Best Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Many of our travelers are attracted to the Loire Valley by its majestic châteaux, picturesque villages, and rolling vineyards. Whether you’re exploring the history of this region, savoring world-class wine and cheese or cycling along the Loire River (all of which we enjoy ourselves, being based here in France), a Loire Valley road trip offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. 

Get inspired to visit France by reading about some of the best things to do in the Loire Valley.

Marvel at the Loire Valley’s Majestic Châteaux and Exquisite Gardens

The Loire Valley is known as the ‘Valley of the Kings’, with over 300 castles showcasing a variety of architectural styles, including Medieval (Romanesque and Gothic), Renaissance, Classical, and Baroque.

It’s also known as the ‘Garden of France’ due to its lush landscapes, fertile farmland and exquisite gardens, many of which are located in the châteaux grounds.

Here are some highlights to include in your Loire Valley itinerary:

• Château de Chambord

Chambord castle is the largest of the châteaux of the Loire Valley. It's a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture and famous for its double helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. After exploring the castle, stroll through the beautifully restored French formal gardens. If you book one of our Loire Valley tours and are interested, we can arrange a special visit for you to see this former hunting estate’s deer and wild boar.

• Château de Chenonceau

Known as the “Ladies’ Castle,” Chenonceau castle’s iconic arches span the Cher River. It has had various roles throughout history, including serving as a hospital in World War I and a passage to the Free Zone in World War II. Inside the castle, you’ll notice the beautiful fresh floral arrangements, which are created by a team of full-time flower arrangers.

• Château de Villandry

While Villandry castle itself is modest (exploring it isn’t a ‘must’, in our opinion), its stunning terraced gardens are among the most famous in the world and absolutely shouldn’t be missed. 

From checkerboard vegetable plots to ornamental gardens featuring sculpted hearts and butterflies, there’s always something new to admire here.

What’s more, during summer evenings, Villandry’s gardens come alive with thousands of candles, creating a magical candlelit ambiance.

• Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

The International Garden Festival is held here from April to November, and is a must for gardening enthusiasts. It features innovative garden designs that evolve throughout the year. We visit at least once each year and we are always amazed by the creations!

• Château de l’Islette

This is one of our favorite hidden gems in the Loire Valley. Not far from its more famous neighbor, Azay-le-Rideau, this privately-owned castle’s tranquil gardens and lovely lake are the perfect setting for a picnic. 

If you go inside, children can dress up in period costumes, and you may even spot the owner fishing by the lake.

Explore Beautiful Villages

The Loire Valley’s villages are a lovely place to experience French village life. Every village has its unique charm, and many feature on the list of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Here are some of our favorite villages in the Loire Valley:

• Montsoreau

Listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, Montsoreau sits where the Loire and Vienne rivers meet. One of the highlights of Montsoreau is its Renaissance castle, built from the region’s signature white tuffeau stone. Interesting facts about Montsoreau Castle include that it inspired Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Lady of Montsoreau, and it houses a Museum of Contemporary Art, which frequently hosts exhibitions. If you’re visiting on the first Sunday of the month, you might enjoy the antique market along the river.

We think you'll enjoy exploring the village itself, with its flower-lined lanes and tranquil riverside setting.

• Montrésor 

At the heart of this beautiful village is its Renaissance castle, a bit of a hidden gem and one of our Senior Trip Planner Laura’s personal favorites. The castle is owned by the descendants of Xavier Branicki, a Polish count and friend of Napoleon III, who purchased it in 1849. One of its highlights is the winding staircase, which the Count bought at the World’s Fair in Paris in 1855. After exploring the castle, we recommend walking through the castle’s enchanting park.

The village of Montrésor has charming tuffeau (local limestone) houses, as well as a few troglodyte abodes (homes carved into cliffs or caves, which are typical of this region).

Take a stroll along a walking path by the Indrois River, where there are art installations you can discover along the way.

• Loches

Dominating the skyline, the Royal City of Loche is worth visiting for its historical significance. The oldest part is the citadel, which is encircled by 12th-century ramparts that protect key landmarks: the Royal Lodge, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours, and the donjon, which once served as both a royal residence and a prison.

Loches played a pivotal role during the reign of Charles VII, who divided his time between Loches and Chinon. It was here that Joan of Arc arrived after liberating Orléans to persuade Charles to claim the French crown at Reims. The castle was later home to Agnès Sorel, Charles’s influential mistress.

Visitors can use a tablet that shows how these spaces appeared during the medieval era.

• Chédigny

Chédigny is the only village in France that has been classified as a “Remarkable Garden” (Jardin Remarquable). It’s renowned for its lovely floral displays (over 1,000 rose bushes line the village) and the famous annual Rose Festival every May. 

Even if you’re not in France for the Rose Festival, it’s still worth visiting Chédigny to see and smell the roses.

Discover the Loire Region’s Towns

Some of our favorite towns of the Loire Valley include:

• Chinon

Where France Just For You’s founder Emilie grew up, Chinon is particularly known for its excellent red wines, medieval charm, and its fortress overlooking the Vienne River. Enjoy a wine-tasting in one of the town’s wine stores or caves.

