The best months to visit the Loire Valley to have good weather are from April to October. Spring is a great time to visit the chateaux's gardens, all in full bloom. The best seasons for outdoor activities are spring or autumn. The shoulder seasons in the Loire Valley are perfect for walking and cycling.

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.

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.

Where should I stay when visiting the Loire Valley?

• Domaine des Hauts de Loire. Hotel, Lodge. ...
• Château de Pray. Boutique Hotel, Hotel. ...
• Oceania L'Univers Tours. Spa Hotel, Luxury. ...
• Domaine de la Tortinière. Hotel. ...
• Auberge du Bon Laboureur. Inn. ...
• Le Manoir les Minimes. Boutique Hotel. ...
• Château d'Artigny. ...
• Château La Prieure.

Visit Loire Valley - What to Know Before Your Visit The Loire Valley, France

Where can I base myself in the Loire Valley?

Staying CLOSE to the must-sees of the Loire Valley

If you want to see the region's most famous castles, Amboise or Cheverny will be the best places to stay in the Loire Valley. However, if you prefer a more urban setting, many Loire Valley tours depart from the lovely town of Tours.

What is the best part of the Loire Valley?

• Château de Chambord. Château de Chambord. ...
• Château de Chenonceau. Château de Chenonceau. ...
• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres. ...
• Bourges. Bourges. ...
• Château de Cheverny. Château de Cheverny. ...
• Azay-le-Rideau. Azay-le-Rideau. ...
• Château de Valençay. ...
• Orléans.

What is Loire Valley known 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.

Do you need a car in the Loire Valley?

You can do the Loire Valley without a car, but just like in most other parts of the world it takes more time and planning. Your choice of where to stay is more limited: to tour the Loire Valley properly without a car you need to be staying in Tours.

How do I plan a trip to the Loire Valley?

1. Rent a Car: The best way to see the Loire Valley is by renting a car: there's simply too much to see, & lots of distance between sights. ...
2. Decide How Many Days to Spend in the Loire Valley: Once you know this, you can decide how many chateaux you'd like to visit.

What is the difference between a château 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.

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. ...

Is Loire Valley hot in August?

This is the second warmest month of the year, its afternoons enjoying average high temperatures of around 22°C. During the night, the mercury drops to an average low of 12°C, which is cool, but still comfortable. The beginning of the month is typically the warmest period of the month.

How far is Loire Valley from Paris by train?

Known for its delicious wines and many beautiful chateaux, the Loire Valley is only a short train or car ride from Paris (110 miles/175 km). If you only have a few days to travel, this 8-day itinerary includes the highlights of Paris and the Loire Valley, with visits to Le Marais, organic vineyards, and castles.

Are Loire chateaux open?

Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Le Clos Lucé, Langeais, Loches, Villandry... all castles which are inextricably linked to French royalty. Nearly fifty Loire Valley chateaux are open to the public around the town of Tours.

What is not to miss 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.

Can you swim in the Loire river?

As, 'the last wild river of France', swimming in the waters of the Loire are discouraged and in some places banned altogether but safe swimming can be found in towns and villages on the banks of its tributaries.

Which wine is the Loire Valley most famous for?

The Loire Valley is often divided into three sections. The Upper Loire includes the Sauvignon blanc dominated areas of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. The Middle Loire is dominated by more Chenin blanc and Cabernet franc wines found in the regions around Touraine, Saumur, Chinon and Vouvray.

How do you pronounce Loire Valley in France?

Loire Valley – [luh-WAHR vah-lee] – Comprised of 87 appellations along the Loire River, from the Atlantic Ocean to Sancerre in central France.

Are there mountains in Loire Valley?

Not surprisingly it is a difficult one to answer as it depends largely on what you want to do and see on your visit to a region that offers so much in the way of options - we think in many ways it sums up diversity that is 'France' - even though we don't have the mountains or beaches (although one site's photograph on ...

What city is Loire Valley in?

Steeped in history, the towns and cities situated in the Loire Valley have plenty to offer! Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Angers and Saumur, Nantes and Saint-Nazaire all testify to the beauty of the valley, through castles and stately bridges spanning the Loire.

Where does the wine taste in Loire Valley?

3.To taste the Loire Valley wines in different ways: by night at the Chateau de Chenonceau, during a walk in the vineyards, or in the massive underground wine cellars.