The Loire Valley is one of France's jewels, famous for its sumptuous châteaux.
But in addition to these architectural masterpieces, there are many other places and activities to discover in the region: picturesque villages, vineyards, caves, gardens...
In this article we share with you the must-see places in the Loire Valley and the best activities not to be missed.
And a little geographical clarification: we're referring to the tourist region along the Loire between Nantes and Sancerre, where most of the châteaux are located.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Best things to do in the Loire Valley: must-see places
Must-see places: list and map
In this article, we present all types of activities and locations, listing our favorite options.
But, if you still want to narrow down your options, here are our 10 must-see, most unique and impressive spots along the Loire.
- Chenonceau Castle
- Fontevraud Abbey
- The elephant and the Machines de Nantes
- Village of Montrésor
- Chambord Castle
- Villandry castle and garden
- Saumur and its troglodyte activities
- Terra Botanica in Angers
- Castle of Azay-le-Rideau
- Château d'Angers with its tapestry
And here's a map to help you find these must-sees:
Where to stay in the Loire Valley
To visit all these places you have many options.
The valley is rich in attractions wherever you choose to land.
Among our favorite cities:
- Saumur, for the variety of activities - see top-rated accommodations
- Amboise, close to the most famous châteaux - see top-rated accommodation
- Tours, the most central - see top-rated accommodations
See our article on the best cities to sleep in.
1. Visit several Loire castles
Of course, it's impossible to come to the Loire Valley and not visit several châteaux. There must be over 3,000 of them! Many are privately owned, but some are open to visitors, including some of the most beautiful and imposing.
There are castles to suit all tastes: medieval, renaissance, with beautiful gardens or children's activities...
It's hard to choose, depending on what you like, but here are our favorites:
- Château de Chenonceau, on the river - Book your tickets
- Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, and its water mirror - Book your tickets
- Château de Villandry and its extraordinary gardens - Book your admission tickets
- Château de Chambord, the most imposing castle in France - Book your guided admission tickets!
- Château du Rivau (castle and gardens)
- ...
See our article on the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley.
2. Stroll through charming villages
The region is also rich in picturesque villages of different styles: medieval villages, garden villages, villages surrounded by water, wine villages...
It's impossible to get bored.
What's more, some of these villages also have a small castle or fortress! Something for everyone.
Among our favorite villages, discover:
- Montrésor, the most picturesque with its castle
- Béhuard, hidden on a small island between 2 arms of the Loire River
- Chédigny, the flower-filled garden village
- Lavardin, with its castle ruins and surprising church
- Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, the port of Chambord, with a rich history
See our article on the most beautiful villages in the Loire.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
3. Explore cave experiences
The region is also home to an astonishing troglodyte heritage, with dwellings and caves carved into the soft limestone rock.
You'll find plenty of them between Saumur and Tours.
Over 1,500 years ago, the region's inhabitants had already excavated the soft rock. They used these caves as shelters. But most of the troglodytes have been here since the 15th century, and were once quarries.
Among our favorite activities, we recommend
- The troglodyte village of Rochemenier
- The Pierres et Lumières sculpture experience in Saumur
- Saumur's many wine cellars, including the Ackerman winery in town and Domaine Filliatreau (home, show and cellar).
- The Château de Brézé and its troglodyte network, which runs for 4 km in the moat beneath the château.
- And you can even sleep in magnificent troglodyte hotels. We particularly recommend Hôtel Demeure de la Vignole with its swimming pool - See prices, photos and availability
See our article on troglodyte activities around Saumur (coming soon).
4. Unique experiences: Elephant and Terra Botanica
The region offers an imaginary world that goes beyond castles. Cities have developed unique attractions that delight children and adults alike. Yes, Claire loved riding on the back of the mechanical elephant!
The elephant and the machines of Nantes
The complete tour takes place in 3 stages:
- Discover the Galerie des Machines de l'île: in a plant world, get to knowanimals unlike any other. You can then discover the backstage, with the visit of theworkshops.
- Trip in a big elephant: Accompany the elephant of Nantes in one of its daily outings in the park of the former shipyard. You'll have to choose between a ride in its entrails, or a ride by its side... and we recommend you to do both, as the views are so different!
- Carrousel des Mondes Marins: rediscover your childlike spirit on a crazy ride that takes you directly to 20,000 places under the sea. An incredible experience.
For all your activities in Nantes, we advise you to opt for the Nantes citypass. It will give you access to more than 40 monuments, museums and activities but also to the city's buses and tramways. To avoid long lines, book your citypass now.
