HOLIDAYS IN LOIRE

CULTURAL AND GASTRO DELIGHT

Loire Valley is a UNESCO Heritage Site and a destination that can't help but captivate the imagination. Magnificent chateaux, wonderful wines and stunning scenery combine for a charming French getaway. 

The iconic Loire river as the longest in the country forms the basis for many day trips here, with the best castles, towns and cities perched alongside the riverbanks.

Journey through the Middle Ages as you visit the homes of past nobles, particularly the Renaissance estate of Chambord and the fairytale-like Azay-le-Rideau.

Family bike rides are a great way to explore the region together, with a range of touring routes either self-guided or in groups available, while car hire is highly recommended when visiting the cities of Angers, Tours and Orléans.

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REASONS TO VISIT

Châteaux chic
Spellbinding scenery
Wine region

REGION HIGHLIGHTS

Hidden Gem: River Doubs

Catch a boat from Villers to see the impressive waterfall on the River Doubs, near Villers le Lac. A fantastic trip with lovely scenery and a very naturalistic way to spend your holiday. 

Old Favourite: Le Mans

Most well-known for the 24 hour races held every year on Circuit de la Sarthe, races range from sports cars to trucks! Le Mans old town is also a beautiful town with a great selection of dining choices.

Local Cuisine: Comte Cheese

Local to the Jura region, Comte cheese is made from unpasteurised cows milk and has the highest production of all French cheese, over 40,000 tonnes per year. It's also very tasty.

See & Do: Azay-le-Rideau

Don't miss the fairytale castle of Azay-le-Rideau, the Gothic Cathedral in Tours, the Renaissance splendour of Chenonceau and the flamboyant palace of Amboise for some incredible views.

Festivals & Events: Cadre Noire

The Cadre Noire is one of the world’s most famous cavalry display teams. Every year they put on a series of incredible shows from April to October, and a main Equestrian Festival held in July. Located in Saumur.

Beaches & Lakes: Les Alicourts

Les Alicourts Resort offers a fantastic lake with a sandy beach. Take to swimming or jump into one of the kayaks. You can even do a spot of fishing and Les Alicourts Lake even has a Cable Ski, which is great fun!

YOUR LOIRE VALLEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Where is Loire Valley?

Camping in Loire Valley brings you to central France and the middle stretch of the Loire river. Notable cities in the region include Orléans, Tours, Angers and Saumur, Nantes and Saint-Nazaire, each featuring their own take on enchanting Renaissance architecture and stately castles as part of an authentic French experience. 

What's the weather like in Loire Valley?

This family-friendly region of France has something to offer throughout the year, however, if you are particularly keen on capturing the best of the sun, the most reliable extended periods of sunshine and warm temperatures averaging 24 degrees can be found between June and September. 
 

Where are the best wineries and vineyards to visit for Loire Valley wine?

If you are partial to white or sparkling wines in particular, a visit to Loire Valley's wineries and vineyards is a must-see treat. Many people navigating the vines of the valley and wine tasting events often say that it is the sheer diversity of colour and taste that sets its wine industry apart from others. 
 
Dry and even very sweet white wines can be sought for all occasions in Loire, with Sauvignon Blanc varieties found to the north and Melon de Bourgogne fare at Muscadet Sèvre et Maine near Nantes.