tour in loire valley france

THE 10 BEST Loire Valley Tours & Excursions

• Loire Valley Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Wine Tasting

2. Loire Valley Wine and Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

3. Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau

4. Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise

5. Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

6. Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours or Amboise

7. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours pickup from Amboise or Tours

8. Morning - Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis

9. Da Vinci's Footsteps in Amboise Private Walking Tour

10. Loire Valley Castles Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris

11. Loire Valley Day from Amboise : Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Winery

12. Normandy Loire Valley 3-Days Trip with Mont Saint Michel and Castles from Paris

13. Afternoon Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise

14. Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley

15. Day Tour to Chenonceau and Chambord Castles

16. Vineyard cycle tours in and around Chinon, in the Loire Valley

17. Loire Valley Half Day : Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau from Tours

18. Picnic in the Vines - A Unique Loire Wine Experience

19. Loire Valley Ebike Tour to Chambord from Amboise

20. Loire Valley Day from Tours : Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Winery

21. 7-Hour Guided Wine Tour in Loire Valley

22. Loire Valley Wines and Castle Small Group Day Trip from Paris

23. 2 Days Mont Saint Michel, Loire Castles Guided Tour

24. Loire Valley Castles and Wine Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

25. 3 Loire Valley Castles and Wine Tasting Private Guided Tour

26. Full Day Wine Tour in Vouvray and Chinon with LUNCH at the winery

27. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours originating from Chinon

28. Lunchtime Food Tour of Tours

29. Loire Valley Day Trip with 3 Castles including Chambord and Chenonceau

30. Loire Valley Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

What travelers are saying.

• Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Wine Tasting
• Loire Valley Wine and Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris
• Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley
• Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle
• Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau
• Les Petits Trains
• A la Francaise! Loire Valley
• Le Tasting Room Wine - Day Tours
• Top Balloon
• Compagnons-du-Vent
• Broaden Horizons
• Odyssee en Val de Loire
• e-FOLLOW me
• Le Secret des Papilles
• Val de Loire Travel
• Caves Veuve Amiot
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• Freemove Segway Centre
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Loire Valley Tours & Trips

Just a short journey from Paris will see you arrive in the picturesque Loire Valley – a UNESCO listed destination. Take in the memorable sites, prestigious vineyards and historic cities and fairytale chateaux of the Loire Valley area on a delightful adventure.

46 Loire Valley tour packages with 21 reviews

• River Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Christmas on the Loire

• Self-Guided Cycling

Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Orleans to St-Nazaire)

Fantastic trip. Hotels were tremendous, especially the meal in the hotel in Saint Florent-le-Vieil. Maps were good though I used my app Bikemap.net, to act as a Sat Nav. A couple of hiccups with luggaeew but minor in comparison with holiday organisation. Would certainly recommend.

Loire Valley: classic tour Orléans- Saumur cat. A

Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Tours to St-Nazaire)

The luggage was always on site, the hotels so O.k. and the description was good. For the navigation I was glad about the Garmin Navi.

Christmas on the Loire (port-to-port cruise)

Amazing food and service, overall good value. Unfortunately for us, the currents were too strong to sail often, due to heavy rain, so had to stay in Nantes for most of the time

Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans

Bike was good. Holtels were good. First half of the route (Nevers to Sancerre) was good. Second half (Sancerre to Orleans) not so good (power station, often away from the river, uninteresting countryside).

From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley (10 destinations)

Cycle the Loire Valley

Loire Valley Bike & Canoe Tour

We are a family of three - mom, dad, 10-year-old son, and we had an AMAZING bicycling adventure with Discover France. We loved the self-guided aspect -- all of our needs were well taken care of (bags transported, lodging arranged, routes planned), but we had the freedom to ride at our own pace, with our own diversions, just as a family. The Loire area couldn't be more scenic and charming; the trails were nearly empty even in high tourist season; our lodging was simple but very comfortable with friendly inn keepers and great locations; the routes that DF put together for us were incredible -- small, untraveled by the masses, and beautiful. We are still reliving the trip several weeks later, and we would whole-heartedly recommend Discover France's Loire Valley multi sport trip. (By the way, both son and dad had a blast at the zip line adventure park. I found it a little bit scary, but am glad I tried at least one ropes course up in the trees. It's an experience my son will never forget, and was a great reward for his many kilometers of riding.)

From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley (7 destinations)

Loire Valley - Amboise Cycling Loops

There were a number of times that the digital directions on the trip were incorrect. There were indications of left or right turns that were just the opposite and required tracking back after we were notified that we were off track. This was frustrating and should be corrected.

Castles on the River Loire: La Route Royal

The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy

• Hiking & Trekking

Chateaux of the Loire Walk

Cycling the Chateaux of the Loire - Upgraded

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The ultimate travel agency in the Loire Valley

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Loire Valley Tours

From a single day tour to a 5 day escapade or more

Our itineraries are crafted to give you the very best of the Loire Valley. Notwithstanding the length of your stay, they will give you a chance to discover our region with our unique touch.  The following tours are just some examples of itineraries. They can be customized to fit your own needs.

Fully or semi guided?

During a fully guided tour , your guide will stay with you most of the time, touring the area’s sights with you in a private luxury vehicle. Enjoy his/her historical expertise and take advantage of his/her in-depth knowledge of the region.   NEED MORE TIME ON YOUR OWN? Request a semi-guided tour , mixing sightseeing with your personal guide and driver, with periods of free time to enjoy the region at your own pace. Remember that drinking and driving is a no go in France, therefore all our wine journeys are fully guided.

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5 days is ideal to discover the Loire Valley from the inside. To the “must see”, we have added off-the-beaten tracks activities and gourmet stops for an ultimate stay.

You will be surprised by how much you can see and do within 3 days for an experience that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

The Loire Valley has so many resources that you can easily spend over 5 days here between the castles, the nature and the people. The best way to feel ‘part of it”.

We have packed the best of the Loire Valley in a single day, to give you a taste of the region and make you want to come back…

A well balanced mix of fully guided visits with a private guide and self-guided periods to discover the area at your own pace.

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Riverloire is the first and only travel agency exclusively dedicated to luxury travel in the Loire Valley  - © 2022 RIVERLOIRE

The Ultimate Itinerary for Visiting France’s Loire Valley

Planning a vacation in France’s Loire Valley? This is the ultimate guide to taking a one week road trip in the Loire Valley.

I give you must know tips for visiting the Loire. If you have extra time in France, I also give you tips for extending your stay in France’s Brittany or Normandy regions.

Studded with beautiful chateaux, the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley is full of aristocratic pomp and architectural grandeur.

Gliding gently east to west, the Loire River cuts through a valley carpeted with verdant fields, vineyards, and rolling hills. Aside from Chartres, the gateway to the Loire, the Loire towns aren’t much of a draw.

No, it’s the enchanting and centuries old fairytale castles that are the dazzling must see attractions and landmarks in the Loire Valley.

These stunning chateaux come complete with extravagant facades, opulent interiors, and splendid gardens. The best way to see these beauties is on a Loire Valley road trip.

The Loire Valley is an easy journey from Paris. This one week in Loire Valley itinerary assumes you arrive in Paris. You could also fly into Nantes and reverse the order of this itinerary.

If you want to spend some time in Paris first (a sensible choice), here’s my 2 day itinerary for Paris , 3 day itinerary for Paris , 5 day itinerary for Paris .

Overview Of Loire Valley Itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll see with this Loire Valley road trip itinerary:

• Day 1 : Depart from Paris, stop in Chartres en route to Blois
• Day 2 : Visit Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Cheverny from Blois
• Day 3 : Drive to Amboise and visit Chateau d’Amboise and Chateau du Clos Luce
• Day 4 : Visit Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chaumont
• Day 5 : Drive to Chinon, stop at Chateau de Villandry and Chateau d’Usse
• Day 6 : Visit Chateau de Langeais and Chateau Azay-le-Rideau
• Day 7 : Visit Royal Abbey Fontevraud and Chateau d’Angers
• Extra time? Head to Brittany or Normandy

For this 7 day Loire Valley itinerary, you’ll have three bases: Blois (2 nights), Amboise (2 nights), and Chinon (3 nights).

You could also opt to stay for 4 nights in either Blois or Amboise instead of moving your base. If you’re more of a city person, you can also base yourself in Orleans (eastern Loire) and Tours (western Loire).

I give you some pointers on where to stay in the tips section below.

On this one week itinerary, you’ll see up to 20 of France’s most beautiful chateaux. These are some of the most famous and unmissable landmarks in France .

This Loire Valley itinerary is perfectly adjustable. You can shorten it or lengthen it.

If you don’t have time for one week in the Loire, you can opt to see just the major attractions (the four “Cs”) listed on days 2-4 of the itinerary. This itinerary is simply more leisurely and allows you to experience some of the hidden gems of the Loire Valley.

A Short History of the Loire Valley

The Lorie Valley is synonymous with French history and French royalty.

The Loire was a major artery during Ancient Rome. The Loire’s conquest began under Julius Caesar. Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, brought peace. The Romans even introduced the first grape vines.

The first chateaux in the Loire were doughty medieval fortresses, beginning in the 9th century. They were built to stave off marauding Vikings. Massive fortified walls and keeps were de rigeur.

During the 100 Years War, the interminable siege between France and England during the Middle Ages, the Loire Valley was a boundary between the warring forces.

In 1453, Charles VII regained his crown with the help of Joan of Arc. She led an army to the city of Orleans in the Loire and defeated the English troops.

After that, the Loire Valley became the center of courtly life and scandal. Kings installed their mistresses in swishy chateaux.

The bourgeoise elite all purchased homes in the Loire to demonstrate their wealth and influence.

Francois I built the first Renaissance castles in the Loire. A lover of Italian Renaissance art, the king even persuaded Leonardo da Vinci to move to France from Milan and join his court.

As a result of all that royal and aristocratic patronage, the Loire is jam packed with extravagant chateaux, with a rather astonishing architectural and artistic heritage.

The Best One Week Loire Valley Itinerary

Here’s my recommended 7 days in the Loire Valley driving tour, which covers all the best destinations, landmarks, and must visit attractions in the Loire Valley.

Day 1: Depart from Paris, Stop in Chartres en Route to Blois

Chartres has a rich history, charming streets, interesting medieval churches, and museums and galleries focusing on French art. It’s one of the most beautiful towns in northern France .

Chartres is famed for its massive 13th century Cathédrale Notre-Dame , designated a UNESCO site in 1979. Finished in 1220, the Gothic cathedral features 2 towering spires, flying buttresses, ornate sculptures, a 16th century astrological clock, relics, and elaborate rose windows — all you’d expect in an architectural wonder.

Interesting, however, the 2 steeples don’t match. One’s in the Gothic style and one’s in a Romanesque style. The cathedral’s south, west, and north entrances all boast ornate triple portals.

The cathedral’s most stunning feature is its dramatically hued stained glass. Chartres has one of the best medieval collections of stained glass in the world. It’s especially renowned for its “Chartes Blue” color tones.

The colorful windows survived the French Revolution and both world wars. During WWII, they were taken down and temporarily stored in the Church of Saint-Emilon. Scout out the Jesse Window, the Blue Virgin Window, the Noah Window, and the South Rose Window.

You can also climb 350 steps up the lacy north tower, known as Clocher Neuf. There, you can inspect the rooftop and the flying buttresses.

If you have time, visit Chartres’ Musee des Beaux-Arts . It’s a fine arts museum housed in the former home of Chartres’ bishops.

The museum is creaky and dusty, but there are treasures worth admiring. The collection includes works by Francisco de Zurbaran, Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin, Maurice Vlaminck, and Chaim Soutine.

• Time : Paris to Chartres 1:30
• Time : Chartres to Bloise 1:37
• Address for Chartres Cathedral : 16 Cloitre Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres France
• Hours : 10:00 am to 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm top 7:30 pm
• Entry fee : free, 3 € for the crypt, 7.50 € for the north tower

Day 2: Visit Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Cheverny

1. chateau de chambord.

The Chateau de Chambord is the big daddy of Loire Valley chateaus. Building started on this massive over-the-top Renaissance chateau in 1519.

Commissioned by Francois I, a lowly hunting lodge was boldly transformed into a ostentatious monument to royalty and royal sport. It’s rumored that Leonardo da Vinci, who relocated from Rome to France as a court artist, influenced some of the chateau’s architectural elements.

The chateau is laid out as a keep in the shape of a cross with four ornate towers, two wings, over 440 rooms, and 365 fireplaces.

At the center is a rectangular keep. The most interesting rooms are the queens chambers on the first floor.

The highlight is Chambord’s mind boggling double helix staircase. It whisks visitors from the ground floor to the rooftop and Lantern Tower.

Twin staircases intertwine without actually touching. The rooftop offers breathtaking views over the chateau gardens and valley. You can inspect the cityscape of exuberant sculpted chimneys and turrets.

Click here for a skip the line entrance ticket for Chateau Chambord. Click  here  to book a 2 hour guided tour to learn all the secrets of this magnificent chateau.

• Address : 41250 Chambord France
• Hours : 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, closes at 5:00 pm off season
• Entry fee : 16 €, parking 6 €
• Pro tip : There’s a 20 minute film that gives you an overview of the chateau on the ground floor.

2. Chateau de Cheverney

Built in 1625-34, the Chateau de Cheverny represents the zenith of French classical architecture. Designed by architect Jacques Hurault, it’s a perfectly proportioned tour de force of symmetry and aesthetic order.

The chateau is so orderly and stately that it’s not quite as appealing to me as some of the other more romantically styled chateaux. But the interiors are quite gorgeous.

Inside, the Chateau de Cheverny is sumptuously furnished with many works of art and tapestries. Murals in the formal dining room famously depict the story of Don Quixote. Other highlights are paintings by Raphael’s studio and Georges de la Tour.

Chateau de Cheverny inspired Moulinsart Hall in the TinTin comic books, which you may remember from your childhood.

In back of the chateau, you’ll find the 18th century Orangerie. During WWII, it housed and safeguarded famous paintings such as Leonardo’s Mona Lisa . Now, it’s a quaint tea room.

Cheverny is also home to 100 hunting dogs. They’re a special breed, or cross-breed, of English fox hounds and French Pointer dogs. Their daily feeding is at 11:30 am, if you want to see them lunge at their food on cue.

Click  here  to pre-book a ticket. Click  here  to book the iconic hot air balloon ride over Chenonceau.

• Address : 4170 Cheverny France
• Hours : 9:15 am to 6:30 pm, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm off season
• Entry fee : 13.50 €

3. Chateau de Beauregard

If you have a bit of extra time in your day, head to one of the Loire Valley’s hidden gems, Chateau de Beauregard . It’s just a 15 minute drive from Chateau Cheverny. Like Chambord, Beauregard was a favorite hunting lodge of Francoise I.

The chateau’s highlight is the 17th century Renaissance style Portrait Gallery. In it, you’ll find 327 paintings of European royalty. They include recognizable figures such as Cardinal Richelieu, Francis Drake, Henry VII, Ann Boleyn, and a score of French kings.

When you’re done examining The Who’s Who, escape to the landscaped park. Beauregard has one of the best rose gardens in the Loire Valley.

There’s also a Portrait Garden, with facts sheets and pictures hanging from trees. It’s the brainchild of landscape architect Gilles Clement.

• Address : 12 Chemin de la Fontaine 41120 Cellettes France
• Hours : 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee : 12.50 €

3. Royal Chateau de Blois

The Chateau Royal de Blois was the favorite residence (and architectural project) of 7 kings and 10 queens of France. With its various Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical facades, the chateau reflects all of France’s great architectural periods.

In 1429, Joan of Arc visited the castle to be blessed before doing battle with the English.

The Chateau de Blois was fully restored in the 19th century. It also houses the Blois Fine Arts Museum, with approximately 35,000 art works from the 16th and 17th century. It boasts masterpieces by Ingres, Rubens, and Boucher.

Other Chateau Blois highlights are: (1) loggia staircase, decorated with Francois I’s salamanders; (2) the Studiolo, where Catherine de Medici kept her stash of poisons; and (3) the king’s apartments.

It was in these apartments that Henry III murdered his arch rival Duke Henry I of Guise.

Click  here  to book a skip the line entrance ticket.

• Address : 6 Place du Château, 41000 Blois, France
• Tickets : 7 €
• Hours : 9:00 am to 6:30 pm

Day 3: Drive to Amboise. Visit Chateau d’Amboise and Chateau du Clos Luce

1. chateau d’amboise.

On day 3, head to the charming (if a bit touristy) town of Amboise. It’s just a 35 minute drive from Blois.

The Royal Chateau d’Amboise is a Renaissance jewel, with a taste of Italy and some medieval gargoyles thrown in for good measure. It features the Loire Valley’s iconic gray slate cone-shaped rooftops. Designed by Italian master masons, Chateau d’Amboise is known as the “First Italianate Palace in France.”

Chateau d’Amboise is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town of Amboise. The chateau was the childhood home of luminaries such as King Charles VIII, Francois I, and Mary Queen of Scots. Charles VIII was responsible for its Italianate remodeling, done in 1492.

At the invitation of Francois, Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci was a guest at the chateau. Leonardo brought some of his favorite paintings along with him to Amboise — Sainte Anne, and a special little piece called the Mona Lisa .

Da Vinci is buried in the chateau’s Chapelle St.-Hubert, also called, naturally, the da Vinci Chapel.

• Address : Montee de l’Emir Abd el Kader, 37400 Amboise France
• Hours : 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. On weekends, opens at 9:00 am
• Entry fee : 15 €

2. Chateau du Clos Luce

If you’re a fan of famed Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci, a visit to 15th century Chateau du Clos Luce is a must do.

A transplant from Italy , Leonardo lived and worked in this grand manor home the final 3 years of his life (1516-19). It was connected to Chateau Amboise by an underground tunnel.

On a visit to Clos Luce, you can walk in the footsteps of the famous Italian polymath artist.

READ : Guide To the Leonardo Trail in Milan

Leonardo didn’t paint in Amboise. Instead, he focused on his imaginative contraptions and masterminded elaborate court celebrations with special effects.

You can see Leonardo’s study, bedroom, and chapel. There are scale models and sketches of some of his fantastical inventions — automobiles, machine gun, assault chariots, and more. And a replica of the Mona Lisa , the original of which is in the Louvre .

Click here for a skip the line ticket to the chateau. Click here to book a guided tour of both Amboise and Chateau Clos Luce.

• Address : 2 Rue du Clos Luce 37400 Amboise France
• Hours : 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee : 18 €

Day 4: Visit Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateaux de Chaumont

1. chateau de chenonceau.

Built in the 16th century by Thomas Bohier, the elegant and art-filled Chateau de Chenonceau is the most famous and romantic of the Loire Valley chateaus. Inspired by palaces in Venice , the chateau spans the River Cher with picturesque palace arches for boats to glide under.

Chenonceau housed and was influenced by a succession of famous women over the centuries — Diane de Poitiers (mistress of Henry II), Catherine de’ Medici (wife of Henry II), and Louise Dupin. It’s nicknamed the “Ladies Chateau.”

Poitiers added the five arch bridge to span the River Cher. Medici transformed the Poitiers’ bridge into a two story promenade and ballroom gallery, which resembled the Ponte Vecchio in Florence Italy . Chenonceau was also the site of Francis II’s marriage to Mary Queen of Scots.

Highlights of the meticulously maintained chateau are the lavishly decorated ceilings, intricate tapestries, the ornate chapel, the ballroom, the bedrooms of Medici and Poitiers, and Medici’s Green Study.

A stunning long hallway, the Medici Gallery, is paved in black and white marble and flanks the Cher River. The gallery has an exhibition showing the roles that the queens and mistresses played in creating this beautiful castle.

In Medici’s Green Study, she governed France as regent for her son. There are paintings by Tintoretto, Van Dyck, Veronese, Correggio, and Poussin.

There are restaurants at Chenonceau to grab lunch — the Orangerie in the Green Garden and the Creperie near the main entrance. Chenonceau also has two stunning formal gardens, created by Poitiers and Medici. You could opt for a picnic lunch in the gardens.

Click here to pre-book a ticket. Click here to book the iconic hot air balloon ride over Chenonceau.

