Travel Guide of Loire Valley in France by Influencers and Travelers
The Loire Valley, spanning 280 kilometres, is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River in central France, in both the administrative regions Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire.
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Pictures and Stories of Loire Valley from Influencers
3 pictures of Loire Valley from Joao Tzanno, Colin Watts, and other travelers
- An avenue of trees just comming in to leaf in the Loire valley region of France. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Colin Watts | ©Unsplash
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How to visit Loire Valley ?
Why traveling there?
The Loire Valley, located in central France, is often referred to as the "Garden of France" due to its lush landscapes, picturesque vineyards, and historic chateaux. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and fine wines. A visit to the Loire Valley provides an enchanting experience that combines culture, history, and natural beauty.
How to get there?
The Loire Valley is easily accessible from Paris by train or car. The high-speed TGV train connects Paris to Tours and Orleans, two major cities in the region, in about an hour. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to the Loire Valley, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. Once in the region, it's best to have a car to explore the various chateaux and vineyards at your own pace.
What to book in advance?
Although not always necessary, it's a good idea to book tickets for the most popular chateaux, such as Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau, in advance to avoid long queues. If you plan on visiting multiple chateaux, consider purchasing a combined ticket or a regional pass for discounted entry. Additionally, if you're interested in wine tasting, book a guided tour or a tastings at renowned vineyards to ensure availability.
What are the costs?
The cost of visiting the Loire Valley can vary depending on your interests and accommodations. Chateau entry fees range from €10 to €15 for adults, with discounts for children and combined tickets. Wine tastings may cost anywhere from €5 to €30, depending on the vineyard and the experience. Accommodations can range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious chateau hotels, with prices starting around €60 per night.
What are the best things to do?
1. Explore the majestic chateaux, such as Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Chenonceau, and Chateau de Villandry.
2. Discover the region's fine wines through vineyard visits and tastings.
3. Enjoy leisurely bike rides or walks through the picturesque countryside and along the Loire River.
4. Visit charming towns like Amboise, Blois, and Saumur for local markets, historic sites, and beautiful views.
Where to eat?
1. L'Étape Gourmande (Villandry) - A charming restaurant in the heart of Villandry, offering traditional French cuisine made with local products.
2. Restaurant L'Arome (Blois) - A cozy restaurant with a warm atmosphere, serving delicious French dishes and fine wines.
3. La Table des Fouées (Saumur) - A unique dining experience featuring traditional local dishes, such as fouées (stuffed bread) and regional wines.
Where to stay?
1. Chateau de Rochecotte (Saint-Patrice) - A luxurious chateau hotel with elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and exceptional dining.
2. Hotel Diderot (Chinon) - A charming, budget-friendly hotel located in a historic building, offering comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.
3. Le Clos d'Amboise (Amboise) - A lovely guesthouse set in a 17th-century mansion, featuring cozy rooms and a beautiful garden.
Off the beaten path
For a truly unique experience, visit the Troglodyte Valley of the Goupillières, located near Azay-le-Rideau. This fascinating site features ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs, which were inhabited by farmers and winemakers for centuries. Explore the caves, learn about their history, and even enjoy a wine tasting in a troglodyte cellar for an unforgettable Loire Valley adventure.
The Best Things to Do and Visit around Loire Valley
Disover the best Instagram Spots around Loire Valley here
1 - Château de Brézé
10 km away
Château de Brézé is a small, dry-moated castle located in Brézé, near Saumur in the Loire Valley, France. The château was transformed during the 16th and the 19th centuries.
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2 - Musée des Blindés
10 km away
The Musée des Blindés or Musée Général Estienne is a tank museum located in the Loire Valley of France, in the town of Saumur. It is now one of the world's largest tank museums.
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3 - Hot Air Ballooning in Tours
15 km away
Discover wonderful landscapes seen from the sky thanks to a hot air balloon flight over the Loire Valley and its castles, close to Tours! The valleys of the Loire and the Cher are two very close sites which consist of three marvelous castles whose vi...
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4 - Château de Saumur
11 km away
The Château de Saumur, originally built as a castle and later developed as a château, is located in the French town of Saumur, in the Maine-et-Loire département.
