Castles
Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise - the majestic residences of the French kings of the Renaissance
Wine region · France
Loire Valley
Royal Renaissance castles and elegant white wines in the heart of France
Region
About the region
The Loire Valley is France's longest wine region, stretching 280 kilometers along the Loire River. Some of the best white wines in the world are produced here, including the legendary Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
The region is famous not only for its wines, but also for its magnificent Renaissance castles. It is the perfect combination of cultural heritage, wine culture and gastronomic traditions.
Wine
Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Vouvray, Muscadet - some of the best white wines in the world
Nature
Picturesque Loire River, hillside vineyards and manicured castle gardens
Gastronomy
Goat cheeses, rillettes from Tours, tarte Tatin and gourmet cuisine of the valley
What to see
Main attractions
From royal castles to vineyards, discover the best of the Loire Valley
Click a marker or card: they are linked.
Castles
Chateau de Chambord
The largest castle in the Loire Valley with a unique double spiral staircase
- Da Vinci’s staircase
- 440 rooms
- Hunting Grounds
CastlesChenonceau Castle
An elegant castle built over the Cher River - "Ladies' Castle"
- Bridge over the river
- Diane’s gardens
- Women's History
WineSancerre
Picturesque hill with vineyards producing legendary white wines
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Panoramic views
- Tastings
CitiesAmboise
Royal city with castle and final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci
- Clos-Lucé
- Royal Castle
- Old Town
GardensVillandry Gardens
Famous Renaissance gardens with geometric patterns
- Garden of Love
- Vegetable garden
- Water Garden
WineVouvray
Region producing fine white wines from Chenin Blanc
- Chenin Blanc
- Cave Cellars
- Sparkling wines
CastlesCastle of Blois
Royal residence with architecture from four eras
- 4 architecture styles
- Royal History
- Sound show
CitiesTours
Capital of the Loire Valley, rich in history and gastronomy
- Place Plumereau
- Markets
- Rillettes
GardensChaumont Gardens
International Contemporary Landscape Garden Festival
- Garden Festival
- Contemporary art
- Château
Towns and villages
Towns and villages of the Loire Valley
From Tours, the valley’s capital, to the vineyard hills of Sancerre, every place preserves its own royal history.
Town
Tours
Capital of the Loire Valley, with the magnificent medieval quarter of Plumereau, a grand cathedral and a rich gastronomic tradition.
- Place Plumereau
- Saint-Gatien Cathedral
- Rillettes: a local delicacy
- Goat Cheese Market
Town
Amboise
A charming royal city above the Loire with a castle where Leonardo da Vinci lived and died at Clos Lucé.
25 km from Tours
- Royal Castle
- Clos-Lucé
- Quai des Loire
- Medieval streets
Town
Blois
Historic royal city with a castle of four architectural eras - from Gothic to Classicism.
55 km from Tours
- Castle of Blois
- House of Magic
- Historical Center
- Sound show
Town
Saumur
An elegant white-stone town with a fairytale castle overlooking the Loire, a famous riding school and cave cellars.
65 km from Tours
- Saumur Castle
- Cadre Noir
- Cave Cellars
- Sparkling wines
Village
Chinon
The medieval fortress of Joan of Arc over the Vienne River, ancient Cabernet Franc cellars and narrow historical streets.
45 km from Tours
- Chinon Fortress
- Cabernet Franc Cellars
- Joan of Arc Museum
- Old Town
Village
Sancerre
A picturesque hill with vineyards and a medieval town that gave the world some of the best white Sauvignon Blanc wines.
150 km from Tours
- Sauvignon Blanc Vineyards
- Crottin goat cheese
- Panoramic views
- Tastings
Traditions
Traditions and culture
The Loire Valley preserves the royal traditions of the Renaissance, passing them on through festivals, celebrations and living history
Harvest
Autumn holidays in the vineyards of the valley with tastings, folk festivals and traditional rituals.
- Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc harvest
- Holidays in villages
- Young wine tasting
- Traditional treats
Son et Lumière sound-and-light shows
Grandiose light shows on the facades of castles, recreating pages of royal history in the open air.
