By Air: Tours St Symphorien is the nearest airport to Loire Valley, but it operates limited flights. You can arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and head to the TGV train station at Terminal 2. Take a high-speed train that will drop you at Loire Valley in 1.5 hours.
By Train: You can take a train from Paris Montparnasse train station to Loire Valley.
June To September is the best time to visit Loire Valley as the weather is moderate and calm, and a cycling tour like Tour de France is organized during this period. Most events and shows are also organized during this time of the year.
Getting Around:
Shuttle Buses: Two shuttle buses operate from Blois and take you to Cheverny, Chaumont, and Chambord.
By Cab: You can book a taxi or cab from anywhere in the valley and explore the valley at your own pace.
Best Areas to Stay:
Amboise: Amboise is the main tourist town that houses famous attractions like Clos Luce Manor and Amboise Château. It is also packed with tons of bars, weekly markets, restaurants, and budget friendly hotels.
Tours: Tours is a peaceful area where you'll find a wide selection of hotels, cafes, and restaurants. It also has good public transport to get you to key sites like Chenonceau and the surrounding countryside.
Weather: The summers in the Loire Valley are sunny and warm, and the temperature is around 22-23°C in the afternoon, while at night the average temperature is around 12°C. During July and August, the valley receives the maximum precipitation. December and January are the coldest, and the average temperature ranges around 4°C.
Language: French is the official language of Loire Valley. People also speak English over here.
Time Zone: Loire Valley follows CEST- Central European Summer Time zone.
Budget: You will have to spend around €100 on your vacation in Loire Valley. On average, you'll have to spend €32 ($31) on meals and €18 ($18) on transportation daily. The average accommodation rate in Loire Valley for two people will be around €95 ($95). Therefore, a trip to Loire Valley for two people will cost around €1,401 ($1,395) for two people.
Currency: Euro is the currency of the Loire Valley.
Visa: American citizens traveling to Loire Valley for less than ninety days don't need a visa. They need to have a valid passport for six months beyond their stay. A six-month Schengen visa is also valid for those who intend to visit Loire Valley.
What are the best attractions to see in Loire Valley?
Le Fondation du Doute: With the Loire Valley Pass, you can get access to Le Fondation du Doute, an art gallery dedicated to the Fluxus art movement. It has a pavilion where exhibitions, special events, lectures, video projections, and concerts are organized.
Chemins de la Rose: Chemins de la Rose is a fragrant botanical garden dotted with a series of themed rose gardens and floral tunnels. It also features a boutique where you can buy beautiful flowers and the region's wonderful rose water.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours: Purchase the Loire Valley Pass and explore Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, an art museum that features the most extensive collection of art pieces by Monet, Rubens, and more.
How many days should I spend in Loire Valley?
You should spend at least two days in Loire Valley. On the first day, you can visit famous castles like Château de Chambord, Château d'Amboise, and Château de Blois. Dedicate your second day to explore the famous vineyards like Château des Vaults.
What is the best time to visit Loire Valley?
June To September is the best time to visit Loire Valley as the weather is comfortable, and most events and shows are also organized during this time of the year.
What is the best time to visit Loire Valley?
June To September is the best time to visit Loire Valley as the weather is comfortable, and most events and shows are also organized during this time of the year.
How can I get cheap Loire Valley attraction tickets?
You can buy Chateaux Pass Loire Valley to get a discounted admission to the most popular attractions. With the Chateaux Pass Loire Valley, you can also skip the line and get direct entry to the attraction.
What can I do in Loire Valley on a budget?
Chartres walking tour: One of the most budget-friendly things to do in Loire Valley is going on the Chartres walking tour. Stroll around the half-timbered town and see adorable street libraries, a well-preserved church, and an old washing station.
Wine Tasting tour: Another budget-friendly thing to do in Loire Valley is enjoying a wine-tasting tour. You can go for wine tasting in popular regions like Sancerre, Chinon, Vouvray, and Muscadet.
Is Loire Valley worth visiting?
Yes, Loire Valley is absolutely worth visiting as it has some of the most beautiful castles and medieval forts. It also has some of the most iconic wineries where you can taste your favorite wine.