13 Fun Things To Do In The Loire Valley, France
The small towns of central France make the perfect family vacation destination. Check out our list of the best things to do in the Loire Valley.
With so many beautiful places to visit in France, it’s no wonder it’s tough to choose one destination. But trust us - the Loire Valley should be at the top of your French bucket list.
This region sits slightly northwest of the center of France. It received its name for its location along the Loire River. And at just over 2 hours from Paris, it’s easy to get to.
Yet, it’s close proximity doesn’t mean it’s overly touristy.
Likely because France has so many iconic spots, the Loire Valley seems to somehow fly ever so slightly under the radar. Yes, many people come to the area to see all it has to offer. But, it doesn’t quite get the attention of the French Riviera beaches or the lavender fields of Provence.
That sweet spot between oh-so-vacation-worthy yet still relatively small, makes the Loire Valley authentically French. (I may have had to remind myself a few times that I wasn’t in New York City when we were in Paris. But, that was definitely not the case in the Loire Valley.) The region has an unspoiled culture and uniquely French feel.
Even with its small-ish vibe the towns of the Loire Valley offer a ton to see and do.
I’m listing 13 of our favorites right here.
Stay In A Castle.
So, first things first.
You have to have a place to call home base while visiting a new destination.
None is quite as special as a castle.
The region offers a variety of accommodations in castles, or chateaux (yes, the two mean essentially the same thing). And staying in one ups the ante on experiencing the beauty of the area.
Castle stays provide boutique style lodging in estate manors that were once owned by nobility or the wealthy class. Some properties tout having famous guests in the past. Others have storied histories of the families who once lived there.
We chose Les Hauts de Loire for our stay and we loved everything about it. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. The rooms were charming and absolutely beautiful. And the grounds were immaculate, with the most wonderful character.
Château d’Artigny and Chateau de Pray are also worth checking out. They both receive excellent reviews and provide the castle experience that makes a stay unique.
Or, for even more options, check out the Hotel Guru’s list of 20 Loire Valley chateau hotels HERE.
2. Visit chateaus.
While some chateaus are available for us common folk to stay in, others were once houses for kings and queens only. Even though you might not be able to call them home for the night, visiting them is a “must-do” in the Loire Valley.
With 426 rooms, Château de Chambord is the king of all castles. As such, touring the inside of it requires a full day. Even if your plans don’t involve touring the rooms, exploring the grounds and vendors located outside are worth a stop.
Château de Chenonceau is perhaps one of the most photographed chateaus in all of France. And it’s no wonder why. It features an over-water, awe-inspiring, arched design.
Château de Cheverny is another fan favorite, but not just because of its beauty. It also is home to over 100 hounds kept on property, several gardens, and a maze. The home has always been lived in and was one of the first private homes to open to the public.
Château Sully-sur-Loire, Château de Amboise, and Château Royal de Blois are just a few of the other castles worth a visit. Each offers its distinct take on grand dwellings with storied and interesting pasts.
3. Go on a Segway Tour in Amboise.
My kids and I had been eying up Segway tours for years prior to our family vacation to France. But, in the U.S., most companies require kids to be older to rent them. In France, restrictions tend be more lax.
Our 11-year-old was the youngest on our private Segway tour and she did great. With a qualified tour operator in the smaller city of Amboise and wearing helmets, we all felt safe. (However, of course, use your own discretion.)
Your tour will acquaint you with the history of the town and introduce you to the highlights. You’ll see panoramic views high above the city as well as small cobblestoned streets.
4. Take a Bike Tour in Cheverny.
The French countryside is fantastically bike friendly. Loire Valley tours done via cycles are perfect for seeing a lot of what the area offers.
Dedicated bike lanes and paths mean touring by bike is a popular thing to do here. However, you’ll still feel like you have the place to yourself thanks to the country setting.
Not sure you’re up for a strenuous ride? Several companies offer e-bike tours to give you that extra help navigating through the terrain.
We used WineCyclingTours.com and couldn’t have been happier with our experience. Our guide was native to the area and shared what he knew about his hometown. The company also offers multi-day tours in addition to one-day excursions.
5. Sample French food.
It’s no secret that France is known for its food. And nowhere is that highlighted more than the restaurants of the Loire Valley.
Your concierge is a great source for helping you find the perfect spot for sampling French cuisine. He or she will ask if you prefer a gastronomy meal. This means a more tradition, several course, French meal, often with a Michelin rating. The other option is a slightly more casual experience.
Strolling streets like the Rue de Grand Marche in Tours to find a restaurant is a wonderful choice too. This street houses small restaurants, often with one server and a chef in the back. It also features tents for dining outside.
Orléans is another beautiful place to explore for a meal, as is the cobblestoned village of Blois. Both offer quintessentially French dining experiences.
6. Relax at a French spa.
France’s calm, cool, and collected culture and affinity for beauty makes it a fitting place for enjoying a spa day.
Many resorts and chateaux in the Loire Valley have on-site spas.
The opulent Château d’Artigny in Touraine is the epitome of grand hotels and spas. The 56 room hotel houses a beautiful spa area, featuring body scrubs, facial treatments, and massages.
In Blois, the Sisley Spa at the Fleur de Loire hotel is a gorgeous, modern space. It offers treatments focusing on the belief that a local approach in essential. And it’s open to both overnight and day guests.
