10 Things To Do In Loire Valley: Complete Guide To France’s Scenic Wine Valley

Loire Valley, often referred to as the « Garden of France, » is a place that captivates with its unique charm. This region is France’s heartland, boasting an array of vineyards that produce some of the country’s most esteemed wines. The valley, adorned by the majestic Loire River, is dotted with stunning châteaux, each with its distinct architectural style and historical significance. The Château de Chambord, with its intricate Renaissance architecture, is one such example, drawing in visitors from around the globe.

Loire Valley also has a rich history that extends back to the Neolithic period, with traces of this past evident in the city of Tours. For those seeking a serene escape, the Loire River offers tranquil boat rides, while the extensive network of cycling trails provides a more active way to explore. There’s no denying that Loire Valley is a destination that deserves a spot on every traveler’s itinerary. This complete guide to France’s scenic wine valley has in-depth information on the things to do in Loire Valley plus so much more.

Things To Do In Loire Valley

There’s no doubt that some of the best things to do in France are found in Loire Valley, a destination renowned for its wines and stunning gardens. Below is a deeper dive into what visitors can find in Loire Valley.

Château de Chambord is a majestic masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture and a must-see for any visitor to Loire Valley. Constructed in the 16th century, the castle’s grandeur is accentuated by its intricate roofline and vast parklands.

The interior of the castle, with its double-helix staircase and ornately decorated rooms, is equally impressive. Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the château, or choose to explore the surrounding gardens, park, or vineyards, and learn about one of France’s most historic attractions.

• Address: Château, 41250 Chambord, France
• Hours: 9 am – 6 pm (daily)
• Cost: General: $17.50; Children (Under 18): Free

Related: France’s Royal Past: 10 Of The Most Famous French Castles To Visit

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Tour Château de Chenonceau

Château de Chenonceau, known as the « Ladies’ Castle, » is a stunning sight, spanning the Cher River with its gallery bridge. Built in the 16th century, the castle is renowned for its elegant gardens and the remarkable women who contributed to its design and preservation.

The castle’s interior is a treasure trove of antique furniture, tapestries, and artworks. This is a testament to the region’s treasure trove of history embodied in the opulent castles.

• Address: 37150 Chenonceaux, France
• Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (daily)
• Cost: Adults: $17; Youth (7 to 18): $14; Seniors: $15; Children (Under 7): Free

Visitors should reserve a time slot online to avoid waiting at the entrance.

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Wander Through The Gardens Of Château de Villandry

Château de Villandry, while impressive in its own right, is best known for its stunning gardens. These gardens, designed in the 16th century, are a triumph of Renaissance landscaping, with their geometric patterns, water features, and vibrant plantings.

The castle itself is open for tours, with its grand rooms and historic furnishings offering a glimpse into the past.

• Address: 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France
• Hours: 9 am – 7 pm (daily)
• Cost: Adults: $14; Youth (8 to 18): $8; Children (Under 8): Free

The best months to visit Château de Villandry are from May to October.

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Go On A Wine Tasting Tour

The lush vineyards are a major reason why the Loire Valley has a famous reputation and a tasting tour is the ideal way to experience them. Numerous vineyards dot the landscape, each with its own unique terroir and wine varietals.

For instance, the areas of Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, are famous for some of the world’s best red wines.

Tours typically include visiting several vineyards, with opportunities to sample the wines and learn about their production. In fact, some tours stretch for multiple days, but there are also half-day and full-day tours for those looking for a crash course.

• Address: Loire Valley, France
• Cost: Tours prices start at $100 and range up to $1000 depending on duration

Related: 9 Vineyards To Visit In France For Wine Lovers

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Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Loire Valley

For a truly memorable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley, which offers unparalleled views of the region’s castles, vineyards, and rolling countryside.

Flights typically take place in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is most magical. Several companies offer these rides in Loire Valley, and take-off locations are different.

For instance, Compagnons-du-Vent, one of these companies, organizes take-offs from the Chombard Castle (Château de Chambord)

• Address: Loire Valley, France
• Hours: Sunrise & sunset
• Cost: From $180

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Enjoy Kayaking Or Canoeing On The Loire River

The Loire River, the longest in France, offers an excellent opportunity for water sports enthusiasts. Kayaking or canoeing on this river allows tourists to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, which include vineyards, chateaus, and charming villages.

One of the top companies that organize kayak trips is Loire Kayak, offering from full-day to mini trips. The best time to go is from April to October when the weather is ideal.

• Address: Loire River, Loire Valley, France
• Duration: From 1-hour to 5-hour trips
• Cost: From $20 per person with discounts for groups of 10 and above.

Kayak rentals are available at various points along the river.

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Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s Home

Clos Lucé, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. This mansion, located in Amboise, is where the Italian genius spent the last years of his life.

