I think it was very successful to understand each room even each chair.Improvement point is only women toilets were in use on such a busy day. You need to wait 10 more in toilet queue.

Overall nice to see huge Chateau with sprawling grounds. It’s grand but not as interesting on the inside. Food options onsite with ok food.Car was broken into in the parking lot and when reported to the Chateau they really didn’t care and just stated it was for the police to deal with. Careful parking here as there is no security and thieves know tourists who are traveling through will stop here.

This chateau takes your breath away. For one it’s one of the attest I’ve seen. For another its design is so unique and intricate.My family and I came to take a glimpse at the chateau from the outside and watch the Birds of Prey show (which was so cool!) We only here for an hour but I can easily see how you can spend the entire day here touring the chateau, eating at the many restaurants, bike riding, and wine tasting. A must stop if you’re in the area.

Superbe château.En ce lieu chargé d'histoire, les salles sont pour la plupart garnies de meubles et œuvres d'art (dans mon souvenir ce n'était pas le cas il y a 15 ans).(Translated by Google)Superb castle.In this place steeped in history, the rooms are mostly furnished with furniture and works of art (in my memory this was not the case 15 years ago).

Beeindruckendes Schloss. Innen wie außen . Preis für das was man gezeigt bekommt angemessen. Sehenswert, wenn man an der Loire unterwegs ist.(Translated by Google)Impressive castle. Inside and outside. Price is reasonable for what you get shown. Worth seeing if you are traveling along the Loire.

A Magnificent building. Fascinating history. Worth every penny of admittance fee, which is quite reasonable at €16

Chambord castle or palace is the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited in my entire life. It’s a one in a lifetime experience. I can’t rate this castle high enough. If I could rate it higher I would. We spent there almost 3 hours and the time went so quick. I could not believe it. I didn’t want to leave the castle as it was so gorgeous everywhere you go to.The gardens surrounding this palace are magnificent. They well looked after. You can also view them from the roof that you have access to.You definitely need to visit this stunning piece of architecture, engineering and work of art.

Gorgeous building! This is really large and very beautiful chateau with long history one of the best I've ever seen. Absolutely recommend!

The most stunning castle I ever visited in France. The appearance is just crazy, day and night. The inside is full of history and the stairs will make dizzy. The food in the restaurant was really good they using products hunting from the gigantic park of the castle. You can access to the roof to have to closer to look of the dome.

Joli château, les jardins un peu pauvres.Je ne regrette pas la visite guidée juste géniale. Un guide au top, pédagogue et vraiment intéressant. 2h de visite guidée qui sont passées trop vite.Il faisait un peu froid, mais ça met dans le contexte de cet édifice(Translated by Google)Pretty castle, the gardens a little poor.I don't regret the guided tour, it was just brilliant. A top guide, educational and really interesting. 2 hours of guided tour which went by too quickly.It was a bit cold, but that puts this building in context.

I absolutely adore this Chateau!During my visit, it happened to be a quiet weekday in winter, so there weren't many visitors around. It was such a delight to explore the grounds without the crowds and have the opportunity to take plenty of photos without any distractions.Even though I only had about 2 hours to spend, I managed to cover most of the areas. If you find yourself with limited time, I still highly recommend making a trip to this Chateau. It's definitely worth it, and you'll be able to make the most of your visit regardless of the time constraints.

Another amazing chateau with expansive and beautiful grounds and great views from the upper terraces. You can rent bikes or even golf carts and drive around the huge gardens.

Excellent castle, though lacking of furnitures but it's worth it by visiting and admiring its architecture art.Unfortunately, there is a middle-aged guard who accused my 6 years old daughter carving the wall while she was just holding a lollipop paper and pointing the wall. After, he threatened to throw our family out of the castle simply because I was explaining to him that it was just a lollipop paper and nobody had the intention of digging the wall. Such a nice world classic monument ended up with such poorly mannered staff.It would be a 5 star visit without this inresaonable/unjustifed drama. Such a shame!

Le château est magnifique et les jardins aussi. Nous avons eu le beau temps c'est toujours plus agréable pour une visite en extérieur. Tarifs abordables et personnel très sympathique. Très heureuse d'avoir visité un des plus beaux châteaux de la Loire ✨️(Translated by Google)The castle is magnificent and so are the gardens. We had good weather, it's always more pleasant for a visit outside. Affordable prices and very friendly staff. Very happy to have visited one of the most beautiful castles of the Loire ✨️

My 7 year old son says: It had interesting outside structures (architecture), fancy rooms, and the tablet guide was great. The treasure hunt was difficult but I managed to find three coins. I also liked the gardens.

My entire family really enjoyed the chateau. My kids and husband were not very excited when I first mentioned it, but even they begrudgingly admitted afterwards that it was really neat. The grounds are really incredible and the chateau itself was amazing. It’s so huge that it’s hard to make sure you haven’t missed anything. We stayed in Orleans and did a day trip out- it was perfect. It was late March and the cherry tree blossoms were just blooming… I think a week later would have been perfect. Going during the off season was amazing- it was the weekend and it wasn’t crowded at all.

One of the best castles of the Loire region in France! Majestic views, huge gardens and a beautiful terrace. There's a lot of history to this castle. Many paintings were temporarily shifted to this castle (from Louvre) during the war and those are still there. For transport, We took a bus from Blois station.

Fantastic Chateau with one of the largest garden areas of any of them. They don't allow dogs inside the castle like all the others but you can and should definitely bring your dog as the castle grounds are amazing for different length hiking options. They offer boat, bike and golf cart rentals to cruise around on. They have several restaurants and snack options as well.

Château magnifique de l'extérieur comme de l'intérieur, certaines pièces sont peu décorées mais les décorées sont vraiment sublimes.Visite agréable (venir le plus tôt possible pour moins de personnes au début de la visite).Le prix en vaut la peine et surtout gratuit pour les moins de 25 ans !Durée de visite plutôt longue si on fait la totalité du château mais possibilité de restaurant à l'intérieur du château.(Translated by Google)Magnificent castle from the outside as well as the inside, some rooms are poorly decorated but the decorated ones are truly sublime.Pleasant visit (come as early as possible for fewer people at the start of the visit).The price is worth it and especially free for those under 25!Rather long visit if you do the entire castle but possibility of a restaurant inside the castle.

What an amazing place and well worth a visit all set in lovely gardens.I would alow at least two hours to view the everything.Definitely recommend

Impressive castle so much history. There are a lot of activities to do besides exploring the chateau. They have shows, restaurants, wine tastings, hiking trails.

4.6

(52220)

4.5

(8395)

41250 Chambord, France

+21 other lists

The castle of Blois is very interesting architecture wise. It is well preserved. There is quite a few things to see inside. It is a shame that one of the building (where the café is) cannot be visited (only from the ground floor) as its ceiling is very impressive and makes us wanna see more. Staff were nice and efficient too. Its unique staircase is absolutely beautiful and worth seeing.

With a very unique design of spiral shape staircases and a combination of four different kind of construction styles from different times, the chateau presents a lovely looking. Parking there can make you headache. The underground parking lot is recommended. But do remember your slots and the exit you use. I got lost there😂 after the chateau, the royal garden is another nice place to visit. On a sunny day, with a few friends and probably your dog, definitely a nice little walk will make the day better!

Imposing castle overlooking the city. When in Blois, a must see. Ticket price is rather high but worth it if you like history.A lot of paintings to be seen, different rooms with furniture from centuries ago and some weapons and armor on display.

A beautifully furnished truly historic Château. Plan on 45 minutes to one hour for your visit.

A very big and beautiful chateau where you can wander through the different rooms see the beautiful decorations. Also the architectural part is really amazing.

We only visited in the evening for the light show. We really enjoyed the show! A great combo of history and an immersive experience. The included audio devices provided translation to multiple languages.

It was so beautiful! I just wish the main house had more available space for viewing. The other thing is don’t get an iPad because you can read everything if you are doing the tour on your own.

Impressive architecture and paintings, nice views and great history. Interactive pad is a nice touch.

This visit was amazing. The chateau was beautifully decorated for Christmas and a joy to wander in. The art work and decorations were fabulous. We were able to get the self guided audio tour and it was the right thing. There is a lot of art, so plan to spend time to look around.

Si estás en Blois, es la atracción más importante a visitar dentro de la villa. Espectacular y reciente puesta en valor. Muy buena cartelera explicativa en francés e inglés. Te sugiero que uses el sanitario antes de iniciar el recorrido pues es incómodo acceder una vez comenzada la visita.(Translated by Google)If you are in Blois, it is the most important attraction to visit within the town. Spectacular and recent enhancement. Very good explanatory billboard in French and English. I suggest that you use the toilet before starting the tour as it is uncomfortable to access once the visit has started.

A stunning chateau with great views. The disappointment is that a security guard forbid me from going back to the previous room , where my grandma needed help with the stairs.

It's amazing with simple explanations. It's also fun for kids to go around with the iPads and learn in an interactive 3D world.

If you love History, you will definitely enjoy the visit. It's linked to other Chateaus within the Loire region. It seems it's not a very popular Chateau but it's good because you can take your time to read or listen to the audio guides and take photos of the different rooms. It's worth the visit and the audio guide is recommended if you want to learn about France history. Afterwards, you can walk along the Loire river admiring the sunset if the weather is good.

Loved the visit and even more the evening show. Fun fact: we attended the exact same show more than 20 years ago with my husband (we were newly weds) and it hasn’t changed 🤣 but surprisingly enough it’s still very good and enjoyable. In fact our children loved it.

An excellent former Royal chateau overlooking the town of Blois and the Loire River. Plenty to see giving good value for the admission price. Some younger people may not find it particularly interesting unless they are studying French history (back stories of the French monarchy for the less well educated)

Iconic castle on the Loire, unique in its architecture and history. 100% worth a visit.

Worth a visit.Lots of history and truly impressive building

Interesting castle.Interesting to see and understand all the changes done to the building and the architecture trough the age.This castle has been the central scene of an important turning point in the French history at the end of the XVIth century in the struggle between Catholics and Protestants. One of ours room is dedicated to this event.The visit with the interactive tablet is just perfect.

Another impressive Chateau in the Loire region. Well worth a visit, Chateau underground car park nearby.

Really good castle in the center of city. I went to see light night in the castle, it was really impressive.

Hidden in plain site, after seeing some of the key larger, more famous château sites I wasn’t sure this would be worth it. It was. A great and interesting museum format with lots of good information. At Chambord the chapel is the largest (and plain) room. Here there are several larger rooms and wonderfully decorated. Great to see the rock carvings up close and the early museum pieces and all the returned art stolen by the nazis. Great place worth seeing.

Un hermoso palacio que visitar con una excelente guía en todo el recorrido.(Translated by Google)A beautiful palace to visit with an excellent guide throughout the tour.

Very nice, small and all different. Park at the Parking Château, pretty close and with low rates.

We per chanced upon Blois on our drive back to Paris from the southern riviera.The Royal Chateau de Blois warranted at least 1/2 day to appreciate the various wings built by different kings over the ages.Well worth the visit.

Lugar de construcción bella, una joya. tiene una estatua del Rey en la entrada y sus jardines hermosos, frente a el vivió el escapista Harry Houdini(Translated by Google)Beautiful construction site, a gem. It has a statue of the King at the entrance and its beautiful gardens, in front of which the escapist Harry Houdini lived.

Wonderful! Simply exceptional, first of all because of its beauty, very well preserved and converved and I am grateful for that, but also for the multitude of exhibits inside the castle. It is incredible to get to know the lives of these people who made a living not only from books but also by visiting the places where they lived. It is an interesting place for adults and children

4.5

(19470)

4.5

(4219)

6 Pl. du Château, 41000 Blois, France

8 lists

Really big with a huge range of animals and exhibits so prepare for lots of walking. Can get busy so plan for a full day, closes at 20.00 but most have left by 18.00 so you get a good couple of hours to revisit your favourites close up.Otherwise, a 2 day visit is great value.Food and drink of good quality, and fair pricing.Only negative was that one zone (the one with the dome) has almost no translations to English like in the other areas.

An amazing experience as someone who visits a whole bunch of zoos around Europe. This park is the ultimate package with the most amazing species of animals and most beautiful exhibits I have seen so far!The park offers great shows and the sea lion show was our favorite! Very good choreography and enough spots for everyone.The animals species are so amazing! Pandas, koalas, white tigers, (black) panther, elephants, manatees and clouded leopards are just among some of the rare species to find in zoos. They look good and are a personal highlight!Also, the exhibits are amazing! Most animals have a lot of room. You can walk through some exhibits and see a lot of animals without glass or fences in the way, great to take photos!The park is a little expensive but very worth the price. The prices of food are acceptable and the parking is free!Do recommend buying tickets in advance. It’s cheaper, but no option for iDeal sadly. Make sure you are fit because there’s a lot of walking in the park!

This is the best zoo I've been to. It's definitely a must try !!! Some very beautiful species to see.Make sure to see the bird show, it's actually breathtaking.Stick around at the end of the day for a special feeding session of some of the big cats. This was definitely memorable.

One of the best zoos I have seen. The sheer amount of animals they have is impressive. We spent more than six hours there and have barely seen all animals. There is a cable car running from on side of the zoo to the other that gives you a good view and helps getting from one side to the other. The compounds of the animals seem to be larger than in other zoos (that are often within a city) and some animals seem to be more active. The glass dome with the jungle inside is especially impressive due to its size. Highly recommended. You should at least spend 5-6 h here.

Awesome awesome place. It takes more than a day to see it thoroughly. The highlights of the zoo are definitely Pandas. Though they sleep and eat, you will find them either of doing it. Also, the Birds and Sea Lion show are beautiful and thrilling to watch. Definitely recommended.

Amazing zoo, definitely among the best in the world! The habitats for the animals are really well maintained and the animals look in great shape. The walk can be quite strenuous so be prepared physically if you intend to go through the whole park.I highly recommend visiting this beautiful Zoo which you'll need at least 2 days to enjoy the park and the animal shows.

Absolutely spectacular - and I have seen a lot of zoos. You need at least one FULL day, preferably 2 to see everything the zoo has to offer!What is truly special is that you feel like you are right there with the animals… and you are!!

A superb zoo, so many animals to see, we just about did it in a day, but we were shattered at the end. It was very busy, but we still managed to get a good view of all the animals. Cable car was brilliant, and lots of food outlets, we made sure we ate early to beat the rush. An amazing day!

Superior zoo to any other we have visited. Need at least one full day to see it all. Such a variety of animals and all so content and animated it was fabulous to watch. Very clean and lots of facilities available. Highly recommend a visit

One of the most prettiest zoo parks in the world - honestly. A lot of beautiful animals in a very professionally made and arranged enclosures.The food is not great, but the ice cream is delicious.We bought the ticket online, laid 35€, went on Saturday, so there was A LOT of people, so would recommend coming on a simple workday.In the end stayed at the zoo for about 5 hours, it’s an amazing experience.

The most beautiful Zoo in Europe I've been to. I don't have so much greenery and water features anywhere. The bird show was amazing. We will definitely come back here with our daughter and husband.

I was blown away by the number of different species and the variety of animals at this zoo. You really need at least two full days to see everything: the park is massive and there is so much to discover. Highly accessible for strollers/wheel chairs, making this zoo a place that can truly be enjoyed by everyone.

Great zoo divided to 3 sections: Asia, regular zoo. Africa there is also a some for see and amphibious animals and a birds area. There is a lot of restaurants over there, unlike the entrance that were without any queues all restaurants that we saw had long queues between 11 to 14. There is a cable-train (free) that connects both zoo end points. Very nice and clean and well organized zoo

Best zoo I have ever been to. Has everything and is a perfect day out for anyone. I saw loads of strange animals I didn't know existed and dangerous animals that were strange to be so close to. I would recommend going to their sea lion and bird show.

One of the best designed zoo I have ever visited. It is huge and the path was designed so that one can go around each animals area so they have nowhere to hide from you. It’s built on a small hill and with loads of big trees and green area. Definitely worth the travel from Paris. The cable way is free and connects the two furthest points of the zoo. Strongly recommend it! Bring the whole family and enjoy!

The best zooin the world, the animals here lives more than in their natural environment. One day is not enough to spend time here to enjoy and to see animals like their natural environement. Very green and clean with many shows wity animals to learn about. I have been 4 times and always was great there! 🐼😍

Largest zoo I have ever been too. Lots of amazing animals to see. Saw the sea lions and bird show, really enjoyed both.

Top4 biggest zoo in the world. Very well organized. Plenty of space for the animals. You can get some intimate contact with the animals. One day visit is possible. Two-day is more relaxing.

I had such a fantastic time at ZooParc de Beauval! The variety of animals was incredible, and the exhibits were spacious and well-maintained. I especially loved seeing the playful pandas. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. I highly recommend a visit to anyone looking for a fun and educational day out!