• Address : 37150 Chenonceau France
• Hours : 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, closing at 5:00 from October through March
• Entry fee : 15.50 €, 19.50 € with audio guide

2. Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Just a half hour from Chenonceau is the beautiful Chateau de Chaumont . The castle combines a medieval facade with 19th century furnishings inside.

Construction began around 1465 and continued until 1510. The chateau has elaborate gardens and hosts a “Festival International des Jardins” in high season.

Catherine de Medici purchased the chateau after her husband Henry II died. There, she entertained various astrologers, including Nostradamus.

READ : History of the Medici Dynasty

In 1559, however, Catherine kicked Diane de Poitiers, Henry II’s mistress, out of the Chateau de Chenonceau and gave her the fortress-like Chaumont instead. She also made Diane hand over the crown jewels Henry had given her.

In 1875, the heiress Princess de Broglie purchased and renovated the chateau. The most beautiful room is the Council Chamber. Rather high maintenance, she also had the entire village razed and rebuilt.

Be sure to inspect the Italian tiled floor in the Salle du Conseil, luxe period furniture from the 16th and 18th centuries, and the impressive stables built by the Prince de Broglie.

• Address : 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France
• Hours : 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Entry fee : 14 €

Day 5: Drive to Chinon, stop at Chateau de Villandry and Chateau de Usse

On day 5 of you’re one week in the Loire Valley, you’ll drive to your next base, the town of Chinon. It’s just a little over an hour drive from Amboise.

Chinon is renowned for its hilltop castle, medieval quarter, and fine red wines. Visit the Royal Fortress and then move on to Chateau Villandry and Chateau d’Usse.

1. Royal Fortress of Chinon

Chinon’s pride and joy is its doughty castle, the Chateau de Chinon , perched on a cliff on the edge of town. Dating from the 12th century, the castle was home to the court of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

It’s Clock Tower, the Tour de l’Horloge, showcases exhibits of the historic meeting between Joan of Arc and the future Charles VII.

A virgin warrior and French national heroine, Joan of Arc convinced King Charles VII to fight the English invasion in the 15th century.

There are splendid views across the Vienne River from the castle walls.

Click  here  to book an entrance ticket. Chinon is also the perfect place to go on a  guided wine tour .

• Address : 2 Rue du Château, 37500 Chinon, France
• Hours : 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
• Entry fee : 10.50 €

2. Chateau de Villandry

This lovely Renaissance chateau was completed in 1756, for its owner Jean le Breton. Chateau Villandry was the last large Renaissance chateau built in the Loire.

If you have a passion for gardens, this is the chateau for you. Depending on your time and interest, you may want to just visit the gardens and not go inside the chateau. Though the interior does feature a show Oriental Room, complete with a gilded Moorish ceiling.

Villandry is most renowned for its beautiful landscaped gardens. There are acres of manicured gardens, decorative ponds, arbors, a maze, fruity trees, vineyards, and themed gardens. The gardens are at their peak in mid-summer.

You get a bird’s eye view of the gardens from the chateau’s only medieval remnant, the donjon of the keep. The chateau now offers a virtual tour of its famed gardens and a virtual video tour of both the chateau and gardens on its website.

Click here to book a morning tour of the chateau and Chateau de L’Islette.

• Address : 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France
• Hours : 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
• Entry fee : 12.50 €, gardens only 7.50 €, audio guide 4 €

3. Chateau d’Usse

Chateau d’Usse is famous as the inspiration for Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty fairytale and Disneys famous Cinderella Castle. You can immediately see why. The charming chateau has a romantic turret-topped exterior.

Situated on the edge of Chinon forest, Chateau d’Usse was built for the Built family in the 15th century. The castle changed hands many times. In 1885, the Count de Blacas bought the chateau and his ancestors still live there today.

Inside it boasts dreamy spiral staircases, unusual frescos, and 17th century tapestries.

Take a stroll in the French gardens as well. They were designed by Le Notre of Versailles fame.

• Address : 37420 Rigny-Usse
• Hours : 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, closing at 6:00 pm off season
• Entry fee : 14 €, audio guide 3 €

Day 6: Visit Chateau Langeais and Chateau Azay-le-Rideau

1. chateau de langeais.

The Chateau de Langeais was founded in 992 by Foulques Nerra. He was an early count of Anjou and a celebrated builder of medieval castles.

The castle was destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was later rebuilt by King Louis XII in the mid-to-late 15th century.

It’s considered an excellent example of late medieval architecture — with crenellated battlements and pointy defensive towers.

Langeais is perfectly preserved both inside and out. Over 15 rooms, there’s original 15th century period furniture and scores of Flemish and Aubusson tapestries.

• Address : Place Pierre de Brosse, 37130 Langeais, France
• Entry fee : 9.80 €

2. Chateau Azay-le-Rideau

This petit chateau is one of France’s most romantic hidden gems. Situated on an island in the middle of the Indre River, the moat-ringed Chateau Azay-le-Rideau dazzles with fanciful turrets and decorative stonework.

Honoré de Balzac dubbed it a “multifaceted diamond set in the River Indre.”

The chateau’s most famous feature is its open loggia staircase. The staircase is Italianate in style and overlooks the central courtyard. And it’s decorated with salamanders and ermines, symbols of Francois I and Queen Claude.

Just along the river from Azay-le-Rideau castle is the hidden gem Chateau de l’Islette , where you can escape the crowds. Its privately owned, but open to the public. Far from Paris, during the 1890s, l’Islette was the secret love nest of two great French sculptors Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin .

Click here to book a ticket to the chateau. Click here to book a tour of the chateau with Villandry and a wine tasting.

• Address : Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France
• Hours : 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee : 12.20 €

Day 7: Visit Royal Abbey Fontevraud and Chateau d’Angers

1. abbey fontevraud.

A stone’s throw from Chinon is the UNESCO-listed Royal Abbey of Our Lady of Fontevraud . The abbey is the perfect balance of past and present. You can visit, dine, sleep, and even enjoy a permanent new art museum.

Found in 1101, Fontevraud is Europe’s largest monastic complex, founded in 1101. In its heyday, the abbey housed four priories and 800 nuns. Napoleon used three of the priories as a prison until 1963.

Perfectly restored, Fontevraud is a fascinating complex of religious buildings, cloisters, refectory, and dormitories. It’s a maze of stone.

You’ll also find the Plantagenet tombs of Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their son Richard the Lionheart in abbey nave.

• Address : 49590 Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, France
• Hours : 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Entry fee : Click here for different options

2. Chateau Angers

Chateau Angers was the fiefdom of the powerful dukes of Anjou and the Plantagenets. The formidable Chateau d’Angers is an impressive black and stone affair.

It’s ringed by battlements and 17 watch towers that stretch 500 meters. The “black” stone is actually blue schist.

The chateau houses one of France’s great treasures — the 14th century Apocalypse Tapestry, the Tenture de l’Apocalypse .

Louis I, Duke of Anjou, commissioned the set of tapestries from Hennequin de Bruges in 1375. The 300+ foot tapestry depicts the story of Judgment Day.

• Address : 2 Promenade du Bout du Monde 49100 Angers
• Hours : 10:00 am to 6:30 pm in high season, closing at 5:30 off season
• Entry fee : 9.50 €, which includes access to the gardens

3. Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay

If you have the time and energy to squeeze in one more chateau, head to the medieval Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay , about 10 miles south of the town of Saumur where you should have dinner.

There have been fortifications on this site from the 11th century. The current chateau was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It served a defensive purpose during the 100 Years War. When that war was over, the chateau received a Renaissance facelift and elegant additions.

The highlight of the chateau is the wine cellars. Legend holds that when the wine was made, the vintners would swear to a portrait of Rabelais: “When my glass if full, I empty it. When it is empty, I complain.”

• Address : Place des Ormeaux, 49260 Montreuil-Bellay, France
• Hours : Click here
• Entry fee : € 12.00

4. Dinner in Saumur

Saumur is a pretty town in the Loire, with a sophisticated but laid back vibe. It has a good culinary scene, so it’s a nice stop for dinner and Loire wine.

For wine tasting, head to the Maison du Vins . For dinner, try Le Pot de Lapin or the Michelin-starred La Gambetta and l’Aromate .

Saumur also has its own fairytale chateau, the Chateau de Saumur . The chateau was built in the 13th century by King Louis XI. In 2001, a chunk of the defensive fortifications collapsed and is now being restored.

Extra Time in France?

If you have more than one week in the Loire Valley, head to the adjacent Brittany or Normandy region.

1. Brittany Option

Brittany is a dramatic and wild region of northwest France. Brittany is deliciously varied. There’s spectacular scenery — heathland, marshes, a jagged coastline, stunning sand beaches, and azure waves.

Brittany is just stuffed with secret medieval villages where you can disappear down a cobbled lane into history. If you want to get off the beaten path and explore the secret towns of France , Brittany makes the perfect escape.

In Brittany, the Breton language is still proudly spoken. It’s actually closer to Welsh than to French. The further west you go, the wilder Brittany gets. If you want sun, be sure to visit between March and October.

Brittany is divided into four departments: Finistere in the west, Cotes-d’Armor in the north, Ille-et-Vilaine int northeast, and Morbihan in the south. Here’s my guide to the 20 most beautiful towns in Brittany .

From the Loire Valley, I’d drive straight to either Rennes or all the way to Brittany’s most famous landmark, Mont Saint-Michel.

READ : Complete Guide To Visiting Mont Saint-Michel

Alternatively, you could start your Brittany vacation in southern Brittany in Vannes and work your way to the west and north ending with Mont Saint-Michel. If you drove directly from your last chateau stop, Chateau d’Angers, the driving time from there to Vannes is just 2 hours.

Click here for a skip the line ticket to the Mont. Or click here for a walking tour of the town with optional ticket for the abbey.

• Time : Chinon to Rennes 2:40
• Time : Chinon to Mont Saint-Michel 3:20
• Time : Chinon to Vannes: 3:00

2. Normandy Option

Normandy is steeped in history. In Normandy, legendary figures like William the Conquerer and Joan of Arc changed the course of history.

Normandy’s landscapes inspired the Impressionist painters. D-Day beaches commemorate the horror of WWII. In Bayeux, a 1,000 year old tapestry tells the story of medieval warfare and sieges.

Handsome Normandy is crammed with appealingly diverse landscapes. From its picturesque pastures to its ancient fishing harbors, Normandy is a bucolic melange of medieval towns, sun-drenched seaside resorts, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

For some Normandy destination inspiration, here’s my guide to a one week road trip in Normandy and a guide to the most beautiful towns in Normandy .

If you plan on a visit to Normandy, you may want to reverse the order of this itinerary and start in Chinon and end in Blois. From Blois, it’s 2.5 hours to Giverny. Giverny is a perfect first stop in Normandy.

There, you’ll find the magnificent house and gardens of Claude Monet , the father of French Impressionism. Click here for a ticket and guided tour of the property.

Tips For Visiting the Loire Valley

Here are some must know tips for spending 7 days in the Loire Valley.

1. When To Go?

The Loire Valley has something to offer all year round. However, if you want to get the most out of your holiday and enjoy the chateaux’s beauty inside and out, the best time to visit the Loire Valley is in late spring and early summer.

During mid May and early June, the days get longer, the weather heats up, and the flowers start to bloom.

The crowds are also significantly smaller than in July and August, when you should expect crowds and long lines. But in summer, there will be more events, nighttime illuminations, and concerts.

2. How To Get There

You can rent a car from Paris and drive to Chartres. But the fastest way to get from Paris to the Loire Valley is by TGV train.

You could take the train to Chartres and pick up your rental car there. You can purchase train tickets in advance online on the official website . You should book well in advance to secure the cheapest price.

If you want to skip Chartres altogether to get right to chateaux hopping, direct trains from Paris’ Austerlitz train station leave daily. It takes approximately 1:30 to reach Blois.

3. How To Get Around

Renting a car is by far the most convenient way to see the Loire Valley chateaux. You can set your own itinerary and explore at your own pace. You’ll see more of the off the beaten path chateaux that you can’t reach by public transport.

Roads in the Loire Valley are well-paved and signs point you to the chateaux. With the exception of Chambord, the chateaux have free parking.

READ : Guide To Renting a Car and Driving in Europe

4. Chateaux Pass

There is no “pass” per se. You can buy package passes for some chateaux at the towns’ local tourists offices.

Basically, the more chateaux you visit, the more you’ll save. Click here for some information on passes and reduced rates.

But each chateau is under separate management. Some of the chateaux are privately owned (Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau), and do their own ticketing. Some don’t participate in a combination pass and only sell tickets at the gate.

5. Hot Air Ballooning

A number of hot air balloon tours depart from the regions of Chinon and Amboise. The early evening hot air balloon ride are the best. You’ll have beautiful views of the castles and cities.

This is a great option and was a highlight of my Loire Valley trip. Here are your two best options:

• hot air balloon ride from Amboise and Chenonceau
• 3. 5 hour balloon ride over Chenonceau

6. Where Two Stay In The Loire Valley

As I mentioned, you can stay in Blois, Amboise, and Chinon. If you want bigger town, try Orleans or Tours. The best hotel options by city are:

• Amboise : Chateau de Pray , Le Manoir Les Minimes , Le Manoir Saint Thomas
• Blois : Hotel Mercure , Castel de la Comtese
• Chinon : Citotel le Plantagenet , Les Destinees
• Tours : Les Tresorieres , Oceania L’Univers Tours , Riad Spa Les Portes
• Orleans : Empriente Hotel , Demeures de Campagne

If you want to splurge a magnificent hotel near Chateau Chambord and Blois, check out the stunning Relais de Chambord . Another beautiful hotel 20 minutes from both Blois and Amboise is the Domain des Hauts de Loire .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my itinerary for visiting the Loire Valley chateaux. You may enjoy these other travel guides and itineraries for France:

• Secret hidden towns in France
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• Famous landmarks in France
• Hidden gems in Paris
• Guide to Paris’ Latin Quarter
• Guide to Montmartre
• Guide to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny
• The Impressionism trail in Normandy
• 30+ beautiful towns in northern France
• 10 day itinerary for southern France
• Charming hidden gems in Provence

If you need a Loire Valley itinerary pin it for later.

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Last Updated on March 12, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Discover the best tours in the Loire Valley

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Discover the best Loire Valley tours with authentic local guides

Join our day trips from Tours, Amboise or Paris: English or French speaking semi-private, half or full day guided tours by minivan, by E-Bike or with your own car. Visit the must-see castles and experience the French art de vivre feeling like a King! Immerse yourself in the royal splendor of the Loire Valley castles and savor local gastronomy and wines !

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Chambord, Chenonceau & lunch at a chateau - Full-day

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. One of the highlights will definitely be a restful lunch away from tourist groups in a beautiful privately-owned chateau still inhabited by the family.

Loire Valley wine tour to Vouvray - Afternoon

Explore the Loire Valley wine route and its vineyards, full of tradition and passion! Visit a local winery of the Vouvray Appellation, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes and learn how to taste these elegant wines produced from one of the most well-known terroir of the Val de Loire area!

Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau & Vouvray wine tour - Full-day

Enjoy a complete discovery of Loire Valley with the visit of must-see Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and Château de Villandry and its remarkable gardens. Benefit from your guide's thrilling historical anecdotes and feel part of these old days. In the afternoon, learn everything about Loire Valley wines by visiting a local winery of the Vouvray Appellation, well-known for its sparkling and white wines. A fun adventure you will always remember!

Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau châteaux - Morning

Enjoy the famous French Art de Vivre with this delightful morning including the visit of the elegant chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and the Chateau de Villandry and its unique gardens. An experience you will never forget ! Your passionate guide will stay with you all along sharing many anecdotes that will make you feel part of those royal days.

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Couples, groups of friends, families. These tours are made for you. Jump in our van for a private and memorable day.

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We had a wonderful day touring Chenonceau and Chambord with our guide Marion! She had lots of great information about each chateau and was very friendly. The lunch was also fantastic, an original French meal.

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WOW! This tour is amazing. We had a lovely combination of guided tours and plenty of free time to explore the grounds of the chateaus that we visited. The lunch was exquisite and superb by every measure - local food and wine in a private chateau dining room prepared to perfection

Amazing well organized tour!! Our tour guide Merrion was awesome and we learned so many interesting stories and facts about the castles history - we were engaged the whole time! Lunch at a smaller family chateau was a great inclusion and had enough time to explore the chateau’s! Highly recommend this tour!!

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Loire Valley Chateau Tours

• Tours in France

With its majestic chateaux, historic towns and rolling vineyards, the Loire Valley is one of the world’s best-known World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO. Think magical properties such as Chenonceau, Chambord and Cheverny; towns like Blois, Amboise and Orléans; and internationally renowned wines such as Chinon, Saumur and Vouvray.

Far more than just a collection of fancy aristocratic homes, the UNESCO-listed area extends for 280km along the central section of the river, a ‘cultural landscape’ that combines history, heritage and architecture with the flora, fauna and rural landscape that borders France’s longest river.

So if you really want to get under the skin of this captivating area, it pays to take a tour with an insider who can bring every place zinging vividly to life. Enter Loire Valley Chateau Tours run by husband and wife team Graham and Jacqueline. After careers in Britain’s National Health Service, in education and in retail, the couple moved to France just before Brexit to run a luxury Chambre d’Hôte (guest house) and run tours which take in the most enchanting castles of the Loire Valley.

Tour the Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Tour guests stay at their home in the tranquil village of Ranton, half an hour from the medieval town of Chinon. Built in the 18 th century from local Tuffeau stone – building material for the Loire Valley’s signature white chateaux – Maison de Lavande was originally a winemaker’s house and the grape press can still be seen in their underground wine caves.

Tastefully renovated with contemporary but homely furnishings, Maison de Lavande features exposed stone walls and A-framed beams alongside modern facilities and many luxury touches. Relax in the indoor sitting room, chill out in the large garden, or sink into the bubbles of the Jacuzzi.

Guests have a choice of two small group tours – no more than six people – to ensure that everyone receives the same personal service and that guests can get to know each other and share their impressions and experiences of each site.

Six-day tour of the Loire Valley chateaux

Book the Six of the Best tour for a six-day adventure to discover some of the Loire Valley’s most iconic castles and gardens. After settling in to your accommodation at Maison de Lavande, your first night’s dinner is in an atmospheric restaurant in Montreuil-Bellay, listed amongst the elite band of Plus Beaux Detours de France.

Next day you set off by air-conditioned private transport to visit the moated gem of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, followed by nearby Château d’Ussé, inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. Tour the gardens designed by André Le Nôtre of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles fame and taste a range of Loire Valley vintages.

Ussé and Azay-le-Rideau are both utterly magical, but the chateaux step up somewhat in size and grandeur over the next two days. With its elegant arches spanning the river Cher and its formal gardens designed for Catherine de Médici and Diane de Poitiers – wife and mistress of French King Henri II – the Château de Chenonceau is one of the most visited in the Loire Valley. Next stop is  Amboise with free time to visit the Royal Chateau, last resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, or maybe his final home at the bijou Château de Clos Lucé just a short walk away where many of his inventions are reproduced as working models in the house and shady park.

After an overnight stay in an elegant town house beneath the castle, you will leave Amboise for the Château de Chambord , entertainment palace for Renaissance king François I. Like statistics? Chambord goes into overload with 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and a chimney for every day of the year! And don’t miss the chance to try out the double-helix staircase thought to have been designed by Da Vinci himself.  One person can go up and another go down at the same time without ever meeting!

From Chambord with its vast park and hunting forest, you’ll drive to the Château de Cheverny, home to a famous pack of hunting dogs and the inspiration for Belgian cartoonist Hergé for the Chateau de Mounlinsart in the series of books about boy detective Tintin.

After overnighting again back at Maison de Lavande, your last full day starts in the medieval town of Chinon below the walls of the medieval fortress, a favourite home of Plantagenet King Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. After lunch in a bistro, you will make the short drive to Château de Villandry famed for its outstanding formal gardens. Never thought of planting vegetables amongst your flowers and topiary? You’ll think again after wandering the paths of this horticultural haven.

