Visiting the Loire Valley
Chateaux and Wine Country
Most people have heard something about the Loire Valley in France. Maybe you’ve seen photos of the magnificent castles that dot the countryside, or perhaps you enjoy drinking Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc or Crémant de Loire. Travelers to France tend to overlook this stunning region about 2 hours by train from Paris. If you decide to come here, you will surely be amazed at what treasures you will find in the Valley of the Kings.
The Loire Valley is known for its numerous castles, in fact there are over 300 of them! The two most famous chateaux are Château Chenonceau and Château de Chambord, which are about an hour drive away from each other. Other noteworthy castles that will delight history and horticultural lovers include Château Villandry (which showcases beautiful gardens,) Château du Clos Lucé (death place of Leonardo da Vinci), Château du Blois (Jean of Arc visited here in 1429) and Château d’Amboise (built on a hill above the Loire River).
Wine production is also very important in this region of France. It is the 3rd largest wine producing region and is the leading producer of white wines in France. Famous white wines from here include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre. Also, the popular Crémant de Loire, a sparkling wine, is produced in the Loire Valley. There are plenty of opportunities to taste these noteworthy wines, especially in the towns of Saumur, Vouvray and Touraine. Not only can you taste their numerous types of Loire Valley wines, but you can visit massive wine cellars, go on wine-tasting walks in the vineyards, take trips on traditional boats and stay in the vineyards. This area is truly a paradise for wine lovers!
Pleasant weather most of the year means an abundance of outdoor activities in the Loire Valley. Visitors can participate in cycling trips varying from 2 hours to 2 weeks, as there are more than 50 biking trails, plenty of picnic areas and of course beautiful scenery to gaze at and you ride by. Water activities such as kayaking, paddling and boating are popular on the rivers of the Loire Valley. For the more adventurous, balloon rides at sunrise or sunset have you soaring over the majestic castles and vineyards.
Once the sun sets, the fun doesn’t stop! Evening activities include fine dining, summer light shows and festivals throughout the region. The Loire Valley boasts 19 Michelin-starred restaurants and 17 Bib Gourmand establishments, in addition to innovative dining opportunities such as Ginguettes (traditional outdoor restaurants along the Loire River, often with live music) or Troglodyte restaurants (home cooked meals in the white tufa caves). Many castles host light and sound shows in the summer, which include historical shows, gardens filled with candles, light projections onto castles or classical music. Additionally the summer provides the perfect time for outdoor music festivals, such as the Terres du Son music festival that takes place every July at Châteaux de Bournand.
Whether it is wine, castles or outdoor activities that strike your fancy, this wondrous region will not disapoint. Come for the wine, stay for the chateaux!