- Projections on Chambord and Blois
- Soundtrack
- Historical re-enactments
- May - September
Garden Festival
The annual international festival in Chaumont-sur-Loire is a meeting of modern landscape art and Renaissance traditions.
- Innovative installations
- International Masters
- April - November
- Chaumont Castle
Renaissance Knights
Live historical reconstructions at castles: tournaments, medieval markets and theatrical performances from the era of Francis I.
- Knight Tournaments
- Medieval Markets
- Costume parades
- Historical excursions
Equestrian traditions
Cadre Noir in Saumur is a legendary French equestrian school that has preserved the art of classical horsemanship since the 17th century.
- Demonstration performances
- Cadre Noir
- History since the 17th century
- Horse Shows
Christmas markets
Winter fairs in the historical centers of Tours and Amboise with local delicacies, ceramics and hot wine.
- Hot grog and nougat
- Goat cheeses and rillettes
- Craft Items
- Holiday Decorations
Gastronomy
Gastronomy of the Loire Valley
Discover the richness of Loire cuisine, from Tours rillettes to legendary Sancerre and tarte Tatin
Producers
Producers and workshops
Visit the legendary wineries, cheese factories and unique cave farms of the Loire Valley
Vouvray Winery
Domaine Huet
Legendary biodynamic winery producing the finest Chenin Blanc wines in cavernous limestone cellars.
WhereVouvrayExcursionsBy appointmentPriceFrom 25€
Sancerre Winery
Henri Bourgeois
Family-run winery overlooking the vineyards of Sancerre, producing benchmark Sauvignon Blanc since 1950.
WhereSancerreExcursionsDaily 9:00–18:00PriceFrom 20€
Cheese factory
Fromagerie de Sainte-Maure
A traditional dairy offering AOC goat’s cheese tastings, continuing a production tradition dating back to ancient times.
WhereSainte-Maure-de-TouraineExcursionsMon–Sat 9:00–17:00PriceFrom 12€
Mushroom Cave Farm
Caves Champignonnières
Unique mushroom farm in limestone caves - more than 10 types of mushrooms, including shiitake and oyster mushrooms.
WhereSaumurExcursionsDaily 10:00–18:00PriceFrom 10€
Chinon Winery
Charles Joguet
Iconic Cabernet Franc producer from Chinon - elegant red wines from limestone vineyards.
WhereChinonExcursionsBy appointmentPriceFrom 20€
Chocolatier and confectionery
La Chocolatière de Tours
Traditional patisserie in the center of Tours, where artisans create nougat, chocolate and candies from local ingredients.
WhereToursExcursionsMon–Sat 10:00–19:00PriceFrom 8€
Useful information
Prestigious wineries require booking two to four weeks ahead Most producers sell their products on site Cave farms open year-round regardless of the weather Many producers arrange delivery of wine and cheeses
What to bring home
What to bring from the Loire Valley
The best souvenirs and gifts that will preserve the memory of your trip to the royal region
Wine · From €18
Sancerre wine
Legendary white wine from Sauvignon Blanc from the hills of Sancerre in elegant packaging
Tip: Look for premier cru on the label, indicating the best vineyards
Wineries, vinotheques
Food · From €8
Goat’s cheese
Sainte-Maure, Valençay and Crottin de Chavignol: the region’s finest goat’s cheeses
Tip: Buy directly from the producer for maximum freshness
Cheesemakers, markets
Crafts · From €25
Ceramics from Gien
Traditional painted ceramics with floral motifs from the Gien workshops
Tip: Authentic pieces bear the maker’s mark
Gien workshops, souvenir shops
Food · From €12
Nougat from Tours
Soft nougat with almonds and candied fruits in a festive box
Tip: Keeps for up to three months, an ideal gift
Confectioners in Tours
Wine · From €15
Vouvray wine
Fine Chenin Blanc wine - dry, semi-dry or sparkling in a beautiful bottle
Tip: Demi-sec and mousseux make the best gifts
Domaine Huet, Foreau, Champalou
Food · From €15
Rillettes in a pot
Traditional pork or salmon pate in a ceramic pot
Tip: Vacuum-packed rillettes keep for up to six months
Delicatessens and markets
Crafts · From €20
Books about castles
Illustrated albums about castles and history of the Loire Valley in different languages