Terra Botanica in Angers
Terra Botanica in Angers is a fascinating destination for lovers of botany, nature and adventure.
The experience takes you to different worlds, with sensory trails combining plants from all over the world and unique, magical settings.
The park also offers surprising attractions such as virtual reality, a giants' course and a tree walk...
You won't be bored.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Appreciate the architecture of the world's most beautiful cities
The towns along the Loire have a long history with the kings of France.
Here you can discover architectural gems.
Of course, almost all of them have castles... But that's not all. Some feature half-timbered houses, Renaissance or even Art-Deco facades.
Although the region's countryside is particularly attractive, take the time to visit one or two towns.
For example:
- Angers, between the Loire and Maine rivers, offers a gentle way of life and a remarkable heritage. It's a landmark in the history of the powerful County of Anjou.
- Saumur, the most traditional under the protection of its castle. Its small pedestrianised town center is very pleasant
- Tours, with a fine collection of half-timbered houses in the old center and a pleasant riverside walk along the Loire River
See our article on the most beautiful towns in the Loire.
6. Cycling or walking along the Loire River
The Loire is a wild and beautiful river.
Its cycle route covers 900km.
A superb route along its banks and around the castles. It is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in France, and in the world. And, of course, you can also enjoy various sections on foot!
The 18-stage Loire Valley cycling route. Our favorites so far are:
- From Blois to Amboise with Chaumont-sur-Loire and the Chenonceaux detour
- The hillsides of Sancerre
- Saumur to Tour with the confluence of the Vienne at Candes-St-Martin
Find out more in our article on the Loire by bike (under development).
And even if you don't want to go on a full cycling vacation, you can find guided bike tours around the Loire castles. See options.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
7. Discover the vineyards
It's not complicated, wine in the Loire region can be found from its mouth, with the Muscadet around Nantes, to its source in the Ardèche, with the Côtes du Forez! Between the two, 70,000 hectares of vineyards, 80 different appellations, more than 30,000 winegrowers!
In the Loire region, you can:
- Stroll through fields of vines as far as the eye can see, or with a view of a castle!
- Taste white, red or rosé wines. We particularly recommend the Sancerre en route and the Savennières en Blanc.
- Discover Loire sparkling wines. There's more to life than Champagne... Don't miss the Crémant de Loire
- Unique experiences in trogolodyte cellars like Ackerman or Filliatreau
Discover our guide to help you understand Loire wines.
And discover the best wine experiences in the Loire (coming soon).
8. Stroll through the most beautiful gardens
The Loire Valley, nicknamed the "Garden of France", is renowned for its verdant landscapes, majestic châteaux and sumptuous gardens.
Nestled along the banks of the Loire and its tributaries, these gardens offer an enchanting spectacle: French gardens with romantic landscapes, English gardens, or parks with century-old trees... there's something for everyone!
Among our favorites, discover:
- Gardens of the Château de Villandry, an unforgettable place with French gardens of shimmering colors and perfect geometry.
- Book your tickets - Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, the French benchmark for contemporary gardens. In an enchanting setting, it offers 13 permanent gardens that preserve our horticultural heritage, and 24 ephemeral gardens designed around an annual theme.
- Book your ticket - Jardin du Château du Rivau, 15 remarkable gardens with dreamlike worlds, while preserving the Loire Valley's horticultural heritage (conservatories for perfumed roses and gourds).
See our article on the most beautiful gardens.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
9. Sleeping in a castle
Having the chance to sleep in a castle, especially in a castle of the Loire Valley, is a beautiful experience that we wish you.
What links us to these centuries-old stone palaces is indefinable. We feel at the same time, respect for the genius of their builders, humility in front of places that will outlive us, and finally recognition for their contribution to the beauty of the world.
Hotels and B&Bs have been set up in different styles of châteaux. We particularly enjoyed our experiences:
- In the stables of Château du Rivau with a view of the castle
- See prices, photos and availability - and book now! - In the enchanting world of the Château de Chissay
- See prices, photos and availability - and book now! - Take a trip back in time at Château de Ternay
- See prices, photos and availability - and book now!
See our article full of tips for sleeping in a château-hotel.
10. Fun in the Loire Valley with children
If you choose to discover the region with your children, there are plenty of places to do just that.
We've already introduced you to L'éléphant de Nantes and Terra Botanica, both of which should appeal to them, but you can also get them interested in the châteaux with their own tours and shows.
