Self-drive tours in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley Castles Tour

Perhaps one of the most magnificent things you’ll see during your time here are the freestone chateaux strung out along the Loire river. These include the Château de Chambord, the Château d'Amboise, the Château de Chenonceau and Chinon Castle, all showcasing the greatness of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. 

Officially there are about 42 castles, also known as the Chateaux de la Loire. However, if you are ready to venture away from the Loire River, you’ll discover hundreds of architectural gems that have remained unknown to most travelers. This magnificent region will take you back to a more romantic time, characterised by balls, banquets, and power struggles. 

Embark on a Loire Valley castles tour and feel like Kings and Queens walking up and down the spiral staircases and along the tapestry galleries, royal bedrooms, and large courts and gardens.

Many Experiences in the Loire Valley

However, our Loire Valley self-drive tours are not only about castles. There are plenty of other activities here that can make your trip even more special: hot air balloon rides, wine tasting, outdoor activities (such as kayaking or cycling along the Loire River), enjoying the tantalising array of local food and so much more. 

For something a bit more relaxed, visitors are encouraged to go for a wander off the beaten track, following the twists of the Loire River as it winds between breathtaking chateaux, vineyards, beautifully manicured gardens and dense forests...which makes it a very romantic destination in France.

The Loire Valley wine tours are also quite a must try and we will be happy to include one to your road trip to the Loire region if you wish.

The Loire Valley Map

The most interesting part of the Loire region - also known as Castle Country - spreads along the Loire River from Blois (upstream) down to Saumur.

In 2000, the Loire Valley was listed as a UNESCO protected site for its natural beauty from Sully sur Loire to Chalonnes. The area envelops the remarkable cities of Tours, Orléans, Blois, Saumur and Chinon and of course the castles of the Loire Valley such as the Chateau de Chambord, the Chateau de Chenonceau and many more. 

• Northern Loire Valley

The most famous and most visited sites of the Loire Valley are in the North-East part of the region, closer to Paris. Chambord and Chenonceau are in constant battle with each other for the title of ‘the most visited site of the region’ with about 800,000 visitors a year. Due to their popularity, we provide some tips on how to see these gorgeous places whilst avoiding the crowds as much as possible on our Loire Valley tours.

Less famous but still fascinating is Cheverny castle. This chateau inspired Belgian comic book creator Hergé to design Moulinsard castle, which featured in The Adventures of Tin-Tin. It is one of the few places where you can see hunting hounds (still hunting in the Sologne woods) and the castle is sure to blow you away as its interiors are exceptionally well preserved. Chaumont castle has also gained fame for its annual International Garden Festival, which brings together and delights flower lovers from all over the world.

Amboise is one of the easiest base camps from which to explore the Northern Loire Valley on our self guided tours. The city itself is charming and has a beautiful castle, the Clos Lucé – where Leonardo Da Vinci lived in the last years of his life.

It also has some nice restaurants and a vast array shops. Amboise is also the home of the best chocolate and pastry maker in the whole region as well as a relatively unknown cellar where you can choose from a staggering selection of old wines (you might even be able to buy a bottle of Loire Valley wine from the year you were born).

Getting to the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is very easy to reach from Paris. From downtown Paris or CDG Airport, the Loire is only around 3 hours by car. With a quick stop somewhere to stretch your legs, it will be an easy journey. The Loire is also only 1hr on the High Speed Train (TGV) from Paris - however it is difficult to get automatic cars in Tours and therefore we usually recommend that our travelers pick up a rental car in Paris. 

For those who want to see several different regions, the Loire Valley is just a 3 and half hour drive from the Normandy Landing Sites and the Bordeaux Vineyards. For those who want to continue their trip by heading to Provence, there are some direct trains from Tours to Avignon in Provence. 

Loire Valley Accommodations : Hotels, B&Bs, Castles

The Loire Valley is a popular region of France and, unless you are just there on a day trip from Paris, you will be able to choose from a selection of fantastic local accommodations. The most famous hotels are located in Blois, Amboise and Tours, right in the middle of the best-known areas.

We have selected accommodations away from the crowds - mostly Bed & Breakfasts and boutique hotels - in the Loire region so our travelers can feel at home. You will have the opportunity to interact with the locals and be perfectly located to explore the region on your Loire Valley driving tour.

For those who dream about staying in a French chateau, we have handpicked a few chateau hotels so your dream can finally become a reality. For one night (or several) you will feel like the Kings and Queens of France!

