A blend of medieval heritage and easy living, Vendôme's authenticity and peaceful charm make it one of the most attractive towns in France. The third-largest town in the département, behind Blois and Romorantin-Lanthenay, it is classified as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire and offers a concentration of architectural, cultural and natural treasures. From the panoramic view from the remains of the castle to the narrow streets of the historic center, lined with half-timbered houses and dotted with remarkable monuments, to the magnificent green spaces inherited from the art of gardening, Vendôme has everything to welcome you! So, what's there to see and do in Vendôme? Here are the 10 must-sees!
1. Enjoy the view from the park and the remains of the château
To begin your discovery of Vendôme, there's nothing likea stroll through the château grounds, an emblematic Vendôme landmark offering exceptional panoramic views over the town and the Loir valley. The remains of the medieval castle, perched on a hillside, invite you to immerse yourself in history. From this natural observatory, you can admire the relief of the town with its ancient roofs, the winding river and the surrounding hills in the background: the gentle way of life in Vendôme illustrated in a single image! It's also an ideal spot for a relaxing break, a family picnic or simply a walk in the fresh air.
2. What to do in Vendôme Stroll through the historic heart
Continue your stroll by heading for the historic heart of Vendôme, surrounded by ramparts, of which the Porte Saint-Georges (14th-16th centuries) remains, the only survivor of the four gates that gave access to the town. This district still retains its medieval atmosphere, with cobbled streets, colorful half-timbered houses and lively squares. Don't miss Place Saint-Martin, where the carillon of the bell-tower resounds, or must-see monuments such as the Trinité Abbey and its Cour du Cloître.
To discover Vendôme, let yourself be guided by the Tourist Office brochures and follow one of the two circuits marked with studs on the ground. The first will take you from the college where Balzac studied before becoming town hall to the Trinité abbey, via the Saint-Jacques chapel, the slope of the little gardens or the Islette tower and half-timbered houses. The second, Flânerie vers le château, offers a panoramic view of the town.
3. Visit Trinité Abbey (11th century)
Founded in the 11th century by Geoffroy Martel, Count of Vendôme, the Abbaye de la Trinité is a remarkable example of French religious heritage. According to legend, it was after seeing three stars fall from the sky that Geoffroy had this majestic church built. Today, the transept and the pillars of the transept crossing remain from the original Romanesque edifice. Outside, on the right, stands a 12th-century bell tower, 80 metres high. One of its most precious treasures is a 12th-century stained-glass window depicting the Virgin in Majesty, the oldest surviving stained-glass window in France. The sculpted façade, the work of Jean Teyssier in 1508, completes the picture of this abbey as a masterpiece of art and faith through the ages.
Read more: Top 15 most beautiful abbeys to visit in France
4. What to do in Vendôme Stroll around Place Saint-Martin
Place Saint-Martin is undoubtedly one of Vendôme's liveliest and most charming spots. Lined with warmly-colored half-timbered houses, it invites you to relax and observe local life. It lives to the rhythm of the bell tower's famous carillon, which punctuates the hours with its melodies, under the protection of Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, better known as Comte de Rochambeau and hero of the American War of Independence, who was born here in 1725. With its café terraces, markets and cultural events, this is one of Vendôme's must-see spots.
Read more: What to visit in Centre-Val de Loire? 10 ideas for activities
5. Parc Ronsard, a unique plant heritage in Vendôme
Vendôme is also a garden city, which since the 17th century has preserved a unique plant heritage on some 100 hectares of passionately tended grounds. Not to be missed, in addition to the château grounds, is the Parc Ronsard. It's a haven of peace in the heart of Vendôme, appreciated for its beauty and serene atmosphere. Its shady walkways, flower beds and well-kept green spaces invite you to relax. Whether you're looking for a family break, a spot of reading or a leisurely stroll, the Parc Ronsard is one of the best places to take full advantage of Vendôme's charm.