9-day tour of the Loire Valley Chateaux

If you have more time to spare, book instead on to Seventh Heaven , a 9-day tour that offers additions to the 6-day itinerary. Discover the lesser-known town of Richelieu, founded by Cardinal Richelieu, minister to King Louis XIII and chief villain in Alexandre Dumas’ book, The Three Musketeers . Browse the street market to soak up the colours and aromas of the Loire Valley’s local produce, then head to the medieval Château de Rivau for lunch and a stroll round its 14 individual gardens themed to famous fairy tales such as Tom Thumb and Rapunzel.

Enjoy a free morning in Saumur to visit the hilltop castle, browse the boutiques or maybe take a river cruise. Then discover a range of liqueurs at an artisan distillery and visit a wine domaine producing delicious Crémant de Loire sparkling wine.

You’ll also spend a day visiting three very different but equally enchanting villages – Montsoreau and its antiques market; the flower-fringed streets of Candes-St-Martin both Plus Beaux Villages and Montreuil Bellay with its medieval chateau.

All tours include collection and return to local airports at Tours or Poitiers, or train stations at Chinon, Tours or Saumur, as well as private en-suite accommodation, all breakfasts and a full complement of lunches, dinners or picnics. Tours run from early April to late October and dates can be found on the website, but Graham and Jacqueline endeavour to run similar tours for groups of 2-6 guests at other times on request.

In an area where history oozes from every stone, where the vineyards tell a tale and the wine is divine, and flavour flows from every succulent mouthful, the expertise offered by Loire Valley Chateau Tours will help to satisfy all your senses, making sure you get the very best out of your visit to this enchanting area.

Find out more and book your tour at Loire Valley Chateau Tours: loirevallechateautours.com

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Loire Valley Tour Itinerary : 6 Day Tour

Best adventures in loire valley, detailed day-by-day loire valley tour itinerary.

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Loire Valley Tour Itinerary 6-DAY Outline followed by complete day-by-day details…

DAY 1 – Tour Begins, 5 Nights Accommodations at friends Guillaume & Julia’s Hotel, Welcome cocktail as we float down the Loire River on a Traditional “Tout” with friend Aurelien, Privately hosted gourmet picnic dinner – D

DAY 2 – Chenonceau Castle, Cooking Class in friend, Chef Damien’s professional kitchen, “Tour de France” Wine & Cheese Tasting, Dinner Together – B, D

DAY 3 – Chambord Castle, Late afternoon in Amboise Village, Clos Luce & Da Vinci, Dinner together – B, D

DAY 4 – VIP Winery Tour, Tasting & Discovery at Friends Louisa and Fred’s Winery & Home, Privately Hosted Lunch at Home, Royal Amboise Castle & Gardens – B, L

DAY 5 – Royal Blois Castle & Town, Cooking at Home Culinary Class with Family Friends, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chef Christophe & Angelique, Farewell Dinner at Our Chefs’ Family Home – B, D

DAY 6 – Tour Concludes – B

Day 1 – LOIRE VALLEY TOUR ITINERARY BEGINS – D

• Loire Valley Tour begins – Meet & Greet at St. Pierre des Corps TGV rail station, Tours, France at 2 pm.
• Transfer to Hotel for Check-in
• Evening Loire Valley River Float with Friend, Aurelien
• Welcome Cocktail & Orientation as we float down the river.
• Privately hosted gourmet picnic dinner
• Dinner is Included Today

TOUR BEGINS: In 2024, group transfer at 2 pm from St. Pierre des Corps TGV rail station, Tours, France to the hotel in Amboise.

Check-in at our  4-star Hotel – Le Pavillon des Lys  in historic Amboise for the 6 day/5 night – Loire Valley France Tour Itinerary – ( NO HOTEL HOPPING – We Stay in 1 Boutique Hotel Owned by Local Friends, Guillaume and Julia, for the Entire Tour). Travelers take a TGV (high speed) train from either Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Gare de Montparnasse in downtown Paris to reach the Amboise rail station.

LATE AFTERNOON: Winding our way along the Loire River, our next stop of the day is the port of Chaumont-sur-Loire where we’ll meet up with local friend Aurelien along the banks of the Loire River. Aurelien welcomes us aboard his traditional wooden, flat bottom boat, called a “tout,” for a float down the Loire River taking in the beautiful landscapes, wildlife and unparalleled views of the castles sprinkled along the river banks. We’ll float peacefully along our route enjoying a welcome “aperitif” and orientation to the week’s activities before arriving in Amboise to a magical view from our boat of the Royal Castle of Amboise at sunset.

DINNER: Privately hosted and catered gourmet picnic dinner together this evening prepared by two of the best loved Chefs of the region who I’m happy to call life long friends. Christophe has been recommended by his world renowned friend, French Chef Alain Ducasse, and is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France title holder, and current V.P. of the competition.

Day 2 – Chenonceau Castle & Gardens, Cooking Class with Friend Damien, Wine & Cheese Tasting, Gourmet Dinner Together – B, D

• Morning: Tour of Chenonceau Castle & Gardens
• Afternoon: Cooking Class with Friend Michelin-star Chef Damien
• Evening: “Tour de France” Wine & Cheese Tasting
• Gourmet Cooking Class Dinner
• Breakfast & Dinner are Included Today

MORNING: We depart to the Castle and Gardens of CHENONCEAU. A castle shaped by women, this castle represents the greatest accomplishments of royal women during the French Renaissance. Enjoy untold stories of the most powerful and influential women at the French court, Queens and their love affairs, royal seduction, secret world of favorites and mistresses, the first ever fireworks display in France, extravagant parties and deception, and how royal debt led to the negotiation of a marriage to save the castle from being confiscated by the French state.

LATE AFTERNOON & DINNER: Hands-on cooking class and demonstration with friend, Michelin-star Chef Damien G. in his professional kitchen. Damien’s experience has taken him on culinary adventures around the world. After having traveled extensively to places such as Cyprus and Moscow, he returned to his native Loire Valley to share his culinary experience and knowledge. Cooking class is both hands-on and a demonstration of recipes. No Experience Necessary!

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE – A “Tour de France” French wine and cheese tasting wraps up our cooking class experience. Learn details about the history and production of cheese in France. We’ll taste a variety of cheeses accompanied by regional wines.

DINNER: Following class, we toast the evening with a cocktail followed by a gourmet dinner together of recipes prepared in class.

Day 3 – Chambord Castle & Gardens, Amboise Village, Clos Luce, Hosted Foodie Tasting & Cocktail – B, D

• MORNING: Chambord Castle
• LATE AFTERNOON: Enjoy Time back in Amboise to Visit Clos Luce, Former Home of Leonardo da Vinci
• Dinner together at friends’ gourmet brasserie
• Breakfast and Dinner Included Today

LUNCH:   Independently at Chambord Castle.

Afternoon: FREE TIME on return to Amboise to explore and shop independently at the artisan boutiques and/or visit Le Clos Luce, final home to Leonardo da Vinci.

DINNER: Dinner together at friends’ gourmet brasserie

Day 4  –Vip Winery Tour, Tasting & Discovery at Friends Fred & Louisa’s Winery, Privately Hosted Wine Tasting Lunch at Home, Royal Castle of Amboise – B, L

• MORNING: VIP Winery Tour & Tasting at Home with Fred & Louisa
• Privately Hosted Lunch at our Family Friend’s Historical Wine Estate
• AFTERNOON: Tour of Royal Amboise Castle
• Breakfast and Lunch Are Included Today

MORNING: WINERY TOUR, TASTING & PRIVATELY – An exclusive invitation to tour our friends Fred and Louisa’s winery where we’ll go behind the scenes to learn about Touraine wines and the labor of love this couple has poured into their passion for wine-making. Enjoy tasting their world-renowned wines in addition to some new to market wines they’ve begun producing.

LUNCH: To top off this exclusive experience, we partake of a traditional French aperitif (cocktail) in the sitting room of their family home, an 18th-century chateau, followed by a privately hosted lunch in the family dining room. Fred’s family has been in the wine-making business since 1508. Having spent his childhood learning the wine trade, from growing to vineyard management to production and delivery to market, local wine producer, friend Fred and his wife Louisa welcome us to their family winery and home as personal friends for this exclusive behind the scenes experience.

Amboise played a strategic role during the reign of the Valois Kings and their occupation in the Loire Valley during the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Nothing is more spectacular than to both journey through history accompanied by sketchy stories of the private lives of the French Kings, Queens and their courts during our visit, and to discover that there was so much more to royal life than military campaigns  and political allegiances.

DINNER: Independently in Amboise village. Stroll through the village, enjoy cocktails at sunset overlooking the Loire River and dinner at one of the many favorite places in the village.

Read my blog post about  Anne de France: More than a Royal Daughter, A Legacy of France’s Most Powerful Woman Despite Never Being Queen  (opens in a new window)

Day 5 – Royal Blois Castle & Town, Cooking at Home Culinary Class with Family Friends Christophe & Angelique, Farewell Dinner at Our Chefs’ Family Home – B, D

• Discover the Historic Town Blois on Market Day
• Tour Blois Royal Castle
• Early Evening: Culinary Class with Celebrity Chefs, Friends, a husband and wife team, Christophe and Angelique at their Family Home

MORNING: Guided visit of the weekly market in Blois. From local artisan products to French linens, paintings, clothes, food, wines, artwork and locally made jewelry, the market brings an unparalleled livelihood to villages and towns of the region.

FREE TIME: Explore and shop independently at the morning market or at the town shops.

LUNCH: Independently in Blois.

AFTER THE MARKET & LUNCH: Guided tour of BLOIS CASTLE followed by time to explore the castle and historic town at leisure. We’ll share stories about some of the most note worthy events of French history: a Queen’s death, two marriages that would forever change the future of France, important accomplishments by the French monarchy, an assassination, royal deaths, 2 sisters, details of the rigors of daily life during the Renaissance, and quirky facts about royal marriage and death.

DINNER: Following cooking class, we toast to a wonderful evening with our Chefs with cocktails on their garden terrace followed by a gourmet dinner together of the recipes prepared during cooking class.

Cooking class, drinks and dinner at Christophe and Angelique’s family home is a fabulous way to celebrate a fun week together in the Loire Valley!

Read my blog post about  The Enigmatic King Henri III: A Tale of Love, Obsession, and the Court of Mignons  (opens in a new window)

Day 6 – CONCLUSION OF OUR LOIRE VALLEY TOUR ITINERARY – B

• Your Loire Valley Tour concludes today after breakfast with a 10 AM group transfer to St. Pierre des Corps TGV Rail Station, Tours, France.
• Earlier and later departures can be organized – Please contact us for details at [email protected] .
• Have a group your own group of friends or family, and want to make this tour a private departure? Email us at [email protected] for details.
• Download and print our  LOIRE VALLEY TOUR DETAILED BROCHURE  (Adobe pdf) Download and print our  LOIRE VALLEY TOUR -SHORT VERSION- BROCHURE  (Adobe pdf)
• (B) = Breakfast Included, (L) = Lunch Included, (D) = Dinner Included
• Dietary Requests & Food Allergies — We accommodate ALL dietary requests (including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc) and ALL food allergies (gluten, shellfish, etc) while ensuring an amazing foodie experience for all tour guests with restrictions and/or allergies.
• HOT AIR BALLOONING is NOT part of our Loire Valley tour itinerary. Hot Air Ballooning is available as an optional excursion on one of your free evenings, and we can book it on your behalf. There is an additional fee for the ballooning excursion. We work with a local friend who is a professional, licensed ballooning pilot, and owns his own ballooning excursion company. We’ve been working with him for 15 years, and he’s the best in the region!
• WALKING RATING – ALL TOUR GUESTS – There is extensive leisure walking daily on this tour. Guests need to be able to walk from our drop off points to castles, through castles during visits, as well as manage standing for short periods of time during story telling at the castles. Guests need to also be able to manage steps and uneven sidewalk terrain throughout the tour at castles and in villages. There are no elevators or escalators available to our groups at the chateaux (castles). This tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.

RATED 5 STARS BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY TOUR GUESTS

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A WORD FROM Our Guests:

Exceeded our expectations.

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in the Loire Valley Itinerary

Last Updated on February 28, 2024

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

In northwest France — east of Brittany — lies a strong contender for mainland France’s most beautiful area. The Loire Valley, stretching along the river Loire, is surrounded by wondrous châteaux and far-reaching vineyards, and our 2 to 3 days in the Loire Valley itinerary will take you through the hotspots of “the Garden of France”.

While England, Scotland, France and Germany are all famous for their castles, you’ve really not seen anything until you’ve spent some time in the Loire Valley.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in the Loire Valley?

You should consider how many days to spend in the Loire Valley before booking your trip, as the area is full of incredible castles, each as spectacular as the next, so you won’t want to miss out on anything.

2 days are just enough to see some of the most magnificent châteaux, but you’ll have to make the tough decision to visit only two places.

This can include either the pretty town known for its sparkling wine, Saumur, Leonardo da Vinci’s house in Amboise, the legendary Chenonceau castle stretching over the river, or the Disney-esque castle of Chambord, to give just a few examples of the huge number of wonderful castles in the area.

If you’ve got 3 days, then you can spread your time between each of the most outstanding châteaux, however a week in the Loire Valley is ideal to fill each day with châteaux, white wine and trips along the Loire River.

Getting To & Around the Loire Valley

There are two main airports in the Loire Valley: Tours Val de Loire Airport and Nantes-Atlantique. You can take direct flights to the former from some cities across Europe, however, it is a small airport, so most other flights stop in Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle first.

Nantes-Atlantique is a larger airport, however, so you can take direct flights from Paris , London , Madrid and Geneva , among other major cities.

Tours Val de Loire Airport is just a few kilometres out of the city of Tours, so you can take a short taxi ride, tram line A or bus line 02 to reach the city centre, whereas Nantes-Atlantique is an almost 2-hour drive to the nearest point on our itinerary, Saumur, and over 2 hours on the train via Angers.

The best way to get around the Loire Valley, however, is by car, so if you’re coming from the UK, there’s no need to fly and then rent a car when you can take a car ferry from Portsmouth to Caen or St Malo and drive for just under three hours down to reach Saumur.

Or if you don’t mind driving long distances, take the Eurotunnel to Calais and drive for 5 to 6 hours to Chambord or Saumur, depending on which end of the valley you prefer to start your Loire Valley road trip.

You can, of course, also rent cars at both airports, with well-known companies Hertz and Enterprise located at Nantes-Atlantique Airport. You can browse car hire options here .

If you don’t drive and the idea of messing around with airports, but you’d still like to visit the Loire Valley, you can move around the region on the local trains or buses. Once you have arrived at the city or town you’d like to explore, you won’t need public transport as the towns are very walkable.

If you have a bit longer to explore the Loire Valley and feel like getting around in a different way, from April to September, you can also rent kayaks or canoes and paddle along the Loire River to get to each of your destinations where you can stay in hotels, campsites or bivouacs.

Finally, if you’re short on time it is possible to take a day trip from Paris to see the highlights such as on this full-day tour or this full-day tour .

2 to 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary

Day 1 – ussé to saumur.

Starting in the west side of the Loire Valley region of France, you can visit the fantastical castle of Ussé before jumping in your car or canoe and heading west to explore Saumur’s castle and enjoy a late afternoon wine tasting.

You can spend a whole day in Saumur visiting the château, the town hall and going wine tasting, however, if you’re doing a whistle-stop tour of the Loire Valley, you can quickly skip from spot to spot to include as many châteaux as possible – as castles such as the Château Cheverny and the Château de Villandry aren’t included.

Château d’Ussé

In the small, picturesque village of Rigny-Ussé, you will find, slightly hidden behind the foliage, a castle so beautiful that it became the inspiration for the story of Sleeping Beauty.

You can walk up to the tower of the château where, around every corner, the story of Sleeping Beauty is creatively displayed before you alongside passages of the tale.

You can visit the château itself too, thanks to the resident Blacas family opening it for public view, where you’ll find curious objects from all over the world, amazing decorations from the 15th to the 18th century, a collection of 17th-century tapestries and the King’s chamber which has housed both King Louis XIV and Emperor Haile Selassie.

Although originally designed as a fortress in a strategic location backing the Chinon forest between 1000 and 1400, the château was beautified in the 15th century and over the years became a symbol of splendour rather than a bastion.

You can see the mix of Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance designs in the shape and decoration of the incredible building, before turning your attention to the formal gardens, ornately created by “the King’s gardener” himself, Le Nôtre, who is most famous for having designed the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.

They have been well preserved, with an orangery added as well as two cedars that were gifted from Lebanon that stand tall in the gardens, alongside a small chapel with wine cellars.

Set aside an hour to spend in Château d’Ussé, so early afternoon is a perfect time for you to visit before heading to Saumur.

Saumur Centre

Saumur is not a very well-known town in France, however, with its significant military history, its many vineyards producing renowned wines, and its being the birthplace of Coco Chanel, there’s plenty to get stuck into as a tourist in this mediaeval town.

Each July, there is a military parade displaying old and new vehicles (which can normally be found in the city’s tank museum) as well as equestrian performances, while at the beginning of August, a huge local food and drink festival takes place in the city with hundreds of stalls showcasing local produce. If you’re visiting Saumur outside of summer, you can still enjoy the Saturday morning market.

The main attraction in Saumur, however, and the first of many over your 2 or 3 exploring the Loire Valley, is the Château de Saumur. Sat on top of a hill overlooking the city, the impressive structure is easy to find and quite a sight.

Originally built as a fort in 900 CE and destroyed in 1067, Saumur Castle was rebuilt in the 1100s as a royal palace. However, after falling into disrepair, the castle became a prison, holding many dissidents in the 1780s, before being used by the War Ministry as storage for ammunition and weapons.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the local council bought the château and turned it into the museum we see today, however, it has been repaired several times over the years due to the extensive damage done during WWII.

The château now boasts an immense collection of ceramics and tapestries as well as some ancient artefacts, while the second floor houses the horse museum.

You can walk around the castle grounds for free, but there is a fee to enter the museum and is generally open February to December, Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm – although opening hours differ slightly according to the season. Estimate around 1-2 hours in the château.

Wine Tasting

The people of the Loire Valley have been making wine since the 1st century, so you can’t spend 2 days in the Loire Valley without visiting a vineyard or winery to sample the produce of a two-millennia-long tradition.

Saumur is known for its sandy-coloured buildings made from Tuffeau stone that was excavated through tunnels dug under the city; these tunnels are now used as wine cellars to house the famous local white and sparkling wines, as well as the less well-known reds and rosés.

One excellent vineyard and winery that’s within walking distance from the city centre, is Langlois-Chateau – Crémant-de-Loire et Caves à Saumur. This vineyard is known for its crémants, or sparkling wines (you can only call it Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region ) including a delicious sparkling red!

You can take a vineyard tour in a horse-drawn carriage or simply try before you buy in the winery with the guidance of their experts.

Or try the self-declared ‘oenotourism’ hotspot, Le Secret des Papilles, a large vineyard located on the small island in the middle of the Loire River.

If you happen to be staying in Saumur for the night and have a car, Le Moulin de Sarre is a fantastic restaurant for your evening meal.

Making as many fresh bread rolls in front of your table as you can eat, this small, out-of-the-way restaurant is located in an old mill where they still turn the grain into flour for their homemade bread which provides the perfect accompaniment to each of the traditional local dishes they serve.

Day 2 – Amboise to Chenonceau

If you want a city break, you can have a wonderful time exploring the streets of Tours, however, if you just have 2 days in the Loire Valley, then your best option is to skip the cities and opt for the opulent châteaux instead; nowhere demonstrates architectural beauty quite like Amboise and Chenonceau.

It is also possible to organise a hot air balloon ride either for sunrise or sunset if you want to get a unique vantage point.

Château d’Amboise

Located on top of a hill to gain strategic views of any oncoming mercenaries, the Château d’Amboise looks spectacular as you arrive in the small town.

The castle became a royal residence in 1431 after the owner, Louis of Amboise, was caught in a plot against a friend of the crown and forced to give up the property, and in the following years was decorated in the Early Renaissance style as the Kings of France were inspired by the Italian movement.

None more so than King Francis I, who invited Leonardo da Vinci over from Italy and provided him with lodgings just 400 metres away and accessible from the Château d’Amboise by a secret passage. The world-renowned creative is also buried in the chapel on the castle grounds.