We particularly recommend
- Château d'Ussé with its scenes from Sleeping Beauty
- The Fortress of Chinon with its immersive tour to learn more about the Middle Ages
- Château de Rivau and its dreamlike ambience to stimulate the imagination
- the Montbazon Fortress with its workshops on medieval skills and a short show
- Le Château des énigmes de Fréteval, a great indoor and outdoor treasure hunt. Activities include maths, history, logic and a bit of physical exercise!
- Le Parc des Mini-Châteaux. Reproductions are on a scale of 1:25, and include all the finest Loire châteaux. You feel like a giant.
- Château Clos-Lucé with the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci - Book your ticket
See our article on the best Loire châteaux to visit with children.
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11. Admire abbeys and cathedrals
Immerse yourself in history and spirituality as you explore the abbeys and cathedrals that line the serene banks of the Loire. These architectural treasures, witnesses to the region's rich religious past, offer a captivating experience. From the Gothic elegance of Tours' Cathédrale Saint-Gatien to the timeless serenity of Fontevraud Abbey, each sacred site reveals centuries of history and inspiration.
We really enjoyed the region's religious heritage.
- Saint-Maurice Cathedral, Angers
- Saint-Gatien Cathedral, Tours
- Fleury Abbey
- Fontevraud Abbey
- Orléans Cathedral
- ... the list goes on!
Please note that Charte Cathedral is further away from the Loire, even if it is geographically located in its own valley.
See our article on the most beautiful abbeys and cathedrals (coming soon).
12. Savouring gastronomy
Discover the culinary art of the Loire Valley, where every meal is a celebration of local flavors and the abundance of fertile land that borders the royal river.
The Loire Valley was one of our favorite trips in terms of gastronomy. There are Michelin-starred chefs who know how to delight our taste buds, as well as a host of lesser-known chefs offering inventive dishes full of flavor. Selecting the best restaurants is really very difficult because the quality is so high.
Among our favorites:
- Restaurant Manoir de la Regate (Nantes)
- Restaurant La Breche (Amboise)
- Restaurant Maga (Orleans)
- Restaurant L'essentiel (Saumur)
- Restaurant Au rendez-vous des pêcheurs (Blois)
See our article on the best restaurants (coming soon).
13. Learning in the many museums
In the towns and châteaux of the Loire Valley, you'll also find many museums: art, history, know-how, scientific experiments...
Whether you're passionate about art, history, science or literature, the museums along the Loire promise an enriching immersion in the past and present of this emblematic region of France.
Among our favorites:
- The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes, an exceptional venue with a varied collection
- Les Tapisseries d'Angers: In the château(reserve tickets) and in the Musée Jean Lurçat
- The magnificent Château de Blois museum
- Château de Montosoreau showcases contemporary art - Book your tickets!
- The David d'Angers Gallery
- The Jeu de Paumes museum in what remains of the Château de Tours
- The Musée des Blindés in Saumur, for fans of Mordern history
See our article on the best museums (coming soon).
14. Boat tours on the Loire
The Loire is also a navigable river.
You can embark on a peaceful, picturesque stroll through the sparkling waters of the Loire in towns or more or less built-up areas.
Whether you opt for a leisurely cruise aboard a traditional toue cabanée or a kayak excursion, boat tours on the Loire offer a unique perspective on the enchanting landscape and fascinating history that make this river legendary.
For example:
- Traditional boat trip in Saumur with view of the château - see program and reserve
- Navibus crossing from Nantes to the village of Trentemoult - included in the Nantes citypass.
- Traditional boat trip around Tours
15. Admire the castles and valley from the air
And after admiring from the river, you can also enjoy magnificent views of the valley and castles from a hot-air balloon.
It's on our list of planned activities.
We don't have any photos yet, but we'll be back soon with lots of tips. But we already know that it's an unforgettable experience!
Here are a few options:
Departure from Amboise, river landscapes, Chenonceau and Villandry castles - See program and availability
Flight over Saumur with its magnificent château - See program and availability
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in the Loire Valley when it rains?
The region is rich in activities: most of the castles have an interior tour. Troglodyte spaces and museums are also good options.
Everything is well adapted and you'll be able to enjoy the attractions whatever the weather.
How long will it take to visit the Loire Valley?
The region is rich in attractions. Several weeks would not be enough.
To catch a glimpse of some of these iconic sites, allow 3 days.
To be able to visit a little of each type of attraction, book a week.
And to immerse yourself in the region, we recommend 2 to 3 weeks.
What to do in winter
The larger châteaux stay open for most of the winter, but others close.
Villages, towns and many museums also remain open all year round.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