This Parc is great a must see location if you are within 2/3 hours drive. Lots of room for animals and also for visitors.The Parc is really big you can easily have a long day over there. Also the indoor reptile and bat part are big to walk for more than 1 hour. At first I thought the entrance fee is quite expensive, also for kids from 3 years old but after 6 hours in the zoo with my kids and not see everything yet, I fully understand why it's high.Toilets are clean and also room for changing diapers,Some paths are a bit steep for wheelchair and baby car.And bring your own food and drinks because that's overpriced by a lot.

#1 please forbid vaping and smoking in the facilities.#2 this is the most amazing zoo I have ever been to. The animals have space, they seem comfortable, the facilities are world class, there’s toilets and cafes everywhere, each section is so purposefully build and the whole narrative is great to appreciate our beautiful planet#3 Book in advance, it gets super busy

A beautiful, spacious zoo full of hundreds of animals. The facilities were great, the animals looks very happy, and the plants were spectacular. Overall an amazing experience, the best day of my holiday to France.

Awesome zoo,Animals appear taken care of.Lots of food options within the zoo itself.Prices are reasonable.The Pandas are one of the main attractions.We bought tickets in advanceLots of parking

4.7

(84405)

4.5

(23067)

Av. du Blanc, 41110 Saint-Aignan, France

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Da Vinci stayed here for the last three years of his life and I can see why. Lovely little house with extensive gardens. Do spend atleast two hours here to explore the outdoor mechanical contraptions designes by Leonardo himself. Well maintained and easy to follow.

A must do when in the area especially if you have kids. We took the guided tour and it was excellent as the guide showed us details that we wouldn’t have noticed without him and of course he told us many nice to know stories about Da Vinci and his work. We then stayed at the garden and the kids got to see and play with a representation of some of Da Vinci’s work. I would recommend checking the guided tour timing to plan your visit accordingly. The Clos de Lucé castle is close to Chenonceau and we visited both castles on the same day.

Very informative. Parking is plentiful some free parking. For entrance you pay in two tiers garden or with garden house and gallery. The other interactive gallery is fantastic. Hit or Miss, definely hit. As a plus nice cafes food places in area nearby.

Beautifully kept grounds in the middle of Amboise. The house itself is smaller is interesting enough but the surrounding grounds are well worth a visit. There are models of some of DaVinci’s inventions and even restaurants on the grounds themselves.

It's at this Chateau where Leonardo DaVinci lives out his remaining days and eventually died here. He was invited to live here to continue his research by King Francis I. It is a great opportunity to walk through the Chateau along the same halls and into the same rooms that he lived and worked in.

The owners have done an excellent job bringing the ideas of da Vinci to life here! This historic chateau was his final dwelling. His living quarters and Studio are displayed along with an intriguing display of his inventions. A really interesting museum and park!

An absolute must see!!. Wonderful inside and out. Some very interesting Leonardo pieces to see and so well presented. Even the pleasant gardens have large models of some of the great man's marvellous inventions, which brings the whole thing to life for young and old alike. Do try to avoid visiting at the same time as school parties, of which there were several the day we visited. They tend to be quite noisy and EVERYWHERE, making actually looking and taking it all in quite a challenge. Perhaps late aftenoon? We went mid-morning. Nonetheless, I would thoroughly recommend going.

Where Leonardo da Vinci finished his life under the protection of Francois Ier.Worth the visit. You can see many models of Leonardo’s inventions.It is stunning how this man was a visionary in many areas ranging from science to art.You can spend a whole day to make the full tour of this site.

I went there as a kid and loved it. I always loved old dwellings but this one in particular stayed vivid in my memory and I had to get back. I love it 😍

This is a worthwhile place to visit if you are at all interested in Leonardo Da Vinci. It was great to see where he spent his last years, see some of his rooms and personal items. They also have great information and models of his engineering drawings. The grounds are nice and there is a room with an electronic representation of his paintings, drawings, etc. The temporary exhibition showing at present on his anatomy drawings and the explanations about how he got to study the human body is well with the extra couple of euros.

Spent a great Sunday afternoon here, wandering through the Chateau and the grounds. It is a great tribute to Da Vinci and provides significant information around all the art and inventions that Da Vinci created and how so much of these have influenced the world as we know it today. There is so much to learn and see here, everyone should visit this Chateau. The chateau itself is quite small compared to others in the region, but there are great exhibits to see and lots of information to take it. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful to spend an afternoon wondering around. And even if crowded,you can find some space in the gardens to have a quiet moment to reflect. The cafe within the grounds was ok, but super busy and the three staff seemed absolutely run off their feet. Would highly recommend this as a must see for everyone, young or old.

An interesting day out, lots to see and do and a small Cafe on site. The gardens are amazing and worth the visit on their own.

What a nice place to visit, walk around, spend the day walking the grounds and inside the house that Leonardo da Vinci called home.

Very good description of Leonardo's life during his final years. My personal highlight was the replicated study. Exhibitions about his work in architecture, technology and anatomy. And a beautiful garden. I only regret that I did not have time to spend a couple of hours there, simply reading a book in the shade of one of the trees.

Visiting there gave us an opportunity to make a close encounter with the genius mind of Leonardo da Vinci. The spent his final days here.These is a display of his artwork and scientific understanding.The Chateau is an architectural marvel by itself and the garden is huge.

Château du Clos Lucé may be small in stature, but it offers an intimate and insightful journey into the life of the brilliant Leonardo da Vinci. The chateau provides a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of this genius, exploring the rooms where he lived and worked. The well-maintained garden adds to the charm, offering a tranquil escape. For those seeking a brief yet enriching encounter with da Vinci's legacy, Château du Clos Lucé provides a delightful and immersive experience, making it a must-visit destination.

Interesting and beautiful chateau and gardens. Last home of Leonardo Da Vinci, and the place of his death. Interesting exhibits of his inventions, lots of which have been built by modern engineers and are on display.

Visited during a tour. Nice wine tasting and atmosphere. The owner and staff were very welcoming and great hosts. The wine’s and cheese were delicious

Oh man. I loved getting lost in the vast Clos Luce. It really is a beautiful, well looked after place. It's also really big, with gardens, individual museums and installations in addition to the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci.The Clos Lucé was undoubtedly a highlight of my trip to Amboise, and I loved immersing myself in the life and work of this fascinating genius.I only have one piece of advice for non-French speakers - Google have a feature where you can take a photo and translate on the spot. While some of the material is also in English, a lot of it isn't. For people who want to soak up every written detail (and there are a lot), this could come in handy.I would have welcomed more information on the earlier life of LDV, but to be fair this is where he spent his final years.

Skip it if you already know about Davinci's inventions. Its great to be able to imagine him sitting working in his study but that's not worth the entrance fee. The "galeries" contain only projected artworks.

When making a visit to Amboise and liking the vibrant atmosphere in the centre, we decided to walk around and go till the last place Leonardo da Vinci lived. It is a nice stroll through a quiet, nice street from the centre. I loved the place and how it has been organized. Even with big groups of school children inside and outside, we be er had the feeling we never had the feeling that it got in the way if our visit. The building and garden are beautiful and very interesting to walk through, see the rooms and ideas, tools, inventions Leonardo da Vinci made. The big garden has his ideas turned into big, real tools too. It was great, beautiful and interesting. I loved the place.

So much more than we had expected!Starting with the chateau and seeing how de Vinci lived and worked, exploring models of his ideas..Beautiful gardens, lovely restaurant with excellent food.The exhibition of his designs was fascinating, the room with his pictures amazing and so enlightening.Then to see the models of his work actually working in the gardens as you walk was quite incredible and to be able to operate some of them very interesting.All in all an excellent day out.

This is where Leonardo da Vinci lived at the end of his life. Interesting reproductions of his inventions, some bigger ones are found in the park.

4.5

(20260)

4.5

(6517)

2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise, France

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One if not THE most beautiful castle along the Loire! It is simple, without a lot of “fuzz” yet absolutely stunning. The fresh flowers and bouquets in almost all of the rooms provides a feeling of homeliness, as if someone would still be living there. The parks and gardens are beautiful and well maintained. The woods around it invite to beautiful walks. The labyrinth is fun for kids and adults alike. There’s even a place with donkeys, goats and chicken.A tour inside the castle takes about 1-1 1/2 hour. There are lots of small stairways. It is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.As it is a fairly small castle and people cross paths especially on the stairs, the number of visitors at a time is restricted. You can book your visits on advance online.Parking is free.

It is a beautiful place to visit, but there needs to be more effort on explanation of its historical importance. Only the expansion that Catherine De Medici did seems to be well documented. The grounds were lovely, and we particularly enjoyed their guard cat and the long walk up the drive to the Chateau itself.

Super nice from the outside! Nothing much from inside! But most importantly make sure you visit it from the other side of the river (the side opposite to the main entrance) it’s beautiful and there’s a a forest! You get to see a beautiful angle of the beautiful castle!

I came here in a student trip in June of 2024. I specifically chose this itinerary to see the Chateau, and I was not disappointed.It is amazing! I recommend getting an audio guide for maximum effect. I did not get one and I regret it.I could have spent the entire day here, but give yourself a good 3-4 hours to see everything.

Beautiful castle over the river Cher. Almost like a fairy tale castle. Nicely furnished inside. The Gardens are neat as well, even in the winter. Wines are made nearby, you can go into those cellars, pretty good too, we got several bottles. Kayak tours can be done in the summer and you can go under the arches beneath the castle and get some killer views. The main gallery was gorgeous. The castle doesn’t feel medieval, it’s just amazing.

Must see castle. The architecture, interior design and history are worth it and super interesting. The paper guide is well detailed and informative. However, I found that the visit of the rest of the grounds was a bit of an afterthought: not a lot of information on the gardens or the farm. Also, it is a really popular spot so come early to avoid crowds. Overall, would visit again.

The most beautiful palace I have seen. The gardens are beautiful. This castle inspired the cinderella castle in disney. The furniture and the whole look is pretty. Just that we went on a Saturday and it was very crowded.

As a family we really enjoyed spending more than 5h at the domain, every corner of the domain surprised us in a pleasant way. At the chateau domain we visited the beautiful gardens, groceries and medicinal gardens, the farm, the labyrinth. And if you are like us, spending many hours here, then be assured that there is a restaurant where you have lunch or just some coffee or ice cream.The chateau is very beautiful in the exterior, but also at the interior.This chateau is a must to visit if you are nearby!

Such a large chateau with many angles to look at! There’s a lot of exhibitions outside of the chateau which are worth exploring too. I felt the inside of the chateau to be too “staged” with the hanging props. Then again, personal opinion. Loved the readings in the castle which offered us many insights into its history.The gardens are beautiful and we wished we had more time to explore the whole estate. There was a wine cellar and carriage exhibitions outside of the main chateau building.Side note I found it so awesome how the donkey photos were taken so beautifully.

My favourite castle in the Loire valley, must see for anyone in the area! It is completely unique in style and shape, and boasts incredibly interesting history. Specifically about the women who lived here.The gardens are also beautiful and there is even a mini farm with donkeys and goats that is bound to delight anyone, but especially children.

Beautiful Castle. Easy access. Very well maintained. I loved how it’s decorated with flowers in each room which makes one feel as if people still live in it. We loved the gardens and mostly the maze (which the kids enjoyed most)

It was called the most beautiful castle in France. It is so beautiful.it was build around water. There are a few huge gardens. We were there in the mid October. It was beautiful fall view. There are a few gardens too, wow, they definitely spent lots of resources to maintain that gorgeous garden. The tree and bush are perfect trimmed, the flowers are blooming.

A must visit Chateau that are well kept ! Beautiful tapestries, garden, history and galleria.Getting the Audio Guide is the best and it makes the tour more exciting when listening to the explanation.Not recommended for baby stroller as there is stairs way going to the basem*nt kitchen as well as going up to 2nd floors !Overall its worth Euro 19.50 with audio guide and easy to use too !

Really well preserved and you can see that the maintenance is well done, clean bathrooms for the customers and nice environment.You can dive in the history of this magical and beautiful castle, my tip is: get the audio device, is worthy and very nice narrated.

Not sure what I expected but this place was amazing.Lots of history with Katharine de Medici, Henry's 3 and 4, plus lots of mistresses having lived there.Beautiful workmanship throughout.Gardens and grounds second to none.Plan on spending several hours being dazzled by the opulence and history.

What a lovely, relaxing & interesting way to spend 3 hours exploring some French history. Great value for money to enjoy both the Chateau & the gardens. At this time of year the volume of visitors was just the right amount of flow, to not be rushed, but would imagine it would be a lot busier & crowded in the peak summer holiday months. The audio guide was worth the extra euros to understand centuries of chateau ownership. A delight 😊

The Château de Chenonceau is above and beyond stunning! The interior of the castle is gorgeous. The artwork, tapestries, and furniture are all uniquely beautiful. I was incredibly impressed by the exquisite floral arrangements in every room and hallway! The gardens are lovely. So peaceful and serene! I'm so thankful we had enough time to walk the entire property. The swan lake was so fun to see! I thoroughly enjoyed every inch of this charming castle!

Beautiful small Château, also called 'The Ladies Château' built in the 16th century on the river Cher, all of the rooms are decorated wonderfully and the gardens are picturesque.This Château is a must see, a little more expensive than most but worth it in my opinion.

Beautiful and well maintained chateau with a lot of French history. Originally built in the sixteenth century. Worth a visit; plan on spending extra time as there are a lot of beautiful gardens on the property. Train station is only 5 minutes walk from the main entrance.

The Château de Chenonceau is above and beyond stunning! The interior of the castle is gorgeous. The artwork, tapestries, and furniture are all uniquely beautiful. I was incredibly impressed by the exquisite floral arrangements in every room and hallway! The gardens are lovely. So peaceful and serene! I'm so thankful we had enough time to walk the entire property. The swan lake was so fun to see! I thoroughly enjoyed every inch of this charming castle!

I was excited to visit Chenonceau Castle, but it was quite underwhelming. The crowds were overwhelming, making it difficult to enjoy the exhibits. Several rooms were closed, and the grounds were not well-maintained. Terribly overpriced! Overall, it didn't live up to the hype and felt like a tourist trap. Not recommended.

Lovely castle and grounds. Beautiful views. You can wonder through the bedrooms and halls.

One of most Beautiful Chateaus in Loire Valley! Also knows as “Ladies Castle” due to its historic association with most influential women. The castle is beautifully decorated for the festivities and lovely music filling the air and flowing down River Cher. Absolutely gem of a place. Mesmerized by grandeur. The tickets at 15.5 euros per person are tad bit expensive but then can’t complain!

A very unique and beautiful castle built on water. The surrounding gardens are also splendid. There are also a beautiful stable, a medicine plant garden, a poney land. There are so many things to see. I recommend it !

One of the most memorable chateaux we have visited so far. Fantastic view with the gardens, river and the forest. It has a rich and a very interesting history. Absolutely loved the visit to the chateau and the gardens. Highly recommended as one of the most beautiful among the chateaux of Loire valley.

This chateau is incredibly wonderful, and its position over a river makes it one of the most unique chatueaus in the entire Loire Valley and in the whole of France. This place was once home to kings and queens including Catherine de Medici and it shows. The grounds has an impressive French garden as well.

Gorgeous building and grounds but way to busy inside the chàteaux to even move. I think alloted time slots would work better as we were like sardines trying to manoeuvre around the place. I found it quite stressful and claustrophobic.

Beautiful chateau with a wonderful and vast gardenThey are used to large visitors numbers and are really well organized with several computers before the gate where u can buy your tickets. They also allow dogs on the grounds and gardens just not inside the castle. They have several dining and snack options throughout the park as well. This is definitely one of the must see castles in the region.

Beautiful drive and location. Learned this castle was spared destruction during the revolution as it's rulers had always treated the subjects with kindness and compassion. During WWI this was offered up as a hospital. The tours are wonderful with so much to see. The chapel was particularly stunning. Highly recommend this treasure.

Beautiful Chateau with a lot of furniture, kitchen equipment, and period appropriate art.The gardens were beautiful and there were loads of trails to walk in the surrounding area.It was even pet friendly, but if you want to bring them inside they have to be in a carrier or bag.

Beautiful gardens and castle over the river. Lovely rooms inside filled with fresh bouquets. Would recommend renting a car to get here when the Remi shuttles are not running.

A breathtaking and unusual chateau on a bridge, which makes it stand out. It’s not oversized and the rooms are optimal for living, this makes the chateau quite welcoming and cozy.

Château de Chenonceau isBeautiful Castle with amazing history. Definitely give yourself plenty of time to walk through all the rooms .It would be beneficial to implement a one-way walking route, clearly indicated by arrows, to ensure a smooth and orderly flow of visitors. This would mitigate potential clashes between individuals.Gardens are greatly designed and a great place to relax. 🌿🌸Flowers in Château de Chenonceau are beautifully designed and so colorful.Having lockers is an excellent idea for tourists arriving by train with luggage. Definitely that service making the tour more pleasant. Thank you.

