Luxury Loire Valley Vacations
The Loire Valley is defined by its rich and intriguing history, where chateâux sit amongst pristine vineyards and storybook villages.
- Creative and unique itineraries, put together for you
- Private Loire Valley tours with expert guides
- In-depth knowledge of the French region from passionate experts
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The Loire Valley, nestled in the central region of France and just a brief train ride from Paris, is celebrated for its deep historical roots and the grand châteaux that once housed French royalty. This enchanting area is renowned for its exceptional wines and the stunning, verdant landscapes that surround its quaint towns. Visit for a mini break, as part of an itinerary around France’s winelands (Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne), or on a historical tour taking in Paris and Normandy.
The region invites visitors to explore its numerous Loire castle tours and engage in a variety of things to do in the Loire Valley. Whether you're planning a detailed Loire Valley itinerary or simply seeking a memorable Loire Valley trip, this destination offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an essential stop for any traveler.
Why plan a luxury vacation to the Loire Valley?
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a luxurious escape into the heart of France, where history and beauty blend seamlessly. And there are so many things to do in Loire Valley. Spanning from Orléans to Angers, this region is celebrated for its over 300 splendid châteaux nestled among vineyards and storybook villages. Each château, from the Renaissance marvel of Chambord to the enchanting "Ladies castle" of Chenonceau and the fairytale Azay-le-Rideau, tells a story of a thousand years of regal history.
Cities like Amboise, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence; Saumur, known for its National School of Horsemanship; and Tours, with its picturesque half-timbered houses, offer unique cultural experiences. The Loire Valley’s gentle landscape and relaxed pace are perfect for luxurious days spent exploring by boat or cycling scenic pathways between these historic sites, with opportunities for wine tasting and enjoying local delicacies like rich charcuterie and goats cheese.
The region’s colorful markets and the stunning Renaissance-style gardens of the Chateau de Villandry further enrich the travel experience, making the Loire Valley an ideal destination for those seeking a vacation filled with exploration, relaxation, and a touch of royal fantasy. Whether you're interested in Loire Valley tours, nature, history, or gastronomy, a Loire Valley trip promises a journey through a landscape of grandeur and grace.
Luxury Loire Valley Tours & Hotels
In the Loire Valley, the experience of staying in châteaux-turned-hotels transports guests into a fairytale. These historic castles, now luxurious accommodations, embody an enchanting blend of regal elegance and contemporary comfort, making visitors feel like royalty. Coupled with expertly guided Loire Valley tours, staying in these châteaux allows you to explore the region's storied past and picturesque landscapes.
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Things To Do in the Loire Valley, France
Explore the best things to do in Loire Valley with these carefully curated activities. From luxury castle tours and exclusive wine tastings to enchanting hot air balloon rides, each experience offers a unique way to delve into the region's rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you're wandering through grandiose châteaux or soaring above them, the Loire Valley is poised to offer unforgettable moments.
Things to do in Loire Valley
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Private Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Châteaux
Rise early for a magical hot air balloon ride over the majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley. Witness the serene beauty of the region from above as the sunrise illuminates the iconic structures. The experience concludes with a delightful breakfast and a ceremonial recognition of your flight, making it one of the most unique things to do in Loire Valley.
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Picnic in a Vineyard
Wine tasting is one of the highlights of a Loire Valley vacation, with it being home to some of the world’s best varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, as well as up-and-coming young winemakers reintroducing the world to once forgotten grapes. Once the wine tasting is complete though, settle into a lazy lunch among the vines with a luxury picnic. The Loire Valley isn’t short of idyllic picnic spots, but a table set up in the middle of nature is something to remember.
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Guided Tour of Loire Valley Castles
Set out from Paris on an immersive full-day tour to explore three renowned Loire castle tours. Visit Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, and marvel at the sophisticated Chenonceau spanning the River Cher. The tour culminates at the awe-inspiring Chambord, showcasing the grandest examples of French Renaissance architecture and making it a quintessential part of any Loire Valley trip.
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Loire River by Boat
The Loire River is the longest in France, linking the Loire Valley with pretty towns like Burgundy. You don’t need to go that far to enjoy the beautiful green banks of this part of France though. Go by day and enjoy a slow, sunny day onboard a wooden sailing boat, or opt for a boat ride accompanied by aperitif and sunset. The boatman will tell you tales of their lives in the Loire and the history of the sites you pass.
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Go Cycling
With excellent bike routes that span approximately 500 miles, Loire Valley cycling vacations are very popular. Routes go from Nevers on the Loire-Burgundy border to the Atlantic Ocean via the small seaside town of Saint Brévin. Cycle past châteaux and wineries stopping for wine tours and tastings. Scott Dunn’s team can help with routes, wine tasting bookings and bicycle hire.
- Private Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Châteaux
- Picnic in a Vineyard
- Guided Tour of Loire Valley Castles
- Loire River by Boat
- Go Cycling
Loire Valley Vacation FAQs
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Tours Loire Valley is often considered the best town to stay in due to its central location, making it an excellent base for Loire Valley tours. Amboise is a pretty town with a rich history, famous for its royal château and the Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's final residence, and Blois is another historical town with a stunning château and a picturesque old town. Then there is Saumur, also famous for its impressive château and the Cadre Noir, the French National Riding School.
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The best time to visit the Loire Valley is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). You should find that the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller than in the peak summer months, perfect for Loire Valley tours. Additionally, the gardens and vineyards are in full bloom, providing beautiful scenery.
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A stay of at least three to four days is recommended to fully enjoy the Loire Valley trip, allowing ample time to explore several châteaux, enjoy the local restaurants, and perhaps take a leisurely bike ride or boat trip along the Loire River.
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Yes, Tours is an excellent base for exploring the Loire Valley. It is very central, has good transport links (including a TGV station), a wide range of accommodation options, and plenty of restaurants and shops. From Tours, you can easily reach many of the major châteaux and attractions either by car, bike, or organized Loire Valley tours.
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The Loire Valley is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, but some of the most beautiful parts include Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, as well as villages along the Loire River, such as Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin, which are charming. Then there are the vineyards and gardens, particularly around towns like Saumur and Chinon.
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The fastest train from Paris to Loire Valley is one hour on the TGV to Tours. You can also get trains into Blois (1 hour 30), Amboise (1 hour 40) and Semur (2 hours 40).
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