You might also be interested in What to see and do in Blois The 16 must-sees
6. What to do in Vendôme Picnic with family and friends at La Pente des Coutis
Facing the château, on the other side of the Loir, this 10-hectare vineyard offers a peaceful, bucolic setting, perfect for a relaxing moment with family or friends. Located between the Provinces district and the Vendôme forest, it was developed thanks to a collaboration between the town and local winegrowers.
Today, the site is home to some thirty ancient apple trees, an educational garden dedicated to the study of vines, and a vineyard house built using traditional methods. A picnic shelter and an orientation table allow visitors to take full advantage of the picturesque landscape of the Loir valley.
7. Visit Vendôme on one of its themed tours
Two routes, marked on the ground with gold studs, invite you to stroll through the town while exploring its main monuments. For an even more immersive visit, the Wivisites app offers three audio-guided itineraries that can be picked up from the ground and followed at your own pace: Flânerie vers le Château, Au coeur de la ville and Parcours de mémoire 39-45. Detailed brochures are available from the tourist office, and explanatory panels line the route, telling the story of emblematic sitessuch as the Trinité Abbey, the Porte Saint-Georges and the Château. And for those who prefer a more in-depth approach, guided tours with a tour guide are also available.
Read more: 10 ideas for excursions by train or coach in the Centre-Val de Loire region
8. Sainte-Madeleine church, a building with a rich past and remarkable stained glass windows
Founded in 1474, this church with its sober façade reveals a remarkable interior architecture once you cross the threshold. Its wooden vaulting, supported by superb, finely sculpted beams, bears witness to exceptional craftsmanship. The whole is enhanced by magnificent stained glass windows, veritable jewels of the local heritage, created in the 19th century by the master glassmakers of Touraine, which bathe the building in soothing, colored light. Today, the church of Sainte-Madeleine captivates visitors with its luminosity and, above all, the richness of its stained glass!
9. Discover Vendôme by kayak!
The Club Kayak de Vendôme offers a number of itineraries on the Loir, accessible to beginners and more experienced paddlers alike. Whether you'd like to try your hand at kayaking or improve your skills, outings supervised by a federal instructor can be organized on request at certain times of the year. With family or friends, it's an ideal way to discover the peaceful countryside around Vendôme... on the water and in complete tranquillity.
Good to know: Activities are open to groups of 8 or more, by reservation only. So remember to think ahead, whether you're planning a full-day or half-day outing.
10. Discover the culinary specialties of the Vendôme region
Venture into the town's restaurants and markets to sample typical specialties such as rillette de Vendôme, a delicious melt-in-your-mouth pork preparation, or the famous goat cheeses produced in the area. And don't miss traditional dishes such as poule au pot, a staple of local cuisine. As for sweets, let yourself be tempted by pralines or candied fruit, perfect to accompany a glass of regional wine.
Read more: The 20 most typical dishes of French gastronomy
Where to stay in Vendôme?
If you're considering a stay in Vendôme, you'll find a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are a few options to help you choose where to stay in Vendôme:
- The safe bet: Le Saint Georges
Bookable right here, this hotel near the Porte Saint-Georges is an emblem of Vendôme. It offers comfortable rooms with exotic, contemporary decor. The largest rooms can accommodate families of up to 5 people, and all have kitchenettes. The hotel's central location means it's close to many restaurants.
- An option close to the center: Hotel Vendome
Close to the historic district and railway station, this elegant hotel, which you can book here, has long served as a stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The classic architecture houses a charming hotel with a bright, modern decor. And don't forget: the bar boasts a fine collection of whiskies for your enjoyment.
- Most convenient for travelers: Le Capricorne
Located opposite the station, this elegant hotel has well-equipped rooms that you can book here. The friendly welcome adds to the charm of the place. In addition to the on-site bistronomic restaurant, you can take advantage of the takeaway service, which allows you to sample the hotel's creations at any time of day.