This is a favorite French château, due to its unique architecture, history, and functioning farm. The building stretches over and across a river, effectively being a castle on a bridge. The gardens are nicely kept, the kitchens allow for a look at historical cooking techniques, and the history of its ownership by wives and mistresses all make this place a unique treasure. A must-see for any Loire Valley chateau trip.

4.7

(40727)

4.5

(9161)

37150 Chenonceaux, France

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A really lovely chateau that was a fun stop on the trip. It's smaller than some of the more popular chateaux but well kept and you can see quite a bit of the property. I loved seeing family pictures set out and to get a feel of their lives. The gardens are, of course, the best and are worth a stop just for that alone. There's a room in there upstairs that is a gallery of photos of the grounds and gardeners that is really lovely. The family art collection is on display and while there isn't anything in there I liked, it certainly was interesting!

Absolutely marvellous, one could spend hours discovering the gardens, they are truly unique and beautiful. Another great thing, I’d like to highlight is how walking on grass is not forbidden. There is even a tennis court with grass.

We visited Villandry on New Year's Eve 2021. The chateau was decorated for the Christmas and New Year which made for a spectacular visit. Although the gardens were in winter mode, we admired the extent and layouts of the various elements.

What an amazing garden!I’m not sure I ever went to Versailles, but I sure saw a lot of castles, and this is more like a palace (on my definition of castle 😅, well on what I’m used to in Portugal and UK) but it is lovely!I had a great time seeing the castle and strolling through the garden.I didn’t get an audio guide but I listened a bit to the French tour, and even though I can’t speak French, I understood enough to say, if you get on time of a tour, take it ☺️.The tour is only on the castle, but the guide was funny and you could she she loved her job ☺️This place is really worth a visit, and I need more vacation days to see all the castles 🥰

We visited both the castle and the gardens. Especially the gardens were worth a visit for us. Very impressive how they made all the gardens and the vegetable garden is truly magnificent! We enjoyed our visited and were done in aprox 1.5 hour. Full price (both places) was 13€

Stunning chateau- the interior and history were fascinating as were the ornate and carefully manicured gardens. Would absolutely recommend. Friendly staff greeted us both coming in and leaving. Lovely experience overall. Well maintained parking near tourist centre, picnic tables available just in back over the bridge to a small river.

Fun place, tons of fun rooms and the gardens outside are loaded, even in the winter it was fun to see the whole layout. Easy to walk around and tons of viewpoints with different angles for the gardens.

This chateau has one of the most beautiful and pleasant smelling gardens in Loire Valley! It's well kept and super organized how they rotate the vegetations each season! I also like that there are explanations for everything in French and English. You can buy tickets just to visit the garden itself. The chateau is ok but u can climb to the roof top to get an aerial view of the garden and there are some interesting private art collections by the owner. Good place to bring kids. They would enjoy the maze.

Villandry Castle's garden is a true paradise for flower and garden enthusiasts. It's like stepping into a living painting, with beautifully manicured beds and elegant landscaping. The different sections offer diverse themes and styles, from classic French gardens to charming herb gardens. The meticulously pruned shrubs and geometric patterns add an air of elegance and precision. The garden's terraces provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Villandry's garden is a perfect place to stroll, relax, and admire the natural beauty. Highly recommended if you're in the area!

There are most interesting castles to see in this region. This one has very pretty gardens but besides that no special history and the castle itself is underwhelming compared to others.Staff were very friendly though and the castle remains owned by a family who takes good care of it, which is special.No need to buy tickets in advance, there was no wait. They offer a just garden option without castle and I would recommend this. Gardens are much nicer than the castle

Fantastic castle, beautifully renovated with amazing gardens.

Was definitely worth the visit. I could only imagine how beautiful it is in the spring, summer, and fall. As the winter colors were still impressive

Beautiful Chateau in the Loire countryside. As expected, the gardens were gorgeous even though we were a bit early in the season for most of the plants.

An incredible place to visit. The best chateau in the area. We visited both the house and gardens. In the house there was plenty to see and learn, with good information on the leaflets you are given about each room and it's history. But the gardens are the real gem here. They are amazing. Lots of different gardens to see and explore so plenty to do. The surrounding area is stunning too. Really easy to find, free parking as well and a very reasonable price for entry.

So many Chateaux open to the public, but this is one not to miss. The gardens are incredible and the care and upkeep of the grounds just fab. There are amazing geometric patterns in the hedging, peaceful lakes with fountains, kitchen gardens, a maze for the kids, and great explanations of how they conserve water and keep this amazing garden in pristine condition.

Huge!!! This château requires lots of walking and time. The gardens are a highlight and beautifully looked after. Great views of the garden throughout the entire château, don't forget to visit the garden at the back that has a pond and some swans, very peaceful.

Beautiful beautiful place even in autumn where the plants are not abundant. Great to know that the rates are reduced to just 3€ during winter months for the garden visit. A must visit — super tranquil and gorgeous.

Château de Villandry is a gem! Don't miss the gardens and the exclusive top-of-the-castle lookout – it's a treat! Explore rooms, soak in history, and catch those garden vibes. Must-visit for garden enthusiasts.Well worth doing the castle tour instead of just the gardens as well if you have time

Impressive castle even I went with the rain still really good view. Big and natural garden can walk around.

The garden of this castle are breathtaking. The garden visit is worth the ticket cost.This concept of garden mix of flowers and vegetable is really great. This castle that was confiscated during the French Revolution was then acquired by Emperor Napoleon for his brother. In 1906 was acquired by Carvallo family thus is still owning it. Since the beginning the family invested lot of money to create and maintain these amazing gardens.

One of the most well maintained historical garden. Highest level of garden art and garden care. I really admire extraordinary skills of gardeners that take care about this space and plants. All is perfectly beautiful even in November

4.7

(16749)

4.5

(4010)

3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France

4 lists

Fantastic zoo, well laid out, animals looked content and we saw all of them clearly. The grizzly bears and polar bears were amazing as was the bird show 🦒🦩🦛😃

A large zoo that takes a whole day to go round. The lodges are excellent with close-up views of your chosen animal. The upgraded meals are very good and worth the extra cost. The only downside was the animals in a lot of the enclosures are able to hide very effectively.

It was amazing! I really had a great time with my family. Especially the birds spectacle was fabulous! And at the madagascar zone, you can see Lemurs very closely. If you are lucky, they jump on your shoulder and stay (but you are not allowed to touch). I totally recommend this place. Thank you very much!

Really good zoo. Very well thought out. Shady on a hot day and plenty of different viewing angles for the animals.

Well spaced out, seems like animals have good space for themselves but also not too far to walk. Good day for the family . Also, came on UK half term Wednesday morning and was very quiet.

Amazing place to stay for a weekend. Lodges are really well decorated and you have a unique view from your bedroom. We were lucky to have the white lions close to us during the stay.

It was a great experience for me and my kid. The zoo has a variety of animals from flamingos to elephant and lions.It's a nice place to visit. I recommend it.

My son and I drove about 40 minutes to check out this zoo. We have been to many in America, and this may be our favorite of all time. The enclosures were large for all the animals, but had sufficient viewing areas for guests. On a hot day, we really appreciated how much shade there was.

Wonderful zoo about an hour from the Loire valley. Best part is they have lodges over looking the animals. We stayed at the artic wolves. I thought maybe we'd see them once. Pleasantly surprised they came several times. We sat on the veranda to eat the provided dinner and they came right to the window. The animal enclosures at the zoo were very large and landscape well so that if they animals wanted to stay hidden they could.

Incredibly good place. Very high welfare standards for the animals. All the demonstrations were awesome I it's truest sense and the staff are obviously great and committed. Stayed in the Yukon Lodge for a night and it will be an experience I'll never forget.

Big zoo with shaded, curvy walk ways and so much to see. Lots of rest areas and food spots as well. The kids loved it.

Really fantastic zoo, took my little boy in October. Really clean, lovely animal habitats, we got to feed a baby giraffe! Will definitely visit again. Also their own brand of beer is delicious.

Very good zoo! The nature is beautiful, there are many animals and they are clearly visible to both adults and children.

Was a bit apprehensive about visiting as worried the animals not having enough space or privacy but the whole park is fantastic with happy animals and birds. Beautifully landscaped grounds and seating areas. Will definitely visit again when the new enclosure is finished. Would certainly recommend you visit this beautiful zoo.

Great Zoo, well worth the two day pass as there is plenty to do. Got to see animals I have never seen before, even from other zoos. Not a French speaker, but they had information in English for the animals and the staff were well versed enough to help us out! Would definitely go again if I am in the area again, and would highly recommend!

We stayed overnight at the Beaver Creek lodge (overlooking grizzly bears) and it was by far one of the best experiences of my life. The rooms are amazing, dinner was excellent and the whole thing felt really special on every level. It was good fun to walk around the zoo in the after hours. overall we spent around 24 hours inside and we could stay even longer.

4.4

(22773)

4.5

(4126)

Le Tertre Rouge, 72200 La Flèche, France

9 lists

Nice chateau and ground not huge plan to spend about 2-3 hours all in all.There is audio guide, as well as brochures in English and France, look like below 18 is free, take about 20 min walk to/from the train station and pass the main road which have few restaurants, there is also a nice place to eat in the chateau grounds.

Beautiful castle! I’ve been doing a tour of the castles in the Loire and out of the 6 I’ve seen, I think this is a must see. Though if you are most interested in history over just seeing a cool looking castle, this one doesn’t have much to share. Would recommend Chenonceau for this instead

Amazing chateau built on top of an island, lots of ancient logs of oak from the original forests up in the attic section. Very impressive location and has great views from practically every angle. There are other shops/cafes nearby. Good stop when doing bike rides in this part of France.

Beautiful chateaux with friendly staff and most importantly they allowed our pooch into the grounds. Can't understand why they don't all that? Well worth the 11.50 euros with beautiful grounds to also explore.

Marvelous. It is a big castle, but not oversized making the visit very pleasant. The staff at the entrance was quite cheerful and nice. It was right away a good Starr. Eautiful gardens, impressive woodwork at the top of the building.

To be fair we didn't go inside of the chateau as it was closed by the time we showed up. But the garden and it's views were absolutely gorgeous. The town it sets in also was beautifully set on the same small river and every bit as charming as this white castle itself. May not be as big or majestic, it has a more petite coziness to it, made it more real and personal.

Que dire...la vie de château nous a été permise pendant quelques heures. C'était formidable et très édifiant de se replonger dans les fastes d'antan. Les lieux regorgeaient de sculptures magnifiques..de vraies dentelles. Le parc très bien entretenu etait agréable à découvrir...Les explications tout au long de la visite étaient bienvenues et très claires..nous remercions tous les intervenants qui nous ont fait vivre ces moments de grâce.(Translated by Google)What can I say...castle life was allowed to us for a few hours. It was wonderful and very edifying to immerse ourselves in the splendors of yesteryear. The places were full of magnificent sculptures...real lace. The very well maintained park was pleasant to discover...The explanations throughout the visit were welcome and very clear...we thank all the speakers who made us experience these moments of grace.

Gorgeous caste and grounds. It is not a big as the others but I loved it as there were no crowds and the gardens were beautiful and the interior of the house well maintained and the entrance fee reasonable. The castle itself is stunning.

What a beautiful and romantic chateau atop an idyllic lake with a bubbling stream and handsome woods nearby. The architecture and grounds of the castle are beautiful, and the interior is full of richly decorated rooms with plenty of history.

Superbe château visité dans de bonnes conditions avec peu de monde. C'est toujours agréable de vivre la vie de châtelain à différentes époques! Très bien rénové et entretenu(Translated by Google)Superb castle visited in good conditions with few people. It's always nice to experience the life of a squire in different eras! Very well renovated and maintained

Our first Chateau in France and it did not disappoint. Smaller, but beautifully presented. Not crowded at all and the villiage a marvel. Well worth the visit.

One of the nicer looking chateaus in my opinion. With a lot of information for each room and its paintings. I felt other chateaus didn’t really have much information on the paintings on the wall so plus point for this chateau. Loved the scenery around the castle too. They also had different translations for the explanations. Steps can be quite uneven though so do be careful!

Le plus beau de tous les châteaux vus jusqu'ici .Magnifique parc et intérieur exceptionnel avec de très beaux meubles anciens.On peut suivre l'histoire de ce château avec la visite fléchée ou prendre un guide.Nous avons passé un très bon moment.Possibilité de se restaurer à la sortie.(Translated by Google)The most beautiful of all the castles seen so far.Magnificent park and exceptional interior with very beautiful old furniture.You can follow the history of this castle with the signposted tour or take a guide.We had a great time.Possibility to eat at the exit.

Amazing setting with a great story behind it. There was also an impressive costume exhibit spread throughout the Chateau. Very interesting but still let you focus on the chateau itself.

One of the jewels of the chateaux of the Loire. Made of striking white stone and sitting in the middle of its own lake. It has different facades so make time to walk around the lake on the nature paths and enjoy it from different angles. Sometimes you can catch the chateau reflecting in the pool. There are rooms inside with decorations from different periods that it was occupied, and they span several hundred years. There are some lovely paintings also. A word of warning there are many staircases and the round ones are very steep. There is a restaurant onsite and a gift shop. There are multiple paid parking lots but a certain T navigation put me behind the castle, while the big G put me in the nearby town. Well worth the price of admission. If not too busy plan for 1.5-2 hours.

Magnifique château avec plein de surprises. Des Meubles intéressants à découvrir, de jolies tentures et de nombreuses fiches explicatives dans chaque pièce. Véritable vaisseau de chêne, la charpente du château d’Azay-le-Rideau est exceptionnelle ! Se promener dans le parc extérieur, plusieurs essences d'arbres, des parterres colorés.Prix de l'entrée correcte et nombreux parkings à proximité. N'hésitez pas !(Translated by Google)Magnificent castle with lots of surprises. Interesting furniture to discover, pretty hangings and numerous explanatory sheets in each room. A true oak vessel, the framework of the Azay-le-Rideau castle is exceptional! Walk in the outdoor park, several species of trees, colorful flowerbeds.Fair entry price and plenty of parking nearby. Do not hesitate !

Gorgeous Chateau in the French countryside, with water all around and beautiful architecture. A nice visit. You can bring a dog in the gardens and, if you can carry it, into the chateau.

Nice chateau. Very different from others in the area we visited. This one feels more livable and less like a show of power. The fine art exhibit was very nice. Off the beaten track but worth a visit. Nearby is a church where Jeanne de Arc stopped for a blessing on the way to her battle for Orleans.

Un des plus beaux châteaux de la région ! Immanquable si vous passez dans le coin, nous l'avons fait en vélo, il y a un espace dédié pour se garer. Le château et ses alentours sont merveilleux. C'est un écrin d'Histoire où se mêle de belles histoires et de beaux paysages.(Translated by Google)One of the most beautiful castles in the region! Unmissable if you are in the area, we did it by bike, there is a dedicated space to park. The castle and its surroundings are wonderful. It is a showcase of history where beautiful stories and beautiful landscapes mingle.

This place is all about the love of sport and an enjoyable lifestyle, the secret passages are amazing, the atic is huge. The structure clearly identifies the attention to detail.

Such an incredible castle with well preserved furniture, art objects and also an enchanting garden.P.S.: The entrance is free if you are under 26.

My favourite chateau. This is taken out of a princess movie. Absolutely impressive and it gives that hint of magic. Not much to say about the inside as I was still shell shocked by its outside looks - but I am convinced it was beautiful and interesting. I will absolutely return, even once in this life.

Magnifique château, meublé et des informations affichées dans toutes les pièces. Ne manquez pas de visiter le premier niveau de L'aile gauche et admirer la charpente. C'est impressionnant de beauté et d'ingénierie.Le jardin de légumes anciens, à gauche de l'entrée du parc est remarquable. Outre les 'études anciens, il propose une grande variété de plantes aromatiques dont une dizaine de menthes différentes.(Translated by Google)Magnificent castle, furnished and information displayed in all rooms. Don't miss visiting the first level of the left wing and admiring the framework. It is impressive in its beauty and engineering.The old vegetable garden, to the left of the park entrance, is remarkable. In addition to old studies, it offers a wide variety of aromatic plants including around ten different mints.

Beautiful castle from the 1500s with lots of original and newer furniture, paintings and tapestries. Besides displays in French and English, each room on the tour has large cards in multiple languages explaining the items in the room. Tours with a guide, audio, or self (13 Euros). The ticket office has a gift shop and free brochures in multiple languages. The grounds and surrounding town are also very nice to walk through with lots of restaurants, shops, beautiful scenery with river views, and a campground.

Beautiful château. Nice walk inside and around the gardens. Not too long so perfect for a couple of hours. Nice ice-cream in cafe too.

