Often called the “Garden of France”, the Loire Valley is an enchanted land of vineyards, gardens and rolling green hills dotted with more than a thousand Chateaux.  It is perhaps the charm of its gentle pace of life that has, for centuries, made it a sought- after location for poets and writers.  

Below are some of the must-see and do things in the Loire Valley.

 Visit majestic Chateaux
The Loire Valley has been the chosen retreat of the French elite for hundreds of years. Its popularity with aristocracy and royalty has left its lush countryside sprinkled with fairytale chateaux and many grand Renaissance-era castles to visit. There are 22 in the Grands Sites du Val de Loire (Major Sites of the Loire Valley) collective, but there are many smaller, less well-known chateaux worth visiting too.

Admire beautiful gardens
The Loire Valley is known as the Garden of France for a reason. Many of the towns and cities boast fantastic parks, but greenfingered visitors should make sure they check out the countless botanical gardens and chateaux estates. Visit Villandry if nowhere else and don’t overlook its famous vegetable garden that features vivid blue leeks, shiny purple cabbages, and jade carrot tufts.

Stop at a vinyard…or two
The Loire Valley is famous for its worldclass wines and is criss-crossed with vineyards all the way from Sancerre to the ocean.  There are wines to suit every palate ranging from sparkling vouvrays to vibrant sancerres. Lots of the vineyards offer public tours of their vines and cellars as well as tastings.

Discover the underground world of the Troglodytes
Hiding beneath the rolling hills is a network of tunnels, caves, stalactites, statues, and abandoned ancient villages. Much of the gleaming white limestone gracing the area’s chateaux comes from the Saumur area. This excessive quarrying resulted in lots of hollow limestone caves which have been ingeniously turned into houses and businesses. Head to Rochemenier to see a prime example of a troglodytic village including a 13th-century chapel.

Ride the Loire cycle route
The Loire by Bike cycle route is the starting point of an unforgettable adventure! Specially laid out and secure, the 900-km track is just waiting to be cycled on. All you have to do is follow the signposts and enjoy the peaceful Loire Valley landscapes.

Explore thriving markets
Markets are a way of life in France, and the Loire Valley is no exception. Many of the biggest towns hold events every day. In addition to the standard fresh food stands, markets also sell everything from second-hand books and vintage furniture to truffles and flowers.

Contact Leesa from itravel on the Sunshine Coast on [email protected] OR on 07 3556 7659 to find out how you can book…

• a 2 night LOIRE VALLEY Country Break from $577 pp,
• or a 4 night CASTLES OF THE LORIE VALLEY cycling tour from $1281pp,
• OR a 6 night LOIRE VALLEY WALKING TOUR from $1887 pp.