An insiders guide to the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley winds its way through some of the most enchanting countryside in France. Passing fairy tale castles, châteaux, and exquisite gardens, as well as being one of the best wine regions in the land. The Loire region may be best known for the spectacular châteaux of French Kings and nobility, but there’s so much more to discover, from wondrous cathedrals to historic abbeys to charming medieval villages.
Here is our insiders guide to the Loire Valley.
Best Loire Valley Châteaux to visit
Chambord
Chateau de Chambord, Loire Valley, France
The sheer size of the grandiose 16th century Chambord castle awes visitors, with its spires and chimneys lining the rooftop. King François I transformed a hunting palace into this magnificent chateau with over 400 rooms. One of the most stunning features is the double helix staircase designed by Leonardi da Vinci. Climb to the roof for extraordinary views over the gardens and surrounding forest park.
Chenonceaux
The romantic Chenonceau castle by night
The stunning Renaissance castle of Chenonceaux is beautifully built with arches spanning the river Cher, a tributary of the Loire. It has a long history of associations with famous women, from Queen Catherine de Medici to Diane de Poitiers. The striking interior includes the Corps de Logis, a two-story gallery built on an arched bridge over the river and adorned with art and tapestries. Discover the nearly 200-foot-long room once used for balls, the reception areas, chapel, and kitchen along with the private chambers of the ladies of the château and beautiful gardens.
Chaumont
Chaumont-sur-Loire castle in the Loire Valley.
Chaumont castle with its turreted rooftop enchants visitors with its magical image. The original structure was built around 1000 and rebuilt by King Louis XI in 1465. It has a beautiful English garden, Flemish tapestries decorating the interior apartments and a program of modern art installations. There is also an annual International Garden Festival here.
Cheverny
Cheverny Chateau in the Loire Valley, France (Image from Wikimedia by Zairon)
Cheverny is the most lavishly furbished of the Loire Valley castles, with original 17th century furniture and tapestries. Marvel at the elaborately decorated halls and chambers of the estate. Then, enjoy the English-style park, various gardens, and a labyrinth, or go boating on the lake.
Amboise & Clos Lucé
Clos Lucé in the Loire Valley (Image from Wikimedia by Nadègevillain)
The château of Amboise sits on a cliff above the Loire and the town of Amboise, affording spectacular views. This was the residence of several French Kings during the Renaissance. The stunning Gothic Chapel of St. Hubert built in 1491 with its beautiful stained-glass windows is a highlight. King François I invited Leonardo da Vinci to join his royal court here, where da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. Da Vinci’s chambers and workshop are at the nearby Clos Lucé château, where a museum provides details about his life and many inventions.
Other Amazing Sites in the Loire Region
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral in the Loire Valley
Positioned in the northern part of the Loire region, the town of Chartres contains one of the most glorious Gothic cathedrals in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chartres Cathedral was built in the 12th century and boasts rich sculptural work, intricately carved choir screens and magnificent stained-glass windows, including three large rose windows. Try to visit on a sunny day to see the windows in all their spectacular majesty. Visit the terrace for sweeping views of the town.
Old Town Tours
Old Town Tours in the Loire Valley (Image from Wikimedia by Rene Boulay)
Tours is one of the best choices to base a visit to the region. Its Old Town is a charming place to wander and enjoy the atmosphere of Place Plumereau with its 15th century half-timbered buildings. Also worth visiting is the beautiful 12th century Gothic Saint Gatien Cathedral with its exquisite 13th century stained-glass windows.
The Royal City at Loches
The picturesque town of Loches, on the banks of the Indre river, Loire Valley, France.
The charming small town of Loches is notable for its Royal City. A complex of buildings used by French Kings including its château, royal chambers, and Saint-Ours collegiate church, still protected by its 12th century ramparts. The church contains the alabaster tomb of Agnès Sorel, a local beauty from the 15th century who became mistress of King Charles VII. He gave her the château as a gift, but she then died under mysterious circumstances.
Joan of Arc’s Orléans
Orleans Monument to Joan of Arc (Image from Wikimedia by Ronny Sieg)
Orléans has historic connections with Joan of Arc, who helped the French emerge victorious against the English when they attacked Orléans in 1429. Must-see sites include a museum related to Joan’s life and history in a restored 15th century house, and the twin towered, 13th century Cathedral of St. Croix where she used to pray. Its stained-glass windows tell the history of Joan’s exploits.
Saumur
Saumur is another gorgeous town on the banks of the Loire with its own château. It is also known for its mushrooms and sparkling wine! Saumur is close to the historic Fontevraud Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the largest monastery complexes in Europe with the tombs of kings and a modern art museum.
The Loire Valley Wine Region
Breze Chateau and vineyard in Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley is famous for its wine production. The Loire wine route is the longest in France, and the 3rd largest overall wine region. The Loire region is most well-known for its rosé wine. Yet is also produces also reds, whites, and the sparking crémants, along with Muscadet in the westernmost section around the city of Nantes.
There are over a thousand wineries strung along the Loire River region that are open to the public. Tours usually include a visit to the vineyards and wine cellars, as well as the opportunity for tastings. Here are a few suggestions on where to go to sample the region’s wines.
- Nantes—wineries where you can sample the local Muscadet include Chateau Cassemichere.
- Sancerre—the vineyards surrounding this medieval hilltop village grow the namesake wine Sancerre. At the House of Sancerre, you can learn about the region’s wines at a state-of-the-art interactive museum, plus enjoy a tour of the vineyards and a tasting.
- Saumur—Bouvet-Ladubay, with its 10 miles of wine cellars, offers tours and tastings of its sparkling wine production.
