See all our Loire Valley Holidays Give us a call. Our Loire Valley Holidays. Read 8 reviews. Read 1 review. Read 4 reviews. Loire self guided cycling holiday An interest-packed, gentle cycling holiday. Protecting such an enormously long river is no mean feat. No longer essential for trade or navigation after the 19th century, the river was left to run wild. A bit has been done to protect the river over the years.
The WWF blocked several plans to dam it, arguing that the dams would block the salmon run. There are hundreds of buildings in the area which carry this protection. What you can do: The biggest chateaux get positively mobbed in the summer months, busy to the point that they are unbearable, whilst smaller chateaux struggle. If you must tick off the big chateaux, do so in the off-season.
Viticulture is dependent on good climate: vines need good rainfall early in the season, and white wines prefer lower temperatures. Wine production in France was down between six and 13 percent in Open February-June, September-October 9 a.
Most beautiful places in France for travelers to explore. The current Chenonceau castle was built during the 15th century after the original castle was destroyed during the Hundred Years' War.
Nevertheless, the latter reclaimed the castle upon her husband's death and spousal justice was served. Later, when the government threatened to seize the castle during the French Revolution, Louise Dupin thwarted officials by using historical documents to prove the castle was privately owned, thus saving it from destruction.
Open July-August 9 a. While the ground floor of the building is open to the public and decorated with 16th-century wallpaper and furniture, the castle's charm comes from its attic. The castle's attic has been set up with scenes of the somnolent 16th-century princess playing with her toys, watched over by the good fairies.
The visit includes a tour through a mock fairytale attic, complete with cobwebs and antique toys and furniture. The grounds also house a vineyard and the castle produces its own bubbly white wine, which can be purchased after the tour. The Fontevraud Abbey is open to the public for self-guided and guided tours.
Visitors can see the 12th-century Romanesque abbey church ; the cloister; the kitchen , complete with the original fish smokehouse used to make smoked salmon; and a lush garden planted with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees. Another highlight of visiting the abbey is its haute-cuisine restaurant. For those who would like to spend the night at a spiritually inspiring retreat, the upscale hotel on the property pampers guests with luxurious, contemporary-style rooms in the former Saint-Lazare priory.
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud could be a good addition to a sightseeing itinerary with Saumur 14 kilometers way and Chinon 16 kilometers away. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle served as a residence for the king's ministers. This stately building reflects the grandeur of its rich heritage.
An expansive parkland surrounds the castle, including gardens planted with ancient cedars, cherry blossom trees, and flowering plants. Depending on the season, vibrant azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, and a hundred variety of fragrant heirloom roses enliven the grounds.
Those who spend more time wandering will come across the ruins of a 14th-century chapel , a landmark on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques medieval pilgrimage trail. This historic town was an important medieval pilgrimage destination. Lending an element of romance to the village are the ruins of an old fortified castle that withstood an attack by Richard the Lionheart but was overtaken by King Henry IV's troops.
The room decor became more refined, and large kitchens were added to prepare princely meals. On the castle's attractive grounds, the unique hanging garden reflects a taste for the lavish.
While strolling atmospheric lanes, visitors will discover quaint half-timbered houses mainly on Rue Saint-Lubin and Rue des Huileries and historic churches, including the Eglise de la the Madeleine with a Romanesque facade. Tourists will also enjoy the town's pleasant parks and the wide selection of shops and restaurants. An excellent choice is Aux Trois Pastoureaux , a traditional restaurant that offers seasonal cuisine made from scratch and a "medieval menu" that's fun for tourists.
Abbaye de Fleury. The architecture and the rural setting create a sense of tranquility that is ideal for meditation. This Benedictine abbey was founded in the 7th century and its basilica, built between and , is one of the finest Romanesque churches in France. The most outstanding feature of the church is the porch tower, with its ornately carved capitals. Inside the 12th-century crypt are the relics of Saint Benedict , brought here from the Abbey of Monte Cassino near Naples in Italy in the late 7th century.
The monastic community of the Abbaye de Fleury was dissolved at the time of the French Revolution but was re-established in by a group of Benedictine monks.
Today this working monastery is home to a community of 27 monks. In order for residents to fulfill the monastic ideal of creative work, the Abbaye de Fleury has an Atelier de Porcelaine , where monks handcraft porcelain plates, mugs, and bowls, and an Atelier de Confiserie , where specialty confections such as fruit candies, caramels, and honey bonbons are created.
These artisanal products are available at the abbey's boutique. Although much of the abbey is reserved for use by the monastic community, the basilica is open to the public ; visitors may spend time in prayer or take a guided tour on Saturdays and Sundays from March through October.
Unlike many castles of the Loire Valley, this 16th-century manor house has been well maintained in its original state for four centuries and today is still a private home , owned by the Sparre family.
Visitors can often see deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Kids will have fun at the castle's Ferme des Petits, a miniature farm where chickens, cows, goats, rabbits, and sheep are raised. Multiple turreted towers add to the storybook impression. The interior has been updated throughout the centuries, but has retained much of its medieval character. Especially interesting are the apartments of the Duke of Sully and his wife, and the Salle d'Honneur family portrait gallery.
The majestic castle is set in a bucolic parkland with many benches, and walking paths. The palatial interior features rooms with gilded ceilings, exquisite furniture, and Venetian chandeliers. One of the most delightful rooms is the castle's seat Belle Epoque opera house. For those who'd like to feel like landed gentry for a few nights, the castle offers bed and breakfast accommodations.
Guest rooms are decorated with authentic antique-style furnishings and have views of the park's woodlands and meadows. France Travel Guide. Written by Lisa Alexander Nov 17, We may earn a commission from affiliate links The Loire Valley invites visitors to step into the scene of a fairy tale, complete with stunning castles and an enchanting countryside. Amboise Amboise The medieval town of Amboise was built up along the left bank of the Loire River about 25 kilometers east of Tours with dense forest in the background.
Blois Blois Perched on two hills above the Loire River, the historic city of Blois is full of old-world ambience. Study your grimoire and get started! Overall, there are actors in costumes, 60 fighters and stuntmen and 15 horses that will bring unforgettable moments to life in the midst of fireworks, flames and fountains. Chinon, Bourgueil, Saumur, Vouvray, Muscadet—these are just some of the various appellations of the Loire Valley, scattered over kilometers miles between Blois and Nantes.
From a bird's eye view, the landscape looks so different! The balloon brings a breath of new sensations. Flying over the castle of Chenonceau or Chambord in tranquility, glide above the sandy shores of the Loire, and glance over the vineyards stretching out to the forests teeming with wildlife. Swimming is supervised by lifeguards in summer, and many activities are offered: canoeing, stand-up paddling, peddle-boating—perfect for a break en famille!
Hundreds of thousands of species are exhibited—take your time to discover the giant greenhouses, explore the tropical jungle, climb into the static air balloon or even discuss the blooms with park's gardners. If you're feeling athletic, you can follow the longest route of the river for kilometers miles , starting from Cuffy in the Cher and ending in St Brevin!
If you'd prefer shorter paths, from one castle to another: there are 14 routes in the Loire Valley, with over kilometers miles of trails or small well-marked routes. This is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and feed your mind.
The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine….
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