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5 - Authon
13 km away
Authon is a commune in the Loir-et-Cher department in central France, next to Vendôme.
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6 - Chaumont-sur-Loire
15 km away
Chaumont-sur-Loire is a commune in the Loir-et-Cher department in central France known for its historical defensive walls and its castle.
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7 - Château d'Ussé
18 km away
Ussé is a castle in the Indre-et-Loire département, in France. The stronghold at the edge of the Chinon forest overlooking the Indre Valley was first fortified in the eleventh century by the Norman seigneur of Ussé, Gueldin de Saumur, who surrounded the fort with a palisade on a high terrace.
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8 - Château de Montreuil-Bellay
19 km away
The Château de Montreuil-Bellay is a historical building in the town of Montreuil-Bellay, département of Maine-et-Loire, France, first built on the site of a Gallo-Roman village high on a hill on the banks of the Thouet River.
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9 - Eglise Saint-Nicolas
24 km away
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10 - Blois
25 km away
Blois is a city and the capital of Loir-et-Cher department in central France, situated on the banks of the lower river Loire between Orléans and Tours.
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11 - Château de Chenonceau
26 km away
The Château de Chenonceau is a French château spanning the River Cher, near the small village of Chenonceaux in the Indre-et-Loire département of the Loire Valley in France.
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12 - Montrichard
27 km away
Montrichard is a French town and former commune in the Loir-et-Cher department, Centre-Val de Loire. On 1 January 2016, it was merged into the new commune of Montrichard-Val-de-Cher.
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13 - Château de Langeais
29 km away
The Château de Langeais is a medieval castle in Indre-et-Loire, France, built on a promontory created by the small valley of the Roumer River at the opening to the Loire Valley.
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14 - Tours
30 km away
Tours is a city in the west of France. It is the administrative centre of the Indre-et-Loire department and the largest city in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.
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15 - Basílica de San Martín de Tours
30 km away
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16 - Château de Cheverny
34 km away
The Château de Cheverny is located at Cheverny, in the département of Loir-et-Cher in the Loire Valley in France. It is one of the châteaux of the Loire valley
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17 - Saint Aignan
42 km away
Mont-Saint-Aignan is a commune in the Seine-Maritime department in the Normandy region in north-western France. The inhabitants of the town of Mont-Saint-Aignan are "Mont-Saint-Aignanais".
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18 - Sur le Pont
42 km away
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19 - Zoo de Beauval
43 km away
The ZooParc de Beauval, more commonly called Beauval zoo or, more simply, Beauval, is a French zoological park located in Saint-Aignan, in the Loir-et-Cher department, in the Centre-Val de Loire region.
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20 - Château de Villandry
44 km away
The Château de Villandry is a grand country house located in Villandry, in the département of Indre-et-Loire, France. It is especially known for its beautiful gardens.
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Learn More about Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is a region located in central France that is known for its picturesque countryside and numerous castles. The valley is located along the Loire River, which is the longest river in France. The region is a popular tourist destination for its wine, food, and history.
The Loire Valley is a beautiful region in France that is known for its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and stunning castles. Here are a few travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to this amazing region:
1. Plan ahead and book your accommodations in advance. The Loire Valley is a popular tourist destination, so finding a place to stay can be challenging if you don't plan ahead.
2. Rent a car. While you can get around the Loire Valley by train or bus, having your own car will give you much more flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.
3. Be sure to visit some of the famous castles in the Loire Valley. These imposing structures are a must-see when in the region.
4. Sample the local wine. The Loire Valley is home to some of the best wineries in France, so be sure to try a few while you're here.
5. Take your time. There's no need to rush when exploring the Loire Valley. Take your time and savor all that this beautiful region has to offer.
There are many great travel experiences to be had in Loire Valley, France. However, one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences is spending time exploring the numerous vineyards and wineries in the region. There are a number of different wine tours available, which allow visitors to sample the various wines produced in the region. Additionally, the vineyards and wineries themselves are often picturesque, making them a great place to spend a day or two exploring.
Where to Stay near Loire Valley
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More Travel spots to explore around Loire Valley
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Loire Valley
🏰 Château spots 🌲 Forest spots 🏰 Temple spotsTravel map of Loire Valley
Explore popular touristic places around Loire Valley
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