17 Best Things to Do in Loire Valley

📜 Wikipedia

2. Chenonceau Castle & Gardens

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Type Castle & Gardens
Visit Self-guided or Guided Tour
Cost Paid

French Name
Château de Chenonceau

Château de Chenonceau, a Renaissance-style castle from the 16th century, famously spans the River Cher and is known as the “Ladies’ Castle” due to its history of influential female owners. It also includes elegant galleries over the river.

The beautifully designed French-style gardens are also a major attraction at the site.

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The castle is located in the village of Chenonceaux.

➡️ 7 Things to Do in Chenonceaux

Chenonceau Castle & Gardens ✦✦✦✦✦
River Cruise ✦✦✧✧✧
Self-drive River Boat ✦✦✧✧✧
River Kayak ✦✦✧✧✧
etc.

3. Villandry Castle & Gardens

Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Castle & Gardens
Visit Self-guided or Guided Tour
Cost Paid

French Name
Château & Jardins de Villandry

Château de Villandry is renowned for its 16th-century Renaissance-style castle, but it is most famous for its exquisite French-style flower and vegetable gardens, which were primarily created during the 20th-century restoration by the Carvallo family, a Spanish-American couple.

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4. Amboise Town

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Amboise is a picturesque town situated on the banks of the Loire River. It is known for its charming medieval streets and historic significance.

Amboise played a crucial role in the French Renaissance, serving as a royal residence in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The town was also the final home of Leonardo da Vinci.

The pedestrian-friendly old town is filled with quaint shops, cafes, and half-timbered houses.

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➡️ 15 Things to Do in Amboise

Amboise Castle & Gardens ✦✦✦✦✦
Town Center ✦✦✦✦✧
Clos Lucé Castle & Park ✦✦✦✦✧
etc.

5. Loire Valley Vineyards

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Type Vineyards & Tastings
Visit Guided Tour
Cost Paid

The Loire Valley vineyards are famed for producing some of France’s best wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. Visitors can tour historic wine cellars, participate in tastings, and learn about winemaking traditions. The scenic vineyards also offer picturesque views of the rolling landscape.

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6. Hot-Air Balloon

Appeal ✦✦✦✦✦
Type Flight
Visit Guided Tour
Cost Paid

Hot air balloon rides over the Loire Valley give you stunning views of the castles, vineyards, and rivers. These peaceful flights offer a unique way to see the region’s natural beauty.

7. Sidecar

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Type Sidecar
Visit Guided Tour
Cost Paid

Exploring the Loire Valley in a vintage sidecar is a fun and exciting adventure. These guided tours let you visit the castles, villages, and the countryside.

8. Biking

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Type Biking
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free

Biking through the Loire Valley is a popular way to explore its countryside, especially the Loire river banks. The region is flat and offers well-marked trails suitable for all levels of cyclists.

9. Blois Town

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Blois is a vibrant town with a rich history, located along the Loire River. It is renowned for its Castle, its cultural heritage, lively atmosphere, and beautiful architecture.

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➡️ 17 Things to Do in Blois

Blois Castle ✦✦✦✦✧
Town Center ✦✦✦✦✧
Blois Cathedral ✦✦✦✧✧
etc.

10. Chaumont Castle & Gardens

Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Type Castle & Gardens
Visit Self-guided or Guided Tour
Cost Paid

French Names
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts the International Garden Festival from spring to automn, showing off innovative garden designs.

The castle offers great views of the Loire River and features contemporary art installations. Its historic stables and landscaped park are also worth seeing.

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11. Tours City

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Tours is a vibrant city known for its well-preserved old town, with half-timbered houses and lively squares. The city’s Saint-Gatien Cathedral features stunning Gothic architecture. Tours serves as a cultural hub with museums, markets, and a rich culinary scene.

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➡️ 17 Things to Do in Tours

Tours Cathedral ✦✦✦✦✧
City Center ✦✦✦✧✧
etc.

12. Cheverny Castle

Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Castle & Gardens
Visit Self-guided or Guided Tour
Cost Paid

French Name
Château de Cheverny

Cheverny Castle is known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and expansive gardens. It offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of French aristocracy.

Historically, the castle has been owned by the same family for over six centuries and has been continuously inhabited. prestige.

One of the ways to explore the vast park is by taking a guided tour with rides on electric boats and cars.

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The castle is located in the village of Cheverny.

➡️ 3 Things to Do in Cheverny

Cheverny Castle & Gardens ✦✦✦✧✧
Tintin Comics Exhibition ✦✧✧✧✧
St. Etienne Church ✦✧✧✧✧

13. Loches Town

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The medieval town of Loches is dominated by its royal château and a well-preserved dungeon.

The town’s cobbled streets and historic buildings give a charming glimpse into its past.

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➡️ 12 Things to Do in Loches

Town Center ✦✦✦✦✧
Medieval City Enclosure ✦✦✦✧✧
Castle ✦✦✦✧✧
etc.

14. Langeais Town

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Langeais is a historic town situated on the edge of the Loire River. It has medieval heritage including a main castle and charming atmosphere. Its streets are lined with stone houses and inviting shops.

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➡️ 4 Things to Do in Langeais

Langeais Castle & Garden ✦✦✦✧✧
Town Center ✦✦✦✧✧
etc.

15. Azay-le-Rideau Village

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Azay-le-Rideau is a quaint town nestled along the Indre River. It is known for its serene ambiance and charming rural scenery.

The town developed around the château in the 16th century. It was a quiet agricultural village for centuries, maintaining its rural character. The construction of the château brought some prosperity and growth.

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➡️ 3 Things to Do in Azay-le-Rideau

Azay-le-Rideau Castle & Park ✦✦✦✧✧
Village Itself ✦✦✧✧✧
St. Symphorien Church ✦✧✧✧✧

16. Fontevraud Abbey

Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Abbey
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid

French Name
Abbaye Royale Notre-Dame de Fontevraud

Fontevraud Abbey is one of Europe’s largest monastic complexes, with a history dating back to the 12th century. It’s a royal necropolis with the tombs of notable Plantagenets.

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The abbey is located in the village of Fontevraud-l’Abbaye.

➡️ 4 Things to Do in Fontevraud-l’Abbaye

Fontevraud Abbey ✦✦✦✧✧
Modern Art Museum ✦✦✧✧✧
etc.

17. Brissac Castle

Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Castle & Park
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid

French Name
Château de Brissac

The Château de Brissac, known as the tallest castle in France, is a blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, offering a captivating view of its seven-story facade.

Originally built as a fortress in the 11th century, the château was acquired by the Brissac family in the 16th century, who transformed it into a luxurious residence and have continued to maintain it to this day.

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