This beautiful chateau is a delight to walk around (especially with your dog). The gardens are not as spectacular as other chateaus in the area but better better shaded and with more green grass for just lazing about on while admiring the castle. The chateau itself is quite small inside but very well preserved.Photographers will love the 360 degree shots you can get of this castle.There is paid parking close to the castle.Dogs are admitted to the ground but must be carried in a bag inside the castle.

A smaller more intimate chateau but every bit as beautiful and charming!!

Had a nice surprise when we when to pay. It was free for blue badge holders and there partnersWonderful place on island in the river

4.6

(14742)

4.5

(3209)

19 Rue Balzac, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France

6 lists

Underwhelming - on paper this should have been right up my street but right from arriving in the town (confusing signage to the carpark - there are at least 2) to using the audio self guide (lots of waffle and quite hard to navigate from one item to the next - signage in the Abbé was also not great). There was actually an English speaking tour (same price as the audio one) about to start so it would have been nice to have been told. They were also setting up for a concert or something so there were lots of barriers stacked up and people setting up lights. It was interesting but quite hard to picture how it was. More interesting than the older stuff was the time it spent as a prison.

Absolutely stunning architecturePicturesque village

Again one not to miss. This superb Abbey is a burial place of Henry 2, Richard the Lion-heart and ,

Excellent visit here. The Abbey is the resting place for Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Richard the Lionheart. Recommended.

The grounds are absolutely breathtaking! This place is definitely very remote and peaceful, which would have been perfect for nuns centuries ago to get closer to their faith. When I visited, it left a large impression on me. The stone work on the outside of the building was impressive and felt like a building that could easily fit into the Paris landscape. Overall, if you want to experience something that most people outside of France may not know about, I'd say visiting the grounds here and seeing what performances are happening here would be a great use of time. Hope that anyone else who comes here has just as good an experience as I did. Not to mention there is also some excellent restaurants close by!

Well worth a visit. Close to a very quaint french village on the banks of the Loire, very close to Saumur. The village also has a small chateau with a modern art expo at the moment.

Marvelous and historic Abbey close to the Loire, dating from the 12thC.Impressive architecture and the resting place of royalty. Also a museum of modern art.

The Abbey is amazing and much larger than expected. Also the village at the Abbey is so beautiful and there is a hotel, restaurants and wine bars and artists shops.

Einfach fantastisch und eindrucksvoll! Einen halben Tag muss man im Minimum investieren.(Translated by Google)Simply fantastic and impressive! You have to invest a minimum of half a day.

The Abbaye has been very well restored over the years - with shiny clean walls and floors and very little inside the main church - a few tombs and an altar.We found the most interesting part to be the rooms recounting the history of when the abbey was used as s prison, after the French Revolution. There were lots of information panels and artefacts from the era - bringing the rooms to life.Parking is in the centre of town and can be busy.

Terrible to find parking but it is signed in its own way. Came here about 8 years ago and wow have they transformed it. Brilliant for a half or even full day and considering what you get and what they have done with it the €12 entry fee is very reasonable. Lots of things to see and very good, detailed explanations in French and English.Set in a lovely visit, again worth a trip in its own right a fantastic way to spend a lovely day.

Beautiful Gothic Abbey with a pretty good Modern art museum also. There was a Monet exhibition when I visited with friends; this was exceptional!! Lovely grounds, Abbey is well maintained and preserved. Some interpretation is in English, but this is inconsistent throughout. The history about the abbey being a prison etc was interesting too! Cafe in the grounds is good value, and there is good ice cream shop just outside the gates. Recommend a visit if you’re in the area.

Impressive Abbey definitely worth visiting. Both the Abbey and grounds are beautiful. We also visited while a Rembrandt collection was on display in the museum and paid €20 euros each, which was great value as we spent hours there.

Main reason for visiting was to see the effigies of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard I (and Isabella of France). Enjoyed the large screens which had information in English as well. Information about the nuns who lived there and their daily lives. And about the Abbey as a prison. There was more there than I expected.The terrace cafe had about 4 choices if baguette. No vegan options and the vegetarian baguette option had sold out. Typical. A couple of salads available. I had the goats cheese one which was OK. Cookies, pretzels and muffins also on offer.The museum with the modern artwork was OK for a wander around.

Interesting Abbey by its history - especially the part where it was converted to a prison. Very well maintained, with special expositions, some coffee place outside, wine bar, hotel and upscale restaurant (1* Michelin). English translations were rare. Visit time anywhere from 1,5h to 2h at least.Parking nearby, free of charge.

Wunderschöner Ort, war Abends da mit traumhafter Beleuchtung, es ist auf jeden Fall eine Reise wert und ich werde auch noch einmal am Tag wiederkommen um mir alles anzuschauen 👍🏼😊(Translated by Google)Beautiful place, was there in the evening with fantastic lighting, it's definitely worth a trip and I'll come back again a day to see everything 👍🏼😊

A wonderful place to visit. The mix of history and modern art is very well set out. We could have stayed all day!

A slow visit is called for.Much to see and to admire.The past abbeyes of the Abbey would have been proud of their "women's lib" activities which was risky and far ahead of their time.

Beautiful place, amazingly well restored. Plus the tombs of Richard the Lion-hearted and Eleanor of Aquitaine -- what more could you ask? Great guides and info, plus the village square outside for a quick meal or drink. Lovely.

Overall, it is a nicely preserved/renovated building, but it is empty - as you would expect from a decomissioned prison. It has some fairly interesting bits, but definitely a skippable venue. Overall, it is just a waste of time: it is big and boring, hence you can't get over it fast.

4.6

(6315)

4.5

(2250)

49590 Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, France

6 lists

Amazing Parc for a great price. The biggest aviary you have in Europe and you will ever seen. Also the animals have a lot of space in their enclosure and also together with other species, it's really amazing. Everything is in France or English written on maps and signposts and also the information about the animals are in 2 languages. The food prices are very high and you are not allowed to eat your own food in the Parc but across the Parc they have neatly picnic tables what my 2 young kids adore. You can get a free stamp to go in and outside the parc. The only thing I missed at the back of the Parc is a feeding time for the lions cheetah this was only available at the beginning.Definitely worth to visit and enough to see to stay a whole day.

Spend time with the animals in as close to nature as you will find, this isn't a zoo, no depressingly small cages.

We took family there recently whilst on holiday. The two boys, aged 6 and 7 and the adults all really enjoyed it. Set in a beautiful stone quarry, various of animals and birds, wooden carvings of animals (the boys loved climbing on these and having photos on them!). Cafe available overlooking the giraffes and zebras. Numerous little kiosks around the site to buy a drink or snack. Each zone is clearly marked, so it's easy to follow to ensure you don't miss anything. Great gift shop. Parking is opposite, across the road. A great afternoon out!

Wonderful place for people of all ages. Plenty of space for visitors and excellent facilities. Cafes. Toilets. All animals were kept in large areas . Great day out.

Excellent zoo. Animals are set in their natural environment and there are two routes - through tunnels and normal path to reach them. Tunnels give you break from the heat in the summer and you appear from them into brand new enviroment. You get very close to animals and there is good choice to see for one day. We arrived just before 11am and stayed until giraffes feeding at 5.30pm ( where you get the chance to feed them yourself). Shows (around 15min) are in French only but you get to see the animals being fed right at the end of it so it is worth it. We stopped for lunch in the giraffe restaurant and it was bit confusing as you get your main elsewhere , all bit heavy for me to eat in the summer with limited salad choice ( if any) but they had vegan burger my daughter was pleased about. Good gift shop. Visit here is highly recommended!

Interesting zoo built into an old quarry. Food at the la giraffe restaurant was fantastic. Kids loved it.

Amazing setting and the animals all looked very well cared for. A good day out!

Love this Bioparc and have been 5 times now, lunch was very tasty and reasonably priced with the added bonus of being right next to the Giraffe and Zebras.

Amazing zoo,so much to see and do. Loved the bird enclosure and the goats, nice to get close to the animals. We'll designed so you can follow the path and see all exhibits. You can easily spend a whole day here

Absolutely wonderful zoological Gardens set in a remarkable array of quarry pits giving a unique possibility to get close to some amazing animals.Very knowledgeable and attentive staff gave fascinating explanations about the lifestyles and conservation projects associated with this wide range of animals.The aviaries are absolutely spectacular.So much space for the birds that you walk through and really feel that you are in their environment.Genuinely one of my favourite places to visit in the area.Certainly, my favourite zoo – anywhere!

An excellently set out park which we found totally accessible for someone with a wheelchair which we borrowed from the site. The whole place was well marked all the way through from Stop 1 to Stop 38. The signs were in English as well as French. There are plenty of toilets dotted around the park and nice eating places too. (Sadly no vegan options). The only thing we didn’t take advantage of was the feeding times which would be well worth it with the lions and rhino etc. A lovely day and well worth a visit. 🤙

I love France and all it's amazing architecture, but I have to say that this was a delightful day to see something totally different on our tour of France. It was fun to see the animals in such a natural type habitat. I was at first worried that the large spaces would make it so we would not be able to see the animals, but the viewing areas are so smartly set up so that you can see most corners. My family was all super pleased with putting this on our trip.

Very unusual place and one of the most nature-like animal parks I've been to. Brilliantly constructed into the underlying rocks, makes it feel almost as if there are no fences. Not too many animals in the park when we were there, but it's okay. Kind of gave it a real life feeling of animal spotting.

It is a different type of zoo. Animals seem to be kept more freely there. We really enjoyed this zoo. It's smaller than "regular" zoos, but it's a very fun one. We enjoyed there and it's highly recommended.

The best zoo I have ever been to. You have to see it to believe what they’ve done to create the most incredible spaces for their animals. Must see if you’re in that area, worth travelling to from far and wide for sure.

We enjoyed our day out, one of the best zoo we've been . Bring water to drink with you for it is a long walk. Well there is bar and restaurant and small shop for snacks that you can go to. Our kids love the small sport activity at the end bits and we love the caves bit and birds area. It is worth a visit. They have big parking at the front side of the zoo and souvenirs shop . Follow our YT channel Angeline Thomas for our travel vlogs.

4.6

(11843)

4.5

(1932)

103 Rue de Cholet, 49700 Doué-la-Fontaine, France

8 lists

Great place for family most of attractions are for kids at least 120cm, so pay attention for heights of your little ones.We went in February unfortunately weather was a bit cold but the great advantage, we entered directly to attractions, NO waiting lines.It’s was a bit annoying that most of attractions are virtually so at some point I felt dizzy 😵‍💫Their final fountain show is just AMAZING, I had never seen something similar!

Really great park.Most of the things are good for all ages, excluding the Rollercoaster and the dance with the Robot.The restaurant was nice and cheap.Even with rain it is possible to have a nice day there.

One of the best 4D experience my family and I have ever tried. Very futuristic and full of curiosity. You will never expectbwhats coming. Do not miss out the Tornado Chaser ride and the robot dance. It's awesome!

The park had good attractions but we were disappointed. We expected more, expected a bigger park.. we were told we’d need 2 days but 1 day is enough.

A great park that's unlike any other I've been to. The attractions are varied and very exciting plus we really enjoyed the magic show. A strange thing is that some of the restaurants close after lunch and don't reopen until 7pm, which I found odd/frustrating for a theme park. I'm still rating 5* because I think the afternoon closure is a cultural thing.

We loved it... we took a fast pass for 5 attractions and it saved us a lot of time. If you want to do the Danse with robot, do the double not the tripple seat version as the double seat robot is much much more intense.

2nd time visiting ,this time we done the afternoon from 1700 on which was great .if your in the region then it's a must for the children .The Tornado show was brilliant and the final show was just something you got to ser .

A good parc with some nice rides. The parc is not too big and can be done in one day.There are queues but with the app and showtimes you can make the most of your day!

Perfect Day out with our teenage son. We visited on a non peak day, so queues were very low and could almost walk on most attractions. Staff were so friendly and helpful. Always a pleasure to visit, and the new Aquascope attraction is taking shape, looks like it will be awesome once opened.

Fun fun fun! Didn't expect that fun when I was planning the trip and was very positively surprised.

The place is starting to get old and quality of some ride is very bad. But some rides on the other hand are very well made and exciting. The park focuses a lot on attractions for a younger audience. Meals are around 20 euros per menu and for all you can eat restaurants it'd going to be 30/40.

Various 4D experiences , suitable for kids(7-year old and above) and adults. Winter time maybe no need express pass, summer time …not sure how long you have to queue for the popular one.My favorite is “l’extraordinaire voyage” and my son’s favorite is “Les machines à voyager dans le temps».

A very dated theme park with only a single rollercoaster ride. All the rest of the rides are video / simulator type rides. There are a few shows which were enjoyable. The queues went down quickly on most rides.It's no Alton Towers so if you're expecting an experience like that then you'll probably be disappointed. It's still a nice day out though.

A good amusem*nt park with a focus on video based rides. The park was clean and has a good number of picnic spots to hang out and have your own meals. You will walk a lot to see all attractions but they put beautiful vegetation and flowers in the park and the architecture of the buildings is interesting. We were there outside school vacation time and the longest wait was about 45 minutes and close to zero at the end of the day. On the downside, meal options were quite reduced. My main complaint about the park is that there is little to do for people with motion sickness.

I went there for 2 days great experience gold pass for 99£ a day per person is a bit too much but you literally skip the hole queue of 1h everywhere there is a big arcade with everything you could imagine it was soo great. At 5mn there is zero gravity qn indoor skydiving actyvity it is amazing image of it below.

First visit at futuroscope, really nice. A good part of the attractions in 3d cinema, very popular awareness of the environment, very pleasant parkA pleasant place for a short stay with enough to have a good time at an affordable price. A bit sad because we didn't visit Arthur attraction😞Like all parks, there is quite a wait for certain activities. I recommend🙌

4.3

(73246)

4.0

(16117)

Av. René Monory, 86360 Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France

25 lists

4.5

(4714)

17000 La Rochelle, France

+40 other lists

I went to visit the aquarium on a Thursday morning and I could freely enjoy all the wonders because it was not crowded. It is a very calming and educational place and is perfect for the whole family, adults and children. It includes a multitude of aquariums and numerous species of fish and marine life, but also an Amazonian forest. At the exit there is also a toy shop with a wide variety of plush toys in the form of fish and other specific animals. I recommend the visit without any hesitation

excellent aquarium, way more than i expected!! so much too see! over 60 different tanks to see, brilliant for kids and adults. We spent maybe 3 hours which was plenty. They had sharks, turtles, crabs ect. They also had a good shop at the end with lots of souvenirs and a cafe upstairs which sold lots of yummy foods and drinks. Would highly highly recommend for all ages.

Very beautiful aquarium. Compared to Sealife or other aquariums this a much better one when it comes to variety and style. You can easily spend half a day with family and kids here. The collection is huge and there is a auditorium for kids. Beautifully decorated and designed. Absolutely recommended

I enjoyed the visit over here, where u can see all different types of sea creatures. Recommended.

This aquarium is underrated. It's actually not that small, with toddlers, we spent a good 1.5-2 hours in here. love the long opening hours from 10-20. Totally worth coming back to La Rochelle for. The first floor has all the local Atlantic fish (which are like fish we eat? So they were pretty ugly). But when you first come in, you come into a very cool jellyfish tunnel. Then on the upper floor, you start to see more colorful fish from Indo-pacific and that was really fun. The facilities are nice, they have some really cool sea horses that I haven't really seen elsewhere. Some tanks are low where you can look from above without a glass (a lot of confidence in people not touching the fish...) and a lot of different type of lobsters and crabs. They have a large tank with maybe 6 medium and small sharks which you can see really well. The coolest part was the sea turtle which I honestly have not seen anywhere else. Maybe this isn't world class like the Osaka Aquarium or the Okinawa one but it's pretty good and I would probably get an annual membership next time. Absolutely no crowds on an October Monday. Awesome.

Nice Aquarium with some local but also exotic animals and fishes. Not too big but big enough to walk through it in about 1h or 1h30min. They have many different jellyfishes which we liked and of course the sharks which cannot be missed in such an aquarium. I can recommend a visit for an afternoon when staying in La Rochelle.

Catastrophe! It was extremely crowded and thus not possible to enjoy the visit. Definitely not worth the entrance fee. In addition it was really noisy and no COVID protections are in place.

A curious aquarium with great variety of water creatures. Try to avoid going from 11 to 15 as there are too many people. It is open till very late.

Visited in September on a Sunday. Busy enough but not overcrowded. Good aquarium with wide variety of species and water tanks. €17.50 each, plus parking for four adults was quite a lot to pay.

Really lovely little aquarium. Only took me 45 minutes to get round but could have drawn it out if I hadn't had a flight to catch. Audio guide didn't work and written info in French and English, so I didn't even need it. Very clean. It's small but great to spend a bit of time here as there is so much to see. Would recommend.I love the idea of the extended opening hours even though I went on a Saturday morning. Also love the seating areas to just watch the sharks and turtle. We'll worth a visit. The tanks with wave machines were brilliant and I loved the variety of fish.

