About Loire Valley
Things to do in Loire Valley
One of the best things to do in Loire Valley is to visit the different chateaus or castles here. The valley is predominantly known for its châteaux, of which there are over 300 here. A lot of the castles of the Loire Valley range as early as the 10th century, and offer interesting insights into the region’s age-old heritage. Some of the most famous castles of the Loire Valley include the Château de Chambord, Château d'Angers, Château de Blois, Château de Cheverny, Château de Chenonceau and others.
When looking for things to do in Loire Valley, stroll around the numerous picturesque gardens here, which were intricately designed and built by the landscape designers of the many castles here. The valley is often known as the Garden of France, and rightfully so, as it is fertile enough to easily grow flowers, fruits and vegetables of different kinds. Some of the best gardens of France are located in the Loire Valley, such as the formal French-style garden of Chateau de Villandry, or the Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, where the International Garden Festival is held every year.
Amongst the top activities to do in Loire Valley is taking a tour of the vineyards here, which are famed all around the world and produce some of the most delicious wines as well. There are more than 1000 different vineyards in the Loire Valley, spread from the region of Nantes, all the way to Sancerre. You can also find around 400 accredited wine cellars in the valley, where you can not only enjoy taking tours around the vineyards, but also meet the makers of different kinds of wines, as well as enjoy tasting them.
To get a taste of the region’s history, witness the Chartres Cathedral here, which is one of the best things to do in the Loire Valley. Also known as Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, this cathedral dates back to the mid-13th century, and is considered to be one of the best-preserved gothic cathedrals in all of France as well as Europe. In addition to marveling at the beautiful stained glass work of the cathedral, you can also enjoy a light show here during the summer evenings.
One of the most recommended things to do in Loire Valley is to explore the Natural History Museum here, or indulge in a tour of the same. It is in this family-owned museum where you can catch sights of live displays of numerous wildlife species, from lizards and turtles, to iguanas, as well as species of other creatures and insects. You can also witness a huge display of a dinosaur on the ground floor of the museum.
FAQs
What activities can you do at Loire Valley?
You are bound to be surprised at the wide array of things you can do and experiences you can have in Loire Valley. Some of the top activities to do in Loire Valley include enjoying exploring the different chateaus here, indulging in a wine tasting experience at Bouvet-Ladubay, visiting Chartres and its cathedral, exploring the Chapel of Saint Hubert, etc. Other popular things to do in Loire Valley include following the route of the Loire river on bicycles, exploring the verdant gardens of the valley as well as soaking in panoramic aerial views of the valley from a hot air balloon.
What are the most popular castles at Loire Valley?
The most popular castles at Loire Valley include the Château de Chenonceau, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Chaumont, Château du Clos Lucé and the Château d'Amboise. Other famous castles of the valley are the Château de Chambord, Château d'Angers, Château de Blois, Château de Cheverny and the Château d’Ussé, among others.
Is Loire Valley worth visiting?
Yes, Loire Valley is definitely worth visiting. The valley has been a part of the UNESCO Heritage Site list since the year 2000, and is home to several hundreds of magnificent medieval and renaissance-era castles. Complete with cobblestoned streets and a rather tranquil and quaint ambience, the Loire Valley also boasts of being the abode of several historic towns and cities as well, in addition to spectacular gardens as well. It is also worth visiting the Loire Valley since it is the home of vineyards that make some of the best wines in the whole world, from sparkling wines, to dry white wine and more.
What else can you do in the Loire Valley apart from visiting castles?
Apart from visiting the many different castles in the Loire Valley, you can also take a walk back in time and explore the age-old streets and areas of the different cities and towns tucked in the valley. Furthermore, you can also enjoy exploring the beautiful gardens here, which consist of fruit and vegetable orchards, orangeries as well as sculptures and fountains.
How many days do you need in Loire Valley?
When planning a visit to Loire Valley, you need at least 3 to 5 full days to explore a major part of the valley and its many attractions, from castles and gardens, to vineyards and other historical monuments.
What is the best time of year to visit the Loire Valley?
The best time to visit the Loire Valley is during the spring, autumn or late summer seasons. In addition to getting a chance to witness the flora here in full bloom, you can also enjoy exploring the castles in peace during these months, owing to lesser tourist crowds and rather pleasant weather conditions.