The region in central France is for the wine fiends, and those with a penchant to stay in a château or two. Stretching 280 kilometres, the valley can be found in the middle of the Loire river and is well worth a visit for its incredible cultural facets, given it is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Arriving

It is easiest to travel by train to the Loire Valley, and from Montparnasse Station in Paris, the travel time is just 1 hour and 15 minutes to Tours. From there, it is recommended to hire a car to drive around the region as taxis are at times, quite limited.

Things to Do

For a day trip to the picturesque town of Blois, don’t miss the medieval castles, charming cobblestone streets, and quaint walks past the various cafes. After a crêpe at Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude Blois, visit the Cathedral of Saint-Louis, Saint Nicolas Church, and Château Royal de Blois. Inside the Château, find the royal apartments dating back to the Renaissance, and the Museum of Fine Arts (installed in the castle as early as 1843) featuring artistic, archaeological, and ethnological objects.

A key icon in the Loire Valley is the Château de Chambord in Chambord. Famed for its French Renaissance and medieval architecture, it was completed during the reign of Louis XIV and later survived the Revolution. Today, you can visit the château to experience its opulence from its various exhibitions and gardens.

For an additional spot of history, the Leonardo da Vinci Castle (Château du Clos Lucé) is a small château in the city of Amboise, France where the famed individual spent his last years between 1516 - 1519.

The Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis are for wine connoisseurs and includes insightful visits to two local wine estates led by a regional wine expert. Think quintessential French underground cellars, local cheeses, and innovative wines. For a unique lunch experience with paired wines amongst the chateâux, Picnic in the Vines is a brilliant option based at Château du Petit Thouars.

For narrowing down a visit to the Loire Valley, the top towns to include are Tours, Orleans, Amboise, and Chinon. Whilst there are train stations in the region, Loire Valley is best explored by car.

Dining

You will find authentic paired with unique French cooking in this region, with fine attention to detail and aesthetically presented. Cameras at the ready.

Christophe Hay Restaurant

Located within the luxurious Fleur de Loire, the Christophe Hay Restaurant has a strong focus on local ingredients found in the Loire that translates into a unique gastronomy experience on every plate. Authentic married with distinctive, the menu centres around degustation with the option of a wine pairing. If caviar and truffles are a French dining non-negotiable, then this is the one.

Auberge du 12ème Siècle

Mixing contemporary with traditional, Auberge du 12ème Siècle in the small village of Saché bring transformative cuisine to the gardens of France. The menu has a focus on the traditional such as a filet of celery confit with hazelnut butter, and adds a modern spin. Degustation menus are extremely common in the region, and it would be a crime not to indulge.

La Licorne

French for ‘the unicorn’, La Licorne can be found near the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud in an 18th-century residence. To set the tone, the menu features roasted langoustine crisp in star anise bisque on Arborio risotto, to button mushroom clafoutis with parmesan crumble. To finish? Try the pear poached in hypocras wine.

The thing about France is that brilliant cuisine can be found just about anywhere; there is no need for concern if you’re on the content hunt, as you can rest assured you’ll stumble across a hidden gem that will surprise you.

Bars

In Tours, choose from the quintessentially French wine bar A torra, or for something more lively, there are endless outdoor bars to enjoy including Café du Vieux Mûrier in this University town.

Over in Amboise, Art is an Ale Brewing is great for the non-wine drinkers, or Bistrot L’Atelier is perfect for some cheese and wine after a day exploring the nearby Château d’Amboise. Follow on with a boujie dinner at La Cave aux Fouées.

Given that the Loire Valley is a famed wine region, the list of bars is endless and there will be no trouble in finding a great local with exceptional drops.

Where to Stay

A stay in a chateâu is right at the top of the list; with hundreds to choose from across the valley that is suitable for all travellers.

Chateau d’Artigny

Designed in 1912 by perfumer François Coty, Château d'Artigny was built in the most reputable style of the 18th century. This particular château is ideal for a two-night stay, located in Montbazon, a 20-minute drive from Tours train station. From the moment you arrive, the staff are extremely welcoming and attentive to every minor detail.

In the summertime, experience mesmerising outdoor breakfasts at the château, and evening banquets in the enchanting dining room with high windows overlooking the Indre valley. In between sightseeing, the hotel has tennis, pool, and spa facilities, before another evening of fine dining finished with a sunset digestif.

Departing

Travel from one of the local train stations to another French destination, hop in a car or catch a flight from Tours Loire Valley Airport for national and international carriers, or a private plane.

For tours and bookings, visit Viator.

LOIRE VALLEY