Discover the Loire Valley: France’s Fairytale Châteaux, Gardens, and Vineyards Await
Explore Châteaux, Gardens, and Vineyards in France’s UNESCO-Listed Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is one of those places that casts a spell on anyone who visits. With over 100 châteaux, endless flower-filled villages, picturesque vineyards, and the majestic Loire River winding through it all, it’s no wonder this region has been enchanting travellers for centuries. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the Loire Valley is celebrating 25 years of this prestigious title in 2025 — and what better time to explore its timeless beauty?
A Fairytale Beginning at Château de Chambord
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Our journey begins with the crown jewel of the region: Château de Chambord. Commissioned by François I in 1519 and later completed in the 17th century, Chambord is a Renaissance masterpiece, famously featuring a double-helix staircase said to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Towering turrets, intricate stonework, and an aura of regal mystery make it easy to see why even Victor Hugo once gushed about it to anyone who’d listen. If he’d had Instagram, he’d have gone viral.
Chambered is just one of over a hundred châteaux scattered throughout the valley. Each castle tells its own story, and each garden offers a new palette of colours, scents, and textures, depending on the season.
Orléans: Gateway to the Loire Valley
Easily reached by train in just an hour from Paris, Orléans makes for a perfect starting point. One of France’s oldest cities, it’s most famous as the place where Joan of Arc turned the tide of history in 1429. Her legacy is everywhere — in statues, street names, and the breathtaking Gothic cathedral of Sainte-Croix. But Orléans also surprises with its riverside charm, colourful murals by street artists like M. Chat and Tag Lady, and underground tours that dive into the city’s hidden past.
Floating on the Loire River
To truly connect with the soul of the region, hop on a traditional wooden boat with Moments de Loire. These guided trips offer a peaceful way to explore the river’s rich ecosystem. You might not catch a glimpse of the elusive beavers, but the sight of herons in flight and dragonflies dancing over the water is pure magic.
Gardens That Tell Stories
A short drive from Orléans brings you to Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, an estate that combines horticulture with high art. Alongside its historic château, once home to Catherine de’ Medici, the estate hosts the International Garden Festival each year. This year’s theme — “Once upon a time, in the garden” — transforms the grounds into a storybook fantasy.
Not far away, Royal City of Loches offers a medieval experience with one of Europe’s best-preserved keeps and a palace once favoured by Charles VII. The village of Montrésor, officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, boasts quaint cobbled lanes, a romantic château, and a haunting statue of a fallen angel admired by Sir Mick Jagger, who owns a nearby estate.
Culinary Gems and Da Vinci’s Legacy
Foodies should not miss DorDinAire in Nouans-les-Fontaines, a charming eco-conscious restaurant run by locals Valérie and Thierry. Their seasonal dishes, crafted from local ingredients, are a love letter to the land.
From there, head to Château Royal d’Amboise, a clifftop palace with panoramic river views and lush gardens. Here lies the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, resting in the peaceful chapel of Saint-Hubert. Nearby, at Château du Clos Lucé, Da Vinci’s final residence, his inventions and artistry come alive in interactive exhibits.
A Floral Farewell
One last stop: Chédigny. This storybook village is the only one in France designated a Jardin Remarquable. With over a thousand rose bushes and its annual Festival des Roses, the village blooms with beauty. Lunch at Le Clos aux Roses, under a wisteria-covered terrace, makes the perfect send-off.
Tours: The Heartbeat of the Valley
We wrap up in Tours, a bustling city filled with students, history lovers, and culture seekers. Highlights include the flamboyant Saint-Gatien Cathedral, the restored Hotel Goüin, and yoga sessions atop the Tour Charlemagne.
Food Tours in Tours, led by the ever-enthusiastic Sheena, guides us through local flavour’s in bustling markets and charming squares like Place Plumereau, known for its half-timbered buildings and lively cafés. We end the evening at Guinguette de Tours, sipping local wine by the river as jazz fills the air and the sun sinks behind the trees.
Final Thought
The Loire Valley is more than a scenic getaway — its a living tapestry of history, nature, and culture woven together along France’s longest river. Whether you’re exploring fairytale châteaux, wandering through fragrant gardens, cruising on the Loire, or sipping wine in sun-drenched villages, every moment feels like stepping into a storybook. And the best part? There’s always more to discover. One visit is never enough — the Loire invites you back, time and time again.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Repeating
The Loire Valley isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling. It's standing in awe before fairy-tale castles, losing track of time in fragrant gardens, and savouring meals made with love and local pride. There’s far too much to see in one visit — but that’s just an excuse to return.
Just like Victor Hugo with Chambered, I’ll be asking everyone I meet: Have you seen the Loire Valley?
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Explore France’s Loire Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with châteaux, gardens, vineyards, and villages. Discover the best spots to visit from Chambered too Tours in this unforgettable guide.