This is a superb aquarium and was the highlight of our visit to La Rochelle.There is very reasonable parking just outside which makes getting there very easy. All the exhibits have dual language information so perfect for French and English speakers. The aquarium is large over two floors organised by ocean and finishing with a tropical rainforest exhibit!As a family of four it cost €60, so not a cheap activity, we were there about two hours. However the kids loved it, it was very well done, educational and exciting so I’d say worth the fee. I’d recommend a visit.

Nice place with excellent aquarium glass solutions (kids tunnel, curved glass where it seems that you are in the water). That was really cool and our Kids loved it). It takes 1 hour if you go through quickly, 2 if you spend more time at the single spots. Note: Order your tickets online to use the fast lane at the entry ;-)

We visited this aquarium on the 18th November and spent almost 3 hours in there. It is probably one of the best aquarium we’ve ever visited in France.

Fantastic experience!!! Beautiful 🐠 the aquarium de la Rochelle is the best place to be! Well spotted in the hearts of the city.The staff were friendly

I went here with my family. The aquarium was extremely packed with people even thought it was late afternoon. There was a big line of people in front of entrance. I advance you to buy tickets online. It was really hot inside, probably thanks to the crowds. You have to find one spot by the glass and just move with the crowd, if you want to see everything. Also, I was looking forward to buying the aquariums touristic coin, but they were sold out. But I have to say that the place is huge and they've got many kinds of fish, crabs, etc. It was beautiful, but the crowds were uncomfortable. Overall, it was nice.

Big aquarium with many fishes, jellyfishes and corals. Its divided thematically into several parts (local sea, Mediterranean, Caribbean,...). Labels ate in French and English also. During weekend, there was a lot of people.

Excellent aquarium that remains educational but fun for kids. My five year old absolutely loved it. Clean, well maintained, and enjoyable. Tip: Don't queue for tickets, just buy them online from the web site. I saw the queue of 100+ people so got my phone out, bought tickets for that exact time and walked straight in.

I have been in a few European aquariums and this one is only good. There is plenty to see but it lacks the possibility of interacting with some of the animals which for children can be a little boring. I could not find big turtles just small ones so I was disappointed. Overall interesting but expected more.

Beautiful aquarium but i was expecting a little bigger

One of the most beautiful aquarium in the world, explanations in English and French. From local to tropical, fish, mussels, to oysters, so much to see and learn. It's all so well maintained. Take some 2,5 hrs for the visit

It is a really nice and modern aquarium. Probably the best ever. Like most comments, we like the diversity of sea animals, the clear info, the settings. Especially, the animals are very well taken care of. I personally love the jellyfish area so much. The staff are very nice and welcoming.However, we understand that it is a high season so there are so many people inside. It got difficult to breathe and it was a bit too hotTherefore, for all future visitors, buy tickets in advance to avoid the queue, take a small fan and some water with you.

There were some interesting species to see at La Rochelle Aquarium!We enjoyed walking around, having a look at the different fish and taking photos. However, it was so busy and loud that we could barely hear ourselves think - it was also really difficult to get to the front of each tank to be able to have a closer look at the fish inside.There also wasn’t as much variety as we expected for the ticket price, which was a bit of a shame.I definitely do not recommend going during a school holiday or it will be overly packed but, otherwise, it was a nice enough experience.

Truly impressive aquarium with numerous tanks and one of 1 250 000 litres with sharks in it.Beautiful fishes , splendid visit .I have visited different aquariums in Europe aux as London’s and Berlin’s . This one is by far the greatest

La Rochelle Aquarium, Quai Louis Prunier, 17000 La Rochelle, France. One of the best aquariums that we have been to. It takes you around the world and shows you different fish in their environments. Our two kids were entertained for over 3 hours and saw some tanks and features which we have never seen in aquariums before. Well worth a visit if in the area.

4.1

(7119)

4.0

(9267)

Quai Louis Prunier, 17000 La Rochelle, France

+15 other lists

Monument incontournable à visiter. Attention il y a pas mal de marches à gravir pour se rendre au sommet. Mais la vue à 360 degré est superbe. Vous avez un grand parking à vélos, quelques boutiques à souvenirs et restaurants.(Translated by Google)A must-see monument to visit. Be careful there are quite a few steps to climb to get to the top. But the 360 ​​degree view is superb. You have ample bicycle parking, a few souvenir shops and restaurants.

Il de Re is always such a pleasure to visit. The island is great for walking cycling and passing the time of day doing nothing. The walk to the lighthouse from the seafront is a real joy flat so no hills to climb, on arrival there are plenty of restaurants and bars to have a cool drink and lovely food. Visit you will not be disappointed.

It’s great the french allow these sort of landmarks to be entered . Great cycling from the whole island to view. Cycling dream and all virtually on car free routes .

Nice bike ride to the lighthouse, selection of cafes, all reasonably priced. Lots of places to lock bikes up if you fancy an unencumbered walk around or even a trip to the top of the lighthouse itself

Worth the climb. The views are beautiful. No waiting in line for the tickets. It was fast.We bought the tickets in advance.

Beau phare qui offre un panorama à 360° au bout de l'île de Ré.Visité hors saison donc peu d'affluence et qui demande un peu d'effort pour grimper les 257 marches.Entrée payante.(Translated by Google)Beautiful lighthouse which offers a 360° panorama at the end of the island of Ré. Visited out of season so there are few crowds and which requires a little effort to climb the 257 steps.Paid entry.

Ein tolles Fleckchen Erde. Hier sollte man gewesen sein! Über die ausgeschilderten Fahrradwege angefahren und eine sehr schöne Zeit hier verbracht. Auf dem Leuchtturm hat man eine grandiose Aussicht auf die Insel und das Meer. Über 250 Stufen braucht man um den Turm zu besteigen. Der Preis für die Besteigung ca. 5€Was uns fair erscheint, bei der Aussicht.Einfach nur schön(Translated by Google)A great piece of earth. You should have been here! Arrived via the signposted cycle paths and had a very nice time here. From the lighthouse you have a magnificent view of the island and the sea. You need over 250 steps to climb the tower. The price for the climb is around 5€Which seems fair to us, considering the prospect.Just beautiful

Nice place to visit. Climb is not hard. View is nice. Bought some salt from the island too

Nice historical lighthouse. Rather touristy shacks set up nearby but good if you need to stop for a refreshing drink or ice cream.

Belle découverte. Site superbe, surtout hors saison car il n'y a pas trop de touristes. Un peu trop de vélos indisciplinés à mon goût. Je recommande cette balade.(Translated by Google)Great discovery. Superb site, especially out of season because there are not too many tourists. A bit too many unruly bikes for my liking. I recommend this walk.

Excellent, get the ticket for all three attractions.As you would expect lots of spiral stairs.We turned up on spec, but would think buying a ticket in advance best in high season.

Super cool place to visit. It’s a long drive to get here from La Rochelle, but well worth it. Entrance fee and parking fee, but neither was unreasonable.

Magnifique lieu.Pour 4.50, nous sommes montés en haut du phare ou la vue est imprenable.Café, gaufres, glaces vous attendent à son pied. Des magasins de vêtements et autres également.(Translated by Google)Magnificent place.For 4.50, we climbed to the top of the lighthouse where the view is breathtaking.Coffee, waffles, ice creams await you at its foot. Clothing stores and others as well.

Eine ganz tolle Fahrrad Tour entlang am Meer Richtung Leuchturm👍😊Die salzhaltige Luft tut echt gut 👍(Translated by Google)A really great bike tour along the sea towards the lighthouse👍😊The salty air is really good 👍

Very picturesque sightseeing and one of the most famous island landmarks. One would believe it's the end of the island - although it is the most Western point, it is technically not, as the island as got a hook shape the real end is rather the Trousse-chemise beach. You cannot park at the lighthouse itself - car parks are now a few minutes walk away, which actually makes the experience much better.

We visited the lighthouse, the view from it was stunning. There is a lot of steps to climb (almost 300 if memory serves right) but it's well worth it, as well as the money. Will certainly come back if I get a chance.

Une super visite à ne surtout pas rater quand on est en vacances à l’île de ré !Dommage qu’ils ne prennent pas les chèques vacances Connect… ça serait bien de se mettre à la page niveau technologie..sinon c’était top !(Translated by Google)A great visit not to be missed when you are on vacation on the Ile de Ré!Too bad they don’t take Connect holiday vouchers… it would be nice to get up to speed in terms of technology..otherwise it was great!

Really interesting price of local history. Great story of its construction and people involved. 257 steps to the top but places to stop and rest on the way if you need it.

Wonderful lighthouse that invites to climb up on the top. When the ocean is at low tide, catching crabs is most fun for the kids.

Beautiful overview over the sea and island, even on less sunny days a visit to consider. The climb to the top is a bit long but not impossible. With the right weather conditions and high tide it is possible to spot 'cross seas'. A sea state that only happens in rare places in the world, among which at the Phare des Baleines. Don't forget to check out the small souvenir shop.

Vue magnifique sur la mer et pour les courageux montez en haut du phare où il y a un splendide panorama de l'île. Différents magasins de souvenirs et de vêtements et de quoi se restaurer mais surtout prendre un bon bol d'air iodé !!(Translated by Google)Magnificent view of the sea and for the brave climb to the top of the lighthouse where there is a splendid panorama of the island. Different souvenir and clothing stores and something to eat but above all take a good breath of salty air!!

We came 10 min before closing the museum. We bought tickets and managed to get back at 18÷59:) great view from the top, spiral, safe stairs , lots of cafes nearby.

Very nice touristic area, the access is easy by bicycle. You can learn it history in the museum on site. There are multiple restaurants.

257 steps to the top, but the views over the west part of the island are excellent. The lighthouse was built in 1854. There are plenty of restaurants and a view shops at the base of the lighthouse. Well worth a visit.

Ile de ré Phare des Baleines : Endroit qu'il faut absolument visiter. C'est un incontournable de l'île offrant un très beau panorama. On peut s'y rendre par le vélo soit par les marais ou par le bois, les deux parcours sont à faire. Recommandons.(Translated by Google)Ile de Ré Phare des Baleines: Place that you absolutely must visit. It is a must-see on the island offering a beautiful panorama. You can get there by bike either through the marshes or through the woods, both routes are to be done. Recommend.

Biking or driving here, it's well worth the journey to the western most part of the Ile. Both lighthouses are impressive, with the shorter being 100's of years old. Plenty of photo opportunities and an abundant gift shop.The promenade leading up to the end has many vendors selling food and souvenirs.

3.5 euros for the climb up, went early before the clouds and it was a challenging but not too difficult climb up the lighthouse. Nice views and a few historical information of the maritime activities of the island. Gift shop was good, a few touristy knick knack shops and some cafes and restaurants around but not much and little to see once you're down

Located at the north end of the île de Ré, it is well worth a drive up!There is plenty of paid parking, a few cafés , an ice cream parlour and several shops.You can visit the museum, walk up the tower, or just admire the architecture from the gardens. The views out to sea are amazing - you can see La Tranche sur Mer and the south Vendée coast from the ramparts.

Excellent cycling on the Ile De Re, and good cycle links to the Phare des Baleines. If you are a bird enthusiast, there are plenty of breeds to see en route amongst the salt flats. There are a few shops and brasseries for a quick beer or lunch. Public toilets available. Lovely walks, too.

4.5

(20611)

4.5

(2580)

155 All. du Phare, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, France

1 list

Nice village with shops,restaurants and little boulevard.

Le port de la Cotinière is a hidden gem that showcases the beauty of traditional French fishing villages. Its authenticity, culinary offerings, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an escape to a tranquil and picturesque coastal retreat.

Oleron...

Love this placeIt's got the lotBeachHarbourGreat shoppingGreat food

Top

Harbor for a small fishing fleet. There town around it is a predictable tourist trap, but enjoyable none the less.

If anything defines French chilled, traditional marine bay, then it's this place.

Great fir a walk in the evening ,vibrant place. Great restaurants, lovely little shops . Beaches are beautiful

Lovely harbor town with charming boutiques and restaurants. Very nice summer resort place.

Very pretty harbour town with nice restaurants.

Shops are not open before 10am... But this is a nice place to visit!

Lovely little port and town.Lots shops and restaurants

4.4

(5679)

4.0

(1517)

34 RUE DU PORT DE, 17310 Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, France

8 lists

Fantastic for families. It takes about 3 hours to go through everything. Save more time (entire day) if you want to see all the shows. We had a blast!

This was one of the cleanest and biggest zoos I've ever been to. The animal enclosures were huge and well kept, the animals were so healthy and content. It was brilliantly open plan, with hands on access to a lot of animals. We got to stroke the giraffes and zebras! The goats roam freely and you can feed a lot of the animals for a small fee. I went with my family of 7 and it cost 134€ which was money well spent. The sealion show was fantastic. There's so many peaco*cks roaming freely as well. The food was wonderful and well priced a galette sarrasin [buckwheat pancake] was only 9 euros and tasted wonderful. I had a caesar salad for around the same price and it was huge. Highly recommended for all age groups, a great family day out!

Spent nearly 4 hours here. Fabulous layout. Clean and tidy. Food and drinks were well priced. Definitely worth a visit.

Fantastic modern caring Zoo. Ok, we all know the negatives about zoos but they do really try and save animals across the globe. Amazing value for money- our four hour visit just flew by. The sea lions performance was hilarious and they appeared to be enjoying it too.

Truly great day out. Allow 5 hours. Plenty of food and drink stops available at very reasonable cost. Altogether excellent.

I don’t specially loves zoos because I think that animals are better in nature but I agree with the fact that it helps the conservation of different species.This zoo is great. It’s big and have lots of varieties of animals. However the enclosure are too small for some animals. Specially for the big cats, the girafes, the elephants and the sea lions. It’s so small that they go in circles around their enclosure because they can’t do anything. I found this really small for this zoo because it’s beautiful.Otherwise it’s great and we spent almost 4 hours there visiting everything. But during the school holidays there is too much people and it’s horrible.I would recommend this zoo for kids but I wouldn’t place it in the top zoos in France because of some enclosure.

Quite an interesting zoo, definitely more 'in contact' zoo, than the ones I have seen in other countries, the animals seemed in more proximity than other zoos, it would have even been even nicer if some of the animals had more space, here and there if feels cramped..but over all a great zoo..

Great zoo,feeding the Giraffes was awesome,plenty of species to see and you can see that about as much thought has been put into the welfare of captive animals as can be,been before and was a shame the Polar Bears are no longer there(too hot for them anyway).It has been a red hot day anyway so many of the animals are not so active,and just hanging out in the shade(so was I after four hours),always worth the money and time to visit.Great day

Very nice zoo.Forest area, shaded, lots of benches and quite big, so it's a nice walk. Good toilets and a place to tap drinking water. Restaurant/food were not very expensive like often in these places.The usual animals, not very big enclosures, but new ones are being made.Outside of high season: not busy at all, great 👍

Visited here while on holiday with the wife and 2 teenagers. This is one of the best zoos we've been to, mainly due to the range of animals and how close you can get to them.When you pay, buy a bag of popcorn or two as you can feed many of the animals by hand. Our favourites were the giraffes and the emus (beware the emus will steal the bag if you're not careful). If you follow the signs to guide your journey round the zoo, at the end there is a goat corral where you can get in with the 50+ goats and offload your remaining popcorn. This experience is almost worth the entry fee alone 🤣Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area or even worth driving to 👍🏻

I was and still am shocked and I regret visiting the zoo in La Palmyre… cant explain why they have 4stars. the wolves are too many in a very small enclosure. They show typical psychological illness behaviors and any social interactions with eachother. Felt really bad watching them. They have no possibilities to hide, because there are no trees, holes or stones big enough in their enclosure and the few small buildings they have are completely open and visible in all directions - you can watch them from every angle. This description unfortunatley fits to the enclosures for the Lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, bisons, donkeys.. why arent there trees, bushes, stones? And why do you close the doors to the inner enclosures so that the animals cant hide and rest if they need it? Ah, right, because EVERYTHING in this zoo is build and designed for the visitor. I can give you a guarantee for seeing every Animal that is advertised on the Homepage or Zoomap. The sealions have the worst „home“ ever. They live in a tiny Swimmingpool and get an Electric shock if they come too close to the fence. Humans too, haha. Only people who absolutely never have heard or read anything about animalprotection would like it here. Impossible to watch the animals and interprete that they are healthy or happy.

A must visit. This is without a doubt the best zoo I have ever visited.The environment is relaxed and not too busy. You can really get up close to the animals. Lots of wild cats to see...up close. Also lots of other animals. I loved how there was a path to follow, so you can't miss anything.Takes a good 3-4 hours to cover the whole zoo.

Best Zoo I've ever seen.. thanks 😊

Lovely zoo, always busy. Remember this is an European zoo with different expectations than a British zoo. Interacting with the goats is an amazing moment ❤️

Brilliant day out, helped by the weather. The sea lions did a fantastic show with their human! Very nicely spaced out for all the animals 👍🏻

This place is excellent I was not expecting such a busy zoo with so many animals in superb condition and very educational. This is a must visit so glad we did as a spur of the moment decision and what a good one.