• Tours

This is the largest city in the Loire Valley and a lively hub of history and culture. Visit the Place Plumereau in the Old Town of Tours, a picturesque square surrounded by beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy a meal or coffee on one of the cafe terraces.

Saint-Gatien Cathedral is a striking example of Gothic architecture, with its intricate stained glass windows, elaborate sculpted facades, and twin towers. For lunch, you’ll find some exceptional local delicacies at Les Halles covered market.

• Amboise

Enchanting visitors with its riverside setting and royal connections, Amboise is home to both Amboise Castle and Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence. We warmly recommend a visit.

• Saumur

Saumur is often referred to as the “Pearl of Anjou” and is famous for its white tuffeau stone buildings, the Cadre Noir horses, and wines. 

There are some very good dry and sweet whites from Saumur–look out for the ones made from 100% Chenin Blanc. Saumur is the second largest producer of sparkling wine in France after Champagne. We recommend trying the Crémant de Loire, the most important appellation.

Savor Loire Valley Food & Wine

The Loire Valley is one of France’s most celebrated wine regions. Wine lovers can:

• Enjoy a Riverboat Wine Tasting

If you book a tour of the Loire Valley with us, you’ll have the opportunity to taste some delicious Loire Valley wines on a traditional boat on the Loire Valley with wine expert and guide Daniel.

• Explore Local Wineries

From Muscadet and Chenin Blanc whites near the estuary to Cabernet Franc and Gamay reds in Chinon, the Loire Valley offers an impressive diversity of wines, making it an exceptional destination for wine enthusiasts to explore and savor. 

We have connections with various wineries and wine experts, such as Clothilde Pain’s winery, where you can enjoy tours and tastings. 

We’ll share all our best recommendations with travelers who book with us!

• Visit a goat farm

Foodies can try some excellent cheese at a goat’s farm and store just a few minutes’ drive from Chinon, on the way to Montsoreau. This is another hidden gem that we share with our travelers, where you can see the goats grazing outside, and then enjoy a delicious cheese tasting!

• Discover a mushroom cave

Mushroom farming is a tradition in the Loire Valley due to the troglodyte caves, which are a perfect environment for cultivating mushrooms. Furthermore, the Cadre Noir horses in Saumur provide the necessary fertilizer. 

If you like mushrooms, we recommend visiting Le Saut au Loup mushroom farm in Montsoreau. You can see the caves where button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms are grown. Then you can enjoy a meal made of stuffed galipettes in a troglodyte (cave) room. It’s a good idea to book in advance if you’d like to have lunch there.

Explore the Loire Valley’s Farmer’s Markets

You can try many of the delicacies mentioned above (and more) on market days at the local farmers’ markets. In the Loire Valley, these are typically open from Tuesday to Sunday in the morning from 9 AM to noon. Here are a few that we like:

• Tuesday: Bourgueil
• Wednesday: Loches
• Thursday: Chinon
• Friday: Amboise, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine
• Saturday: Azay-le-Rideau (small market)
• Sunday: Amboise, Langeais

Daily Market in Tours

In Tours, the Les Halles covered market is open daily (but only in the morning on Sunday). It offers a wide selection of the region’s finest produce. While prices may be on the higher side, the quality is exceptional and worth trying.

Cycle Along the Loire River

• The Loire à Vélo bike path offers an idyllic way to explore the region. The route is mostly flat, making it accessible for all fitness levels. Highlights include:
• Blois to Chambord: Begin in Blois and follow the bike path along the Loire River. Stop at charming villages like Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire before entering Chambord Castle’s expansive forest.
• Château-Hopping by Bike: Combine cycling with castle visits, creating a leisurely blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. We recommend the nicest cycling routes to our travelers, which we have tested ourselves!

Step Back in Time at Troglodyte Caves

The châteaux of the Loire Valley are crafted from tuffeau, the region’s creamy limestone, which has shaped the landscape in several ways. The extraction of tuffeau over centuries has created hundreds of caves with fascinating uses. 

In the 15th and 16th centuries, these caves supported Tours’ thriving silk industry by housing silkworms. Today, they serve a variety of purposes, from growing mushrooms—like those at Le Saut du Loup we mentioned above—to aging wine in the cool cellars scattered throughout the region. 

Some, such as Les Goupillères near Azay-le-Rideau, are even used as farms, while others have been transformed into troglodyte dwellings (cave homes), some of which date back to the 12th century and retain their original charm. These unique homes have become highly sought after in recent years.

If you have the chance, you might enjoy having lunch or dinner in one of the area’s troglodyte restaurants.

Best Time to Visit the Loire Valley

The best time to visit the Loire Valley is May, June, July, September, and early October, when the weather is pleasant and the gardens are in full bloom. Spring and autumn also offer fewer crowds, making it easier to enjoy the region’s attractions at a leisurely pace.

Plan Your Loire Valley Adventure

At France Just For You, we create customized self-drive tours that let you discover the Loire Valley and the rest of France at your own pace. 

From carefully selected French accommodations to insider tips on avoiding crowds, we ensure your trip is seamless and unforgettable.