The house is preserved as a museum, displaying replicas of da Vinci’s inventions and his living quarters. The estate also includes a park with full-scale models of his designs.

• Address: 2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise, France
• Hours: 9 am – 7 pm (daily)
• Cost: Adults: $20; Children (7 to 18): $14

Tickets include a visit to Leonardo da Vinci Park and galleries, as well as a tour of the château.

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Roam The Streets Of Tours Old Town

Tours Old Town, known as Le Vieux Tours, is a charming area with medieval half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets. The old town is also home to several historic landmarks, including Saint Gatien Cathedral and the beautiful Place Plumereau, which is lined with cafés and restaurants.

Wandering in this part of Tours offers a delightful mix of history, architecture, and gastronomy.

• Address: Old Town, 37000 Tours, France
• Cost: Free (prices for specific attractions vary)

Related: 10 Underrated Towns In France That Will Make You Skip Typical Tourist Traps

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Tour The Historic Château d’Amboise

Château d’Amboise, perched on a hill overlooking the Loire River, is a significant landmark with a rich history. The château, which was a royal residence in the 15th and 16th centuries, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

The interior tour includes the royal apartments and the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried.

• Address: Montée de l’Emir Abd el Kader, 37400 Amboise, France
• Hours: 9 am – 7 pm (daily)
• Cost: Adults: $17; Children (7 to 18): $10; Children (6 and under): Free

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Explore The Troglodyte Village Of Rochemenier

This ancient village in Rochemenier, carved from the region’s soft limestone, offers an intriguing glimpse into the lives of those who inhabited these cave dwellings centuries ago. The village, which is today a museum, consists of two ancient farms, complete with underground chambers and antique furniture, accurately depicting the way of life in the troglodyte era.

A stroll around the village reveals a chapel, a bakery, and even a farmyard. Visitors can explore the Troglodyte Village of Rochemenier on either a guided or self-guided tour.

• Address: 49 Rue du Musée, 49700 Louresse-Rochemenier, France
• Hours: 10 am – 7 pm (daily)
• Cost: Adults (15+): $9; Children (6 to 14): $6; Children (Under 6): Free

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Where To Eat In Loire Valley

The scenery isn’t the only gorgeous thing in Loire Valley; local eateries offer delectable dishes for every meal.

Breakfast/Lunch

Crêperie Bretonne

• Address: 244 Rue de Bourgogne, 45000 Orléans, France
• Hours: Mon, Tue & Thu – Sat: 11:45 am – 10 pm; Sun: 11:45 am – 2 pm (closed on Wed)
• Dishes: Traditional black wheat cakes, chicken, ham, tuna, crêpes

Pâtisserie Bigot

• Address: 2 Rue nationale, 37400 Amboise, France
• Hours: Tue – Sun: 9 am – 7 pm (closed on Mon)
• Dishes: Croissants, macaroons, lemon meringue pie

Lunch/Dinner

Restaurant Le Château de Pray

• Address: Rue du Cèdre, 37530 Chargé, 37530, Amboise France
• Hours: Wed: 7 pm – 9 pm; Thu – Sat: 12 pm – 1:30 pm, 7 pm – 9 pm; Sun: 12 pm – 1:30 pm
• Dishes: Blur lobster, roasted monkfish, veal

La Pierre Chaude

• Address: 41 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 49400, Saumur France
• Hours: Mon & Tue: 12 pm – 1:30 pm, 7 pm – 8:15 pm; Wed & Thu: 12 pm – 1:30 pm; Fri & Sat: 12 pm – 1:30 pm, 7 pm – 8:30 pm (closed on Sun)
• Dishes: Butcher’s Hot Stone, almond apple pie, quinoa salad with gravlax salmon

Related: From Bistros To Bakeries: Where To Find 10 Truly Delectable Foods In France

Dinner/Drinks

Le Relais

• Address: 9 rue de la Gare, 49100, Angers France
• Hours: Mon – Wed & Fri: 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm, 7:15 pm – 9:15 pm; Thu: 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
• Dishes: Salmon, grilled beef steak, trout fillet, shrimp fritters, gazpacho

Sauvage

• Address: Les Caves, 37530 Chargé, France
• Hours: Mon – Thu: 4 pm – 10 pm; Fri & Sun: 12 pm – 10 pm
• Dishes: Filet mignon, catfish
• Drinks: Wines

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Where To Stay In Loire Valley

Stay a while in Loire Valley at one of these comfortable accommodations.

