Go on a tour in the Loire Valley and meet the famous ones that once lived in our chateaux and cities. From Francois I to Da Vinci
Itineraries
If you really want to enjoy what Loire Valley has to offer, have a look at the suggested itineraries we have come up with. Our region is filled with things to do so we will tell you what we think you should do wherever you are in the Loire Valley on a short-break. As you go through the itineraries, check-out the nearest accommodations and book your favourite hotel, guest-house or campsite online using our new accommodation section.
If you really want to enjoy what Loire Valley has to offer, have a look at the suggested itineraries we have come up with. Our region is filled with things to do so we will tell you what we think you should do wherever you are in the Loire Valley on a short-break. As you go through the itineraries, check-out the nearest accommodations and book your favourite hotel, guest-house or campsite online using our new accommodation section.
Touraine in 3 days: Tours, Chinon, Amboise
Explore the lively city of Tours and stroll in the squares and back streets of the renowned historical district of Plumereau. After your lunch, head off to Langeais where you will discover the chateau, one of the oldest in the Loire Valley. Spend overnight in Chinon after visiting its imposing fortress and sample the local red wine. The next day, the Renaissance Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, the nearby gardens of La Chatonniere and the fortified town of Loches should be on your list of places to visit.
On your last day, you will step into Leonardo Da Vinci's world at the Clos Luce in Amboise, where the Italian genius came and lived upon the invitation of King Francis I. During the tour of the chateau of Amboise you will enjoy great views over the Loire and you will see Da Vinci's grave.
Read more about Touraine in 3 days.
Where to stay: Hotel Luccotel** in Loches, Le Fleuray Hotel*** in Amboise.
Explore the lively city of Tours and stroll in the squares and back streets of the renowned historical district of Plumereau. After your lunch, head off to Langeais where you will discover the chateau, one of the oldest in the Loire Valley. Spend overnight in Chinon after visiting its imposing fortress and sample the local red wine. The next day, the Renaissance Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, the nearby gardens of La Chatonniere and the fortified town of Loches should be on your list of places to visit.
On your last day, you will step into Leonardo Da Vinci's world at the Clos Luce in Amboise, where the Italian genius came and lived upon the invitation of King Francis I. During the tour of the chateau of Amboise you will enjoy great views over the Loire and you will see Da Vinci's grave.
Read more about Touraine in 3 days.
Where to stay: Hotel Luccotel** in Loches, Le Fleuray Hotel*** in Amboise.
Touraine in 4 days: Amboise, Chenonceaux, Loches, Villandry and ChinonStart your trip with the visit of the Chateau of Amboise which is notable particularly for its sumptuous collection of furniture. After a lovely picnic at the Chanteloup Pagoda, take your family to the Mini-Chateaux Park where 44 chateaux have been built in miniature. Marvel at the chateau de Chenonceau famous for its gallery spanning the river Cher and head off to the medieval town of Loches. Strolling in the gardens of Villandry, perhaps the most famous gardens of the Loire Valley, is a must. Learn about the making of the 'poire tapee' specialty, a kind of dried pear used by top chefs. Your trip comes to an end with the visit of the fortress of Chinon built in the Middle-Ages keeping watch over the town.
Read more about Touraine in 4 days.
Where to stay: Le Choiseul Hotel**** in Amboise, la Citadelle Campsite**** in Loches
Discover Blois and the International Garden Festival on a week-endComing from Paris, the Royal Chateau of Blois is the first major site of the Loire Valley that you will find on your way. Discover the royal apartments which are witness to what life was like during the Renaissance period. At nightfall, enjoy the great sound and light show which creates the perfect atmosphere to learn about the greatest events of that period. During your visit of the House of Magic located opposite the chateau, a magician will tell you about the main periods and types of magic and you will discover the most secret hat-tricks ! After a short drive along the Loire River, you will reach the Domaine of Chaumont-sur-Loire with a world-renowned international gardens festival, a contemporary art centre and a chateau all in one place!
Read more about Chateau of Blois.
Read more about Chaumont sur Loire.
Where to stay: Hotel TourHotel** and Hotel Novotel*** in Blois.
Gourmet experiences, cultural gems and natural wonders in the Loir ValleyVisit the Commandery of Arville founded by the Templars in the 12th century, the most well-preserved commandery in France and stroll in its medieval garden. After this visit, get on a little tourist train from the 1950's that will take you in the Loir Valley. You will depart from the former station of Thoré-la-Rochette where you can as well sample the local specialities including goat's cheeses and local wines. Gardens' lovers will be in haven in the Garden of the Plessis Sasnières.This English-style garden organised around a lake is an invitation for a bucolic walk set in a little valley. Stop off in the troglodyte village of Trôo for an off-the-beaten track experience and discover the lovely village of Lavardin, one of France's most beautiful villages with its pretty old houses.
Read more about the Commandery of Arville.
Read more about the troglodyte village.
Where to stay: Hotel Capricorne** and Hotel Balladins** in Vendome.
Along the Loire from Beaugency to OrleansYou will love the charming medieval town of Beaugency and its bridge, said to be built by the devil in just one night… or so legend has it. As you follow the Loire River, stop off in Meung-sur-Loire and you will discover the chateau overlooking the Loire, one of the oldest fortresses of the Loire destroyed and rebuilt many times. Carry on along the river until you reach the Parc Floral de la Source in Orleans. It is ideal for a stroll with your family and offers a great deal of activities. Children will love to visit the butterflies’ house located in the park. Orleans, one of the oldest cities in France is now a mixture of modernity and tradition. Discover the heritage of the city of Joan of Arc such as the cathedral and the remains of the medieval surrounding wall.
Read more about Orleans' gardens.
Read more about Orleans.
Where to stay: Hôtel des Cèdres*** in Orleans and 3 épis B & B in Meung sur Loire.
From Sully-sur-Loire to BriareStart with the visit of Sully-sur-Loire and marvel at the imposing architecture of the chateau, a fine example of architecture from the late Middle Ages. In the village of Saint Benoit-sur-Loire, do not miss the Abbey of Fleury founded in the 7th century and one of the finest Romanesque buildings in France where 38 monks still live. For an off-the-beaten track tour, visit the Gien earthenware factory and buy hand-worked plates and vases. In Briare, come and discover the bridge canal designed by Gustave Eiffel, an exceptional work of art which takes a giant step over the Loire and carries water from the Briare-Long canal to the Canal Lateral. You can stroll across it or take a boat to enjoy a dinner cruise.
Read more about Sully sur Loire.
Read more about the Briare long Canal.
Where to stay: Hôtel du Cerf** in Briare and 3 épis Gîtes in Gien.
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the chateaux being your neighbours!