Best things to do in Loire Valley
Find out more about those top places in Loire Valley
Loire Valley: Where Fairytale Castles Pop Up Between Vineyards (and You Might Feel Like Royalty After a Wine Tasting!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to France's Enchanting Heart!
Forget just a garden, folks! The Loire Valley in France isn't just green; it's the country's downright enchanting heart, a place where majestic chateaux rise from the landscape like something straight out of a storybook, picturesque medieval towns whisper tales of knights and ladies, and breathtaking cathedrals point their spires towards the heavens, all set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards that look like they've been meticulously manicured by tiny, grape-loving elves.
Following the gentle meander of the River Loire, this magical valley stretches from the lush hills of the Sancerre wine region (prepare for some seriously good Sauvignon Blanc!) all the way to the lively university city of Angers. But let's be honest, the real stars of this show are the regal castles – or chateaux, if you want to sound fancy – that pepper the countryside like opulent sprinkles on a very French cake. We're talking the world-famous Chateaux de Chenonceau, gracefully arching over the Cher River like a stone-and-mortar ballerina, and the idyllic Chateaux de Chambord, so grand it probably has its own zip code. These are top attractions that will make your jaw drop and your Instagram feed sing!
But hold on, there's more to this valley than just fancy fortresses! The main cities of the Loire – think Orléans (hello, Joan of Arc!), Blois, and Tours – offer a delightful blend of urban vibrancy and an old-world atmosphere. You can sip a café au lait in a medieval square one minute and explore a bustling modern street the next. It's the best of both worlds, like having your croissant and eating it too!
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and things to do in this captivating region. Get ready for some unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring fairytale castles to wandering through charming towns and, of course, indulging in some of that world-renowned Loire Valley wine.
Top Attractions: Chateaux That Will Make You Say "Ooh La La!" (and More!)
The Loire Valley is brimming with must-see sights. Here are some of the top attractions you absolutely shouldn't miss:
Chateau de Chenonceau: The Water-Spanning Beauty
This iconic chateau, elegantly straddling the Cher River, is a true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Wander through its lavishly decorated rooms, stroll through its beautiful gardens, and imagine the glamorous lives of the women who shaped its history. It's a place to visit that will leave you utterly enchanted.
Chateau de Chambord: The Granddaddy of Loire Valley Castles
Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the Chateau de Chambord. With its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and sprawling grounds, it's a testament to royal ambition. Climb to the rooftop for panoramic views and feel like the king (or queen!) of your own fairytale.
The Medieval Streets of Tours: History You Can Walk On
Explore the charming medieval streets of Tours, the largest city in the Loire Valley. Wander through the Place Plumereau, a lively square surrounded by half-timbered houses, and soak in the old-world atmosphere. It's a fantastic place to visit for a taste of authentic French charm.
The Gothic Grandeur of Bourges Cathedral: A Masterpiece of Stained Glass
While technically just outside the "core" Loire Valley for some, the magnificent Bourges Cathedral is well worth a detour. Its stunning Gothic architecture and breathtaking stained-glass windows are a testament to medieval craftsmanship. It's a truly awe-inspiring sightseeing experience.
Things to Do Beyond the Castles: Wine, Gardens, and Medieval Merriment!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Loire Valley magic:
- Indulge in Wine Tasting: You're in the "garden of France" and a renowned wine region! Take a tour of the local vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and, most importantly, sample some of the delicious Loire Valley wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and more!).
- Explore the Gardens of Villandry: Lose yourself in the breathtaking Renaissance gardens of Chateau de Villandry, a stunning example of formal French garden design.
- Cycle Along the Loire River: Rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride along the scenic Loire River, passing by charming villages and picturesque landscapes.
- Visit the Royal Chateau of Amboise: Discover the royal history of Chateau d'Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years and is buried.
- Wander Through the Charming Town of Chinon: Explore the medieval fortress and quaint streets of Chinon, another gem along the Loire River.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a perfect blend of history, beauty, and delicious wine, the Loire Valley in France is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with unforgettable sightseeing and enchanting things to do. Just be prepared to feel like you've stepped into a fairytale – and maybe develop a slight addiction to exquisite French wine! Santé!
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Château de Chambord
The Château de Chambord can be found standing majestically on the left bank of the Loire River and poses an awe-striking sight. As the most emblematic Renaissance monument in France, the Château de Chambord is highly valued by the French people. This castle also served as the source of inspiration for the construction of the Château de Versailles.
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Château de Chenonceau
The Château de Chenonceau is a French château that is located close to Chenonceaux which is a small village in the Indre-et-Loire département of the Loire Valley in France. This structure spans the River Cher and is a very magnificent edifice. Among other chateaux of the Loire valley, the Château de Chenonceau is the best known.
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Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres used to be a very important destination for pilgrims during the middle age and is still accorded that importance today. This landmark structure can be found standing in the laid-back town of Chartres and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is UNESCO-listed as well.
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Bourges
To have a feel of some ancient French culture and lifestyle, a visit to the Bourges is in order. The Bourges is home to a host of old palaces as well as burgher's houses. A picturesque view of the Yèvre and Aveyron Rivers that are located in the province of Berry with a lot its history is also very visible from here.
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Château de Cheverny
The exquisite furnishings and strategically placed decorations of the Château de Cheverny does not begin to describe this magnificent Château. It is even rumored to be the best looking among every other châteaux in terms of furnishing and decoration. Located at Cheverny within the department of Loir-et-Cher in the Loire valley, the Château de Cheverny remains one site in France that records thousands of visits by tourists.
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Azay-le-Rideau
The Azay-le-Rideau is well-known for its splendid and glorious Renaissance château which is almost like a fairy tale world. This building was constructed on the orders of King Francis the First and can be found on an island in the Indre River. Azay-le-Rideau is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a moat.
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Orléans
The city of Orléans can be found in north-central France right on the banks of the Loire River. It also serves as the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region. Orleans is famous for being the city that Joan of Arc saved from the siege of the Englishmen in 1429 and this occasion is celebrated by a festival that takes place annually.
