The romantic Loire Valley invites history and wine lovers to stroll around its magnificent chateaux and vineyards. Its outstanding cultural landscape will make you want to wander for a few days along the river. Moreover, the Loire is home to charming villages where the French “art de vivre” has been kept to perfection. Discover our selection of best tours and places to stay in the region.
Top 3 Loire Valley Tours
Full-Day Loire Valley, Châteaux and Vouvray Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise
Discover the best of the Loire Valley with visits to the two renaissance châteaux of Villandry and L’Islette, and a winery visit in Vouvray. Start your tour at the stunning Château de Villandry, a Renaissance jewel ranking high in French heritage. During the tour, you will time-travel from Renaissance to life in France back in the 18th century. One of the highlights of your day will be the exploration of Villandry’s gorgeous formal gardens, a beautiful and delicately-manicured landscape masterpiece. The local expert will share all his knowledge of this garden à la française, and will show you hidden corners from where you will get the best views of this remarquable site: the ornamental kitchen garden, the love garden, the Maze, and the classical water garden
What we love: The must is definitely the royal feeling you get when you enter some sumptuous rooms at Chenonceau or the breathtaking views of Chambord from its park.
Price: 169€ per person
Half-day Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau and l’Islette Châteaux
Enjoy the delights of the French life of luxury with a visit to three different castles along the Indre and Loire rivers. Villandry is the last Renaissance Chateau built in the Loire Valley with a sober elegance of its architecture combined with its outstanding gardens. On the other hand, Azay-le-Rideau is a subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor. The last stop takes you to l’Islette which sheltered the love affair of the great sculptors, Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin.
What we love: The great diversity of each of the chateaux and the very appreciable glass of wine at the end of the trip make the difference.
Price: 89€ per person
Chinon afternoon wine tasting
Explore the Chinon wine route and its vineyards. Visit a splendid winery producing fine wines, meet the winemaker and participate in a wine tasting workshop to train your nose and palate identifying wine aromas. Discover the majestic royal fortress in the heart of the village, its historical half-timbered houses and mansions and an underground cave dug in the 10th century.
What we love: The aperitif made of local products shared with the guide and the winemaker at the end of the day make us leave with a smile.
Price: 82€ per person
Book your Chinon wine tasting tour!
Good to know: All these tours start from Tours. If you are staying outside the city, a hotel pick up can be organised at extra cost.
Top 3 Loire Valley Château Hotels
Château d’Artigny
This grand hotel is set in a large private estate in the heart of the Loire Valley. Every room is a tribute to the 18th century elegance and grandeur and offers pleasant views to the French garden, the Indre river or the park. Guests can focus on their wellbeing using the spa for a turkish bath, a swim or a massage. The impressive “Origan” restaurant serves gourmet dishes.
What we love: The hotel is home to a unique cellar filled with over 20,000 bottles: a paradise for wine lovers.
Price: from 150€ per night
Request a stay at Château d’Artigny hotel!
Château des Briottieres
Located in Anjou, north of Angers, this family-owned 18th century estate is considered one of the most impressive in the region. The owners, Hedwige and François de Valbray, devote their time to sharing their knowledge of the region with their guests. The château is an ideal base for a visit in the Loire Valley and also a relaxing place to unwind.
What we love: The “table d’hôte” offers a unique menu inspired by their family recipes.
Price: from 165€ per night
Request a stay at Château des Briottières hotel!
Château de Chargé
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, the Château de Chargé is a haven of peace and tranquility. Established in the 15th century, the hotel welcomes its guests in four different cottages, ideal for families. For over 350 years, from 1650 until 2006, the château used to produce its own wine. Henceforth, in order to preserve some kind of a tradition, the owners offer wine tastings including some of their own vintages and a wide range of local wines.
What we love: The visit to their vaulted cellars is breathtaking.
Price: from 200€ per night
Request a stay at Château de Chargé hotel!
All photo credit: Winerist Partners
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