Zoo was peaceful and lovely to walk around, the kids loved interacting with the goats spent alot of time there, UNFORTUNATELY some animals environments were not suitable ,claustrophobic, felt extremely small was not impressed.Elephants were looking drained, the cheetah had a REALLY EXTREMELY SMALL HABITAT FOR ITS SPECIES and it was pacing up and down the CAGE to get out of its miserable life.Some animals identity,aswell as ther encloser and living state were HIDDIN from the publics eye.They seals have a SHOCKINGLY smal area I was certainly not atall satisfied with any of this, seals seemed to act as if they have been beaten viciously and not kept well.Seal show was absolutely astonishing was thrilled with how they majesticly, glided across the shiny glittering water.THE GIFT SHOP PRICES WERE SKY HIGH !!!!MY HEAD BOUCED OF THE ROOF I FELT THE FORCE AS I LOOKED AT THE PRICE TAGS MY JAW FELL TO THE FLOOR AND WOULDNT COME UP. Was certainly not impressed..I feel terable for all the animals, especially the ones that get treated badly comparing to the goats.Loved every bit of the day out here in la palmyre would 100000 percent recommend for families and great weather.You would need a whole day here.Gorgeous toys in gift shop make great presants for loved onesWas not impressed by the racist monkeys,they were violently shouting the horrible N word at me and maliciously laughing in my face while touching MY THINGS

We visited whilst staying in La Palmyre and whilst not a zoo fan, we had a great day out.When they say you need four hours, you need four hours to be able to take it all in. There is a clearly signposted route through the zoo and also a parrot and sea lion show, which is on a couple of times through the day. There is a couple of eateries but we took a picnic with us and there was plenty of benches/tables to sit at on the way round. There is also plenty of shade so even on a hot day there’s areas to get out the sun whilst walking around.There was a huge array of different animals and species to view with both their French and English names on the info boards. You can buy some popcorn at the entry (€2.50 a bag) which you can use to feel the animals with. There’s a feeding area for the giraffes which was a delight but take some, wet wipes with you if you do as there isn’t any soap in the toilets.We arrived at 11:30 and the zoo was already very busy but still plenty of parking available. Don’t be shy to park right at the entrance to the car park, next to the road as it’s only a short walk along the road to the entrance. Also be aware that on a hit sunny day, the animals are either asleep or rather static, basking in the great La Palmyre heat.Overall it was a great day out for all ages and very reasonably priced at €19 per adult.

4.4

(30129)

4.0

(5998)

6 Av. de Royan, 17570 Les Mathes, France

18 lists

I highly recommend this Monolithic Church with a private tour guide. You’ll be able to see and explore the history of this church. Unfortunately pictures were not allowed. But to really understand the magnitude of this structure you need to see it in person. You’ll be surprised and amazed once you step inside. The largest cavern is so enormous I couldn’t imagine how it was constructed by hand. The underground tunnels and structures are breathtaking. Recommend wearing a sweater or sweatshirt as the temperature of the caverns are 20 degrees cooler than the outside. Very humid as well so wear hiking shoes as the floor is made of clay and is wet. I destroyed my sneakers as the floor was full of puddles.

Impressive toombs and catacombs!Had no idea about their existence...Little bit unusual that they are mostly private owned, and not set as a public/city good, and as well.no photos are allowed🤔!?

The guided tour of the monolithic church was very good (English tours are available and tickets can be purchased from the tourist office). Unfortunately, pictures are not allowed inside. Abandonment at various points in the past means the interior is a bit baren, but still incredible that it was all carved out of the rock. There are also a few remaining carvings that can be seen decorating the interior. Worth visiting!

No pictures are allowed inside.The guide was good. She was knowledgeable and witty. And kept the group moving .There are essentially 8 different points of interest in the 1 hour tour.If you are in Saint Emilion and are interested in the history of the village, it’s worth checking out.We used the Bordeaux City Pass to pay for our tour. It was included.

A must for any visitor to St. Emillion is to visit this spectacular church which gives you unforgettable view of the town below

Highlight of St Emilion for me. Get a key from the tourist office for 2 EUR. 196 steps up, with great views from the very top. Nobody else was in there at the time.In comparison, the Bordeaux cathedral's similar bell tower is 6 EUR, but you need an allotted time slot, has more steps, was quite busy, and has more monotonous views across the city centre. But a good view of the cathedral.

A very interesting tour with a great guide at a sensible price. This is not only an intriguing tour but it continues to be available out of the main season so a great activity to book in case it’s raining or indeed too hot! As it happened the weather on the day was perfect, and an allowed us an out of season uncrowded walk around a still very lively and beautiful Saint Emilion and an outside drink in the square by the church. A big success for my group of 6 friends.

196 steps to the top but the views make up for everything and more. we came here late on a Sunday afternoon and had the whole place to ourselves bar another group of 3 :) stunning! And a great place to kickstart our st emilion maiden trip

Took the 2pm tour and found it quite interesting. The story of St. Emilion is more of a legend but added some human aspects to the visit. The Chapel and cave, which are privately owned, were a precursor to the big event of entering the Monolithic Church. It is amazing how this church was built out of one giant limestone. The area is dark and cool. The guide provided lots of information throughout our hour tour. Well worth a visit!! By the way, the church is not privately owned and you cannot take photos during the tour.

Very interesting place when done as part of a tour to understand the history and politics of the region and era.Lots of steps and uneven floors however so consider this if you have any mobility issues whatsoever.No photos or videos are allowed in the monuments, so be sure to take your time and take picture in your head to take away!

Definitely worth a visit. Good food, wine and the most beautiful village.

At the heart of the city, the monolithic church reminds the religious activity of the city in the Middle Ages and intrigues by its unusual design. If it shows itself in the eyes of the visitor by the position of a 68-meter-high bell tower - take you time, climb it till the top and take some pictures

Magical medieval French village with exactly the right balance of authenticity and shops/restaurants. Some steep walkways but compact enough that you can see all the stunning beauty this gem has to offer. The surrounding vineyards are delightful and also close enough to walk to or take the tourist roadtrain if you're not up for the walk.

The church is impressive, as it is fully carved out in the rock. However, there is very left of the original decorations as it was desacralised after the French Revolution and has remained in private hands ever since. The church can only be visited in a guided tour that includes the Trinity Chapel, Saint Emilion’s grotto and the Catacombs. The tour is informative but I felt it was a bit too long (1h). Also, notice that pictures are not allowed inside of the monuments.

very hesitant to rate this place: we were there 30 years ago and fell in love with this gorgeous village located in an absolutely gorgeous region, but today it has been transformed into an open supermarket for millionaires and billionaires

AMAZING CHURCH INSIDE, GREAT VIEWS OUTSIDE Stunning centerpiece of the town of Saint Emilion, it's the landmark that you'll remember. The church inside is beautiful and on a sunny day, the sun streams in through the stained glass windows.Beautiful to look at on the inside, it also has some amazing medieval cloisters that you can walk around. The views and pictures that you'll get from it are amazing and there's a lookout point just outside that you will be able to see the whole town from.You can really feel what life is really like in the middle of the French countryside from here. Really amazing experience if you come here.

We stumbled across the tower in Saint Emilion. It’s a beautiful centerpiece of the town. We were delighted to hear we could go up to the view tower for just €2 pp.It is accessed through a small door which can be opened with a key that you will receive from the tourist office located in the middle of the town beside the structure. They hold onto a form of ID in return for the key and you will receive it back once the key is returned.The photos speak for themselves! If you’re visiting Saint Emilion, definitely check it out.

Beautiful church and when we were there a market was running just outside on the grounds. Plenty of people wandering and enjoying what was on offer. The cathedral itself is worth a visit, as it was quite stunning inside. The market had everything from bread and cheese to oysters and beer. The market is just down and around a hallway, so not very spacious, but a great experience.

4.6

(4372)

4.5

(1900)

Pl. du Marché, 33330 Saint-Émilion, France

+23 other lists

Such an amazing site! You just have to wait for the perfect timing where there is no wind and the water reflection is still to capture the mirror effect. We had to visit several times just to get the perfect shot.Too bad there is some construction covering on the left side of the building but it is still okay.Amazing architecture, amazing plaza!

Sunny weekend by the square in front of Miroir d’eau. A lot of people jogging, sitting by the staircase, relaxing with love ones. We took the boat to enjoy the view

A big free attraction in Bordeaux! A place very interesting in front the elegant place (Place de la Bourse). Childs and adult walk on and play on the water. Beautiful place for shooting photo, in the morning and at the sunset..

A place to cool off during the strangulating summers. Great for kids and adults who get hot.

One of my favorite places of the world. Came back after 9 years and still amazed.

Very cool effect. Make sure to stay long enough to have the water fill the basin, then drain. The full mirror effect does not occur until almost drained.

It's really cool. Fills with water maybe every twenty mins, then ripples for a while before reducing to become a mirror. Really good photos, free to enter, not too crowded.Ruined slightly by the number of trams in between the mirror and buildings

Miroir d'eau is an enchanting marvel! The water mirror's reflection creates a mesmerizing and dreamlike ambiance. A must-visit attraction, perfect for relaxing strolls and capturing stunning photos. Loved it!"Personally, I think the best time to visit on sunny days and night time to see the real beauty.

So I visited in April but apparently it doesn't work from October to April to protect the pipe system from having frozen water inside it. It is said to be the largest water mirror in the world! Would've loved to see it!!

Lovely installation! The moment when the water reflects the surroundings is the most beautiful one.If you visit this place, you'll find kids running through the waters, people dancing around the area and even singing. It's just a lovely place to spend your afternoon or evening. There's tons of places to sit and enjoy a glass of wine if you wish to~

The Miroir d'eau in Bordeaux is a captivating water feature between Place de la Bourse and the Garonne River. Its mirror effect, reflecting the surrounding architecture, creates a stunning visual experience. Recommended for visits at different times to enjoy the changing scenery, it offers both a refreshing escape during the day and a magical, illuminated spectacle at night, seamlessly blending modernity with tradition in the heart of Bordeaux.

Interesting mirror made of water. The concept is nice and would be extremely cool at dawn and night. The place could become a bit overcrowded at night, with some kids and people running and walking over the thin layer of water. Nice to see during a stroll of the city of Bordeaux.

Unusual and clever shallow pool area in front of stunning architecture. Shallow pool for 25 minutes, then drains and a mist fog appear. Lovely place to cool down, take photos, and watch the world go by. Very clever and worth a visit

Dont expect the perfect photo opportunity always over crowded

There is currently some construction that makes for a sad picture but it is otherwise a picturesque place to people watch, contemplate, and rest.Trams C And D stop right outside the attraction so access is not an issue except for 5 steps.

It's was pretty good, but the city is not too much huge + Parking problem Also

This place is great. It is both a tourist attraction and a local attraction. While we were here it was super hot in July so many families were visiting the Mirrior. If you want good pictures go in the morning at 10 to avoid the crowds.

4.5

(14775)

4.5

(6669)

Pl. de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux, France

22 lists

Here at dusk, we saw loads of photographers and thinking it would evolve into some kind of fountain show, we waited, and waited as the water drained and returned.... I asked another 'watcher ' if anything else happened and he told me there was a fog to come - a bit later he said after googling it, that it had been cancelled through Covid and never reinstated so who knows 🤷‍♀️. A pretty place but not spectacular.

It is a central place, people gather, sit down on the stairs and enjoy the water. There is le Mirroir d'eau as well which makes all ages want to walk on water! You can walk, get a bike and go along the water promenade.At night, there is always something happening, from music to dancing etc.

Beautiful place to visit, especially after dark when you can see the mirror of the building.

Elegant building. Large Inch-deep pool across the road. Maybe the pool is a mirror at night, however it was full of kids having a whale of a time during the day.

What a magnificent piece of Architecture! We were very lucky to visit this beautiful place!! I highly recommend it.

Bordeaux is a beautiful city to visit and there is so much to see and do, you should probably have to stay for a few days to see all the highlights!

Incomparable views with majestic buildings on one side and the Dordogne on the other, under a beautiful sky. Kids and adults alike will enjoy cooling their feet and taking pictures at the reflecting pool.

Very picturesque iconic area of Bordeaux. Only a quick visit required but nothing bad to say about the area.

Beautiful architecture on a great Friday evening. Parts under construction but still great to see this in person.

It is the historical area of Bordeaux. Amazing square in the district built by the burgoasie of Bordeaux and wine trade. There is the National Customs Museum at the square.

Very beautiful and great. It’s large and with a good view.

Place de la Bourse is a masterpiece of urban design that graces the banks of the Garonne River in Bordeaux. This iconic square, framed by the stunning classical architecture of the 18th century, is a visual delight. The square is not just a historic landmark; it's a dynamic space that captures the essence of Bordeaux's architectural splendor and invites locals and visitors alike to savor the charm of this picturesque destination.

One of them locations that photos don't really do it justice so if you are in the area go there and see it the way it was meant to be viewed, there is a tram stop right outside just have to step off and take it all in, little tip walk up the small street on the right for some Bordeaux old town atmosphere

This is a square landmark for the town, where everybody comes here for view of the town and the river, and it's an amusem*nt park for kids to play with fountain.The tram stop here as well, just right next to the walking area.

Bit cool today but we avoided the rain. Very pleasant open square

Place de la Bourse is definitely worth to visit when you are in Bordeaux. Cool architecture.

Nice place to visit and spend time in the evening.

By day this is pretty impressive,by night it is stunning?

Very picturesque and a good central point to look around Bordeaux

BEAUTIFUL EVEN UNDER CONSTRUCTIONWhen I visited Bordeaux's most famous buildings, some of it was under construction and there was no water in the fountain. That didn't ruin what was otherwise a memorable visit to the Place de la Bourse.It's a nice square to hang around in and looks even better at night.Admittedly, you can't really visit the inside (not that I'm aware?) but it's nice to visit.

It's just beautiful and worth visiting at different times of the day.

The city is wonderful, full of beautiful buildings. The square has an extremely beautiful and famous fountain. Unfortunately, taking pictures is difficult because it is always full of people. We really enjoyed the square and the whole city during our visit.

Center of Bordeaux. place de la bourse and the view of the city and the river Garonne are beautiful.

4.6

(17382)

4.5

(6987)

Pl. de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux, France

27 lists

It was surprising to see a mountain of sand since we expected quite flat dune with access to ocean but it was great experience to climb there anywhere. Lots of people so earlier hours is a better time to visitParking fee is minimum 6 euro for 4 hours, you can pay at the gate when leaving

An incredible natural phenomena! The massive dune squeezed between the sea and the forest is impressive. Be prepared for a bit of a climb, walking up and along the dune took a bit more effort than I had expected.

Magnifique endroit, dommage que le ciel n’était pas dégagé. Il y avait peu de monde car nous y sommes allés un dimanche soir (après le long week-end début mai). À voir ✨(Translated by Google)Magnificent place, too bad the sky was not clear. There were few people there because we went on a Sunday evening (after the long weekend in early May). To see ✨

Absolutely loved it. It is so beautiful to see a huge sand dune against the backdrop of a deep blue sea. It was good to give my leg muscles a workout too. The whole site is so well organised with signs, info, toilets, cabins of cafes, snacks and gift shops. The walk to the foot of the dune is easy and the path is well made. It took me one hour to walk half of it not counting photos time. If you want to walk the whole dune from and back to the steps plan on spending more than 2 hours. There is a bus that takes you straight from Arcachon train station to the sand dune carpark. A single trip costs 3 euros but somehow a whole day multi journey ticket costs only 2 euros. (We couldn't work out why) Google maps doesn't know about this bus. Just remember that on the way back, the bus stop is to the left of the last map sign. It's easy to lose orientation and can't find the bus which may not run too frequently.

Impressive vistas from atop the Dune. Follow the most recent footprints to make the ascent easier (10-15 min at a steady pace). Stop to take in the view on the way up as, you climb above the tree line.

Amazingly high sand dunes. Great views over the ocean and forests. Perfect place for sunsets. Most busy part is where the parking spot is. Stray away and you’ll have space enough :)

gorgeous dune, for all sportive activities; don't underestimate the physical effort to climb it; but the view is stunning, especially sunset view

Toujours un paysage incroyable. La plus haute Dune d'Europe située à l'entrée du Bassin d'Arcachon. Avec une hauteur de plus de 100 mètres. Vous pouvez la gravir soit avec un escalier soit directement dans le sable... Il faut être en forme et avoir une tenue adaptée pour montée la dune. Mais dès qu'on y parvient, c'est magnifique. Je recommande cette balade inoubliable !(Translated by Google)Still an incredible landscape. The highest Dune in Europe located at the entrance to the Arcachon Basin. With a height of more than 100 meters. You can climb it either with a staircase or directly in the sand... You must be in good shape and wear suitable clothing to climb the dune. But once you get there, it's magnificent. I recommend this unforgettable walk!