After being partially dismantled and later used as a prison, restoration works began in the 19th century. You can visit the incredible château from 9 am to sunset most of the year, with official opening times changing seasonally.

If you visit Amboise in Summer, try to align your trip with the amazing light show “The Prophecy of Amboise” which tells the history of the château in a visual display projected onto the castle, behind hundreds of performers.

Château du Clos Lucé (da Vinci’s House)

Within walking distance from the Château d’Amboise, both over and formerly underground, is the must-see spot on every trip to the Loire Valley, the Château du Clos Lucé.

Having been bought and sold many times throughout the centuries, the Clos Lucé became a summer house for the king in 1490, before being gifted to Leonardo da Vinci in the early 1500s by King Francis I. The artist, engineer, architect and inventor lived in this mansion for the last three years of his life, from 1516 to 1519, working on many different machines at the behest of the king.

Not only can you visit the building in which da Vinci lived, fully restored to resemble the building during the 16th century, but you can also go into his workshop, where you’ll find replicas of his notes and diagrams amongst models of various inventions, such as arguably the first ever machine gun and the double helix staircase that you can find in the Château de Chambord.

If that wasn’t enough, the gardens of the mansion have been transformed into a park that both represents the artistic style of da Vinci’s work and showcases his inventions in actual-size interactive models.

The mansion and grounds are open all year, with opening times changing slightly according to the season. You can pre-book tickets here .

Château de Chenonceau

Driving South for 15 minutes or navigating your canoe off the Loire River around Villandry and onto Le Cher River, you’ll find one of the most famous châteaux of the Loire Valley: Château de Chenonceau.

The unmistakable castle reaches out over the river Cher, positioned across several arches, so if you have come on your kayak or canoe, you can actually row underneath the castle.

Affectionately nicknamed Le Château des Dames, or the Ladies’ Castle, the clean elegance of the pale outer walls, turrets and interior decoration exude a femininity that demonstrates the long history the château has had in the hands of powerful women of France.

Built on the site of an old mill in the 1500s, the project proved too much for Finance Secretary Thomas Bohier, leading his wife, Katherine Briçonnet to oversee the construction of the castle according to her own tastes and design. However, as King Francis I died and his son Henry II ascended the throne, Chenonceau castle was gifted to the new King’s mistress Diane de Poitiers, to the chagrin of his wife, Catherine de Medici.

After the King’s death, Catherine de Medici removed Diane de Poitiers from the château and sought to remove every trace of the hard work her rival had put into the construction and decoration of the castle, before leaving it in her will to Louise of Lorraine, the wife of Catherine’s son, King Henry III.

After his death, Louise of Lorraine shut herself away in a sepulchre, a room full of funerary items and with black-painted walls to mourn her husband.

Since then, two more women fell in love with the château and attempted to restore it to its former glory, however, it eventually became a military hospital during WWI and shortly after, the rooms were returned to their original state before being opened to the public.

You can explore the spectacular gardens and rooms designed by Catherine de Medici, the gloomy chamber of Louise of Lorraine and the large central hall, as well as see some incredible pieces of Renaissance artwork and a collection of 18th-century horse-drawn carriages.

This is a very popular tourist attraction so you have to book a time slot for your visit to the château, however, you can wander around the grounds at any time on the day of your ticket. You can organise tickets here .

Day 3 – Beauregard to Chambord

While it’s impossible to see all of the Loire Valley castles in 3 days, we’re going to continue eastward towards Blois to see the last three châteaux of our Loire Valley trip – and we think we’ve saved the best ‘til last.

Château de Beauregard

Built in the late 1400s, the Beauregard Castle quickly became one of the favourite retreats of King Francis I due to the dense forest surrounding it, making it an excellent hunting lodge, and continued to be developed and beautified over the following 150 years.

The various eras of destruction and modernisation finally came to a head in 1912 when the château was bought and had electricity and running water installed, before being returned to its 17th-century state by the new owners in 1926, whose family still reside there today.

Within the château, you can find the largest portrait gallery in Europe, with over 300 portraits taking you through the history of monarchs and significant persons of Europe, under the breath-taking ceiling made of Lapis Lazuli, a deep midnight-blue semi-precious stone.

You can also enter the Cabinet des Grelots, a small ornately carved oak room, with small Renaissance decorations, or explore the château’s collection of Renaissance furniture, and a whale jawbone from the 1700s.

Covering a massive 40 hectares, you should definitely take the opportunity to explore and relax in the castle gardens, with the garden of portraits, rose garden, garden of Lebanese cedars and the ruined 14th-century chapel that was once part of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.

There’s also a path directly from the Château de Beauregard to the King’s other favoured hunting lodge, the Château de Chambord, but if you’re on a Loire Valley road trip, it’s best to stop in Blois en route.

Check opening hours in advance as the château often puts on events such as weddings and other celebrations as well as filming opportunities, although, for most of the year, you can enter the castle and gardens from 10.30 am to 6 pm.

Château de Blois

One main theme of the châteaux of the Loire Valley is that many were popular residences of King Francis I – and none more so than the Château de Blois.

Having been built as a mediaeval fortress, Blois Castle changed dramatically over the years as different resident Kings destroyed and rebuilt parts of the castle, leaving only the Estates General room, and the Le Foix tower from its original construction.

Born in the castle, King Louis XII elevated the status of Blois to capital of the Kingdom upon his coronation in 1498 and oversaw the Renaissance architectural influence on the castle.

You can enter the castle from 9 am to 6.30 pm in summer and 10 am to 5 pm in winter to marvel at the history as you pass from room to room, taking in the many architectural styles on display, as well as the over 30,000 works of art in the so-called Musée de France. In a former apartment, you can also see the Museum of Fine Arts, with works from the greats, including Rubens.

Every evening, around 10 pm in summer, a display is projected onto the castle’s façade, detailing the history of the Kings and Queens who left their mark on the castle, and the dramatic instances that took place there. It is possible to buy a combined ticket for the château visit and visual display. You can organise tickets here .

If you have more than 3 days in the region, Blois is a great place to explore the city streets and old town, however, if you’re seeing the Loire Valley in 3 days or less, continue to the next stop.

Château de Chambord

Last but by no means least on our Loire Valley itinerary, is the magnificent Château de Chambord.

A 20-minute drive from Blois, the Chambord château is perhaps the most striking castle in the region, with its French formal garden, enormous façade and ornately carved windows and turrets.

Another of King Francis I’s hunting lodges, the castle is another fantastic display of the King’s fondness for Renaissance architecture, including the amazing spiral staircase designed by the great Leonardo da Vinci himself.

Nowadays, the building is far from an old relic but is home to a permanent collection of 17th-century tapestries, period furniture and ornaments, as well as hosting numerous art exhibitions throughout the year.

The Château de Chambord became associated with art in part due to the château’s beauty, but also because it was used as a storage facility for prized artworks during WWII after the evacuation of Paris. You can organise tickets here and also there is the option to take a guided tour .

Although it’s an American brand, the liqueur Chambord originates from a black raspberry liqueur made in the Loire Valley near Chambord, so while you’re in the area, try to get a sample!

Where to Stay in the Loire Valley

Ferdinand Hotel – This hotel in the city of Tours is a great base for mid-range visitors exploring the Loire Valley. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and a fabulous breakfast available in the morning.

Château Belmont Tours – This luxe hotel in Tours is an excellent base for those looking for a more upmarket stay while in the Loire Valley . Offering a number of beautiful rooms, there are also countless other plush amenities to ensure guests have a wonderful stay.

The People – If you’re visiting the Loire Valley on a budget, then this highly-rated hostel is an excellent option. Located in the centre of Tours, it’s a great base for exploring the region and they have both dorms and private rooms available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Loire Valley hotels!

Seeing everything in the Loire Valley in 2 days is near impossible as the area is bursting with regal history, beautiful scenery and delicious wines, so if you’ve got the time, set aside as much as possible to explore the area!

Are you planning to visit the Loire Valley? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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The Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office and the city of Tours offer a thematic tour of the Old Town of Tours, led by a guide. A guided tour of the emblematic Vieux Tours district around Place Plumereau, led by an expert guide.  Medieval half-timbered and stone houses stand side by side with exceptional townhouses. These mansions bear witness to the prosperity of this part of town, which grew up around a huge collegiate church dedicated to Saint Martin. Once home to the saint's body, it was the center of one of the oldest pilgrimages in Christendom. This tour has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label.

Come aboard a tuk-tuk for an original tour of the city of Tours! For 45 minutes, Pascal will be delighted to take you to discover the city's most emblematic sites: the old town of Tours, Les Halles, the Quartier des Arts, the Basilica Saint-Martin and, of course, the riverside of the Loire.

Enjoy the destination's must-see attractions: Castle and Gardens of Villandry, Castle of Azay-le-Rideau, Castle of Tours, Centre of Contemporary Creation Olivier Debré, Fine Arts Museum, « Compagnonnage » Museum, Natural History Museum, Saint-Cosme Priory, Psalette Cloister and a guided tour of Tours. This 48h Pass also includes bike hire, access to the little tourist train (available end of March 2024) and exclusive benefits from our partners (e.g. €3 discount per player with Escape Yourself, 10% discount in the pub « Au temps des Rois »)

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. Program: 9.30am: Departure from Tours. Meet your friendly guide in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours (just in front of the train station). Everybody's here? Let’s start the day! 9:30am: Start in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours, and get into our minivan, off to Chenonceau! Next step is Château de Chenonceau! On the way, get a good look at lovely privately owned châteaux but also other must-see castles of Loire Valley such as: Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise, Montrichard... Chenonceau: this is the most visited historical monument in France after Château de Versailles. Admire this stunning chateau and its unique gallery, built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens à la Française named after the famous ladies who lived there: "Catherine de Médicis" and "Diane de Poitiers". Once inside, take your time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that prevails in each room of this renowned chateau, all decorated with beautiful antiques and the most divine fresh flower arrangements. The kitchens, the Queen bedroom, the Gallery... your tour guide will show you all the beautiful rooms of this incredible place. Lunch will take place off the beaten path. You will enjoy a typical French lunch in a lovely private château of Loire Valley, built by Jean le Breton! Start with the visit of this unique familly Château, meet the family and discover all the authentic rooms and lovely surroundings of this haven of piece. After the visit, hosted by the French Countess who lives there permanently, indulge in the nice and cozy atmosphere with tasty food and local Loire Valley wine. This experience will make you feel like the owner of the place! More than a chateau, this work of art is a glorious historical place that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley and the Renaissance era. Your guide will make this trip back in time a fun and captivating experience. He will tell you everything about the history of the castle, built by the famous King François 1er. Unforgettable! Once inside, your guide will select for you the most emblematic rooms to visit: the double helix staircase, the chapel, the terrace...He will also share with you memorable anecdotes and point at hidden details of interest and breathtaking views of the château. So get ready to travel back in time of French Renaissance! After this exceptional visit, your tour-guide will advise you some spots to get a impressive view of the chateau. A spectacular day you will never forget. 5.30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours

Head west for half a day! Nature and relaxation guaranteed. Accompanied by a guide, a 15km loop will take you along the "La Loire à Vélo" itinerary to the Ile de la Métairie in La Ville-aux-Dames, formerly known as the Ile de Rochecorbon, characterised by its sandy meadows. A fun, educational trail to help you identify the flora and fauna present.

Events calendar

Here, events come and go and none is alike other ! The metropolis know how to cultivate its art of living. Numbers of events from traditionnal and old music, to gastronomy or sport are organized throughtout all seasons. This eclectic program also allows to discover some nice historic, or out the ordinary, places.

Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

How to come? What weather in Tours? Where to leave my luggage? Find all practical information here.

The Tourist Office is located: 78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy, 37000 Tours.

Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 7pm Sundays and public holidays: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm

For any information, please reach our team +33(0)2 47 70 37 37

Our Tourist Offices

Car, train, bus... How to come to Tours's region ?

Come and move

Practical services

currency exchange, luggage storage and car rentals.

Rain or sun ?

Prepare your day with Tours's weather.

Consult the weather

Brochures Need practical information, inspirations, professional documents ?

Read our brochures

The Best Wine Tastings & Tours In Loire Valley

Browse through the best selection of loire valley wine tours.

Wine Tasting, Lunch in a Troglodytic Cave and Tour at Domaine de Rocheville

Have a memorable lunch paired with wines at Domaine de Rocheville winery restaurant

Wine Tasting and Tour at Domaine de Rocheville in Loire Valley

Enjoy a winery tour and organic wine tasting with 4 wines paired with local bouchées

Discovery Tour | Pierre & Bertrand Couly

Unforgettable tasting of Loire wines in the middle of a contemporary art gallery

Wine tasting and tour at Domaine De La Rochette

Take a guided tour of the vineyard and cellar know about their aging process, savor the wines of Loire Valley

Visit and Tasting wines at Domaine Gitton

Tour around the cellar and taste splendid wines

Wine Tasting, Cheese and Charcuterie Pairing and Exclusive Tour at Domaine Marc Brédif

Take a guided tour of a 10th-century cellar and savour a variety of wines paired with local cheeses

Wine Tasting and Private Tour La Rotonde at Domaine Bredif

Let's have a wine tasting along with a complete guided tour tasting local food at Domaine Marc Bredif

Wine tasting and exclusive tour at Domaine Bredif

Let's have a wine tasting clubbed with a guided tour at Domaine Marc Bredif

Wine tasting and tour at Château de Targé

Enter in a part of history of the Loire Valley with a wine tasting and guided tour at Château de Targé

Sleep at Château de Targé

Take advantage of the magnificent region of Loire Valley with a stay at Château de Targé

Workshop of the senses

Wine tasting, charcuterie & cheese pairing and tour at Domaine de la Belle Étoile

A vineyard and winery tour guided by the winegrower and wine tasting paired with a selection of local charcuterie and cheeses

Loire Valley Wine Tours Offered by Local Guides

Discover Loire Valley's wine scene together with knowledgeable local wine tour guides.

From Vine to Wine: A Complete Wine Experience

An Experience Dedicated to Wines

Are you looking for something specific?

Explore our experience categories and discover the perfect wine adventure in Loire Valley

Accommodations in Loire Valley

Art & Wine Tours in Loire Valley

Bike & Wine Tours in Loire Valley

Cheese & Wine Tastings in Loire Valley

Food & Wine Tours in Loire Valley

Hike & Wine in Loire Valley

Outdoor Wine Activities in Loire Valley

Picnic & Wine Tours in Loire Valley

Winery Restaurants in Loire Valley

Best cities to visit in loire valley, france.

Loire Valley Wine Map

How to reach wine tasting experiences in loire valley.

Wine tasting tours in Loire Valley are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

• Aeroporto di Tours Val de Loire (TUF) , un piccolo aeroporto internazionale situato a 5 km a nord del centro città di Tours. L'aeroporto offre voli regolari tutto l'anno operati da Ryanair.
• Aeroporto di Nantes Atlantique (NTE) è un altro aeroporto importante che può essere utilizzato per raggiungere le cantine nella Valle della Loira. Questo aeroporto ha collegamenti ragionevoli da e per diverse destinazioni europee.

Looking for a more specific destination?

Design your perfect wine holiday in loire valley, personalize your wine experiences with our team of experts..

Discover the majestic Loire Valley, where grand châteaux and rolling vineyards weave through the heart of France. Our bespoke private tours to the Loire Valley are crafted to suit your personal tastes, ensuring a deeply individual exploration of this picturesque region. Every tour is distinctive, featuring exclusive visits to historic castles, private wine tastings with renowned sommeliers, and leisurely boat rides along the gentle Loire River. Experience the rich history and celebrated wines of the Loire Valley in an unforgettable excursion. To begin creating your personalized Loire Valley tour, please fill out the form below.

La migliore stagione per visitare la Valle della Loira

Il periodo migliore per gustare degustazioni di vini e tour nella Valle della Loira è tra  aprile e giugno  o  settembre e ottobre . Durante questi periodi, potrai goderti lunghe giornate primaverili e autunnali e beneficiare di un clima atlantico mite. La Valle della Loira è una meta turistica molto popolare grazie ai suoi splendidi castelli e durante la stagione estiva potrebbero esserci più turisti rispetto alla primavera e all'autunno.

Cosa fare nella Valle della Loira?

Oltre alle fantastiche degustazioni di vini e ai tour nella Valle della Loira, non puoi perderti i seguenti castelli patrimonio mondiale dell'UNESCO nella regione:

• Château de Chambord , il più splendido  Château de la Loire , un luminoso esempio di architettura rinascimentale e una maestosa posizione sulla riva del fiume Loira.
• Château d'Amboise , una residenza reale che ospitò il famoso inventore italiano Leonardo Da Vinci quando lavorava per la corte francese.
• Château d'Ussé , il castello della Bella Addormentata. Charles Perrault si ispirò a questo castello quando scrisse la sua famosa fiaba. 

Cosa assaggiare nella Valle della Loira?

Nelle degustazioni di vini e nei tour nella Valle della Loira, avrai l'opportunità di provare i famosi vini bianchi della regione. Essendo situata in una zona a clima fresco, la regione vinicola della Valle della Loira favorisce la produzione di vini bianchi.

La principale varietà è il Sauvignon Blanc che produce un vino maturo e acido con aromi di uva spina, pompelmo e un tocco di fumo. Un altro vino bianco popolare è il Chenin Blanc che presenta una gamma di varietà a seconda della regione che lo produce. In generale, gli aromi che troverai nel Chenin Blanc sono quelli di miele, mela e pera. Se vuoi provare un vino rosso durante le degustazioni di vini e i tour nella Valle della Loira, assicurati di optare per un po' di Cabernet Franc, chiamato anche Breton. Il Cabernet Franc della Valle della Loira centrale è speziato e acidulo e presenta aromi di pepe, prugna morbida, ciliegia e tabacco.

Cosa aspettarsi dalle degustazioni di vini e dai tour nella Valle della Loira?

Goditi degustazioni di vini e tour nella Valle della Loira immerso nella ricca bellezza naturale - colline rigogliose e una vista mozzafiato sulla costa atlantica francese. Ogni cantina e casa vinicola è ben attrezzata con una sala degustazione personalizzata per farti gustare i loro ottimi vini. La maggior parte delle cantine offre anche un tour della cantina e delle altre strutture. Acquisisci conoscenze di prima mano sulla loro viticoltura, approccio naturale e tecniche di vinificazione uniche. Le degustazioni di vini e i tour nella Valle della Loira ti permetteranno di vivere appieno la bellezza della regione, le tradizioni vinicole e la loro cucina locale. Per ogni esperienza di degustazione di vini e tour nella Valle della Loira presentata sul nostro sito web, vedrai un elenco puntato di ciò che puoi aspettarti di vivere.

Consigli dalle cantine locali

Domaine Chauveau

Ecco le migliori e più vicine destinazioni che puoi visitare vicino alla cantina:

• La Tour du Pouilly Fumé (4 km) : Esplora una scenografia affascinante sulla storia dell'appellazione e dei viticoltori di Pouilly Sur Loire.
• Belvedere a Saint Andelain (2 km) : Goditi una vista mozzafiato a 360° della regione.
• Pavillon du Milieu de Loire (4 km) : Approfondisci la flora e la fauna della Loira presso il museo di Pouilly Sur Loire, perfetto per gli appassionati della Loira.
• Sancerre (15 km) : Attraversa la Loira per scoprire la affascinante città di Sancerre.

Domaine Thierry Cosme

Meno di 10 minuti:

• Château du Clos Lucé : A soli 400 metri dal Château Royal d'Amboise, è stata la residenza di Leonardo da Vinci dal 1516 al 1519.
• Il Castello Reale di Amboise : Esplora l'importanza storica di questo castello reale.

A un'ora di distanza:

• Zoo Parc de Beauval : Classificato come il quarto zoo più bello al mondo, ti aspetta un'esperienza straordinaria con la fauna selvatica.
• Il Castello di Chambord : Scopri la grandiosità del Château de Chambord.

What travellers says about Loire Valley Wine Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions by our visitors, quali sono le migliori esperienze per degustazioni di vini e tour nella valle della loira.