The Château de l'Epinay is another wonderful option. It’s located in the space that was once the bakery of the 15th century chateau. Day guests and hotel guests can enjoy access to the sports facilities, jacuzzi, steam room, and treatment areas.
Several day spas also dot the area. Locals and concierges can recommend hidden gems that are sure to whisk away the jet lag and sore muscles.
7. Walk through the small towns of the Loire Valley.
Even though the Loire Valley is only a few hours from Paris, it’s a world away in terms of small town ambiance. The region’s town’s feel authentically French, both historical and modern in the same breath. Exploring the centers of town, often flanked by, you guessed it, chateaus, can’t be missed. Doing it on foot is the best way to take in all the nooks and crannies.
Amboise, Blois, and Saumur aren’t just our favorites. In their post on things to do in the Loire Valley, Frommer’s names them as great home base options too. (Tours and Orleans make the list as well.) All of these Loire Valley towns have cute cafes, small shops, and charm on every narrow alleyway.
In those small towns, all of the major sites can be reached by walking. Yet, each has its own character.
Le Château du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home, is one of the highlights in Amboise. In Blois, Robert-Houdini’s House of Magic makes for a fun stop. And in Saumur, several unique museums are worth visits.
8. Taste Loire Valley wines.
France is synonymous with great wine. And in the Loire Valley, sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, and rosé steal the show.
Turns out this show has the best setting. That’s because many wineries are located in or near the chateaus for which the area is famous.
Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord are just a few regal settings that house wineries. Here, as well as in lots of other locations, world-class wines can be enjoyed in the noble residencies that make the area unique.
Other settings, like the one found at Château de la Ragotiere’s may not be quite as large but are none-the-less spectacular.
You’ll find literally thousands of wineries in the region though. So, if you need even more help narrowing them down, check out Winetourism.com’s pick of the 10 best wineries HERE.
Things to do in Loire Valley, France
9. Explore Amboise caves.
Speaking of great settings for vineyards and wineries…
Caves located throughout the region also house cellars as well as private dwellings. The troglodyte caves that are open to the public make interesting architecture to view and fascinating places to explore.
One of our favorite spots was Caves Ambacia, a cellar dating back to the fifth century. Located in the banks of the river, it gives guests the opportunity to see wines hundreds of years old. Tastings and wines for purchase are also available.
Other caves in and around Amboise house museums, restaurants, shops and even hotels.
Logis Hôtel Demeure de la Vignole, for example, is an 18th century residence outside of Saumur. Guests can stay in one of the rooms carved out of the stone.
Located near the town of Bourre, La Magnanerie is a residence and silkworm farm that allows tourists to visit. Tours provide guests an opportunity to see what it’s really like to live in a cave.
Read more about visiting the troglodyte caves of the loire valley HERE.
10. Check out cathedrals in Tours.
Like the whole of France, the Loire Valley has a fascinating religious history. The entire region’s past is largely rooted in Catholicism. But in the 16th century, religious wars occurred between the Huguenots, or Protestants, and French Catholics. This resulted in millions of deaths as well as the abandonment and plundering of many centuries.
Yet, the structures of many of the cathedrals and churches remained standing. They were later restored and today a large number are open to the public.
Saint-Gatien Cathedral, for example, was built during the 13th and 14th centuries and has remarkable Gothic characteristics. The tomb of the children of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII, which dates back to 1500, is also housed inside.
Basilique Saint Martin was destroyed during the French Revolution but rebuilt in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It’s dedicated to the sacrifice of Saint Martin, a monk who lived 1700 years ago and who tirelessly spread the Gospel. The Basilica was built over his tomb and continues to be in operation today for both parishioners as well as the public.
For more on the life of Saint Martin, guests can visit the former Marmoutier Abbey. Situated on a picturesque cliff, Marmoutier features Romanesque and Gothic styles. The site has been occupied since the 4th century, and since 1981, the city of Tours has been the owner of the land. Guests can see the abby and many of the preserved buildings on a guided tour.
11. Picnic in Chitenay.
Ok, so you don’t specifically need to choose the tiny town of Chitenay to whip out your wicker basket.
But, the point is the serene landscapes of this part of France are ideal places to escape the crowds. Pack a bottle of wine and some food. And enjoy it all out in the sunshine.
Several local tours include picnic stops. Or you can pick a place on THIS list of the top spots to picnic in the Loire Valley.
12. Check out art in Chaumont-sur-Loire
Even art is served with a hefty side of “castle” in the Loire Valley. That’s because some of the most interesting art can be found at Chaumont-Sur-Loire. In fact, Condé Naste seems to agree that exploring the art here is one of the best things to do in the Loire Valley.
Each year, renowned artists and photographers are invited to create work in the castle and on the grounds. Some pieces stay past one season while others are rotated.
The contemporary pieces add a unique way to see the chateau.
13. Hike the countryside and Gardens in Onzain and Other Towns.
We’ve covered biking and Segwaying your way around central France. But, sometimes putting one foot in front of the other is the best way to see the area.
Hiking in the Loire Valley entails walking the paths traversed by both nobility and everyday citizens for centuries. Many chateaux are surrounded by trails that make breathtaking hikes.
The small towns and meandering countryside also provide great opportunities for hikes and walks. From flat riverside towpaths to sloping hillsides, there’s a little something for everyone. And hiking the area makes it easy to see why the land is known as the Garden of France.
Your resort concierge or the staff at many chateaux can direct you to a great path. Or visit AllTrail’s list of Loire Valley hikes to get you started.