Tip: English-language editions are available
Museum shops, bookstores
Cosmetics · From €15
Rose Essential Oils
Natural essential oils and cosmetics from roses grown in valley gardens
Tip: Rose waters from Amboise are especially popular
Castle garden shops
Crafts · From €5
Garden Plant Seeds
Seeds of historical varieties from the royal gardens of the Loire castles
Tip: Villandry’s gardens sell seeds of 16th-century vegetables
Castle garden shops
Wine · From €20
Pouilly-Fumé
Elegant white wine with a characteristic mineral bouquet from the banks of the Loire
Tip: Pouilly-Fumé keeps for 5–10 years without losing quality
Vineries de Ladoucette, Didier Dagueneau
Food · From €10
Chenin Blanc marmalade
Confitures and marmalades with the addition of white wines from the Loire Valley
Tip: Pairs perfectly with goat cheeses
Local markets and delicatessens
Cosmetics · From €8
Soap with grapes
Natural soap with Loire grape seed extract
Tip: Look for products by local Tours soapmakers
Markets, craft shops
·
Directly from producers, at Tours markets and château souvenir shops Many wineries arrange delivery Tours Airport has duty-free local wines Look for AOC and AOP labels, which guarantee the product’s origin and quality
Where to stay
Where to Stay in the Loire Valley
The region's best hotels - from romantic castles to boutique hotels among vineyards
Château · Noizay, Vouvray ★★★★★
Château de Noizay
Historic 16th-century chateau in the vineyards of Vouvray with a Michelin-starred restaurant and panoramic views of the Loire
- 16th century castle
- Michelin Restaurant
- Vineyards
- Panorama of the Loire
From 280€4.9 · 345 reviews
Luxury · Onzain, Blois ★★★★★
Domaine des Hauts de Loire
19th-century hunting lodge in a 70-hectare park with gastronomic restaurant, tennis courts and swimming pool
- Park 70 hectares
- Gastronomy
- Pool
- Tennis
From 350€4.8 ·578 reviews
Boutique · Amboise ★★★★
Le Clos d'Amboise
Elegant Renaissance mansion in the center of Amboise with swimming pool and castle views
- Renaissance mansion
- Pool
- View of the castle
- Spa
From 160€4.7 · 412 reviews
Château · Saint-Patrice ★★★★
Château de Rochecotte
Romantic 18th-century castle with 20 hectares of park, swimming pool and gourmet restaurant in the heart of the valley
- 18th century castle
- Park 20 hectares
- Pool
- Fine dining
From 200€4.6 · 289 reviews
Wine · Sancerre ★★★★
La Maison Mère
Boutique hotel in the vineyards of Sancerre with tasting cellar and views of the Sauvignon Blanc vineyards
- Among the Vineyards
- Wine cellar
- Tastings
- Panoramic view
From 190€4.8 ·234 reviews
Boutique · Tours ★★★★
Hôtel de l'Univers Tours
Historic hotel in central Tours, with elegant rooms, a restaurant and all the sights nearby
- Historical Center
- Restaurant
- Central location
- Bar
From 130€4.5 ·723 reviews
Luxury · Chinon ★★★★
Château de Marçay
15th-century medieval castle in Chinon with restaurant and views of the Cabernet Franc vineyards
- 15th century castle
- Restaurant
- Cabernet Franc
- Pool
From 220€4.7 ·312 reviews
Wine · Vernou-sur-Brenne ★★★★
Château de Jallanges
15th-century chateau among the vineyards of Vouvray with tastings right in the cellar and a beautiful garden
- 15th century castle
- Own vineyard
- Tasting Cellar
- Garden
From 170€4.6 ·198 reviews
Château · Amboise ★★★★
Château de Pray
Ancient 13th-century castle on the banks of the Loire with a Renaissance garden and gastronomic restaurant
- 13th century castle
- Renaissance Garden
- View of the Loire
- Gastronomy
From 180€4.5 · 267 reviews
·
Book two to three months ahead in season (May–October), or four months ahead for light shows and festivals Tours is a convenient base, Amboise châteaux for atmosphere, Vouvray or Sancerre vineyards for wine lovers Average €150–300 per night; château hotels cost more (€280–400). Winter discounts up to 25%
· reviews
Route Examples
Route Examples
Ready-made routes for independent travel through the Royal Loire Valley
- Day 1
Tours and Amboise
Arrival in Tours, walk through the Place Plumereau district, move to Amboise, visit the royal castle and Clos Lucé - the last home of Leonardo da Vinci.