Beautiful and large. The entrance is quite steep, with the soft sand, it's getting harder to climb. Once you concured the slope, you will find an extremely beatiful sea shore and beach. It's a great place for a sunny day.

Best Sandy dunes in Europe, worth the detour and even a night stay in the area. Prepare yourself to hike a big Sandy Hill, but the view at the top is worth it. Way easier going down.

Must visit place, be prepared to climb the mountain of sand 😉There are well equipped WC facilities.Parking free if charge.Bus stop very close

Unique and a great little workout. Nice sand and forest structure to catch great views and to enjoy.

It's such a cool place to enjoy the sunset! It's my second time here, and the views are breathtaking. At the moment, you can still see the remains of last year's fires. But nature will regenrate for sure and the beautiful forest behind the dunes will be all green again. Climbing can be a bit physical, even if you take the stairs, but it's really worth it 😄

Amazing natural feature of nature. Climbing can be physical, 1 step up, 2 steps down. Barefoot is easier to climb. And fun. The view is amazing at the top of the dune.

This should be in your top 3 must-visit destinations in France! The mini desert is incredible and can be a challenge to go up and down the sand. Being there at sunset is outstanding!

Ce fut une expérience incroyable! Nous avons été totalement subjugués et dépaysés. Nous sommes arrivés tôt en début de matinée et nous avons bien fait car en fin de matinée le parking était déjà saturé lors de notre départ ( il n’y a qu’une barrière qui régule l’entrée au parking) et il y avait déjà des centaines de mètres de bouchons.(Translated by Google)It was an incredible experience! We were totally captivated and disorientated. We arrived early in the morning and we did well because at the end of the morning the parking lot was already saturated when we left (there is only one barrier which regulates entry to the parking lot) and there was already hundreds of meters of traffic jams.

love the dune lol it was very fun running down and going back up, it’s a little exhausting if you do it often but it’s very fun!!!! the dune is very pretty too i love it 🤞

A faire pour découvrir les paysages autour. Monter les 200 marches (je crois) est fatiguant sauf si tu es sportif et jeune (je plaisante) Un défi pour moi🙂(Translated by Google)To do to discover the surrounding landscapes. Climbing the 200 steps (I think) is tiring unless you are sporty and young (just kidding) A challenge for me :)

If you are in the area the Dune du Pilat is a must visit. The views are amazing. There are plenty of eating places at the bottom. It’s probably a 3 hour visit

Magical place 🤩🤩🤩 tallest Dune in Europe… 4,000 years on the making!!

Love this place, keep returning to it, it’s very nice they added a few shops and bars, makes it easier to stay there a long time :)

A must stop if you are in the area. Plenty of parking and a few rip off takeaway outlets.The views from the top of the dune are well worth the effort of getting to the top but I would recomend using the steps provided.

Such a shockingly amazing experience. Even in the winter time this place is a wonderful adventure to be taken on. I will definitely be back during the warmer months!

Toujours aussi magnifique. Étant de la région, c’est toujours un plaisir d’aller là-bas malgré le parking un peu cher. Magnifique vue sur le banc d’Arguin(Translated by Google)Still beautiful. Being from the region, it’s always a pleasure to go there despite the slightly expensive parking. Magnificent view of the Banc d’Arguin

Wonderful place. You just have to go there and live the moment. Truly amazing!

Just... stunning. Really. ~15€/person for a ticket from Bordeaux to Arcachon and then to the Dune du Pilat was absolutely worth it for the trip up and down the dune as well as the surprising _lack_ of people relaxing at the beach, even though it was still quite hot when we went there! You can relax on the top/on the beach at the bottom, you can hike along the (massively long) dune and take in the view and do couple of other things (like paragliding) too.

So amazing place. Worth to see no matter which weather is.

J’ai adoré. C’est magnifique ! Pensez à retirer les chaussures ! En plus c’est bien plus pratique pieds nus. Attention au vertige(Translated by Google)I loved. That's wonderful ! Remember to remove your shoes! Plus it’s much more practical barefoot. Beware of vertigo

Dune du Pilat stands as a breathtaking monument of nature’s artistry. As the highest dune in Europe, it offers an incredible panoramic view that stretches across the ocean, the lush forest, and the serene Arcachon Bay.Hard to get on top thow 🙈😎✌️

This is a must see spot if you’re in the region. The parking was not too expensive (less than 8€) and the views were incredible. Good to bring a picnic blanket and be prepared for some wind coming up from the ocean. The beach is accessible, but it’s a long walk back up the dune. Definitely worth a visit in any case.

Very fine sand dune. A bit of a trek but the view is worth all of it. Highly recommended!

Superbe lieu magiqueDes couleurs qui changent tout le temps,Mais il faut grimper des marches mais cela vaut le coupJe conseille le détour(Translated by Google)Superb magical placeColors that change all the time,But you have to climb some steps but it's worth itI recommend the detour

What is there to say, stunning, impressive, nature is great. Definitely worth a visit. This is unique.

4.8

(8974)

4.5

(4565)

France

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Interesting mixture of aquarium and maritime museum. History of fishing and whaling is important to show the impact these have had. Spread across 5 levels. Good for families with kids. A few documentaries where screened during our visit. Amazing views from the rooftop and upper levels. Restaurant and cafe were closed when we visited though. Museum shop on site with branded products for kids and gifts for adults.

I enjoyed this much more than I believe I would have! So much to see and it was not crowded so we could really take our time enjoying all the aquariums and displays. I learned so much!! Don't worry if you don't speak or read French, you can read the English translations. And bonus, there's plenty to see right outside the aquarium!

Great place absolutely beautiful aquarium very clean, only issue I had was that my 2 year old could not see the seal 🦭 due to people pushing I front of us constantly we had to move 4 times and just gave up being able to see the show, so complaint is not at the aquarium more at the rude entitled attitude of the people, so we gave up and finished the aquarium in quite while the show was happening, I wish to go back with my child so I can get some more images of the seal, my daughter and my favourite animal we did get a shot of the seal under the water so that was absolutely amazing 🤩

Schönes Aquarium aber gewisse Aquarien sind etwas klein. Das Highlight ist das riesengrosse Auqarium mit Haien, Rochen etc!Allgemein nicht besonders gut gepflegt.(Translated by Google)Nice aquarium but certain aquariums are a bit small. The highlight is the huge aquarium with sharks, rays etc!Generally not particularly well maintained.

Kids really enjoyed it we went in august it wasn’t too busy and lots to see we were only there about 2 hours but was great value at less than £50 for 4 and saw things we have never seen before and sharks and rays were big and my little boy loved it

Very friendly staff at reception - the woman who served us was very gentil and kind, by far the kindest person I have met in the Basque Country so far.The aquarium was clean - they had a good display of the sea life and local history within their museum.I would say, that it is very similar to the Atlantis in Dubai. Although you can’t touch any of the sea life and the animation wasn’t great…Though I do recommend it.

The best aquarium we've visited, on a par with Monterey in California which is high praise.

I have to say that I was a little disappointed considering the ticket price and what was to see . The brightest point of the visit were turtles and some nice tanks with sharks but the rest was a mediocre experience which is a shame . The aquarium is way too small to display all the beauty of ocean life and there is not much experience for the kids to get them really interested since they can only look but not interact . They get bored pretty quick . There is not much else to share here I am afraid . If you visited aquariums in different countries , you can see the difference , if not , then probably you might find this one interesting .

Super nice!! Amazing experience for family (or friends hahah) the seals were very cute and everything was very exciting for the little kid! I really recommend seeing it :))

Sehr schön gemachtes Aquarium, viel zu sehen. Der Eintritt ist dafür echt sehr ok. Kann ich auf jeden Fall voll empfehlen!(Translated by Google)Very nicely done aquarium, lots to see. The entrance fee is really ok. I can definitely recommend it!

The highlight of the aquarium in Biarritz is undoubtedly the last floor, where you can find a mesmerizing display of tropical fish. While the initial floors primarily focus on fishing and whale-related information, I was hoping for a more extensive collection of marine life. Nonetheless, the experience remained engaging and there was no shortage of captivating sights to explore

Аквариум не большой, но коллекция разнообразная. Есть что показать детям. Моей семье и мне очень понравилось.По возможности лучше приобрести билеты заранее, особенно, если идет дождь.(Translated by Google)The aquarium is not large, but the collection is varied. There is something to show children. My family and I really enjoyed it.If possible, it is better to purchase tickets in advance, especially if it is raining.

Wunderschönes Aquarium mit sehr vielen verschiedenen Spezies. Die Becken sind sehr schön gestaltet und haben zum Großteil auch eine gute Höhe für Kleinkinder. Auf der Terrasse gibt es ein Restaurant. Achtung, es gibt keine Parkplätze! Man kann das Aquarium nur zu Fuß erreichen.(Translated by Google)Beautiful aquarium with many different species. The pools are beautifully designed and most of them are a good height for small children. There is a restaurant on the terrace. Attention, there are no parking spaces! You can only reach the aquarium on foot.

An absolutely wonderful view! I timed my trip perfectly with the 14th of July, and had the absolute pleasure of seeing the fireworks 🎆 show over the ocean! It was absolutely magical!

A really nice aquarium, many different fish and a lot of quantity per pool. Specially the shark tank is full! You can see it in 1 or 1h and half. I recommend it if you want to come to Biarritz, and do something little bit more special 😉

Very well presented and organised. Time very well spent. I had never seen a diver cleaning the inside if the glass before. Quite an experience and what an amazing history.

Very nice experience! Lot's of lovely fishs 😄♥️

Worth it for the price!Don’t miss out the seal feeding sessions (at 10:30 in April. 23)Lots of speciesA nice shark bassinSome big turtlesAnd so on an so forthQuite instructive in some place (French speaker recommended though)

Wunderschön und elegant präsentiert sich Biarritz mit seiner besonderen Architektur. Wir waren im Februar dort. Wunderbar ohne Touristen.(Translated by Google)Biarritz presents itself beautifully and elegantly with its special architecture. We were there in February. Wonderful without tourists.

Very nice mid-sized aquarium right in the middle of Biarritz. Tickets are fairly priced. Good selection of displays including a large sized central fish tank and a seal enclosure. It was extremely busy when we went and the venue is completely enclosed and 98% of people were not wearing masks. Condensation all over the glass due to the amount of people inside and the lack of ventilation which means I give it 4 stars.

Got to see sea lions and many other fish and mammals. They do feed the sea lions at certain times per schedule. There is a giant tank with sharks, sea turtles and so so much more. Tons to see, very similar to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago but smaller. Place to eat and drink also. Highly recommended!

This is the best aquarium we have ever visited. The tanks are large, very clean. All creatures look amazing. Spectacular views of the sea from different levels. Indigo carpark is not far away and reasonably priced. They also have a lovely museum of fishing practices and boats. All very well curated.

Well laid out path to follow through the exhibits and the seal show and shark tank were great

4.3

(13747)

4.0

(3425)

Esplanade du, Rocher de la Vierge, 64200 Biarritz, France

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Wirklich ein sehr schöner Ort, den man definitiv besichtigen sollte. Die Felsen sind sehr schön und die beeindruckenden Wellen ergänzen das Szenario.(Translated by Google)Really a very beautiful place that you should definitely visit. The rocks are very beautiful and the impressive waves complement the scenario.

Plan to walk out to here at sunset if you can and you will be rewarded with some spectacular views and photo opportunities, but if you can not anytime is good to visit you still get good views and photos, this is a must do, it's free and wheelchair accessible, top tip keep your phone safe crossing the bridge it will be lost forever if dropped and the sea water splashs up t high tide.

Beautiful Place. Statue at the top is an amazing craft of art when you walk to the edge of this lovely place you'll have a wonderful view of the sea. I didn't have to queue and it was a public holiday so I'm sure you don't have to queue usually.

Lovely stroll along the waterfront with a musician playing here fortunately so we took the opportunity to sit, listen and watch the ocean for a while

Very nice spot to enjoy views of Biarritz and its surrounds. Be sure to see the sunset around this area- it is truly spectacular!

So beautiful! Could not recommend taking the extra couple of minutes to walk out here! Especially during a subset!

Mandatory stop to take a photo!Free place to visit!

Beautiful place by day and night. Enjoy the views.

Nice place to see and enjoy the sea.And there were also busking singer and painter who sells his paintings.Although it’s crowded with many tourists who enjoy the view of sea, I visited here with the hope that the Virgin Mary would grant my earnest wish.

This area is a dramatic part of the coastline. There are some amazing photo opportunities. We visited during a period of high winds and strong tides. This made for a more exciting visit. There was lots of surfing and body boarding to add to the entertainment.

Beautiful place to visit

Beautiful views, light blue waters

This is a nice and interesting place worth visiting. The only thing which is missing is the story behind this feature and how it came to exist and what is or was the purpose of it . It is free so enjoy .

Nice viewpoint out into the Atlantic. Seeing the power of the ocean and what it has done to the rocks is breathtaking and well worth a visit

Kann man machen wenn man vor Ort ist.Nette Aussicht auf die Strände von Biarritz.(Translated by Google)You can do it when you're there.Nice view of the beaches of Biarritz.

Nice place to see the sun set over the ocean in mid-August. A beautiful shrine showing the devotion and respect of the local Basque

Beautiful site. Definitely worth a visit

Amazing rocky shapes. A place for photographs.Generally crowded but if you wait a while you get good pictures.

Nice place, interesting n many people come here to enjoy the beach n sun... i come here again after last 11 years old..and still like the old one...love to come here to enjoy the moment while in Biarritz... recommended to see n hang out with family or some friends.

Toller Ort, wenn man nicht gerade dort ist, wenn alle Welt da ist.In der Abendstimmung tolles Licht, Ruhe und man kann die Atmosphäre mit der Brandung genießen.Eine aufdringliche Möwe klaute mir von hinten (ich habe sie nicht kommen hören) meine Eiskugel aus der Waffel. Komplett!! Das habe ich auch noch nicht erlebt... 🥴😄(Translated by Google)Great place if you're not there when the whole world is there.In the evening there is great light, peace and quiet and you can enjoy the atmosphere with the surf.A pushy seagull stole my ice cream scoop from behind me (I didn't hear it coming). Completely!! I've never experienced that either... 🥴😄

4.6

(15318)

4.5

(3093)

64200 Biarritz, France

43 lists

4.5

(4572)

Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain

+86 other lists

La Concha is my one of my favorite beaches in the world. Id even go as far as saying its 10 times better then any beach in my hometown state of California. Clean white sand, plenty of space, and clear warm water. Perfect place for a couple days of relaxation and contemplation. Facilities include:*showers and footwash stations*benches and rentable chairs/umbrellas*bars and restaurants*life guards*bathroomsAnything not listen is within a block away. There were no pushy hustlers or obnoxious guests our entire stay at the beach. We absolutely look forward to returning.

Wish we spent more time!Clean beach and surroundings despite amount of people.

It is a very big beach. Sadly we came on a rainy day so we couldn’t swim but on a sunny day this would be a very good place to relax. Would recommend going on late July or early August when the weather is better.

Perfect beach for walking, riding bikes, taking a walk for your dog, swimming and so on. Very beautiful both daytime and nighttime.

Mesmerizing beach to sunbath, recharge your batteries and taking a cold swim.At the beginning nearer to the city it's more crowded to the end less, but the sand is also more rough there.

Upon arriving in San Sebastián, we went to this spot first.Very lovely beach with sparkling blue water. A huge marina and many street vendors.Cool area to walk around.

San Sebastian has beautiful, soft beaches in an idyllic setting. They've never been too crowded for me and we've been in June and September (I imagine it's probably overcrowded in August).Worth considering that it is the ocean water, so it does stay colder longer into the season.

Very large and wide city beach. For surfing the spot is rather unsuitable because the waves outside must be very large, so that in the protected bay surfable waves arrive.

Iconic beach in the heart of the city. It was packed but it didn't feel like we were on top of each other.Really nice, family atmosphere. Very safe, with a lifeguard service running from 10am.The sea was calm, clean and not too cold in mid-July!

Beautiful sandy beach! Enjoyed it for the day and it weren’t too busy! Lost myself to the noose of crashing waves and sun on my face! A highlight of SB for me for sure

As a beautiful beach. . La Concha beach... Concha is in spanish language, means is seashell as similarity of the shape. As famous beach, many people enjoy the beach, you can just seat on park bench with the beach view or taking a stroll or do sport. Alongside the fine golden sand with its lenght more than 1.300 metres makes perfect beach for barefoot walk. It is also well-equipped and offers all sorts of services such as toilet, locker & changing room, and lifeguards if summer.

What an amazing beach! It is such a beautiful thing to have such a great beach right in the city centre. It was crowded when the weather was good but nothing too wild. Sea is clean and bright, sand is soft. They have all the facilities you might need, lockers, showers, toilette.