• Attraverso le stagioni al Domaine de la Belle Etoile
• Degustazione di vini e tour al Domaine du Vieux Pressoir
• Degustazione di vini e tour dei vigneti e delle cantine al Domaine de Montcy
• Degustazione di vini e tour esclusivo al Domaine Bredif

Quali sono i luoghi che offrono le migliori degustazioni di vini e tour nella Valle della Loira per bambini e famiglie?

• Domaine de Rocheville nella Valle della Loira
• Domaine Haute Perche
• Domaine de Montcy
• Vincent Grall Vigneron

Quali sono i luoghi che offrono le migliori degustazioni di vini e tour nella Valle della Loira per coppie?

• Domaine Blouin
• Alpha Loire
• Domaine de la Coche
• Domaine Marc Bredif

Quali sono i luoghi che offrono le migliori degustazioni di vini e tour nella Valle della Loira per gruppi?

• Degustazione di vini e tour al Vignoble de la Jarnoterie
• Degustazione di vini e tour di gruppo al Domaine Blouin
• Potatura delle viti al Michel Blouin
• Degustazione di vini, abbinamento con cibo locale e tour alla Cave des producteurs Montlouis

Quali sono i luoghi che offrono le migliori degustazioni di vini e tour nella Valle della Loira per viaggiatori a budget limitato?

• Degustazione di vini e tour al Domaine du Pont De Livier
• Laboratorio di produzione di marmellate al Domaine Montcy
• Degustazione di vini e tour in una cantina troglodita alla Cave des producteurs de Montlouis
• Degustazione di vini Chenin e tour alla Cave des producteurs Montlouis

Quali sono i luoghi nella Valle della Loira che offrono le migliori degustazioni di vini e tour se mi piacciono i vini biologici?

• Degustazione di vini e tour al Clos des Quarterons
• Degustazione di vini e tour da Bertrand & Vincent Marchesseau

Cosa si fa di solito durante le degustazioni di vini e i tour nella Valle della Loira?

Quali sono i luoghi che offrono le migliori degustazioni di vini e tour privati nella valle della loira.

• Degustazione di vini, formaggi e salumi e tour al Domaine Marc Bredif
• Degustazione di vini, picnic e tour al Vincent Grall Vigneron
• Degustazione di vini e tour dei vigneti al Domaine Haute Perche
• Degustazione di vini e tour al Domaine Vincent Careme

Ci sono degustazioni di vini e tour vicino a Nantes, Angers o Tours?

Consigli linguistici per vivere le degustazioni di vini e i tour nella valle della loira, per quale vino è famosa la valle della loira, quale è meglio tra pouilly-fumé e pouilly-fuissé, are you interested in reading more about loire valley.

If you are looking for organized tours, check out our list of guided wine tours .

Get your monthly boost of wine inspiration

Join our newsletter now to receive our free guide on how to plan the perfect wine tour

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Loire Lovers

To awaken your senses in the Loire Valley - Claire & Manu's Blog

15 best things to do in the Loire Valley (+ photos)

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | March 2, 2024 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

The Loire Valley is one of France's jewels , famous for its sumptuous châteaux. But in addition to these architectural masterpieces, there are many other places and activities to discover in the region: picturesque villages, vineyards, caves, gardens...

In this article we share with you the must-see places in the Loire Valley and the best activities not to be missed. And a little geographical clarification: we're referring to the tourist region along the Loire between Nantes and Sancerre, where most of the châteaux are located.

BEFORE ALL OUR TIPS , OUR favorites

Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars

Our must-see tours: Château de Chenonceau - book your ticket Château d'Angers and its tapestry - book your ticket

Our unforgettable outdoor activity: Hot-air ballooning in the Loire Valley

Our favorite places to stay: Saumur - see the best rated accommodations Amboise - see the best rated accommodations In a castle - see our article Nantes - see the best rated accommodations

This guide is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Best things to do in the Loire Valley: must-see places

Must-see places: list and map.

In this article, we present all types of activities and locations, listing our favorite options. But, if you still want to narrow down your options, here are our 10 must-see, most unique and impressive spots along the Loire.

• Chenonceau Castle
• Fontevraud Abbey
• The elephant and the Machines de Nantes
• Village of Montrésor
• Chambord Castle
• Villandry castle and garden
• Saumur and its troglodyte activities

Terra Botanica in Angers

• Castle of Azay-le-Rideau
• Château d'Angers with its tapestry

And here's a map to help you find these must-sees:

• Where to stay in the Loire Valley

To visit all these places you have many options. The valley is rich in attractions wherever you choose to land. Among our favorite cities:

• Saumur, for the variety of activities - see top-rated accommodations
• Amboise, close to the most famous châteaux - see top-rated accommodation
• Tours, the most central - see top-rated accommodations

See our article on the best cities to sleep in .

1. Visit several Loire castles

Of course, it's impossible to come to the Loire Valley and not visit several châteaux. There must be over 3,000 of them! Many are privately owned, but some are open to visitors, including some of the most beautiful and imposing. There are castles to suit all tastes: medieval, renaissance, with beautiful gardens or children's activities...

It's hard to choose, depending on what you like, but here are our favorites:

• Château de Chenonceau, on the river - Book your tickets
• Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, and its water mirror - Book your tickets
• Château de Villandry and its extraordinary gardens - Book your admission tickets
• Château de Chambord, the most imposing castle in France - Book your guided admission tickets !
• Château du Rivau (castle and gardens)

See our article on the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley.

2. Stroll through charming villages

The region is also rich in picturesque villages of different styles: medieval villages, garden villages, villages surrounded by water, wine villages... It's impossible to get bored. What's more, some of these villages also have a small castle or fortress! Something for everyone.

Among our favorite villages, discover:

• Montrésor, the most picturesque with its castle
• Béhuard, hidden on a small island between 2 arms of the Loire River
• Chédigny, the flower-filled garden village
• Lavardin, with its castle ruins and surprising church
• Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, the port of Chambord, with a rich history

See our article on the most beautiful villages in the Loire .

WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley

Option 1: Amboise

In the heart of the Loire castles, a charming little town. Nearby: châteaux of Chenonceau, Villandry, Chaumont, Chambord, Cheverny...

• Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien - See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel Le Manoir Saint Thomas - See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel Le Manoir des Minimes - See prices, photos and availability

See the best rated accommodations in Amboise .

Option 2: Saumur

To explore the western part, a pleasant-sized town. Nearby: castles of Saumur, Brissac, Chinon, Montreuil-Bellay, Fontevraud abbey...

• Hôtel Saint Pierre - See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel Château La Marquise - See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel Anne d'Anjou - See prices, photos and availability

See the best rated accommodations in Saumur

Option 3: In a castle

One of the best experiences to have is to sleep in a castle. There are so many of them in the area that some have been transformed into hotels. It is an unforgettable experience!

• Hotel Château de Chissay , elegant - See prices, photos and availability
• Hotel Château du Rivau , a journey through time - See prices, photos and availability

See our article with our favorite castles to sleep in .

3. Explore cave experiences

The region is also home to an astonishing troglodyte heritage, with dwellings and caves carved into the soft limestone rock. You'll find plenty of them between Saumur and Tours. Over 1,500 years ago, the region's inhabitants had already excavated the soft rock. They used these caves as shelters. But most of the troglodytes have been here since the 15th century, and were once quarries.

Among our favorite activities, we recommend

• The troglodyte village of Rochemenier
• The Pierres et Lumières sculpture experience in Saumur
• Saumur's many wine cellars, including the Ackerman winery in town and Domaine Filliatreau (home, show and cellar).
• The Château de Brézé and its troglodyte network, which runs for 4 km in the moat beneath the château.
• And you can even sleep in magnificent troglodyte hotels. We particularly recommend Hôtel Demeure de la Vignole with its swimming pool - See prices, photos and availability

See our article on troglodyte activities around Saumur (coming soon).

4. Unique experiences: Elephant and Terra Botanica

The region offers an imaginary world that goes beyond castles. Cities have developed unique attractions that delight children and adults alike. Yes, Claire loved riding on the back of the mechanical elephant!

The elephant and the machines of Nantes

The complete tour takes place in 3 stages:

• Discover the Galerie des Machines de l'île : in a plant world, get to know animals unlike any other . You can then discover the backstage, with the visit of the workshops .
• Trip in a big elephant : Accompany the elephant of Nantes in one of its daily outings in the park of the former shipyard. You'll have to choose between a ride in its entrails, or a ride by its side... and we recommend you to do both, as the views are so different!
• Carrousel des Mondes Marins : rediscover your childlike spirit on a crazy ride that takes you directly to 20,000 places under the sea. An incredible experience.

For all your activities in Nantes, we advise you to opt for the Nantes citypass . It will give you access to more than 40 monuments, museums and activities but also to the city's buses and tramways. To avoid long lines, book your citypass now .

Terra Botanica in Angers is a fascinating destination for lovers of botany, nature and adventure. The experience takes you to different worlds, with sensory trails combining plants from all over the world and unique, magical settings. The park also offers surprising attractions such as virtual reality, a giants' course and a tree walk... You won't be bored.

>> Book your tickets

OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
• Think about full insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

The towns along the Loire have a long history with the kings of France. Here you can discover architectural gems. Of course, almost all of them have castles... But that's not all. Some feature half-timbered houses, Renaissance or even Art-Deco facades. Although the region's countryside is particularly attractive, take the time to visit one or two towns.

For example:

• Angers , between the Loire and Maine rivers, offers a gentle way of life and a remarkable heritage. It's a landmark in the history of the powerful County of Anjou.
• Saumur , the most traditional under the protection of its castle. Its small pedestrianised town center is very pleasant
• Tours , with a fine collection of half-timbered houses in the old center and a pleasant riverside walk along the Loire River

See our article on the most beautiful towns in the Loire .

6. Cycling or walking along the Loire River

The Loire is a wild and beautiful river. Its cycle route covers 900km. A superb route along its banks and around the castles. It is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in France, and in the world. And, of course, you can also enjoy various sections on foot!

The 18-stage Loire Valley cycling route. Our favorites so far are:

• From Blois to Amboise with Chaumont-sur-Loire and the Chenonceaux detour
• The hillsides of Sancerre
• Saumur to Tour with the confluence of the Vienne at Candes-St-Martin

Find out more in our article on the Loire by bike (under development).

And even if you don't want to go on a full cycling vacation, you can find guided bike tours around the Loire castles. See options .

A LITTLE MORE patience

All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!

If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire , register:

7. Discover the vineyards

It's not complicated, wine in the Loire region can be found from its mouth, with the Muscadet around Nantes, to its source in the Ardèche, with the Côtes du Forez! Between the two, 70,000 hectares of vineyards, 80 different appellations, more than 30,000 winegrowers!

In the Loire region, you can:

• Stroll through fields of vines as far as the eye can see, or with a view of a castle!
• Taste white, red or rosé wines. We particularly recommend the Sancerre en route and the Savennières en Blanc.
• Discover Loire sparkling wines. There's more to life than Champagne... Don't miss the Crémant de Loire
• Unique experiences in trogolodyte cellars like Ackerman or Filliatreau

Discover our guide to help you understand Loire wines . And discover the best wine experiences in the Loire (coming soon).

8. Stroll through the most beautiful gardens

The Loire Valley, nicknamed the "Garden of France ", is renowned for its verdant landscapes, majestic châteaux and sumptuous gardens. Nestled along the banks of the Loire and its tributaries, these gardens offer an enchanting spectacle: French gardens with romantic landscapes, English gardens, or parks with century-old trees... there's something for everyone!

Among our favorites, discover:

• Gardens of the Château de Villandry , an unforgettable place with French gardens of shimmering colors and perfect geometry. - Book your tickets
• Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire , the French benchmark for contemporary gardens. In an enchanting setting, it offers 13 permanent gardens that preserve our horticultural heritage, and 24 ephemeral gardens designed around an annual theme. - Book your ticket
• Jardin du Château du Rivau , 15 remarkable gardens with dreamlike worlds, while preserving the Loire Valley's horticultural heritage (conservatories for perfumed roses and gourds).

See our article on the most beautiful gardens .

HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities

• Hot-air ballooning in the Loire Valley
• Chambord by bike
• Vineyards and tastings

9. Sleeping in a castle

Having the chance to sleep in a castle, especially in a castle of the Loire Valley, is a beautiful experience that we wish you. What links us to these centuries-old stone palaces is indefinable. We feel at the same time, respect for the genius of their builders, humility in front of places that will outlive us, and finally recognition for their contribution to the beauty of the world.

Hotels and B&Bs have been set up in different styles of châteaux. We particularly enjoyed our experiences:

• In the stables of Château du Rivau with a view of the castle - See prices, photos and availability - and book now!
• In the enchanting world of the Château de Chissay - See prices, photos and availability - and book now!
• Take a trip back in time at Château de Ternay - See prices, photos and availability - and book now!

See our article full of tips for sleeping in a château-hotel .

10. Fun in the Loire Valley with children

If you choose to discover the region with your children, there are plenty of places to do just that. We've already introduced you to L'éléphant de Nantes and Terra Botanica, both of which should appeal to them, but you can also get them interested in the châteaux with their own tours and shows.

We particularly recommend

• Château d'Ussé with its scenes from Sleeping Beauty
• The Fortress of Chinon with its immersive tour to learn more about the Middle Ages
• Château de Rivau and its dreamlike ambience to stimulate the imagination
• the Montbazon Fortress with its workshops on medieval skills and a short show
• Le Château des énigmes de Fréteval , a great indoor and outdoor treasure hunt. Activities include maths, history, logic and a bit of physical exercise!
• Le Parc des Mini-Châteaux . Reproductions are on a scale of 1:25, and include all the finest Loire châteaux. You feel like a giant.
• Château Clos-Lucé with the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci - Book your ticket

See our article on the best Loire châteaux to visit with children .

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11. Admire abbeys and cathedrals

Immerse yourself in history and spirituality as you explore the abbeys and cathedrals that line the serene banks of the Loire. These architectural treasures, witnesses to the region's rich religious past, offer a captivating experience. From the Gothic elegance of Tours' Cathédrale Saint-Gatien to the timeless serenity of Fontevraud Abbey, each sacred site reveals centuries of history and inspiration. We really enjoyed the region's religious heritage.

• Saint-Maurice Cathedral, Angers
• Saint-Gatien Cathedral, Tours
• Fleury Abbey
• Orléans Cathedral
• ... the list goes on!

Please note that Charte Cathedral is further away from the Loire, even if it is geographically located in its own valley.

See our article on the most beautiful abbeys and cathedrals (coming soon).

12. Savouring gastronomy

Discover the culinary art of the Loire Valley, where every meal is a celebration of local flavors and the abundance of fertile land that borders the royal river. The Loire Valley was one of our favorite trips in terms of gastronomy. There are Michelin-starred chefs who know how to delight our taste buds, as well as a host of lesser-known chefs offering inventive dishes full of flavor. Selecting the best restaurants is really very difficult because the quality is so high.

Among our favorites:

• Restaurant Manoir de la Regate (Nantes)
• Restaurant La Breche (Amboise)
• Restaurant Maga (Orleans)
• Restaurant L'essentiel (Saumur)
• Restaurant Au rendez-vous des pêcheurs (Blois)

See our article on the best restaurants (coming soon).

13. Learning in the many museums

In the towns and châteaux of the Loire Valley, you'll also find many museums: art, history, know-how, scientific experiments... Whether you're passionate about art, history, science or literature, the museums along the Loire promise an enriching immersion in the past and present of this emblematic region of France.

• The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes, an exceptional venue with a varied collection
• Les Tapisseries d'Angers: In the château (reserve tickets ) and in the Musée Jean Lurçat
• The magnificent Château de Blois museum
• Château de Montosoreau showcases contemporary art - Book your tickets !
• The David d'Angers Gallery
• The Jeu de Paumes museum in what remains of the Château de Tours
• The Musée des Blindés in Saumur, for fans of Mordern history

See our article on the best museums (coming soon).

14. Boat tours on the Loire

The Loire is also a navigable river. You can embark on a peaceful, picturesque stroll through the sparkling waters of the Loire in towns or more or less built-up areas. Whether you opt for a leisurely cruise aboard a traditional toue cabanée or a kayak excursion, boat tours on the Loire offer a unique perspective on the enchanting landscape and fascinating history that make this river legendary.

• Traditional boat trip in Saumur with view of the château - see program and reserve
• Navibus crossing from Nantes to the village of Trentemoult - included in the Nantes citypass .
• Traditional boat trip around Tours

15. Admire the castles and valley from the air

And after admiring from the river, you can also enjoy magnificent views of the valley and castles from a hot-air balloon. It's on our list of planned activities. We don't have any photos yet, but we'll be back soon with lots of tips. But we already know that it's an unforgettable experience! Here are a few options:

Departure from Amboise, river landscapes, Chenonceau and Villandry castles - See program and availability

Flight over Saumur with its magnificent château - See program and availability

Frequently asked questions

What to do in the loire valley when it rains.

The region is rich in activities: most of the castles have an interior tour. Troglodyte spaces and museums are also good options. Everything is well adapted and you'll be able to enjoy the attractions whatever the weather.

How long will it take to visit the Loire Valley?

The region is rich in attractions. Several weeks would not be enough. To catch a glimpse of some of these iconic sites, allow 3 days. To be able to visit a little of each type of attraction, book a week. And to immerse yourself in the region, we recommend 2 to 3 weeks.

What to do in winter

The larger châteaux stay open for most of the winter, but others close. Villages, towns and many museums also remain open all year round.

PLAN YOUR TRIP IN Loire Valley

The castles of the Loire Valley

• Best châteaux in the Loire Valley
• Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley
• Best family castles
• List with over 100 castles

Other places to explore

• Best things to do in the Loire Valley
• Most beautiful towns along the Loire
• Most beautiful villages
• Most beautiful gardens
• Best things to do in Nantes
• Best things to do in Saumur

• See our tips for renting a car in Nantes , Angers , Tours , CDG , Orly or Beauvais ...
• How to get to the Loire Valley - article to come
• Itineraries: 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
• Weekends: unusual

SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Claire

The 10 commitments of region lovers.

• Visit all the places we tell you about.
• For each city, sleep in at least one hotel, visit the ones we recommend.
• For each city, eat in at least one restaurant, visit the ones we select.
• Pay all our bills in full, refuse any partnership or sponsorship.
• Update our articles periodically, with the help of our readers.
• Enrich our articles with our on-site experiences.
• Use 99% of our own photos
• Have a reasoned and transparent use of the AI tool, which we feed with our locally verified information.
• Inform about the traveler/writer pairing that gave birth to the article.
• Tell you what we do, and do what we tell you!

Claire and Manu

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Visit Tours, the gateway city of the Loire Valley

Home › Discover › Tours and the finest cities in Touraine › Visit Tours, the gateway city of the Loire Valley

Beautiful, vibrant and lively, Tours is a pretty stopping point during a couple of days in the middle of the Loire Valley Chateaux . Tour its historic quarters with their half-timbered houses, the bustling Place Plumereau and Saint-Gatien Cathedral, as well as the new Olivier Debré Contemporary Art Centre.

On sunny days, the star of Tours is the River Loire! The now famous ‘Tours-sur-Loire’ guinguette  and the Tours beach extend the city limits to the banks of the river. Numerous activities are offered.

Tours is packed with gourmet bistros featuring fresh, locally sourced produce on their menus. You should taste the nougat of Tours , the potted rillettes of Tours, the saffron , or the "poires tapées" (dried pears). Genuinely unique!

Tours – A tale of two cities

In a perfect location, Tours is the great capital of the Loire Valley, a Unesco world heritage site, but it is far more than just a gateway to the Loire Chateaux. Indeed, Tours delights in being charming and doesn’t think twice about playing a double game in order to do so.

Visit Tours and its architecture full of history

First of all, there is its historical heritage. The birthplace of  Balzac   (more than fifty books to read) is proud of its old quarters , which take visitors on a wonderful journey back in time in France. Explore the narrow cobbled streets,  half-timbered french houses and the stone façade of the monumental  Saint-Gatien Cathedral , which give the city a charming medieval air.