Hotels

Logis St Joseph

• Address: 41 rue Desjardins, 49000 Angers, Maine-et-Loire
• Price: From $73
• Amenities: Laundry facilities, kitchen, room service, kitchenette

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites – Nantes

• Address: 2 Bis Rue De Santeuil, 44000 Nantes, Loire-Atlantique
• Price: From $115
• Amenities: Kitchen amenities, meeting facilities, in-room breakfast, laundry facilities, airport shuttle, soundproof rooms

Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection

• Address: 57 Rue Groison, 37100 Tours, Indre-et-Loire
• Price: From $135
• Amenities: Gym, garden, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, bar, bicycle rental, restaurant, meeting facilities

Vacation Rentals

Le Manoir de la Salle du Roc

• Address: Montrichard Val de Cher, Centre-Val de Loire, France
• Price: From $594
• Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, heated pool, garden, vineyard view, laundry facilities, travel crib, children’s books, fireplace, full kitchen, pet friendly

Amboise Troglodyte Cave Home

• Address: Nazelles-Négron, Centre-Val de Loire, France
• Price: From $200
• Amenities: Free parking, free tea/coffee, bedding provided, fully fenced backyard, breakfast included

La Plaine~itude

• Address: Athée-sur-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire, France
• Price: From $88
• Amenities: Heated pool (paid separately), hot tub (paid separately), 2 bedrooms, free parking, washer, 58-inch TV, ping pong table, board games, travel crib

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Best Time To Visit Loire Valley

Loire Valley, with its temperate climate and four distinct seasons, is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is warm and the vineyards are lush. Here’s a detailed look at the best time to visit the beautiful Loire Valley.

April to June

These spring months in Loire Valley are known for their mild and comfortable weather, with temperatures averaging highs of 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) and lows of 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius).

The region is beautifully adorned with blossoming flowers, and the vineyards start to come alive. Visitors should be prepared for occasional rain showers. Despite this, it’s the prime time to visit the chateaus and vineyards.

Tourist traffic is moderate during this period, and accommodation prices are relatively standard. Early booking of tours and accommodations is advisable for the best selections.

July to September

Summer in Loire Valley brings warmer temperatures, with highs of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) and lows of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). The weather is mostly sunny, and the vineyards are in full bloom, making it an excellent time for wine tasting.

The tourist crowds peak during these months, and prices can be slightly higher. However, the vibrant festivals and events that take place during this period make the visit absolutely worthwhile.

October

October is a unique month in Loire Valley. The temperatures start to drop, ranging between highs of 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) and lows of 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius).

Autumn foliage brings a beautiful change in the landscape, and the grape harvest is in full swing. While the weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain, it doesn’t deter visitors from enjoying the wine harvest festivities. The tourist crowds begin to decrease, and prices start to become more affordable.

November to March

Winter s marked by colder temperatures and frequent rain. However, the chateaus adorned with Christmas decorations and the chance to taste the new wine vintages make these months appealing to some visitors.

The tourist crowds are at their lowest, and accommodation prices are quite reasonable, making it ideal for budget travelers.

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Getting Around Loire Valley

Those arriving by flight into Loire Valley typically land at the Tours Val de Loire Airport, a mere 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) from the city of Tours. This airport welcomes daily flights from various cities such as London, Porto, Marseille, and Dublin.

For those coming from farther afield, the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris is a viable option, although it’s roughly a 3-hour drive from Loire Valley.

For navigating through the valley, tourists have several options:

Train

The French National Railway Company, known as SNCF, operates a comprehensive train system. There are numerous train stations scattered throughout Loire Valley, facilitating travel within the region and to other parts of France.

• Trains operate from as early as 5 am to as late as midnight during the weekdays, and from 7 am to midnight on weekends.

Bus

The regional bus service, Rémi, is controlled by the Centre-Val de Loire region. With an extensive network in Loire Valley, this bus connects various towns and cities in the region.

• Bus fares for Rémi start at around $2 per ride, and multi-ride passes inclusive of train rides are available.

In addition, each city in Loire Valley operates its own local bus service, which runs on multiple routes throughout the week.

Bicycle

The Loire à Vélo, a well-marked bicycle route, spans the entire Loire Valley. This free-to-use trail offers a unique and leisurely way to explore the region. Bike rental shops are conveniently located near major tourist destinations and train stations.

• Prices for bike rental vary but generally start at around $20 per day.

Boat

For a different perspective, visitors can opt to explore Loire Valley by boat. Several companies offer river cruises along the Loire River, with varying schedules and prices. This is a perfect option for those looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley in a relaxed manner.

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Spending The Perfect Day In Loire Valley

Begin the perfect day in Loire Valley with a traditional French breakfast at a local café, then head to Château de Chambord, an architectural masterpiece. Spend the morning exploring its grandeur and history.

Afterward, savor a picnic lunch on the castle grounds, enjoying the scenic views. Continue the adventure with a leisurely bike ride along the Loire River, taking in the beautiful vineyards. As the evening approaches, dine at a local restaurant like L’Aubinière for a taste of authentic French cuisine then enjoy an evening cruise along the Loire River.

End the day with a sampling of the region’s famous wines at a local winery.