Very nice beach day and night

It's a lovely beach but was super busy.

what a beautiful beach. lovely yellow sand. Quiet busy but not congested. I had a great time paddling. A mix of ages and genders.

Really beautiful beach, everything is clean, and the weather was amazing!

I had a very nice experience, even the beach was full of people if you walk further away you can find empty spots where you can be comfortably. The beach was clean barely seen any trash. Great for family’s, couples, at sunset time i saw people walking with their dogs also. ( dog friendly beach)

Probably one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to. We were there in October, the weather was perfect - chilly enough to wear a windbreaker, and warm enough at times to have a t-shirt on. The beach is shaped like a crescent moon, and it literally feels like you're walking on a postcard. The waves were super tiny, given the position of the coastline, so walking right up to the water line with your shoes isn't a problem. If you visit this city, then you'll surely go to this beach - it's a hot spot for tourists.

Beautiful crystal clear water much better than on the Mediterranean side.The beach is good, it's an ideal place for a swim, no wonder why thousands of people everyday here. And there are cafés, restaurants up on the street and a shady place you can sit just under the stair looking over the beach.

Somewhat crowded when it's sunny and warm but considering it's in the city center. Beautiful view of the harbour, Santa Clara Island. The water is clean and not as cold as expected from the Atlantic Ocean. There are changing rooms free of charge under the board walk. Plenty of bars and restaurants.

A nice beach in one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and Europe in general. Great place to get away and have a relaxing time laying on the sand, enjoying the sun and the spectacular view. The water is a little cold though. An excellent option if you’re visiting Donostia. Highly recommended!

Beautiful place, even in a raining day.

Gorgeous beach in Donostia!! The tide makes a big difference in how much of the beach is exposed. There is almost none available at low tide! There are a bunch of staircases down to the beach, lots of benches and a nice (well-lit) side walk to walk alone the cove from the street level. The beach offers great views of the hills, the water, the sailboats and the row of buildings behind. Don't forget to spend some time just taking it all in!

On hot sunny days, there are lots of tourists and people enjoying the beauty of the beach. The water is a little cold and it is still quite windy, compared to the standards of Caribbean or Brazilian beaches. But it's worth enjoying this wonderful Basque beach.

4.7

(21998)

4.5

(9252)

20007, Gipuzkoa, Spain

+14 other lists

The hotel is located in the middle of the old town and garage parking is available. The hotel is clean and staffing was very friendly. The rooms were a bid dark. Some improvement could be done to give it a brighter and friendlier touch. Also a coffee machine and a bottle of water in the room would have been nice.

Booked this fairly last minute for a weekend trip to Pamplona and had a great stay. The rooms aren't huge, but are very well appointed, comfortable, quiet, and have large bathrooms. Check-in was 2pm and check-out was noon, both of which were super helpful. The breakfast spread was one of the nicer I've had at any hotel, as was the space to dine. All the staff we engaged with throughout were very nice and helpful. Overall a really nice stay, especially for the price (granted, we were there a week after running of the bulls and everything seemed quiet, so our pricing may have benefited from that)

This hotel is close to town, and walking distance to everything. The view from our room was incredible, and the windows opening was a plus. The curtains served their purpose (thankfully as there is a beautiful wall of windows. The hotel has been somewhat updated, with a few original pieces remaining. Bring your USB chargers as they’re not in the wall. The staff were incredibly kind.

So noisy - there's a school nearby. No air conditioning when we were there - not sure if it's only available in summer season. To take a nap had to choose from hot or noisy! Nice small rooms, though! They have a nice rooftop bar, although just checked out the views!

Seems rather empty and the staff was anxious to take great care of us. Beds wonderful, view nice, room very clean, shampoo, bath gel, hand soap nice quality in largish refillable bottles. Elevators confusing but fine. Our fridge didn't work & they brought another. Interesting that on the street, recycling is everywhere, but in hotel, not possible. Big fluffy towels. Location was close to many things but on edge of old Town so was quiet.

We had a great stay for 3 nights last week. A beautiful hotel and fabulous location. Staff are very friendly and welcoming. The only negative I have is that on our last night there was fighting and banging doors right outside our room door until 2 am. We didn’t want to get involved but did mention it at check out. I think it was lost in translation as the staff member thought we were talking about in the street as they told us that it’s usually a quiet area but unfortunately there’s nothing they could do about it. However I would still happily return to this hotel in the future and would 100% recommend.

Staff, room, location … fantastic spot!Very professional and nice staff!We even decided to stay one more night!Will be back indeed!

Super friendly night staff. Lovely dinner in the restaurant. Room was a good size and was perfectly clean. Bed was v comfortable. Nice breakfast. Super friendly say staff. Will return.

Great hotel close to all the activities of old Pamplona. Staff was very helpful in pointing out good places to get Pintxos.

Great hotel. Cant fault the staff in anyway.Parking is great as they have valet parking and produces the car every morning before I went to work.The quality of the restaurant's food is impeccable.The room was the perfect size for me and my partner considering I was at work all day and she was visiting the tourist sites.

One of the best hotels I’ve ever been in. The design of the rooms, lobby and restaurant is stunning. Extremely friendly staff, showed us the best route through the city and answered all our questions. Breakfast was delicious and varied and the restaurant is excellent. Location is also really good, amazing views. It’s right next to the archives and the beautiful city wall. It was a flawless stay.

Perfect location, exceptional service, breakfast amazing and brilliantly managed. Edgar was so accommodating and polite. Can't fault it at all. All the staff were great fun and very professional.

The room has been very small for a 4 star hotel. But it has been clean and the bath was really nice.The staff has been very friendly and helpful.

I absolutely loved our two night stay here.The hotel was beautiful and serene, while being just steps from the bustling nightlife of pamplona, and the ancient high city walls lined by park.The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to assure that every guests needs are accomodated. I am very grateful to one "standout", especially. A handsome young man named Alejandro made our weekend complete. I wont list the ways that he helped us, but rest assured that you are in good hands, when Alejandro is taking care of you!

A dog friendly hotel, near a dog park and lots of walk areas. The people are very helpful, they have lots of ideas to share and you pick what seems more appealing. Good sized room (suite) and I liked the entrance area with multiple areas. They park your car so less issues dealing with parking. Tried the terrace restaurant and would go back. Ask the receptionist about the hours as they are open Sundays too. Highly recommended

The lobby was cold and a bit deteriorated. The rooms are very dark and our hallway had a door in between that made it very cold. I inquire if they were able to give me any compliments after listening the receptionist offer an upgrade to another guest. She stated she can’t and she didn’t want to. I think this very bad customer service.

A very nice hotel. Close to restaurants and bars. Very close to the Cathedral. The staff was very friendly and accommodating.

Stayed in this hotel two nights ago and booked via their website directly.The hotel is not a 4* as it does not have the amenities ( no kettle, Tv is tiny, cloakroom too small, no extra pillows or blankets, safe not working )It would appear that the website was not functioned properly and the booking was done on the wrong day. Upon arrival the receptionist informed me that the booking was for the day before and that rooms were available for tonight. We kindly asked if we could have a refund for the room as we and they didn’t really know whose mistake it was.The manager refused to refund the room booked, refused to refund the breakfast, refused to refund the parking, refund to refund the pet fee. Very unfriendly place I would avoid and not recommend

Hotel is at a great location with views if you get one of the good rooms, rooms are backdated, old ac and mixers and not the cleanest room I have stayed, found hairs on the floor and bed, not comfy beds and noisy corridor, food is average and expensive

Good location and good service, quiet room. Wonder why there was no kettle and tea/coffee in the room though.

Perfect location, right in the centre of the action for San Fermin festival. Rooms okay for the price, nothing special.

4.4

(1593)

4.5

(1660)

C. Dos de Mayo, 4, 31001 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

6 lists

Paid 3,50Eur to enter. Can easily spent 1.5 hours exploring around and climb stairs to all the towers. Great view from the towers.

Beautiful castle, had an incredible atmosphere at nighttime. While I was there they were shooting an American TV series in it so I couldn't visit it inside unfortunately. Clearly the best thing in the small town of Olite. Worth the trip.

Fantastic castle with a very fair priced entrance. The views are absolutely stunning. Parking was easy and free of charge.

Huge castle in a little town. Expected to sprend there 20 min top, ended up climbing up all the stairs to numerous towers and left the castle after 2 hours!NO DINNER BREAK - that was a pleasant surprise for a change. Reasonable ticket prices.

Amazing building, great price. Staff speak English if you're struggling with your Spanish, and staff are also very friendly.

The best restored castle we have ever visited. It was really fun climbing the towers and enjoying the wonderful views of the surrounding area.

Awesome Palace. Really worth visiting as it wasn’t built for strategic reasons but to be for fit for a King and his Queen. We also paid for an audio guide and this was worth it, you could share 1 between two or more people so save cost. There are a lot of rooms and towers to explore we spent an hour wandering through you could easily spend several hours here. The Palace has been rebuilt when you see the old photos they have done a marvellous job, and the audio gives you insights on how it use to look on the inside. We were in a motorhome and used the parking 5 minutes away.

So beautiful and entertaining. The entrance is only €3 for adults and free for children. We could access all the towers. Due to covid, the tickets are sold for a particular time to control the number of people inside. There are many bars, restaurants, and souvenirs shops inside the old city/castle.

Olite is quite simply magnificent and its crowning glory is the Palace. If you are within driving distance do not miss it. Apart from the Palace the town itself is full of interesting buildings and lovely nooks and crannies where little details on doors, walls, rejas and buildings convey a sense of an ancient culture and a splendid history. There is simply nothing in the UK to compare to Olite. And is is just one of hundreds of such glories in Spain.

One of the must-see historical places everyone should visit. The palace is outstanding and carrying on a lot from its past. You can see chambers for the King and the Queen of Olite and their special gardens.

Excellent value at 2.5euro per oldie, but be aware there are a lot of spiral staircases if you want to go up the many towers.

Beautiful Medieval Castle. Lovely tour around. Fabulous views from the towers. Lots of steps up so you need to be a little bit fit...

We saw this place in the distance on the way down to the Costas...we stopped on way back and visited the castle...so many towers to explore, so many views from the top, so many steps...but so worth it..and the town with its tiny streets..it's a good location to stop.

It was my first visit in Navarra area. The palce is located in quiet town Olite, Historical place great architecture, a lot of high towers, smooth wals wille take you to the oldest centuries. Yo can fill it. The most unexpected surprise for was that Palace is Hotel slash museum place. You can sleep at those "walls".

Very beautiful castle. Big parking and easy to find. Loads of parking space even if you have a large motorhome…

Beautiful castle and old town with medieval narrow streets and characterful buildings. A must do place if in the area just for a stroll and absorb the atmosphere

The Royal Palace of Olite is a fairytale palace that was ordered to be built by Charles III of Navarre and Eleanor of Castille, Queen of Navarre in 1402. If you think it has a Frenchy feel to it you'd be completely right as Charles III of Navarre was of French descent and was born in Antes. It is definitely the highlight of Olite and well worth a stop.

Beautiful castle. I've been here many times already, but it always amazes me. It is a very peaceful place to admire the amazing places that Navarra has to offer.

Well worth a visit if you are in the area! It’s one of those cool places you had no idea existed!

The palace is amazing! You can circle around on the walls and they just don’t end. I’m general, the whole area is peaceful and beautiful

This is a stunning picturesque town, beautiful buildings and nice restaurants also thank you to the town for providing a great Autocaravan aire

The most amazing castle in Spain,beautifully maintained and lots to see.Not suitable for people with limited mobility,too many towers and steps to climb ,We loved it all.but don't go on a Sunday like did it was so busy,we got lucky as we arrived around 10.30 am and got in after a small queue, so worth it.As we Try do it on a week day,might be better Enjoy

Wonderful palace to visit, so much to see and beautiful views from the towers

Beautifully preserved Palace/Castle in a charming Spanish village.

4.6

(22987)

4.5

(2093)

Pl. Carlos III El Noble, 4, 31390 Olite, Navarra, Spain

+35 other lists

Great museum even under ongoing restoration. The annoying part is that you can't get in without a tour, but all the tours are in Spanish. You get an audioguide for free though, but it is not quite the same.

I used to see all the churches with the perfect construction with symmetry, although this church was not. But I came to know the reason. If anyone wants to know, come to visit!

We had a tour in Spanish, but with audioguide in English. We never had such a great, complete experience from enormous foundations to the roof, and everything in between. The restoration is well done. Tour guide was friendly and helpful. The Cathedral is not so over-decorated as many others in Spain, but very interesting non the less. Highly recommend tour!

Probably the most interesting guided church visit I've ever experienced. You get to places you never see in normal church visits, and the new insights gained into history, architecture and the art of renovation were stunning. Also the guide pronounces clearly and neither speeds up to much nor mumbles, so that it's possible follow the tour if Spanish is only your second or third language.

It is certainly not the prettiest or the mos architecturally inspiring cathedral in Spain. However, it has an interesting story of trying to withstand the original construction errors. Fortunately, the cathedral has been saved from an imminent collapse after the last restoration. The guided visit is super interesting, as it takes you to places that are usually not accessible to the public, including the foundations.

One of the best guided Cathedral visits I've ever been on! You start below and slowly move upward until you reach the bell tower, during which you learn about the history of Vitoria Gasteiz and the Cathedral itself. We had a Spanish tour guide but could follow everything with an English audio guide, while able to ask questions in English to our guide.

Wonderful experience! Had a Tour in English with Eneko (apologies of name is spelt incorrectly) but he was EXCELLENTThe history, the architecture, the journey from the 13th Century until today was amazing to see and hear about

As the Cathedral is still in a period of extended restoration you have to visit with a guided tour, so the entrance fee will set you back around ten euros, unless you qualify for a concession. However the tour is detailed and exhaustive, including a trip down through its crumbling foundation pillars, then into its spectacular romanesque interior before going up to the Tower. The journey there, along a narrow ledge that overlooks the cathedral interior, before acsending up a spiral staircase, is almost as exciting as the views it offers of the surrounding city.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Santa Maria Church in Gasteiz, Spain, and it left an indelible impression on me. Tucked away in the heart of this charming city, Santa Maria is a true hidden gem that captivates visitors with its tranquility and architectural splendor.Upon entering the church, I was immediately struck by the serene atmosphere that enveloped the space. The soft glow of sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows created a warm and inviting ambiance. The quietude of the church provided a welcome respite from the bustling streets outside, offering a peaceful sanctuary for reflection and contemplation.The architecture of Santa Maria is nothing short of magnificent. The intricate details of the Gothic and Renaissance elements showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The awe-inspiring vaulted ceilings, adorned with ornate carvings, draw the eye upward, creating a sense of grandeur and reverence. The delicate blend of architectural styles reflects the church's rich history, making it a true testament to the cultural heritage of Gasteiz.One of the highlights of my visit was the impressive altarpiece, a masterpiece that commands attention with its meticulous detailing and vivid colors. The altar's intricate sculptures and religious iconography add a layer of spiritual significance to the overall experience. It's evident that the church has been lovingly preserved, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the artistry of generations past.The welcoming and knowledgeable staff at Santa Maria further enhanced my visit. Their passion for the church's history and willingness to share anecdotes enriched my understanding of the cultural significance embedded within the walls of this sacred space.In conclusion, Santa Maria Church in Gasteiz is a must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of tranquility and architectural marvels. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a serene retreat, this hidden gem offers an enriching experience that lingers in the memory. Santa Maria is not just a church; it's a living testament to Gasteiz's cultural heritage and a haven for those seeking solace in its timeless beauty.

A must visit in Vitoria-Gasteiz! Guided tours are very good...best option is: Cathedrale Tour + Tower! View from there above the city is awesome! They have guided tours in English...but also audioguides in different languages! This is a sure must visit if you are in town. Check out the tours on their official site! Never had a guided tour like this...for that price...anyway in this world! The Tour ends with projection show of how the coloring of the church was ages ago...never saw something like this before...even in Rome or somewhere else! So much love and affection to history combined with modern technology!

The work done of restoration of this Cathedral is amazing. It seems that construction was not very well done, and during the time the attempts to repair it were not very successfully also. From a few year now, was done a huge work to understand was was wrong and what exactly had to be done to save the building.

An interesting story. While normally we are admiring the beauty of gothic cathedrals built in the Medieval times, without modern sciences and tools, here we are given opportunity to see that back then constructors could commit errors as well.This story gave Ken Follett an idea for his book "World without end". That's why his statue is standing in front of the visitor centre.

4.6

(4819)

4.5

(1581)

Santa Maria Plaza, s/n, 01001 Gasteiz, Araba, Spain

+44 other lists

Order a bottle of wine and tapas in the hustle and bustle of this amazing street

Great experience! We ended our bar hop at Casa Victor- excellent!!

Great place, great ambience.

Brilliant street food and Rioja

This place is amazing . Food and wine even beter .

4.6

(838)

4.5

(3659)

26001 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain