France has long been a popular vacation spot with holidaymakers worldwide, and the Loire Valley is a great example of what makes France such a wonderful place to visit.
Termed ‘the garden of France’ because of its rolling green landscape, the Loire Valley has loads to offer no matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for. Here are just some of the many great reasons why you should consider it for your next trip to Europe.
Landscapes
One thing the Loire Valley is notorious for is its stunning scenery. From the landscaped gardens of the region’s châteaux to the rolling vineyards and quaint villages dotted along the Loire River, there is green as far as the eye can see.
Bicycle tours are the perfect way to explore the area, allowing you to take in the magnificent natural beauty and romance of the Loire Valley. It’s also an ideal spot for hikers or those wanting to take a boat trip or cruise.
History and Culture
The architecture of France’s castles and châteaux is world-renowned, and the Loire Valley is a great place to see them in person. Don’t miss the Azay-le-Rideau, which looks like something straight out of a Disney movie, or the Chaumont-sur-Loire with its 300 chimneys and beautiful grounds.
The city of Tours is considered the gateway to the Loire Valley, and here you’ll find a historic old town, Place Plumereau.
It has a plethora of 15th-century renaissance buildings, many of which have been converted into cafés and bistros, where you can sit beneath a striped umbrella and watch the world go by as it might have done centuries before.
Tours also has art centres, museums and a grand Gothic cathedral that are all well worth a visit.
Food
No vacation to France would be complete without indulging in the world-renowned delicacies of French cuisine.
Foodies will be delighted by what the Loire Valley has to offer, including vibrant food markets that sell freshly picked local fruit and veg, such as juicy tomatoes and perfectly ripe strawberries.
Freshwater fish is also a staple of the local cuisine, typically served with a French sauce such as beurre blanc to help bring out the delicate flavors.
If it’s cheese you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed. Goat cheese is particularly popular in this region, and it pairs perfectly with locally produced wines.
You could even join one of the many food tours on offer, with everything from prize-winning chocolatiers to Michelin-starred restaurants, foodies are truly spoiled for choice when visiting the Loire Valley.
Wine
Loire is world-famous for its wines and has a rich history dating all the way back to the Romans in the 1st century! The valley is particularly well-known for its dry white wines, such as Sancerre and Chenin Blanc and it also ranks second in sparkling wine production in France.
No trip to the region would be complete without a visit to one of the many vineyards or a wine-tasting tour. There are so many to choose from, so whether you fancy exploring a labyrinth of underground tunnels and wine cellars, learning traditional wine-making techniques or picnicking among the vines, there’s something to suit every taste. Speaking of tastes, during most wine tours in the Loire Valley, you can expect to sample at least two to three wines, with a sommelier on hand to help you make the most of your experience.
