What is not to miss in the Loire Valley?
Not to miss sights in the Loire Valley
- The castle of Chambord.
- Castles, large or small.
- Château de Chenonceau.
- Le château royal d’Amboise and Clos-Lucé
- The castle and gardens of Villandry.
- Château d’Azay-le-Rideau.
- The Royal Castle of Blois.
- Tours and Saint Gatien Cathedral.
How many days do you need in Loire Valley?
Three days is the perfect amount of time for enjoying the Loire Valley and its châteaux! The starting point of your itinerary is the city of Amboise. Situated just 2hr 10min by car from Paris (226 km), you can easily travel here in a hire vehicle.
Is the Loire Valley worth visiting?
Known as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that enchants visitors with fairy-tale like castles, exquisite gardens, charming towns, and unforgettable wine. It’s no wonder it’s considered one of the best places to visit in France.
What is Loire Valley famous for?
The Loire Valley wine region is one of the world’s most well-known areas of wine production and includes several French wine regions situated along the river, from the Muscadet region on the Atlantic coast to the regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé just southeast of the city of Orléans in north-central France.
What is the difference between a chateau and castle?
Although the French word for ‘château’ is generally translated as castle it is more likely to mean a country house or a manor house. Named “The Valley of the Kings” due to its former residents some of these Chateaux have been lovingly restored for you to enjoy their original features and become king of your own castle.
What is the best time of year to visit the Loire Valley?
The best time to visit the Castles of the Loire area, especially due to the less crowding than in the summer months, are the months between April and June and those between September and October. In the summer months the climate of the Loire Valley is still excellent with low rainfall and mild temperatures.
Why are there so many castles in the Loire Valley?
The Loire Valley is chateau central. The accident of geography, battles between armies and the patronage of royal families brought fantastic castles into the area of the Loire Valley. …
What city is in the Centre of the Loire Valley?
The Centre-Val de Loire Region The administrative capital is Orléans, but the largest city is Tours. Like many contemporary regions of France, the region of Centre was created from parts of three historical provinces: Touraine, Orléanais, and Berry.
Where to stay in Loire Valley?
As well as Chinon castle, you will be well located for visiting other Loire Valley chateaux such as Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Langeais (Emilie and Guillaume’s hometown) and Ussé. Chinon is one of the best places to stay in the Loire Valley for those who want to do a wine tour.
What is the Loire Valley famous for?
Loire Valley: The Heart of France. The Loire Valley is the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and great wine. The region is rich in history and culture: Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here; Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire; and,…
What to do in the Loire Valley?
The Loire Valley offers something for everyone. The Loire Valley châteaux are magnificent; there are gardens to wander through full of orchards of fruit trees and sweet-smelling flowers, plus great accommodation, festivals to enjoy, vineyards to sample and now the Loire Valley cycle route.
How many castles are on the Loire Valley?
The valley, nestled at the Loire River and its tributaries, offers over 80 castles (châteaux in French), 42 of them make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you’ll be planning a similar trip to the valley, I bet your biggest challenge will be which ones you pick to see.