THE LOIRE VALLEY
This region, often called the “Garden of France,” is a land of stunning châteaux, fairytale forests, and gentle rivers. This guide helps you discover the royal history, artistic heritage, and celebrated wines of France’s enchanting heartland.
Why Visit The Loire Valley?
Magnificent Châteaux: Explore over 300 spectacular castles, from the grand royal residence of Chambord to the romantic gardens of Villandry.
The “Garden of France”: Enjoy breathtaking landscapes of rolling vineyards, sunflower fields, and the tranquil Loire River, perfect for cycling and boating.
Fine Food and Wine: Indulge in some of France’s finest cuisine and taste world-class wines from renowned appellations like Sancerre and Vouvray.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit, with pleasant weather for exploring gardens and châteaux, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn foliage or spring blooms.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. Many smaller châteaux may be closed, but the major ones remain open.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is warm, and the region is very popular. Be prepared for crowds, especially at major sites. Book accommodation and tours in advance.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Châteaux of the Loire
This area is famous for its concentration of magnificent castles, each with its own story. Must-sees include the grand Château de Chambord, the elegant Château de Chenonceau spanning the Cher River, and the stunning gardens of Château de Villandry.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience the magic of the châteaux, consider a bike tour along the Loire River. You can easily cycle between some of the most famous castles, enjoying the scenery at your own pace.
Tours and Its Surroundings
Tours is a vibrant city that serves as a perfect base for exploring the central Loire Valley. The city itself has a lively old town with half-timbered houses and excellent restaurants. It’s an ideal hub for visiting nearby châteaux like Azay-le-Rideau and Amboise.
Your Smart Tip: The area around Tours has some fantastic local markets. Check out the Les Halles de Tours for a wide selection of regional produce, cheeses, and charcuterie.
The Eastern Loire & Sancerre
Heading east, the landscape becomes more hilly, and the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé take center stage. These areas are renowned for their crisp white wines. It is a more tranquil part of the region, perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a quieter experience.
Your Smart Tip: For the best value on accommodation and a more personal experience at the wineries, visit in the shoulder season. The autumn harvest is a particularly beautiful time to be in the vineyards.
Orléans & The Gâtinais
Orléans, a city steeped in history and forever tied to Joan of Arc, marks the northern gateway to the Loire Valley. The surrounding Gâtinais region is known for its beautiful forests and the scenic banks of the Loire. This area offers a blend of historical sites and natural beauty.
Your Smart Tip: While the weather is more unpredictable, visiting the major towns and châteaux in the deep off-season is a much more peaceful and affordable experience.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is generally mild and temperate. Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are cool and damp. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: While English is spoken at most tourist sites, making an effort to speak some French will be appreciated.
Dining: Food and wine are central to the culture here. It is common to take your time over a meal. A fixed-price lunch menu is an affordable way to enjoy high-quality food.
Politeness: Politeness is highly valued. Always start a conversation with “Bonjour” and “Pardon” or “Excusez-moi” if you need to get someone’s attention.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$60), mid-range hotels ($80–$150), luxury ($180+). Prices are higher in July and August.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($18–$30), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($35–$60 per person), fine dining ($80+).
Transport: Car rental ($40/day), train ticket (regional).
Activities: Château entrance fees ($10–$20), bike rental ($15–$25/day), wine tasting tours ($30+).
Daily Budget:
Budget: $80–$120 (hostels, market food, bike rental).
Mid-range: $130–$200 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
Luxury: $220+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is the most convenient way to travel between the châteaux and to explore the rural areas.
By Train: An efficient train network connects major cities like Tours, Orléans, and Blois.
By Bicycle: The Loire à Vélo is a dedicated cycling route that follows the Loire River and is an excellent way to explore the region at a slower pace.
Must-Try Food
Rillettes de Tours: A rich, rustic pâté made from pork, a specialty of the city of Tours.
Sainte-Maure de Touraine: A soft goat’s cheese log with a straw running through its center, from the Touraine region.
Tarte Tatin: An upside-down caramelized apple tart, a classic French dessert said to have originated in the region.
Fish from the Loire: Local fish like pike, pike-perch, and eel are often served with a beurre blanc sauce.
Pâté de Pâques: A traditional Easter pâté baked in a pastry crust with boiled eggs.
Crottin de Chavignol: A small, cylindrical goat’s cheese from the Sancerre region, ranging from soft and fresh to firm and aged.
Poires tapées: Pears that have been peeled, dried, and then “tapped” to flatten them, often rehydrated in wine.
Nougat de Tours: A delicious cake made with a sweet biscuit base and a macaron filling with candied fruit.
Must-Try Drinks
Loire Valley Wines: The region is famous for its diverse wines.
White Wine: Try crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé or the versatile Chenin Blanc from Vouvray.
Red Wine: Look for light and fruity Cabernet Franc from Chinon and Bourgueil or the full-bodied Pinot Noir from Sancerre.
Rosé Wine: The dry, salmon-colored Rosé d’Anjou is a popular choice.
Crémant de Loire: A sparkling wine made in the traditional method, a fantastic and more affordable alternative to Champagne.
Cidre: While more famous in Normandy and Brittany, a refreshing local cider can often be found.