The architecture of the Fine Arts Museum , the Hotel Gouïn  (Renaissance architecture),  Tours castle , the ‘la Psalette’ cloister and the Saint Martin Basilica (near the “tour Charlemagne” and the “tour de l’horloge”) is of great interest! You will enjoy those monuments through a illuminated walking experience , and of course with a guided tour proposed by the tourist office.

Tours - Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Château de Tours - Illuminated walking experience

Tours, a beautiful city in France

In addition to the built heritage, large green spaces perfectly enhance the french city. Designed in the 19th century and classified as a remarkable garden, the Prebendes d’Oe garden is a perfect example, as is the botanic garden and the Gloriette park . Attached to the latter, the practice of La Gloriette Golf may allow you to make your first swing!

You have a few days ahead of you?   Renting a bike , you will cycle from Tours to :

• the St Cosme priory (4km / 14 min),
• the Montbazon fortress (15km / 56 min),
• Vouvray wineries ( Château Gaudrelle , Vigneau-Chevreau …).
• the gardens of Villandry (19km / 1h03),
• the Valmer gardens (19km / 1h06).

The gardens of Villandry castle. France

It is also very pleasant to go shopping, to have a look at the exhibitions at the new  Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre and at the Arts district , to relax at the summer ‘guinguette’, situated along the banks of the Loire River from which you can see the traditional boats (belonging to the Boutavant association ). You may also like to go on board for a fifty minute cruise on the river !

Tours - Boutavant boat on the River Loire

Visit Tours - Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre

For night owls , a stopover in Tours also gives them an opportunity to treat themselves to a show, an evening in one of the many bars and cafés in the Old Town or a front seat at the free sound and light show  projected onto the Fine Art Museum façade every evening in the summer.

Some more pictures of Tours:

The Plumereau square

The Art Deco American Memorial

The Monster of Xavier Veilhan

The Jean Jaurès Square, with the Tours City Hall.

Visit Tours in video

Tours is the ideal place to spend a night as it is situated close to the main Loire Valley chateaux, along the Loire by bike trail , along the GR3 pedestrian route and on the way to Santiago de Compostela !

Practical: Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office

Book tickets, guided tour, day trip, activities for groups: www.tours-tourisme.fr/en +033 (0)2 47 70 37 37

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Top Tours in Loire Valley, France

• Loire Valley Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Wine Tasting

2. Loire Valley Wine and Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

3. Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau

4. Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise

5. Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

6. Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours or Amboise

7. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours pickup from Amboise or Tours

8. Afternoon Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise

9. Morning - Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis

10. Loire Valley Castles Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris

11. Loire Valley Day from Amboise : Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Winery

12. Normandy Loire Valley 3-Days Trip with Mont Saint Michel and Castles from Paris

13. Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley

14. Day Tour to Chenonceau and Chambord Castles

15. Vineyard cycle tours in and around Chinon, in the Loire Valley

16. Loire Valley Half Day : Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau from Tours

17. Picnic in the Vines - A Unique Loire Wine Experience

18. Loire Valley Ebike Tour to Chambord from Amboise

19. Loire Valley Day from Tours : Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Winery

20. Loire Valley Wine Half Day Tour in Vouvray

21. 7-Hour Guided Wine Tour in Loire Valley

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23. 2 Days Mont Saint Michel, Loire Castles Guided Tour

24. Loire Valley Castles and Wine Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

25. 3 Loire Valley Castles and Wine Tasting Private Guided Tour

26. Full Day Wine Tour in Vouvray and Chinon with LUNCH at the winery

27. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours originating from Chinon

28. Lunchtime Food Tour of Tours

29. Loire Valley Day Trip with 3 Castles including Chambord and Chenonceau

30. Loire Valley Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

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Loire Valley Road Trip – Itinerary & Map

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

The   Loire Valley  in  Central France  is a fantastic area to explore by car. Spanning some 270 kilometers that follow the Loire River, this beautiful region boasts stunning landscapes of vineyards, forests, and castles.

This  5-day Loire Valley road trip itinerary from Orléans to Chinon  will take you through some of the main sights this region has to offer. It will allow you a few days to unwind and enjoy good food, wine, and a slower pace of life. Read on for the description of this Loire Valley itinerary which comes with a Loire Valley map with all the stops and suggestions on where to stay in Loire Valley with a car.

This road trip Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful road trips in France . Read more about road tripping in France:

Loire Valley Itinerary Overview

• Start:  Orléans
• Finish:  Chinon
• Duration:  5 days
• Suggested Route:  Orléans – Blois – Amboise – Chinon
• Total distance:  240 km, 4 hours drive in total
• Regions covered:  Centre-Val-de-Loire
• Best for:  châteaux, medieval towns, food, and wine.

Check out our Loire Valley Trip Planner for the best time to travel to the Loire Valley and other tips. You can also extend this Loire Valley driving itinerary by adding more châteaux. Check out this list of the best Loire Valley Castles for inspiration.

If you fly to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you can pick up your rental car at the airport and start this Loire road trip from there. The drive from CDG Airport-Orléans takes less than 2 hours (200 km) – Click here to rent a car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport .

If you want to visit Paris first, take a direct train from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Orléans and then  pick up your rental car in Orléans . The journey from Paris to Orléans by train takes 1hr 7 min.

If this is your first trip to France, check out our tips for  hiring a car in France .

Road Trip Loire Valley Map

Click here to view this Road Trip Loire Valley Map on Google

5-Day Loire Valley Road Trip Itinerary

Day 0 | arrival in orléans.

The first stop of this Loire road trip is Orléans , where you will spend one night. For your stay in Orléans, we recommend  Hotel des Cedres , located just a 10-minute walk from Orléans’ historical center. This beautiful hotel offers well-equipped, spacious rooms and a flower garden where you can relax with your favorite drink.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel des Cedres

Day 1 | Orléans – Chambord

Morning in Orléans

Before hitting the road, spend the morning visiting  Orléans . Over recent years, this dynamic city has engaged in major conservation projects to reveal all its former splendor. 

Orléans is famous as the city of  Jeanne d’Arc , known as the ‘Maid of Orléans’ and a French heroine who, on the 8th of May 1429, played a decisive role in the town’s liberation from the occupying English. Jeanne d’Arc managed to lead the French troops victoriously against the English armies, lift the siege of Orléans, and lead King Charles VII to the coronation in Reims, thus helping to reverse the course of the Hundred Years War .

The list of interesting things to visit in Orléans includes:

• The Cathedral of Sainte-Croix
• The historical center
• The banks of the Loire River

Afternoon a t Château de Chambord

The next stop of this Loire Valley itinerary is the beautiful  Château de Chambord . Commissioned by King François I, this 16th-century château is one of the  top castles in France to explore . Château de Chambord is the most impressive castle in the Loire River and a jewel of French Renaissance architecture.

Designed for the King’s hunting and pleasure trips, Château de Chambord also demonstrated his political and cultural power in Europe. The château has an original central double-spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci and beautiful French-style gardens to explore – Click here to book your tickets to Château de Chambord

TIP: Save time and money with the Loire Valley Châteaux Pass , a combo ticket to the top three châteaux of the Loire Valley: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Royal Château de Blois, all included in this Loire Valley road trip

Evening and night at Relais de Chambord

For a memorable night in the Loire Valley, book a room at  Relais de Chambord   on the castle grounds. Located in the heart of the Domaine National de Chambord , where King Francois I used to hunt, get ready to experience French  Art de Vivre  in this boutique hotel with a restaurant and wellness area. The well-equipped rooms are tastefully decorated and come with views of the Château, the Cosson River, Saint Louis Square, or the forest.

Click here to book your night at Relais de Chambord

Day 2 | Chambord – Blois

Morning in Chambord

With a beautiful hotel like this one, there’s no need to rush. After an excellent and leisurely French breakfast, take the time to explore the Domaine de Chambord . The grounds here have an area of 5,440 hectares, which is equivalent to the city of Paris!

The best way to explore the Domaine is by bike, and that’s what we recommend. With more than 20km of paths open to the public, you can also hike in the forest or explore the Cosson River that borders Chambord on a self-drive boat (no boating license required).

Afternoon in Blois

After exploring the Domaine de Chambord, drive to Blois, where you will spend the night. For your night in Blois, the Hotel Louise de Savoie is a good option with a central location, comfortable rooms furnished with traditional furniture, and optional private parking.

Click here to book your night at Hotel Louise de Savoie

Blois   is a beautiful city with remarkable architectural and cultural heritage. Its Old Town is very compact, and you can easily explore it on foot. In Blois, don’t miss to visit the  Château de Blois , the Loire’s finest in-town château and home to seven French Kings! The building has four wings built in four different architectural periods: Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical.

TIP: From April to September (and the days around the All Saints holiday), see the history of France come to life in a unique way with this sound and light show at the Château de Blois . The ticket to the show also includes entry to the Château de Blois.

Day 3 | Amboise

From Blois, head to Château de Perreux to spend the next two nights of this Loire Valley trip. The 18th-century Château de Perreux is one of the most beautiful chateau-hotels in the Loire Valley . Located in beautiful parkland just outside Amboise, it is a great base to explore Amboise and other beautiful châteaux nearby.

Click here to book your stay at Château de Perreux

The small town of Amboise is compact and easy to explore on foot. Amboise is best known for its 15th-century Royal Château , where King François I grew up. The château features magnificent royal chambers, underground passageways, and a beautiful garden with great views of the Loire River – Click here to buy your tickets to Château d’Amboise

Just outside Amboise, there’s Château du Clos Lucé , Leonardo da Vinci’s home in France until he died in 1519. Leonardo da Vinci came to live in Amboise in 1516, invited by King Francois I, who became his patron. The house has a small museum displaying working models of his designs. 

TIP: Buy this bundle Château d’Amboise + Château du Clos Lucé and save money! You can also discover Leonardo Da Vinci’s French connection with this convenient Leonardo Da Vinci Loire Valley pass , which includes skip-the-line tickets to Château de Chambord + Chateau d’Amboise + Château du Clos Lucé.

Fancy some wine tasting?  Les Caves Ambacia (56 Rue du Rocher des Violettes, Amboise) has suitable wine tours with tastings. Carved out by cave dwellers in the 16th century, the Caves Ambacia have hosted a wine merchant since 1874!

DID YOU KNOW?   In medieval times, the stone used for building the villages and castles in the area was mined from nearby mountains, creating a massive network of underground caves and galleries. Over the centuries, these caves were used for wine aging, mushroom farming, and shelter during the World Wars. Today, some of these underground caves are still used as restaurants, workshops, and wine cellars. Les Caves du Père Auguste is another beautiful example of underground caves-wine cellars. Located 10km from Amboise, it offers wine tours and tastings.

Day 4 | Château de Chenonceau

Spend the fourth day of this Loire Valley scenic route at Chenonceau – an easy drive from Amboise – to visit Château de Chenonceau and its grounds. Château de Chenonceau is one of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful castles, with a fairytale setting spanning the River Cher.

Diane de Poitiers , the mistress of King Henry II, created much of the castle and the wonderful “Garden of Diane.” Upon the King’s death, his widow Queen Cathérine de Médicis took the castle as her own and built the gallery over the River. The gallery now contains an exhibition that shows the roles that the Queens and mistresses of Kings had in this beautiful castle – Click here to book your tickets to Château de Chenonceau

Admire Château de Chenonceau from another point of view

A visit to the interior of the Château de Chenonceau is a must, but it’s worth viewing the château from other perspectives for more magnificent views.

Take a boat trip to see the château from the water. Canoë Company proposes different boat tours, guided or self-guided, with different itineraries.

You can also see the château (and the Loire Valley) at sunset from a hot-air balloon with France Mongolfières . We took a similar trip with them over Fontainebleau, and it was an incredible experience that we recommend! You can check our review  here .

Drive back to  Château de Perreaux  for dinner in the restaurant and a last drink in the garden.

Visit Tours, a Historic City in the Loire Valley

Inspiration

Loire Valley Food and Wine Cultural Heritage Sporting Activities Nature and Outdoor Activities Cities

Reading time: 0 min Published on 4 January 2023, updated on 16 April 2024

Here, living is an art

Tours , the capital of Touraine , enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the prestigious region of the Loire châteaux . Crossed by two rivers, this charming Gallo-Roman town maintains its status as a timeless "Garden of France."

On foot, by train or bicycle, discover the famous district of "Old Tours" or stroll through the historic gardens of the city. On the terrace of a café, in medieval alleys or through its markets, you'll taste the "sweetness of Tours."

Traditional departure site for tours to major cultural attractions in the Loire Valley, Tours is also the home of the "live well and eat well" ideal, so dear to Rabelais.

What not to miss in this beautiful European city:

As a city of art and history, Tours has benefited from an active policy of restoring its old quarters during the 60s, which has allowed it to keep the Place Plumereau, one of the largest restored areas in Europe.

• The Museum of Compagnons: The heritage of Compagnons - the guilds of skilled craftsmen found nowhere else in the world!
• Place Plumereau and its half-timbered houses, medieval streets, the Châteauneuf neighborhood.
• The Cathedral of St. Gatien
• The Basilica of St. Martin
• Traditional markets
• The Vinci International Convention Center, designed by Jean Nouvel.
• The Prébendes d'Oé Garden
• Specialties: "Rillettes de Tours," "Nougat de Tours," Vouvray wines, and wines from Montlouis-sur-Loire

The "Tours" of events

• The Fêtes Musicales in Touraine: International Festival of Classical Music. In February, June and November.
• The Vocal Anthology: International Competition of Choral Singing at Pentecost.
• Tours on the Loire: Guinguette along the Loire, outdoor cinema, and shows. From mid-May to mid-September.
• Vitiloire: one hundred winegrowers give you a taste of the wines of the Loire. Early June.
• Garlic and Basil Fair: traditional gourmet feast. In July.
• 10 and 20 km Tours marathons. In September.
• The Paris-Tours: for over a hundred years, this famous bicycle race is held annually in October.

Visit Tours

• Led by guide-lecturers from Villes et Pays d'Art et d'Histoire , the Tours/Loire Valley Tourist Office offers a wide selection of general or themed guided tours: "Antique", "Renaissance", "Cathedral", "St. Martin", "Victor Laloux," and "Nocturne"
• Audio tours: Discover Tours at your leisure with our IPOD!
• The little train: Let yourself be carried through the old quarters of the city for a 50-minute guided tour. Easter to October.
• The carriage: You'll discover the streets of Tours to the rhythm of hooves pounding the pavements of the old town. In July and August.
• Visit Tours and its surroundings with the "Pass through Tours" passes available in several options at reasonable prices.

"This town is joyous, loving, fresh, flowery, and better-perfumed than any other city in the world ..." - (Balzac, born in Tours).

Getting to Tours

Tours is one of the major French cities, situated at the crossroads of central France and at the heart of European communication lines.

• Train: Take the train to the Gare de Tours Centre, or to the Gare de Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (with shuttle trains to Tours).
• International airport just outside Tours
• Freeways: A10 - A85 - A28
• TWITTER - Tours N' Loire (French)

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Normandy & the Loire Valley Loop

Normandy & the Loire Valley are 2 regions of France you should not miss: the climate is mild, the people are very welcoming and history is around every corner. 

This company is amazing!!! You will not be disappointed. We did our trip with them in the summer of 2015. It was fabulous. A wealth of information and such incredible Customer …

This company is amazing!!! You will not be disappointed. We did our trip with them in the summer of 2015. It was fabulous. A wealth of information and such incredible Customer service. We now compare everything to France Just For You....and there is really no one quite like them! I wish they could plan all our international travel!!!!

Your accommodations

Step by step

Giverny, home of the impressionnists.

• Y o ur journey starts in Giverny . T his tiny unchanged village takes you back to the 19th century when the great painter Claude Monet created a new art movement: impressionism.
• Monet's gardens are beautifully maintained, exactly as they were when Monet painted them. We include in this itinerary cut-the-line tickets that enable you to avoid waiting at Monet’s house and gardens .
• In Giverny, we have planned a 2-night-stay  in a historical domain from the 13 th century , which has been beautifully restored, only few minutes’ walk to Monet’s house & gardens. This will give you enough time to recover from jetlag and discover the Seine river valley.

Normandy: the Bayeux area

• Th e second leg of your journey takes you to a  peaceful countryside house, loc ated   between Bayeux's old town and the Landing Beaches . Your hosts travel a lot and will be happy to share stories with you around breakfast. 
• Spend 3 nights near Bayeux and jump into the local history: from William the Conqueror in the 11th century whose adventures are illustrated in the Bayeux tapestry, to the Battle of Normandy in 1944 .
• Many remains of the WWII landings are still visible and you can quickly access Gold and Juno landing beaches as well as the artificial port of Arromanches or the Caen Memorial. 
• To help you better understand the events of the Battle of Normandy and bring them to life, we have planned for a  private guided tour with a specialist in WWII history . You will be shown all the main landing sites and learn in detail about what happened here on D-Day. 

The Mont Saint Michel & Eastern Brittany

• On your way to the Loire Valley, stop over for 2 nights near the  Mont Saint Michel : this ancient beautiful abbey sits on top of a tidal island in the middle of Mont Saint Michel Bay. A wonder! 
• Stay in a gorgeous castle a   30 minute drive across the bay from the famous village. This is a unique occasion to really feel what the "vie de château" truly is like!
• Discover Mont Saint Michel unique village and its Abbey with a local guide who will explain you about its history and traditions. She will take you to many small streets to see places that tourist usually don't see.

The Loire Valley

• The Loire Valley will welcome you with its renowned "sweet life", its Renaissance castles and gardens , and its famous gastronomy and wines. 
• You will stay here for 5 nights in a charmingly restored townhouse, in the heart of a very lively town in the Loire Valley. From here, you can walk everywhere included to Leonardo Da Vinci's final dwelling. 
• You are also perfectly located to  discover all the marvels of the Loire Valley : the castles of Chambord, Chenonceau and Azay-le-Rideau, the old towns of Saumur, Chinon and Amboise.
• Cruise along the Loire river as a passenger aboard a vintage sidecar : explore the little villages and enjoy the landscapes

History, culture, gastronomy, "the sweet life": this is France!

Activities included

Monet's House & Garden

Avoid wasting time standing in line, use the by-pass line to visit the house of Monet and its famous gardens. Follow in the footsteps of this painter and the American Impressionists in the small town of Giverny.

Private Guide on the WWII sites

Spend a half day with a private guide who will customize the itinerary to your wishes and interests. A must do to better understand what happened on D-Day. 

Mont Saint Michel Private Tour

Discover this unique village and its Abbey with a local guide who will explain you about its history and traditions. She will take you to many small streets to see places that tourist usually don't see.

Vintage Sidecar Tour

Cruise along the Loire river as a passenger aboard a vintage sidecar : explore the little towns and enjoy the landscapes

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My wife and I are fairly seasoned travelers so when we decided to include a trip to France in our year long 50th Anniversary Celebration we wanted to do something different. We looked at group travel companies including those who specialize in "small" groups. None of them had the flavor we were looking for. In my search for somethin new I happened …

My wife and I are fairly seasoned travelers so when we decided to include a trip to France in our year long 50th Anniversary Celebration we wanted to do something different. We looked at group travel companies including those who specialize in "small" groups. None of them had the flavor we were looking for. In my search for somethin new I happened upon the website of France Just For You and was intrigued by the idea of having a custom-designed French experience. One or two emails later we discovered just how great our experience was going to be. Emilie Thyebaut takes your wishes and likes and turns them into realities. Her extensive planning made our two week trip a memory of a life time. Nothing was omitted--dining recommendations, excellent B&B reservations, rental car reservation, pre-booked guides for such locations as Mont-Saint-Michel--nothing was left to chance. Loke at the France Just For You website and you should be able to make your vacation dreams come true.

