The magnificent region of the Loire Valley, known as the `Garden of France`, traditionally the hunting grounds of the Kings of France, is renowned for its gentle countryside, vineyards, forests, rivers and numerous chateaux. At the centre of this region are the regal river Loire and its numerous tributaries, attractive historic towns and cathedral cities such as Tours, Blois and Chinon and of course the chateaux. The chateaux range from vast palaces to fortresses, from mediaeval strongholds to Renaissance delights and include the well known ones of Chenonceaux, Chambord, Villandry and pretty Azay le Rideau. The vineyards offer great variety from sparkling Vouvray to the reds of Chinon and Bourgueil. Our `Loire Valley` covers the central region of Touraine and the more westerly region of Anjou as well as taking in a more southern part that extends towards Poitiers. The visitor to the Loire Valley is embraced by seemingly endless amusements whatever the time of year, enticing for longer stays and so well situated for overnight stops or short breaks.
Local highlights
Cultural highlights include wines and wine vinegars, wild mushrooms - (visit the mushroom museum), the Troglodyte caves, and local art exhibitions. Festivals: Son et Lumiere in the chateaux in the summer months. Summer festival in Chinon in August. Click here for more travel details.
Climate. Month Average air temperatures in Centigrade: Jan 7.8, Feb 6.8, Mar 10.3, Apr 16.1, May 16.4, Jun 23.6, Jul 25.8, Aug 24.5, Sep 21.1, Oct 16.2, Nov 11.2, Dec 7.0. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.
Travel arrangements
How to get there
Self-drive: Journey of about 6 hours' from Calais, motorway all the way or perhaps with an overnight stop in Normandy, perhaps at the Auberge de l'Abbaye (FE19) or the Auberge de la Source (FE57) if you want to take the country roads. Another recommendation is to take an overnight sailing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Le Havre or Caen and then you will reach the area in time for lunch. A late afternoon ferry back is then convenient for the last day. By Air: Airports at either Nantes or Paris. It is possible to fly with British Airways (operated by GB Airways) into Nantes from London.