The Loire Valley is an area in central France that follows the course of the Loire River from its source in the Massif Central to its mouth on the Atlantic Ocean. It has a rich and great history dating back to prehistoric times, and over the centuries, it has been home to some of the most powerful rulers in French history.
During the Middle Ages, the Loire Valley was the center of the Plantagenet dynasty, which ruled England and much of France. The region was also the site of many battles during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France.
The 16th century, the Loire Valley became a center of the French Renaissance, with many chateaux and palaces built along the river. The most famous of these is Chateau de Chambord, which was commissioned by King Francis I and is one of the largest chateaux in the region.
During the French Revolution, many of the chateaux and palaces in the Loire Valley were damaged or destroyed, and the region went into a period of decline. However, in the 19th century, the area experienced a renaissance as artists and writers were drawn to the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Today, the Loire Valley is a popular tourist destination known for its vineyards, historic chateaux, and picturesque countryside. In 2000, the region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its importance to French history and culture.
20 fun and best things to do in Loire Valley.
- Visit Château de Chambord – one of the largest and most iconic castles in the Loire Valley, known for its impressive Renaissance architecture.
- Tour the Château de Chenonceau – a stunning castle known for its beautiful gardens and unique bridge that crosses the River Cher.
- Explore the Château de Cheverny – a classic French castle with beautiful formal gardens, hunting grounds, and a kennel full of friendly hunting dogs.
- Walk the Jardins de Villandry – one of the most beautiful and well-known gardens in the Loire Valley, known for its stunning vegetable gardens, herb gardens, and ornamental flower beds.
- Visit the Château d’Amboise – a castle that served as a residence for several French kings, including Charles VIII, and is now a museum with beautiful views of the Loire River.
- Explore the Château de Chaumont – a castle with a rich history and beautiful gardens that host an international garden festival each year.
- Visit the Château de Blois – a castle with a rich history and a beautiful Renaissance architecture, known for its connection to several French monarchs, including Louis XII and Francois I.
- Take a scenic bike ride through the Loire Valley – explore the beautiful countryside and vineyards while cycling along the Loire River.
- Try a wine tasting – the Loire Valley is known for its production of high-quality wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.
- Visit the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans – an 18th-century saltworks that served as a model for the French Revolution’s ideals of reason and progress.
- Explore the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud – one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
- Walk through the Parc Floral de la Source – a beautiful park filled with a wide variety of flowers and plants, including roses, lilies, and tulips.
- Visit the town of Tours – the largest city in the Loire Valley and known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine.
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley – enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful countryside, vineyards, and castles from above.
- Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours – a museum with a rich collection of fine art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art from the 16th to 20th centuries.
- Explore the Maison de la Magie – a museum dedicated to the art of magic, featuring magic tricks, illusions, and the history of magic in France.
- Visit the Jardins de la Petite France – a beautiful park in Tours that is known for its stunning views of the Loire River and its historic architecture.
- Take a boat tour of the Loire River – enjoy a relaxing boat ride while admiring the beautiful scenery along the river.
- Visit the Basilique Saint-Martin – a beautiful basilica in Tours that is known for its rich history and stunning architecture.
- Explore the Royal Palace of Amboise – a beautiful palace that was once home to several French kings and queens and is now a museum.
10 places similar to Loire Valle and their locations.
- The Rhine Valley – Germany
- The River Thames Valley – England
- The Hudson River Valley – New York, USA
- The Napa Valley – California, USA
- The Yarra Valley – Victoria, Australia
- The Douro Valley – Portugal
- The Andalusian White Villages – Spain
- The Tuscany Region – Italy
- The Provence Region – France
- The Finger Lakes Region – New York, USA
