MTSZ
MTSZ térképportál
Turista Magazin
TuristaShop
Kéktúra
Gerecse50
A kéktúrázás napja
Loire Valley
The Centre Val de Loire is an emblematic region renowned for its majestic châteaux, 15 of which are considered "Grands Sites du Val de Loire", such as Chambord and Chenonceau. It was once the residence of the Kings of France, before Versailles. Nicknamed the Valley of the Kings and the Garden of France, it offers fertile land for growing fruit, vegetables and producing a variety of wines.
You can discover this region in an eco-responsible way by taking La Loire à Vélo, a 900 km cycling itinerary along the Loire, its vineyards and castles.
The Centre-Val de Loire region is promoted for its natural, cultural and gastronomic riches. In Berry, you'll find treasures such as private châteaux, hidden gardens, renowned vineyards and lively towns like Bourges. To the north, Chartres attracts visitors with its cathedral, and the Eure valley reveals authentic villages such as Maintenon.
It's up to you to discover all these treasures!
Destinations in the Loire Valley
Regions
Attractions in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley, nicknamed the "Garden of France", is an emblematic region steeped in splendor and legend. Famous for its sumptuous châteaux, renowned vineyards and gentle way of life, this enchanting valley is a veritable hymn to beauty and history.
The banks of the Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer an array of captivating landscapes, where swans glide gracefully on the shimmering waters and picturesque villages nestle among verdant hills. The Loire Valley, a veritable treasure trove of France, seduces and amazes travelers in search of wonder and discovery.
The Loire Valley: nature invites you to take your time....
The Loire Valley, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and natural beauty, offers a unique experience for nature lovers.
At the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site, the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park stretches over 277,000 hectares, offering varied landscapes rich in flora and fauna.
In Candes-Saint-Martin, where the Loire and Vienne rivers meet, it's a remarkable sight to see beavers at work. Nearby, the Parc naturel régional du Perche offers a bucolic landscape of wooded hills and small valleys, while the Parc naturel régional de la Brenne, nicknamed the the land of 1,000 ponds, is actually home to over 3,000 bodies of water, ideal for observing the local fauna, including the cistude, the park's emblem, and numerous bird species.
The Loire Valley is also renowned for its vast forested areas, such as the Sologne and Orléans forests, where in autumn, during the mating season, the stag's bellow resounds in all its power.
In the heart of the Valley of the Kings!
The high density of defensive fortifications stems from the Loire's historical importance: it was once a border river between the French heartland and the British-occupied territories to the north. Especially during the Hundred Years' War (1337 to 1453), numerous castles and fortresses were built.
Peace came, the fortresses were no longer needed - and therefore, since the beginning of the Renaissance, they were transformed into enchanting castles. Wealthy nobles settled in the scenic Loire Valley. The French kings from the House of Valois ruled the country not from Paris, but from their castles on the Loire.
THE VAL DE LOIRE, 1ST DESTINATION FOR BICYCLE TRAVEL IN FRANCE
Explore the Loire Valley through its hiking trails!
With 3,400 km of Grande Randonnée (GR) trails and 3,000 km of Grande Randonnée de Pays (GR de Pays) trails, our region offers an incomparable playground for hiking enthusiasts.
The mythical GR3, the sentier de la Loire, links Mont Gerbier de Jonc to the Atlantic Ocean over a distance of almost 1,300 km, allowing you to discover all the riches of the Loire Valley: emblematic towns, Loire fauna and flora, Châteaux de la Loire, vineyards and troglodytes.
As for the GR de Pays, they invite you to explore natural or cultural regions through multi-day loops. Immerse yourself in the unspoilt nature of the Loire Valley, and let yourself be enchanted by its varied landscapes and exceptional heritage.
Dare to try water sports to experience "another Loire Valley".
For total immersion in the enchanting atmosphere of the Loire, there's nothing like a water sports activity! Opt for a river cruise, a trip on a traditional boat, a canoeing excursion or a fishing trip, and let yourself be charmed by the flora and fauna of the Loire. Gourmets will be enchanted by a break in a guinguette, while bathing enthusiasts can cool off in one of the water parks or on the beaches along the banks of the Cher.
For the more sporty, canoeing, rowing or paddling offer a dynamic way to discover the Loire, whether on the Lac d'Eguzon, around castles such as Azay-le-Rideau or Chenonceau, or even in the heart of towns such as Chartres, Bourges or Châteauroux.
History buffs can embark on a traditional boat and relive the Loire's flourishing commercial past, while the curious can explore the Observatoire de Loire in Blois or the Maisons de la Loire to learn more about the rich maritime history and unique biodiversity of this majestic European river.
Gastronomy and wines of the Loire Valley
The food and wine of the Loire Valley is a treasure trove for culinary tourism enthusiasts. The region offers a palette of authentic flavors and local products, highlighting the richness of its terroir. Examples abound, from rillettes de Tours to lentils from Berry, inviting you on a gustatory journey to the heart of French tradition.
As for wines, the Loire Valley is a true paradise for wine lovers, with its picturesque vineyards and welcoming cellars. From elegant whites like Sancerre and Vouvray, to fruity reds like Chinon and Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, each cru tells a unique story of the region.
The vineyards also offer friendly tastings and guided tours, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the art of winemaking and savor the wine-making soul of the Loire Valley.
