Top Things to do in Loire Valley
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10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Loire Valley That You Shouldn't Miss
Old world villages and storybook chateaux bedeck the Loire, once fought over by Gauls, Romans, Visigoths and even Attila the Hun. Rent bikes and roll through the lush valley, visiting fortresses in Amboise and Angers, UNESCO-designated Chartres Cathedral and the Gothic cathedral in Nantes. Musee Jules Vernes houses replicas of inventions designed by the futuristic author. Pay respects to other former residents: the Romans in Tours, the cave dwellers of Touraine, and the liberator of Orleans, Joan of Arc.
Restaurants in Loire Valley
1. Chateau Gaudrelle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 160 reviews
At Chateau Gaudrelle, we produced Vouvray wine since 1931. You are welcome to visit our cellars (cave) and to enjoy a commented wine tasting. We produce still and sparkling Vouvrays which are now recognised as being amongst the very finest of the appellation.
Reviewed By SteveC218
We cannot say enough about our experience at Chateau Gaudrelle. We contacted Marion and she organized a tour and tasting for our group on VERY short notice, but that was only the first impressive moment. When we arrived at the Chateau Marion greeted us and was one of the friendliest and most knowledgeable people we have ever dealt with (and there have been MANY). Marion made us feel instantly at home as we did the tour of their cave and facility. Marion explained all of the growing and wine making processes in great detail and her love and passion for wine and this Chateau came through in everything she said and did. Our only regrets were we were near the end of our trip and could not have purchased more!!! We would like to thank Marion for a wonderful experience and applaud whoever runs this winery.
2. Cathedrale Saint-Gatien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,090 reviews
Reviewed By 590JackK - Lebanon, United States
While there are many sites to behold in the city of Tours, be sure to visit this cathedral. It took four hundred years to build, and was listed as an historic monument in 1862. Everything about it is astonishing to see, from the portals of the facade to the stained glass windows. The two towers each hold something significant in them: the north the royal stairs; the south the cathedral's bells. Aside from other Parisian-style gothic architecture, there are also the tombs of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's children, all in the south chapel. There are plentiful cathedrals to visit when visiting this region; I'd make this one of them.
3. Hotel Groslot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Reviewed By Tanmouss - Oslo, Norway
Its charm comes from the bricks on the facade, the woodwork inside and particularly the painted ceilings and walls. Some precious furniture to be seen as well. The visit is free of charge and takes a few minutes.
4. Chateau de Chambord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,668 reviews
Chambord is the emblem of the French Renaissance through Europe and the world. The Domain of Chambord is made up of the château, a village, farms and a wooded area. The domain of Chambord is completely enclosed within a wall, all 5,440 hectares of it. That’s the equivalent of the city of Paris! It is the largest enclosed forest in Europe. The entire site has been the property of the state since 1930; when the public estate was created, article 230 of the law dated 23 February 2005 stated that the possessions making up the domain were given over to it without restriction or exceptions.
Reviewed By 430fredg - Milton, Canada
Our group of travellers from Canada visited this incredible chateau on our recent tour of the Loire Valley. The Chateau de Chambord, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance, is famous for its double-story staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The chateau is linked with its natural forest surroundings and its 5440 hectares, while the Domaine is the largest walled estate in Europe, thirty-two km of walls. The staircase involves two spiral stairs that turn in the same direction but never meet. It took between twenty and thirty years to finish the construction of the chateau-eighteen hundred people worked at building it. There are 282 chimneys, 77 staircases and 32 apartments for friends of the king Francois the first, and his court. Although king Francis was responsible for creating the concept of Chambord Chateau, he himself only spent 72 days in it, and the building was eventually completed by King Louis IV. Use the headsets provided, as there is a historical treasure trove in the numerous rooms. Also walk around the gardens, they are very colourful and visually stunning.
5. Musee des Blindes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,336 reviews
Reviewed By ianj776 - Usk, United Kingdom
Situated near Saumur in the Loire Valley is this superb display of armoured fighting vehicles, some in full working order including the formidable Tiger 2. there are some 300 vehicles on display -all under cover, well presented and maintained.
6. Cathedrale Ste-Croix
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,703 reviews
Reviewed By LiamBateman - Greater London, United Kingdom
This is an amazing cathedral and very interesting to visit. Plus during the summer check out the amazing light and sound show at night.
7. Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,967 reviews
The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, masterpiece of the Renaissance. The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, built at the heart of Touraine under the patronage of François Ier, has all the charm of the Renaissance. Masterpiece of the 16th century architecture, it rises up on an island designed by the river Indre and is surrounded by a romantic 19th century park. The château has some prestigious historical decorations telling about its 4 centuries of history. It also has some sumptuous collections of items, tapestries and furniture. To be discovered : - On the ground floor : restoration of the 19th century decoration and atmosphere. - On the first floor : an immersion at the heart of the Renaissance, the great hall and its period furniture, as well as the restoration of a Renaissance chamber, whose walls are fully made of bullrushes braids. - The Pressoir (former press room), an interpretation center reachable by everyone in order to know more about the château. - The romantic park of 8ha with many points of view on the château and its water mirrors.
Reviewed By Bheathen
This is a lovely building with (of course) an interesting history, and offers plenty of explanatory material in English. Most of the chateau is open to the public. Apart from the main bedrooms and the huge rooms for entertaining, you can visit the attic level where the astonishing roof structure is on view.. The chateau, right on the river, is only metres from the village centre, and is surrounded by splendid trees and spacious parkland. Certainly well worth a visit.
8. Caves Louis de Grenelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Situated at 12m underground in the centre of Saumur, the Louis de Grenelle wine cellars have been producing, in the purest tradition, Cremant de Loire and Saumur Brut ever since 1859. In this former tufa quarry, you will discover the secrets of traditional wine-producing methods. After the guided tour there will be a commented wine-tasting session. You will also be able to discover wine in a wine-dedicated space.
9. Le Cadre Noir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,140 reviews
Reviewed By 959billm - Berwick upon Tweed, United Kingdom
We had a fantastic look around last week - a really knowledgeable guide who spoke excellent English and took a great deal of time to discuss horses with my granddaughter who is a very proficient and experienced dressage rider It's a absolute must place to visit if you are in the area even if you are not a Horsey person
10. Musee du Compagnonnage
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