- Day 2
Chambord and Blois
The grandiose Chateau de Chambord - a masterpiece of the Renaissance, wine tasting of Cheverny, visit to the royal castle of Blois with four architectural eras.
- Day 3
Chenonceau and departure
Visit to the famous "Ladies' Castle" - Chenonceau, built over the Cher River. Walk through the gardens, return to Tours.
Don't want to plan it yourself?
Join our organized tour with an expert sommelier, comfortable transportation and exclusive access to castles and wineries.
Loire Valley wine tourExperiences
Experiences and activities
Choose experiences that will make your trip to the Loire Valley unforgettable
Castles
Royal Route
Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise - three masterpieces of the Renaissance with a professional historian guide.
Duration5 hoursPricefrom 95€
Winemaking
Sancerre tasting
Visit to the vineyards in the hills of Sancerre, tasting Sauvignon Blanc overlooking the valley.
Duration4 hoursPricefrom 80€
Nature
Hot air balloon flight
An unforgettable bird's eye view of the castles and vineyards of the Loire Valley at dawn.
Duration3 hoursPricefrom 180€
Gastronomy
Tarte Tatin workshop
Cooking the famous upside-down apple pie under the guidance of a valley chef.
Duration2.5 hoursPricefrom 65€
Winemaking
Vouvray cave cellars
Excursion to limestone caves with tasting of Chenin Blanc - dry, semi-dry and sparkling.
Duration3 hoursPricefrom 55€
Nature
Bike tour Loire à Vélo
A scenic cycling route along the Loire from Amboise to Chenonceau through villages and vineyards.
Duration5 hoursPricefrom 45€
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Loire Valley?
The best time is May–June (gardens bloom) and September–October (harvest). Summer is suitable for hot air balloon flights. Light shows in castles take place from May to September.
What wines are produced in the Loire Valley?
The valley is famous for its white wines: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé from Sauvignon Blanc, Vouvray from Chenin Blanc, Muscadet. Red wines from Cabernet Franc: Chinon, Bourgueil, Saumur-Champigny.
Do I need to book château visits in advance?
Yes, especially during the season (July–August). For Chambord and Chenonceau, we recommend online booking 2-4 weeks in advance. We take care of all bookings.
Is it possible to spend the night in the castle?
Yes, many castles offer accommodation. Château de Noizay, Château de Pray, Château de Marçay are all castle hotels with full service.
How to get from Paris to the Loire Valley?
High-speed TGV from Paris to Tours - 1 hour. You can also travel by car (2.5 hours) or use our transfer.
Are tastings included in the tour price?
Tastings, visits and additional services are agreed when preparing your personal proposal. Accommodation is not included.
Is the tour suitable for new wine lovers?
Absolutely. Our sommelier guides adapt explanations to suit any level of knowledge. The tour is interesting for both beginners and experienced collectors.
What is Chenin Blanc and why is it special?
Chenin Blanc is the valley's premier white variety, producing wines ranging from dry to sweet and sparkling. A special feature is the long storage potential (20–50 years) and the minerality of limestone soils.
Can you buy wine at wineries?
Yes, almost every winery sells wines at producer prices. We help with selection and organize delivery.
Cancellation Policy?
More than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.
Art Wine Guide
Ready to discover the Loire Valley?
Book your tour now for an unforgettable experience in the royal heart of France
- Professional guiding500+ guests
- 24/7 supportAlways in touch during the tour
- Flexible cancellationMore than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.