We had the most wonderful two week trip planned by France-Just For You and it delivered more than we expected The quality of the travel package was amazing and every detail was designed to be most helpful for us. We had never stayed in B&Bs before but this trip has opened up more exciting travel options for us than we could have imagined. I would …

We had the most wonderful two week trip planned by France-Just For You and it delivered more than we expected The quality of the travel package was amazing and every detail was designed to be most helpful for us. We had never stayed in B&Bs before but this trip has opened up more exciting travel options for us than we could have imagined. I would not hesitate to endorse France- For You as THE company to go to when planning a trip to gorgeous France

France Just for You - Emile and Laura - accomplished the task with skill and knowledge. Accommodations were excellent with lots of local color, suggestions for parking a large SUV were helpful, solving on the spot problems was handled with expertise and courtesy, sites were overwhelmingly beautiful. The guide book is the best. All the guides were …

France Just for You - Emile and Laura - accomplished the task with skill and knowledge. Accommodations were excellent with lots of local color, suggestions for parking a large SUV were helpful, solving on the spot problems was handled with expertise and courtesy, sites were overwhelmingly beautiful. The guide book is the best. All the guides were excellent, well informed, professional to a high extent, knowledgeable about subjects not in their area of expertise. They made a most enjoyable trip excellent. The cooking class with Oliver Laboute in his high tech kitchen and professional knowledge was the highlight of the trip, as he planned and executed a wonderful 80th birthday dinner. Best day was in Beauvais and visits to the WWI sites near Verdun. This was the second time we have booked with France just for you and will do so again in the future.

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Best Loire Valley Wineries & Castles to Visit in 2024

Discover Some of the Best Loire Valley Wineries and Castles to Visit

The history of the Loire Valley and viticulture is largely the history of France too. Dating back 2,000 years, the first vines date back to the 5th century, with more developed viticulture dating back to the 9th century. Spanning more than 800 sq km (over 300 sq miles), the vast Loire Valley sits in the northern and central parts of France.

Overview of the Loire Valley Wine Region

From the coast of the Atlantic north of Bordeaux, to the southwest of Paris , and spanning all of the way to the center of the country, this region has grown over the centuries and includes more than 6,000 wine producers.

The access to water certainly helped create the success of the region and the proliferation of wine. With Nantes along the Loire River, and with access to the Atlantic Ocean, this created a natural export hub to other parts of Europe. Additionally, the Loire River was key to transporting wine long before railways and modern transportation existed.

RELATED: Best French Wine Regions to Consider Visiting This Year

There are a multitude of varied soil types across the entire region, each has an impact on the terroir and end-product of the wines. Additionally, different climates play into the impact of terroir. In the west, a marked maritime climate is influenced by the Atlantic ocean. As you move further inland and to the east, a much more continental climate prevails with more seasonal and temperature variation.

The Loire Valley is vast, containing 4 very different wine regions, and over 185,000 acres planted to vineyards. There are more than 85 appellations under the Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) and Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) systems.

RELATED: 10 Important Facts About the Loire Valley Wine Region

For the sake of this travel guide, we’ll focus on the Middle Loire, a bit on the Lower Loire (closest to the Atlantic Ocean), and a touch on a newer AOC in the region: Coteaux du Vendômois.

The Upper Loire is the geographic center of France, with a very different, warmer climate than the rest of the Loire Valley. Notably, possibly for another separate trip, the Central Loire contains the world famous Sancerre region, known for Sauvignon Blanc . Both of those latter regions deserve an additional deep-dive at another time!

Coteaux du Vendômois

Surrounding the town of Vendôme, the Coteaux du Vendômois vineyards lie in the Loir Valley (a different river than the Loire!) to the west of Vendôme. This is north of Amboise and Tours. However, the Coteaux du Vendômois is markedly cooler and different varietals are permitted. The appellation covers 27 communes and only became a new AOC in 2001, although there have been centuries of winemaking and viticulture dating back to the 10th century. For white wine, Chardonnay is permitted and can comprise 20% of white wines, but Chenin Blanc is the star here. For red wine, Pineau d’Aunis (at least 50%), with Cabernet Franc , Pinot Noir and Gamay authorized as additional varietals than can be used, but Pineau d’Aunis is the workhorse red varietal for red wine here.

Last but not least – the wine! We will also recommend some of our favorite producers and wineries to visit when in this part of the Loire Valley. And if you would like some additional excursions, we have you covered with our favorite castles in the region. Keep reading below for more!

Getting to and Around the Loire Valley

With the focus being on the Middle Loire here, we recommend having a homebase along the Loire River, with easy access to many wineries and castles throughout the region. Orléans , Tours , and Blois all work well as a hub for exploring the area.

We stayed in Blois, located directly on the Loire River, and situated along some of the major roads along the river as well. Blois is a medieval throwback town – one that is beautiful to experience on foot, lending that old world, European village feel at every turn.

The Denis Papin Staircase is a fun link between the upper old town, and the more modern lower part of town directly on the Loire River. It consists of 120 stairs and is often painted or decorated by artists.

In other parts of Blois, you still have modern accommodations, and everything you might need, from banks, to stores, walkable shops and restaurants. The Château de Blois is also in the middle of town and is very much a recommended stop. Take a look at these charming hotels in Blois if you decide to use it as your homebase.

RELATED: Beautiful Luxury Wine Hotels & Vineyard Resorts to Stay at Around the World

The train stop in Blois is “Blois-Chambord.” From Paris, there are many trains daily and they consistently are around an hour and half. Most trains leave Paris from the Paris Austerlitz train station, but make sure to double check which train station you are leaving from Paris.

Tickets can be booked online ! Just make sure to have your ticket printed or on your phone as the QR code will be your ticket that will be scanned once you board the train.

If you are going to Blois from the southwest, near Bordeaux , there are also high-speed trains and regular regional trains as well. This trip from Bordeaux takes about 2.5-3 hours and there is a layover at the train station in Tours, not too far from Blois. From other parts of France – the southeast, or eastern parts of the country, trains will take you to Paris first either way.

Tips For Navigating Blois

Pro Tip: If you’re staying in Blois and interested in visiting castles, stop by the Tourism Office ( l’Office de Tourisme ) to inquire about Castle Pass deals.

Taxis are abundant in the area, as are drivers or cars for hire specializing in castle day trips.

Similar to a lot of Europe, public transportation is abundant as well. You can also take shuttle buses from Blois to some of the Loire’s castles.

If you choose to rent a car , it’s recommended to acquire an international driving permit, which can be done online (with your regular license).

Top Wineries to Visit in the Loire Valley

If you’re like us at Winetraveler, we’re constantly seeking out the best wine and best producers when we’re visiting a region. Here are six Loire Valley wineries you can’t miss! We’ve broken them out by their specialty grape/wine (ie: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, etc.).

If you’re unsure about navigating yourself and would prefer to have a local guide take you around the region(s) for wine tasting, there are excellent wine tours that leave from both Tours and Blois . Some of these can be customized and/or include castle stops. As we’ve mentioned, day trips are also bookable from Paris .

For Chenin Blanc

AOC Vouvray

Domaine Sébastien Brunet

Winetraveler Rating:

La Côte, 37380 Reugny, France

+33 2 47 56 73 52

Sébastien Brunet is one of the rising stars and part of the next generation of dedicated producers in Vouvray. In Chancay, located in Touraine, between Tours and Blois, Sébastien creates beautiful expressions of chenin blanc, focused on clean, bone-dry, yet precise wines. He also makes sparkling wines, both Pétillant Naturel and traditional method wines.

Since Sébastien took over the estate in 2006, the farming has been completely organic, no chemicals are used, and grapes are harvested by hand. Wines are regularly fermented in a mix of oak and steel, yet consistently matured in oak barrels, with extended lees contact for added texture. Sébastien also bought an old mushroom farm – in order to create and mature his wines in the already-dug-out limestone caves and tunnels. His style is minimalist, yet his wines are expressive, precise, and bursting with high acidity.

Domaine Huet – L’Échansonne

13 Rue de la Croix Buisée, 37210 Vouvray, France

+33 2 47 52 78 87

Perhaps one of the more well-known producers of Chenin Blanc is Domaine Huet. In the heart of Vouvray, Domaine Huet has acquired some of the most prestigious vineyards, capable of producing some incredible age-worthy wines. In terms of styles, the Domaine Huet produces Sec (dry), Demi-Sec (semi dry), Moelleux, or Moelleux 1ère Trie (“first selection”) from the aforementioned principal vineyards. They also produce a sparkling Pétillant Naturel .

Domaine Huet is biodynamic, hand-harvested, with a mix of various soils across different vineyards. They use a mix of steel and old oak for most sec and demi-sec wines. But most notably, their prestigious sites lend richness and layers of fruit consistently in every vintage.

For Cabernet Franc

Domaine Olga Raffault

1 Rue des Caillis, 37420 Savigny-en-Véron, France

+33 2 47 58 42 16

When we talk about Cabernet Franc, the home is in the Loire Valley. One of the more well-known areas for Cabernet Franc is Chinon, and one of the most renowned producers is none other than Olga Raffault.

Today, the estate is run by Olga’s granddaughter and her husband. Although they make a small amount of white wine, they are undoubtedly known for their site-specific single vineyard Cabernet Franc. They consistently produce a lower cost entry-level Cabernet Franc that is released much earlier than other bottles. But they are most well known for their three distinctive, site-specific Cabernet Franc bottles: “Les Picasses,” “Les Peuilles,” and “Les Barnabes.”

Les Picasses is considered the highest level, reserve bottle, and one that is sought out by many collectors. All of these single-vineyard bottles are also aged for longer amounts of time, and released at later dates, creating a better product with extended bottle aging as well. Olga Raffault is also organic and everything is harvested by hand.

AOC Saumur-Champigny

Domaine des Sables Verts

66 Grand Rue, 49400 Varrains, France

Domaines des Sables Verts is the project from a couple who took over the estate in 2019. With their 16 hectares in Saumur-Champigny, mostly clay-limestone soils, they now have an environmental certification and are practicing organic. Although they do have one Chenin Blanc, their specialty is Cabernet Franc.

They have a few different versions of Cabernet Franc: Chaintres, Glou Glou, and Les Poyeux. Glou Glou and Poyeux are unoaked/fermented in stainless steel. Both are exquisite and bright, with Glou Glou being the “drink now” bottle of the two. In contrast, Chaintres is fermented in oak and much more powerful, structured, and layered, one to hold, and one that is built for cellaring. These are excellent wines from the next generation of producers already putting Saumur-Champigny and the Loire Valley on the map internationally.

For Melon de Bourgogne/Melon B

AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

Château du Cléray – Sauvion

Château du Cleray, 44330 Vallet, France

+33 2 40 36 66 00

Located in Vallet, in the northeastern corner of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation, Château du Cléray lies east of Nantes. Pierre-Jean Sauvion nows runs Château du Cléray and is the winemaker as well. Most of his Muscadet wines see a little bit of skin contact, stainless steel vats for fermentation, and a regimented routine of batonnage – lees stirring – for that soft, textured wine that Muscadet Sèvre et Maine is most well known.

Although they make a few other wines, from other grapes other than Melon de Bourgogne/Melon B, Château du Cléray is undoubtedly one of the preeminent ambassadors for Muscadet and the region as a whole. Their wines can be found in 80 countries around the world. Their dedication to expressing terroir in their Muscadet is evident. Whichever bottle you might find or taste in person, it’s crafted with precision: a textured core, plush fruit, excellent acidity, and a crunchy signature seashell quality that Muscadet is best known.

For Pineau D’Aunis

AOC Coteaux du Vendômois

Domaine Colin

5 Rue de la Gaudetterie, 41100 Thoré-la-Rochette, France

+33 2 54 72 80 73

Winemaker Pierre-Francois Colin is the 9th generation of the family making wine at this domaine, dating back almost 300 years. His father, Patrice Colin, was instrumental in putting Domaine Colin and the Coteaux du Vendômois on the map, with the AOC Coteaux du Vendômois becoming officially recognized as an AOC in 2001. Perhaps most unique is their – and the region’s/AOC’s – focus on Pineau d’Aunis.

Pineau d’Aunis is a lesser known red grape; it is very much soil and terroir driven, taking on different aspects depending on the vintage and soils in which it is planted. It has lower tannins , a medium to lighter body, very good acidity, a unique savory sage-like quality, and most of all, a notable and consistent peppery note every year. Domaine Colin makes some red blends, with Pineau d’ Aunis, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir, but the varietal Pineau d’Aunis (with some age) is worth seeking out.

Among tasting around 30 wines from the Coteaux du Vendômois we recently tasted, Domaine Colin’s older (2015) Pineau d’Aunis was the standout. This newer region and Domaine Colin are certainly worth a day trip, or afternoon slightly north of the main stretch of producers along the Loire River.

Three Must Visit Castles in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is known for world-class, cool-climate wines. But it is also a beautiful region to visit with much more than just the wine. The region is also well-known for many of the castles/châteaus in the area.

RELATED: The Most Beautiful Castles to Consider Visiting in Europe

Here are three Loire Valley castles we highly recommend, in addition to the Château de Blois – easily walkable and accessible on foot while you’re staying in Blois.

Château de Chambord

Château, 41250 Chambord, France

+33 2 54 50 40 00

Château de Chambord, in Chambord, Centre-Val de Loire, is the largest chateau in the Loire Valley. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. A massive architectural feat, it’s a classic French Renaissance architecture château.

Construction was started in 1519 on Château de Chambord by the King of France, Francis I. However, this château was merely used as a hunting lodge. Francis I only used it seven times. Today, you can visit the estate and purchase tickets for a “ Horse and Bird of Prey Show ,” very similar to how this hunting lodge was originally used centuries ago.

Of note, it is unclear who the original design can be attributed to, but many people believe Leonardo da Vinci was involved. A double staircase — two staircases intertwined that never meet — is one of the hallmarks of Château de Chambord. The design later influenced additional castles throughout Europe, one of the most notable being Schwerin Castle, on Lake Schwerin in Germany. Ironically, Francis I maintained his primary residence at two other castles, Château de Blois, and Château d’Amboise.

Today, Château de Chambord is a massive estate, consisting of forests (with downloadable hiking trails), gardens rivaling Versailles Palace, guided tours in multiple languages, self-guided tours, and a entire headset set-up for a virtual reality film documenting a journey from Italy to Chambord.

For the wine lovers and winemakers out there, you are able to purchase oak barrels made from the oak forests on the estate!

~20 minutes by car from Blois (and shuttle buses run consistently). You can also opt to arrange a private and guided tour by a Loire local . You can purchase tickets to Château de Chambord ahead of time and browse additional guided tour options here.

Château Chaumont Sur Loire

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France

+33 2 54 20 99 22

First, make sure to enter the full name of this castle when conducting any searches! There are two other Châteaus with “Chaumont” in the title. Chaumont Sur Loire is in Chaumont Sur Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, in the heart of the Loire Valley. You guessed it, it sits directly above the Loire River.

The construction for this castle originally started in the 10th century. Over the centuries it was passed onto families, torn down through wars, reconstructed, sold, and now sits as an incredible garden and museum open to the public. Most notably, the English-style gardens are a perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Since 1992, every year from April-October, the Château de Chaumont Sur Loire has hosted the International Garden Festival . Garden designers from around the world create unique gardens throughout the property and it is completely open to the public.

~20 minutes by car from Blois, or take a look at a variety of tour options .

Château de Chenonceau

37150 Chenonceaux, France

+33 2 47 23 44 02

Château de Chenonceau is in Chenonceaux, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire. It is an enormous, complex estate, visually stunning, and one of the best-known châteaux in the Loire Valley. It is also the second most visited château in the entire country, second only to Versailles Palace.

December 6th – January 6th is a particularly renowned time to visit for floral enthusiasts. A floral workshop is on display in every room in the castle, the floral designers prepare for 3 months for this event every year!

Château de Chenonceau, like many other castles, has seen many iterations over the years. It has been notably passed down and rebuilt largely at the hands and under the direction of women. There is a restaurant on-site, a maze with trees that are 2,000 years old, and stunning gardens. Additionally, on-site, you can also do a wine tasting from March to November. These wines are hyper-local, featuring wines from the AOC Tours-Chenonceau.

Easily accessible by train: TER Tours-Chenonceaux train stop is located right by the ticket office. 400 m ( ¼ mile) from the main entrance to the estate. This is a must-stop, must-visit for anyone visiting the region, whether you are visiting for the wine or not!

~45 minutes by car from Blois, 37 minutes by car from Tours. Admission tickets to Chateau de Chenonceau can be purchased online through GetYourGuide here.

Take the Trip!

The Loire Valley is a world-class wine region known for its dedication to fruit-forward, lean, food-friendly, and expressive wines. This is a must-visit region for #Winetravelers.

With the seemingly endless size of the region, we recommend narrowing your visit to one or two regions (Lower Loire, Middle Loire, Central Loire, Upper Loire) within the Loire Valley, or taking the time to make two trips! As we mentioned, there are over 6,000 producers, with more than 85 appellations, so make sure to plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions about Loire Valley Wineries & Castles

Can i visit wineries in the loire valley.

The Loire Valley, often referred to as the ‘Garden of France’, is famous not only for its historic castles but also its extensive vineyards. The region is a renowned wine producing area with a wide variety of wines including whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling wines. Many vineyards and wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing Winetravelers to explore the picturesque countryside, learn about the local wine-making process, and sample the region’s exquisite wines. From the crisp and light whites of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé to the rich reds of Chinon and Bourgueil, there’s a Loire Valley wine to suit every palate. So yes, you most certainly can and should visit wineries when in the Loire Valley. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in French wine culture, discover new favorite wines, and meet the passionate people who create them.

What are some of the best Loire Valley castles to visit?

The Loire Valley has an impressive collection of castles that make it a standout region for any history and architecture lover. One of the most recognizable chateaux in the world is the Château de Chambord , thanks to its iconic French Renaissance architecture. Built initially as a hunting lodge for King Francis I, the ornate style and expansive grounds make this chateau a must-visit. The Château de Chenonceau , often referred to as “the ladies’ castle,” leaves its visitors in awe with its stunning architecture and its fascinating history shaped by several influential women. The chateau is uniquely constructed over the Cher River, which provides a breathtaking setting. Perched majestically overlooking the Loire River, the Château d’Amboise offers an insight into royal French life. The castle was once a residence of numerous French kings and also serves as the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert on the castle’s grounds. Also not to be missed is the Château de Villandry , a grand country house famed for its intricate and beautifully manicured gardens. From ornamental flowers to water gardens and vegetable patches, the Château de Villandry is an incredible example of Renaissance landscaping.

Which wine is the Loire Valley most famous for?

The Loire Valley wine region is most famous for its crisp, white wines , especially those made from the Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc grape varieties. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are renowned sub-regions within the Loire Valley, where Sauvignon Blanc thrives, producing wines that are aromatic, high in acidity, and feature notable mineral qualities. On the other hand, Chenin Blanc is the star in regions like Vouvray and Anjou . Chenin Blanc is incredibly versatile, leading to wines that range from bone-dry to sweet, as well as sparkling wines. In addition to white wines, the Loire Valley also produces noteworthy reds, primarily from Cabernet Franc in areas like Chinon and Bourgueil . Cabernet Franc from this region is known for its floral bouquet and peppery characteristics.

What is the difference between Sancerre and Touraine?

Sancerre and Touraine are two wine regions within the Loire Valley in France, known for their production of white wines, particularly from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. However, the wines from these two regions do exhibit differences, largely due to their varying climates, soils, and wine-making traditions. Sancerre is situated in the easternmost part of the Loire Valley and has a more continental climate. The vineyards are planted on steep slopes with soil rich in limestone and flint. These conditions give Sancerre wines a distinctive minerality, along with pronounced acidity and typically aromatic profiles with notes of citrus and white flowers. Sancerre wines are often considered premium expressions of Sauvignon Blanc due to their complexity and balance. On the other hand, Touraine is located further west in the Loire Valley, experiencing a more maritime climate. The soils in Touraine are quite diverse, ranging from tuffeau (a type of limestone) to gravel and sand. This region produces a variety of wines, but its Sauvignon Blancs are often fruitier and less mineral-driven than those from Sancerre. They may exhibit a broader range of fruit characteristics, from citrus to tropical notes, but generally lack the intensity and complexity of Sancerre wines. Despite these differences, both regions offer high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Loire Valley and showcase the versatility of the Sauvignon Blanc grape.

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8 Beautiful Castles in France That You Can Visit

W ith its many gorgeous castles, France can often feel like a fairy tale. On a simple day trip from Paris or a full castle-hopping itinerary across the countryside, visitors can explore everything from medieval strongholds that have stood the test of time to the elegant Renaissance châteaux dotted across the Loire Valley . Adventures await at these architectural marvels, which are open to the public and offer guided tours, special events, and historical treasures, plus less-expected experiences like winetastings and contemporary art exhibitions. The following eight standouts are especially worth a visit, inviting travelers inside their walls to experience centuries of history, art, and architecture.

