The Loire Valley boasts hundreds of France’s most opulent aristocratic estates. Kings, queens, dukes and nobles established castles and palaces. The Loire Valley is also known for its outstanding wines (red, white, rosé and sparkling).
Loire Valley Highlights
Meander along the serene and majestic Loire River bordered by hundreds of fairytale châteaux, built with the local white tuffeau stone and covered with steep slate roofs. Visit some of the best jewels of Renaissance architectures such as the Châteaux d’Chambord and Châteaux d’Chenonceau, built over the Cher river, or Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, built over the Indre River.
The Loire valley also has superb produce. Most towns have colourful markets that have everything from rich, varied charcuterie to speciality cheeses. The historic towns of Tours, Blois and Saumur also have gothic and renaissance edifices, museums and restaurants.
Vine-covered slopes surround the valley, and while it may not be as well known as those of Bordeaux or Burgundy, the Loire produces some fine wines. Among the best-known wines from the region are Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown around the villages of the same name, and Muscadet, also a white wine, made at the western end of the valley.
Next Stops
Brittany: Emerald and pink coastlines, great seafood, and picturesque islands, Four hour drive
Paris: The City of Light: world-class museums, cultural institutions, monuments, and culinary delights, One and one-half hours by train