Loire Valley ruins and archaeology

The Loire Valley’s archaeological landscape spans from prehistoric megaliths to medieval ruins. This collection features the Gallo-Roman amphitheater at Gennes, one of the largest in western France, alongside Neolithic dolmens and menhirs like the Pierre Folle. Medieval highlights include the overgrown remnants of Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers and the defensive Enceinte de Martinopole. These sites illustrate the region's evolution from ancient Roman settlements to the fortified estates of the French nobility.

Loire Valley Ruins & Archaeology — Map

A

Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers

The Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers is a ruined castle in the commune of Les Trois-Moutiers in the Vienne department of France.

B

Enceinte de Martinopole

Also known as the Enceinte de Châteauneuf, these are the remains of the 11th-century defensive walls that once surrounded the town of Châteauneuf-Saint-Martin in Tours.

C

Le Vieux Château

Remnants of a medieval fortress located in Savonnières, representing the region's early defensive architecture.

D

Manoir de la Bouchardière

A historic manor house in Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg featuring architectural elements from the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

E

Menhir du Bois-Gilbert

Also known as the Menhir du Moulin Hilaire or Pierre Longue, this Neolithic standing stone is a significant megalithic monument located in Gennes.

F

Dolmen du Ver

A prehistoric megalithic burial chamber located in the Loir-et-Cher department.

G

Ruines du donjon de la Motte

The remaining stone foundations and structural ruins of a medieval keep located in the Loiret region.

H

Dolmen de la Madeleine

Also known as the Dolmen de la Pierre Folle, this large Neolithic portal tomb in Gennes-Val-de-Loire is notable for its massive capstone and historical use as a chapel.

Daniel Jolivet / CC BY 2.0

I

Amphithéatre gallo-romain

A 1st-century Gallo-Roman theater-amphitheater in Gennes. This mixed-use structure was designed for both theatrical performances and gladiatorial combat, once seating several thousand spectators.

J

Château de Grandfond

The ruins of a former castle located in Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg.

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Loire Valley Must-Sees Loire Valley Heritage Gems Loire Valley Castles Loire Valley Churches & Abbeys