1. Château de Chambord

Commissioned by King Francis I, Château de Chambord turned 500 years old in 2019. Its most famous interior feature is a double-helix spiral staircase that twists up three floors, but the grand castle also boasts 426 rooms (guests can peek into 60 of them), 83 staircases, and 282 fireplaces. When visiting, don't forget to look up: Francis used the salamander as his emblem and had it included more than 300 times on the ceilings and walls. Afterward, head outside to explore the formal gardens and surrounding lands, which, at 13,400 acres, make up the largest enclosed park in Europe. The green space is home to stags, wild boar, mouflon (introduced wild sheep), and, yes, the occasional salamander.

2. Château de Fontainebleau

With more than 1,500 rooms and 130 acres of parkland and gardens, Château de Fontainebleau is one of the largest castles in France and the only royal residence to have been continuously occupied for seven centuries; its 36 monarch residents spanned from Louis VII in the 12th century to Emperor Napoleon III in the late 1800s. Today, it's a UNESCO site and national museum, worth an easy day trip from Paris. Take a tour to see the study where Napoleon I once worked and the sublime Francis I Gallery, a showpiece of Renaissance art and architecture that predates the Apollo Gallery in the Louvre and the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. You can also check out the notable Imperial Theater, three chapels, and many opulent accoutrements. Outside the castle doors, explore miles of trails in the surrounding Forest of Fountainebleau.

3. Château de Chenonceau

The Loire Valley is nirvana for castle lovers, thanks to dozens of châteaux lining the river. It's hard to call one more attractive than the next, but Château de Chenonceau is worthy of all of the praise it gets. The castle owes its existence to prominent women who cared for and restored it, including King Henry II's wife-Catherine de' Medici-and his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Plot twists aside, a visit here takes visitors through the castle's 11th-century beginnings as a fortress and mill to its transformation into one of the Loire's most picturesque châteaux.

A highlight is the two-story Grand Galerie, which spans the River Cher and houses Flemish tapestries, paintings by Rubens and Tintoretto, and 15th- and 16th-century furnishings. There's also a lunch restaurant and crêperie in the former royal stables and winetastings under 16th-century vaulted ceilings in the old cellar.

4. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

While this 12th-century castle enjoys a strategic position 2,500 feet above the Alsace Plain, it was ultimately looted, burned, and left empty for about 250 years. It wasn't until the early 20th century that the château was restored at the order of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Less than an hour from Strasbourg, the mountaintop Château de Haut-Koenigsbourg is easy to spot from the road, especially given its pink sandstone facade. It's also ideally located along the Alsace Wine Route . The panoramic view is worth a visit alone-on clear days, you can see everything from castles on nearby peaks to the Alps and the Black Forest in Germany.

If the castle looks familiar, you may recognize it from various pop culture moments: It was prominently featured in Jean Renoir's 1937 anti-war masterpiece La Grande Illusion , influenced the design of the Citadel of Minas Tirith in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and inspired Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki during the creation of his Howl's Moving Castle .

5. Château de Biron

Among the more than 1,000 châteaux in the Dordogne region of southwestern France, the imposing, 12th-century Château de Biron is one of the biggest. Not far from the appealing bastide town of Monpazier, the castle dominates the tiny village of Biron with its 12th-century keep, chapel, Renaissance apartments, and impressive vaulted kitchens. The Gontaut-Biron family owned the château for 24 generations before selling it to the state in 1978. Today, visitors can stop in to see rotating contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical productions, plus sweeping views over the Périgord countryside.

6. Château de Couches

A short drive from Beaune, this symbol of the Middle Ages towers over the Burgundy countryside and vineyards, reminding visitors with its crenellated towers, 12th-century keep, and 13th-century walls that it was once among the most important defensive castles in the region. Visitors to the Château de Couches , also known as the castle of Marguerite of Burgundy, can tour the dungeon and Gothic chapel, sign up for winetastings, or attend concerts, workshops, and a popular medieval festival, held annually in July. For families with children, there are costumed guides who lead shortened tours.

7. Château d'Angers

Most châteaux in the Loire Valley are built with tuffeau , a local limestone that lends the buildings an elegant cream or golden-hued appearance. Bucking that trend is this hulking fortress , with 17 semicircular towers and thick walls mostly composed of gray Anjou schist, a coarse, sturdy rock that seems to say, "Keep out." Built in the 13th century, the castle sits atop a promontory overlooking the Maine River that has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and was later used as a strategic settlement site by the Romans.

The building now houses the Apocalypse Tapestry. It was commissioned in the 1370s by Louis I, the Duke of Anjou, and depicts the end of the world as described in the Book of Revelations. When the work was completed, it was nearly 460 feet long; even though about a quarter is now missing, it's still the largest known medieval tapestry in the world.

8. Cité de Carcassonne

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, the Cité de Carcassonne is located in the Occitanie region near France's southern border with Spain and Andorra. It represents the best-preserved medieval walled city on the continent. Gauls, Romans, and Visigoths lived on and fought from this hilltop overlooking the River Aude, although much of the architecture we see today emerged in the Middle Ages, when this was the wild frontier between the kingdoms of France and Aragon.

Within these walls, you'll find such treasures as the Gothic cathedral and the Château Comtal , or Count's Castle, complete with ramparts and crenellations used as firing posts. But you'll also find hotels, bars, galleries, museums, and restaurants serving the local specialty, cassoulet. This is much more of a living, breathing fortified town, like Québec City, than some museum piece. The reason the city is in such pristine condition is thanks to 19th-century French Gothic revival architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who was responsible for restoring such medieval treasures as Notre-Dame de Paris and Mont Saint-Michel.

This article was originally published in April 2019 and was updated in January 2024.

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June 06 - 20, 2025, from $5,695, tour highlights.

• Discover medieval Carcassonne and the market town of Albi with its Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
• Soak up French life while staying in atmospheric rural inns and small country hotels.
• Stay in charming Sarlat and explore the remote Dordogne, including a leisurely afternoon cruise on the Dordogne River.
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• Visit the cliffside village of Rocamadour, a revered pilgrimage site.
• Tour the impressive chateau at Chenonceau in the Loire Valley.
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Why the Loire is France’s most exciting wine region

From the Massif Central to Nantes, it’s home to freethinking winemakers making elegant drinks – including thrillingly reinvigorated muscadet

W hen I first visited muscadet country in the early 2000s, things were looking bleak for producers of the once all-conquering local seafood-friendly dry white. Years of unchecked overproduction and a rather cavalier approach to quality in these Atlantic-buffeted vineyards around the mouth of the Loire estuary – not to mention the emergence of a wave of exuberantly fruity new rivals from the new world – had seen sales dwindle alarmingly. Few of the producers I saw were able to puncture the general air of pessimism and doom.

The shining exception on that trip was Guy Bossard, the owner of a small biodynamically farmed domaine called Domaine de l’Écu. Bossard, at the time an energetic 50-year-old, was a bubbling stream of ideas, but his thrilling dry white wines were every bit as eloquent. As resonant, precise and varied as the best white burgundy, and at a fraction of the price, they were a challenge to all my preconceived ideas about muscadet.

Bossard, who died last year, lived long enough to see the local scene and the rest of the world catch up with his vision of muscadet, the best examples of which are now established as the thinking sommelier’s chablis. He was also, I soon came to learn, representative of the sort of thoughtful, free-thinking winemakers who were in the process of turning the Loire into arguably the most exciting wine region in France, and certainly the most dynamic in this century.

A lot of that energy came – and comes – from the valley’s unusually large and influential contingent of natural winemakers. But the Loire is home to creative producers of all philosophical and vinicultural stripes. And between them they’re making a greater range of styles than any other wine region in France.

That variety is in part the natural consequence of the geographical spread of the Loire valley’s vineyards, which follow the river for 1,000km from the source in the Massif Central to the estuary in Breton-flavoured Nantes. But, with all of these vineyards falling in a band that makes them among France’s most northerly, Loire wines always tend to fall in the elegant, fresh bracket.

That gives them a natural affinity with food, and especially at this time of year. A canon of classic Loire matches might begin with one of the region’s increasingly excellent bottle-fermented sparkling wines or a saline dry muscadet with oysters, and finish with a tarte tatin and its liquid equivalent: a sweet chenin blanc from Quarts de Chaume plus a plate of creamy-tangy chavignol goat’s cheese with a serpentine, silvery, grassy glass of sancerre.

We might also include salmon or tuna with the strawberry scents and redcurrant pulse of sancerre pinot noir (red or rosé) and an apple-tangy dry chenin blanc from Vouvray, Anjou or Savennières to cut through the sweet, succulent fat of rillettes de Tours. And we should find room, too, for the uniquely crunchy, sappy, summery light reds made from cabernet franc in Chinon, Bourgueil, St Nicolas de Bourgueil or Saumur-Champigny, perhaps with a simple steak, in this Francophile’s dream of a spring-into-summer déjeuner sur l’herbe on the banks of the Loire.

Six wines from the Loire valley

The Wine Society’s Generation Series Crémant de Loire France 2020 (£14.50, thewinesociety.com ) Made using the same technique as champagne, but, in this case, using Loire favourite varieties chenin blanc, cabernet franc and grolleau as well as a little chardonnay, this is a brilliant example of the quality on offer from Loire sparkling wine: all tingling red apple and subtle honey.

Domaine de la Noblaie Le Temps de Cérises Chinon France 2022 (from £12.95, thewinesociety.com , frazierswine.co.uk ) A charmingly evocative name for a charmingly evocative wine from a producer that is a dab hand with cabernet franc reds in the chinon appellation, it offers all the springtime vim and sap, as well as the crunchy raspberry, blackcurrant and, yes, red cherry snap of this most refreshing of red styles.

Château de Plaisance Anjou Blanc France 2021 (£23.50, leaandsandeman.co.uk ) Chenin blanc is such a brilliantly versatile grape variety, capable of producing exhilarating wines at all levels of sweetness. Here it’s in crystalline, bone-dry mode, with a tingling fresh steely swish of acidity cutting through the succulent apple and subtle drizzle of honey.

Jéremie Huchet Chateau de la Bretesche Muscadet Sur Lie France 2022 (£12.91, greatwine.co.uk ) A great example of the affordable quality on offer from modern muscadet (an equivalent quality burgundy would be two or three times the price), this has a wonderfully salty-savoury, subtly yeasty streak as well as deliciously ripe pear and racy citrus.

Waitrose Touraine Sauvignon Blanc France 2022 (£7.99, Waitrose) The Loire makes some of the world’s very finest sauvignon blanc in appellations such as Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Menetou-Salon. It also makes some of the best value examples of this ever popular variety, notably in Touraine, home of this lipsmacking example.

Clos du Tue Boeuf Vin Rouge France 2022 (from £ 20.40, nattyboywines.co.uk ; lescaves.co.uk ; highburylibrary.co.uk ) Thierry Puzelat is one of the biggest names in natural wines, and his family-run Clos du Tue Boeuf continues to win round sceptics. This is an ebulliently drinkable red, made from the gamay grape in light (12.5% abv) softly juicy style full of perfectly ripe berries and cherries.

• David Williams on wine

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9 Places to See the Summer Olympics Without Setting Foot in Paris

You may have trouble finding accommodations or tickets to events in Paris, but other destinations around France are hosting sports like soccer, sailing, basketball and surfing.

By Sophie Stuber

For sports fans, Paris will be the center of the universe this summer — and with 15 million Olympic and Paralympic visitors expected, it will feel like it, with crowds and high prices. But Paris isn’t the only Olympic site in France: Nine destinations outside the metro region are also hosting events, giving travelers a way to catch some action without getting caught up in the crush.

In places like Bordeaux, Marseille and even Tahiti, you can watch top athletes compete in soccer, basketball, sailing and surfing. (Tickets have been added in batches, so if the ones you want aren’t available, keep checking the ticketing site, tickets.Paris2024.org . If all else fails, the official resale platform opens on May 15 .)

And when you’re not watching sports, you can take advantage of museums, parks, design centers, and fresh food and wine options. In Nantes, you can even ride a mechanical elephant.

Here are some ideas for planning your own alternative Olympic trip.

Basketball: July 27 to Aug. 4; tickets from 50 euros ($54).

Handball: Aug. 6 to 11, tickets from €45.

Start with a stroll around Vieux-Lille and a coffee in the Grande Place, taking in the colorful facades of this city near the Belgian border. Head over to the St.-Sauveur area to see the Art Deco belfry and exhibitions at Gare St.-Sauveur , a former train station. On Sundays, at the rambling Wazemmes market , about 400 vendors offer produce, fish, plants, fabrics, textiles and leather goods. Head out to Parc du Héron , east of the city, to see the LaM museum (€7), with works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and Joan Miró. Lille is better known for beer than for wine, and the Brasserie Gobrecht offers brewery tours every Saturday (reservations recommended).

Where to stay: Hotel de la Paix (€354 per night); Hotel Carlton (€406).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 2; tickets from €24.

Capital of a region best known for its wine, this small southwestern city sells local wine-walk maps at its tourist office. Stop by the Marché des Capucins , a local indoor market that also houses Bistro Poulette , a slightly chaotic and very delicious spot serving moules-frites, or mussels with fries. In the afternoon, check out the Bassins des Lumières (€15), the largest digital art center in the world, and the Cité du Vin (€21), which offers wine-tasting experiences. To wind down in a quiet wine bar, try Yarra , or for a cocktail, Symbiose . If you have time for side trips, spend a day in St.-Emilion, about 27 miles away, where you can sample great wines. Or check out the nearly 340-foot-high Dune du Pilat , the tallest sand dune in Europe — about 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux, near the beach town of Arcachon.

To stay: Les Chambres de Marie (€170); La Maison Galiène (€259); Yndo Hotel (€355); Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa (€419).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

The street signs in Nantes are in both Breton and French, reflecting the city’s historical ties to Brittany. Start at Talensac Market for picnic supplies, especially radishes, local cheeses and strawberries. Pick up local delicacies like Gâteau Nantais (almond poundcake) and Far Breton (flan with Armanac-soaked prunes). Take your picnic lunch to the courtyard of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne , a medieval castle and museum (courtyard is free; museum is €9). On the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard has been transformed into a wild mechanical theme park. The Machines de l’Île mixes Jules Verne’s stories with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs in the form of a ridable mechanical elephant and sea creatures (€9.50 for the elephant ride or gallery visit). The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage (free) covers Nantes’s history as the most active slave-trading port in 18th-century France. The artists behind the glass-and-concrete memorial, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Julian Bonder , aimed to create “a metaphorical and emotional reminder of the primarily historical, but also very current, struggle for the abolition of slavery.”

To stay: Hotel Voltaire Opéra (€103); Hotel de la Cité (€120).

Châteauroux

Shooting: July 27 to Aug. 5; tickets from €24.

The small city not far from the Loire Valley is named for Château Raoul , the 10th-century castle that’s now part of a local official’s private residence. The best view of the château is from the Gütersloh Bridge. Follow the “coulée verte” — or green corridor — along the banks of the Indre River, stopping by Parc de Belle-Isle , which has a lake for swimming, with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to rent, as well as a beach, playgrounds and camping. The Franciscan Cordeliers Convent (free), which dates to the 13th century, today offers contemporary art exhibits and miles of gardens, and the Bertrand Museum (free), a former 18th-century townhouse, showcases diverse collections in each of its 26 rooms, including the plaster original of the Camille Claudel sculpture “Sakuntala.”

To stay: Au Lys Blanc (€138); Les Rives du Château (€210 for a two-bedroom apartment).

Lyon and St.-Étienne

Soccer: Lyon, July 24 to Aug. 9; tickets from €24. St.-Étienne, July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

It will be easy to catch soccer matches in either Lyon or St.-Étienne, only an hour apart by train or car in east-central France. In Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, visit the majestic Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica , then savor an ice cream at La Fabrique Givrée . Explore the city’s network of covered passageways, called traboules — originally for workers to transport textiles and later used during World War II by the French Resistance for clandestine meetings. Then climb up to the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse neighborhood, with its tiny streets, shops and views of Lyon below. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc. The Lugdunum museum (€7) and the nearby Roman theater (€4) take visitors back to 43 B.C., when Lyon was known as Lugdunum, and La Maison des Canuts (€9.50), covers the city’s history as a capital of silk.

Between Lyon and St.-Étienne, Pilat Regional Natural Park offers more than 900 miles of rocky terrain for hiking and biking, culminating at the summit of 4,700-foot Crêt de la Perdrix , with views of the Alps and Massif Central range.

St.-Étienne, about 40 miles southwest of Lyon, is transforming its historical industrial identity into one of design and innovation. At the heart is the Cité du Design (€4.50), the former site of a weapons factory, which has served as a center for art and research since 2010. The complex, now a key economic force in the city, is open to the public year-round and hosts art and design exhibitions.

To stay in Lyon: Fourvière Hotel (€189); Hôtel du Théâtre (€323).

To stay in St.-Étienne: Le Parc 42 (€113); Le Golf Sauna (€269).

Sailing (including windsurfing, kitesurfing and more): July 28 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 6; tickets from €24.

This Mediterranean port city mixes urban grit and natural beauty. Start by visiting Le Panier, the village-like oldest part of the city. Try navettes , a traditional orange flower biscuit, and sample some sardines or panisses , traditional chickpea fries, on a sunny terrace. Detour through the touristy but pleasant Old Port on the way to Mucem (€11), the first major museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization and cultures. Have a pick-me-up at Deep Coffee Roasters , a specialty roaster tucked away between touristy shops. At sunset, climb up to Cours Julien , a hip neighborhood with beautiful views for your apéro. Don’t miss the Cité Radieuse , a UNESCO-listed apartment complex that shows off the architect Le Corbusier’s Modernist mastery (you can stay at the hotel in it). And just southeast of the city, the Calanques , a series of small, narrow coves , offer miles of oceanside trails and rocky scrambles along turquoise water.

To stay: Hotel Le Corbusier (€229); Maison Juste (€300).

Soccer: July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

Summer is peak season in Nice, the queen city of the French Riviera, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean. Run, bike or in-line skate along the Promenade des Anglais , a four-mile seaside path. Then climb up to the Colline du Château , a rocky hill east of the promenade with views of Nice and even as far as the Alps. For a longer walk, follow the trails from Coco Beach to the Cap de Nice along the coves. Then head to Cours Saleya , a pedestrian section of the Old Town, with flower stands, antiques and local food like the socca , a chickpea pancake. The Musée de Préhistoire Terra Amata (€5), constructed on top of an excavation site, reveals what Nice was like up to 400,000 years ago. Or just enjoy one of Nice’s pebbled beaches in a lounge chair.

To stay: Hôtel Rossetti (€186); Yelo Mozart (€238).

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Surfing: July 27 to 31 ( events could shift through Aug. 4, depending on surf conditions); fan zones free.

For surfing’s second Olympics since its debut in Tokyo, the competition takes place far from mainland France in Tahiti, part of French Polynesia. Since the wave is offshore, there will be two ticket-free fan zones — Taharu’u Beach and Paofai Gardens — to watch the events on large screens. A third fan zone at PK0 beach in Teahupo’o will have free tickets but limited access. Tahiti offers white sands and turquoise lagoons in addition to near-perfect waves. For snorkeling, try the lagoon near Maui Beach , five miles from Teahupo’o. For black volcanic sands, head to Taharu’u Beach, about 20 miles northwest of Teahupo’o. About 45 miles from Teahupo’o, Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with a population of about 26,000, offers a variety of local delicacies like poisson cru: raw fish with lime juice and coconut milk, served with rice. Sample local fare, including steak frites and skewered veal heart, from food trucks, called roulettes, at Place Vai’ete, on the waterfront, near the Papeete Market.

To stay: Kia Ora Lodge (€265, seven miles from Teahupo’o); Punatea Village (€73, six miles from Teahupo’o).

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of a picture with this article was published in error. The image showed the French town of Cassis, not Marseille, where several Olympic events will take place this summer. It has been replaced.

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .