Loire Valley - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Loire Valley Tour Highlights
- Explore the Loire Valley’s famous chateaux. Some of the best examples include Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Chenonceau, and the rugged Chateau Gaillard, but with over 300 to choose from, you will be spoiled for choice!
- Get on your bike to cycle the Eurovélo 6, the first cycle route in France on Loire Valley cycling tours. Following 900km from the Massif Central to the Atlantic Coastline, you can go as far or as little a distance as you like while still discovering stunning destinations and scenery along the way.
- Take in the stunning views of the Loire Valley from above with a hot air balloon trip. This unforgettable experience will give you panoramic vistas of the wild River Loire, verdant fields, and historic towns and cities.
- Sample some of the finest wine on a Loire Valley wine tour. Vineyards in Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé are popular thanks to being the birthplace of Sauvignon Blanc but don’t miss out on smaller vineyards with their own specialties found across the Loire Valley, including a little bit of everything in the Touraine region.
- Sail along the Loire with the fishermen in traditional wooden boats known as toues. Enjoy the blue sky and beauty of the river during the day, or book a trip at sunset to watch the waters transform into a golden paradise.
- Marvel at the ingenious creations of Les Machines D’Iles in Nantes, which will delight not only children but older travelers, too! This attraction is filled with imaginative machines, including an animatronic elephant made from wood and steel!
Travel Tips for Loire Valley Tours
- Plan your Loire Valley tour wisely depending on how many days you have to spend. The area is pretty large so on shorter trips you might need to prioritize certain areas or activities. For example, the town of Amboise is great for chateau visits, and for a coastal retreat and trip up the river, try Nantes.
- Stay in the northwestern part of the Loire Valley if you are planning on a day trip or overnight stay in the capital, Paris. Traveling from cities like Orléans and Chartres, it is easy to combine Paris and the Loire into one unforgettable trip.
- Stick to the shoulder months of May and September if you want to beat the crowds when touring the chateaux of the Loire Valley. July and August especially can be incredibly busy.
- Booking a Loire Valley private tour can be a great option for those looking to skip the queues, or for those truly wishing to make their time in the region unique. Expert guides can help you to understand the unique history of the Loire and its people, as well as give the best local tips.