Castle accommodation in the Loire Valley

What to do in the Loire Valley

Now it’s time to talk about the most famous Loire Valley castles. There are certainly some that should take priority on your Loire Valley castles tour. We live in the Loire region and are therefore well positioned to recommend the best castles in the region, both on and off the beaten track. Let us know what interests you and we will design a schedule that matches your wishes for your Loire Valley driving tour. 

Do you like medieval or Renaissance castles? Or are you more interested in religious sites such as chapels, churches, abbeys and cathedrals? Perhaps you would rather spend your time on a visiting wineries, cheese producers and restaurants? We love sharing the best our region has to offer with foreigners so tell us what interests you and let us do the rest.

Castles, Castles... but not only Castles...

For history or heritage lovers, the Loire Valley is pretty much Heaven on earth. If you would like to see some of our favorite Loire Valley castles, you check our Loire castles pictures.

However, the Loire Valley has much more to offer than just its castles. We will make sure your daily itineraries are varied and balanced so you won't get overwhelmed with French history.

Brézé Castle in the Loire Valley

• Gardens in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley hosts some of the most beautiful gardens in France. The French style gardens at the Chateau de Villandry are pristine and a true marvel. But garden lovers can also tour many other sites such as Valmer, Candé or St Cosme and be really surprised by the quality of the gardens. Mixing art and gardening, the International Garden Festival in Chaumont sur Loire is also a great day out. 

Villandry Gardens in the Loire Valley

• Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley

For wine lovers and connoisseurs, a driving tour of the Loire Valley will be an unforgettable experience. Vineyards line the road and stretch out as far as the eye can see. An impressive range of wines can be found in this region, from the red wines of Chinon to the sparkling white wines of Vouvray.

We have selected several wineries to include in our Loire Valley tours where visitors can enjoy wine tours with a qualified English-speaking winemaker or sommelier. White wines from Saumur or Montlouis, rosés from Anjou or red wines from Chinon, Bourgueil or Touraine are all on offer, so sip away until you find the one you like best.

Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley - ©Stevens Frémont

You can enjoy simple wine tastings, or advanced wine and cheese pairings where you may match the local wines with some local delicacies. Most of the tastings take place in the wine cellars where the wines are aged. You will enjoy an authentic ambiance while you sample these regional specialties.

If that’s not enough, you can also go on a private Loire Valley wine tour with a passionate wine guide who will take you to several wineries for a unique wine experience. The program can be tailor-made according to the type of wine you like. Don't worry - we will arrange for a driver to take you back to your B&B. 

If you like wine, we can organize a tour of the wine regions of France. 

• Loire à Vélo Bike Tour

The Loire Valley is a flat region offering pleasant biking trails along the Loire River and its tributaries. Many of the Loire Valley castles are quite close to each other and easily reachable by bike so this is a great way to get outside and see the best of the region. 

"Loire à Vélo" was recently created to offer trails along the Loire River, designed to allow cyclists an easy passage from Blois to Nantes.

For those who are particularly interested in cycling holidays, we have a great full day biking tour along the Loire River. We provide you with all the information you need to make the most of this beautiful route.

Biking along the Loire River - ©David Darrault

The Loire Valley Cuisine

The Loire is not just about wine. The Loire River has always been a means of transportation, especially in the past centuries. This has made the Loire cuisine very rich and varied, as it has benefitted from the commerce relations that have always existed in the area.  

You can learn more about the fouées, the rillettes or poires tapées checking the Loire Valley Gastronomy page.  

Rillettes de Tours - ©Stevens Frémont

FAQ about the Loire Valley

• How many days do I need in the Loire Valley ?

It really depends on what you wish to do. As a very minimum you need 3 full days (4 nights) to be introduced to the castle's country.

A good average is about 5-7 nights to cover some of the most known places and also hidden gems. 

We can also plan 2 full weeks in the Loire Valley and guarantee that you won't get bored. 

• What is the best time to visit the Loire Valley ?

Our favorite months to go on a road trip to the Loire Valley are May, June, July and September.

• What is the Loire Valley best known for ?

The Loire region is first known for its amazing castles. However, going on a self-drive tour to the Loire region you will figure out that it has a condensed taste of France: gorgeous gardens to stroll, amazing cuisine and delicious wines, lots of restaurants in lovely towns, huge history, many outdoor activities...a lot to keep travelers happy.