Plan a trip to Loire Valley

The magical region was popular with the French royal families, especially during the Medieval and Renaissance periods, and they left a great legacy of magnificent palaces, chateaux, gardens, and parks. Originally built as strongholds of all sizes, each chateau had distinct architectural embellishments, towers, countless number of rooms, winding staircases, small bridges, and hidden paths in the surrounding forests.

The impressive architecture, each with a history of its own, has stood the test of time. The magnificent palaces contain stories and spells from the past, and, for those who will listen, tell of a history filled with upheavals, battles, conspiracies, great loves, betrayals, artists and their creations, and adventure. Innumerable events and sagas took place here over the centuries – intriguing tales involving kings and queens, princes and princesses, and even commoners. Give these charming palaces the respect and time they deserve and then enjoy the views and hidden cultural traces in every corner.

The Loire Valley is a popular destination for tourists – not only for lovers of palaces and history but also for those who want to rest, enjoy, and escape from everyday life. The region is full of beautiful nature and landscapes centered around the River Loire, the longest river in France. The river itself offers many opportunities for water sports and activities such as kayaking, fishing, and canoeing.

While there is no shortage of chateaux in France, the Loire Valley has the densest collection with over 300 in the 175-mile stretch of land. They range from fortified castles from the 10th century to spectacular residences built hundreds of years later. Most chateaux were designed with beautiful surrounding gardens and some even had elaborate churches on the grounds or within the chateaux.  

Many of these chateaux are now privately owned, and the contemporary rich and famous have left their imprint there. While some serve as homes, others are open to tourists as bed-and-breakfasts. The grandest, like those in Chambord, are owned and managed by the government and have become major tourist sites. Other outstanding chateaux include Blois, Chaumont, Amboise, Chenanceaux, Chinon, Château de Langeais, and Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. You’ll find details about each one separately.

One of the area’s most famous historical residents is Leonardo da Vinci, who was also buried in the Loire Valley. The story goes that, in 1516, at the invitation of King Francois I, da Vinci arrived in France to be the painter to the monarchy. The king gave him a house in Amboise, near the royal summer palace, on the banks of the Loire. The house was called the Chateau du Clos Luce, and it was here that da Vinci came up with his most innovative inventions. Leonardo died in Amboise and was buried in the Church of St. Florentin. The church was destroyed during the French Revolution, and thus his burial place was lost.

Da Vinci's house, which has been rebuilt, remains one of the Loire Valley’s most popular tourist sites. The house includes a lovely exhibition of the genius’s inventions and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the royal Castle of Amboise.

There are also magical cities in the Loire Valley such as Nantes with its historical landmarks and contemporary attractions. Nantes is known for the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Cathedral of St. Paul and St. Peter, museums, and its vineyards which produce Muscadet white wine. It is also home to Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a world of fantasy located in a vintage shipyard, which is inspired by Jules Vernes’ novels, Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, and the industrial history of Nantes. One of the main attractions is the Great Elephant, a giant mechanical elephant 39 feet by 26 feet, which can take up to 49 passengers for a 45-minute walk.

Orleans is the charming capital of the region, located on the banks of the Loire River. Legend has it that Joan of Arc saved the city from the English siege in 1429, and the event is celebrated with an annual festival. The Maison de Jeanne d’Arc, a recreation of the house where she spent the battle, features multimedia exhibits about her life.

South of Orleans is the quaint medieval village of Sancerre which, in addition to its breathtaking beauty, is surrounded by 742 acres of vineyards that produce the renowned wines of the Loire Valley.

This area is also known for its excellent cuisine which is based on a large variety of meats, delicious sausages, and exceptional cheeses- mainly from sheep's milk. If you’re looking for something sweet, indulge in the renowned, traditional macarons de Cormery. And let’s not forget the wines which accompany the meal from start to finish. In short, the Loire Valley is a food connoisseur’s paradise.

Palaces, gardens, forests, breathtaking views, glorious history, conspiracies, and countless anecdotes will accompany you as you explore the area by car, bicycle, or foot – on your own or with your family. With everything in abundance, from palaces that recreate history to breathtaking gardens, gourmet meals to delightful wines, galleries to charming hotels, the Loire Valley is an outstanding vacation destination.