Loire Valley Châteaux: the "Valley of the Kings"

Loire Valley Châteaux: Your Ultimate Guide to the "Valley of the Kings" (2024)

Imagine stepping back in time, wandering through fairytale castles surrounded by lush vineyards and picturesque landscapes. That's the magic of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 300 magnificent châteaux. Known as the "Valley of the Kings," this region in central France offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, natural beauty, and culinary delights.

Why Visit the Loire Valley?

• Architectural Marvels: Each château boasts its unique charm, from the Renaissance elegance of Chenonceau, spanning the River Cher, to the imposing grandeur of Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley.

• Rich History: The Loire Valley was once a playground for French royalty, leaving behind a legacy of opulence and intrigue. Explore the stories of kings, queens, and their lavish lifestyles.

• Scenic Landscapes: The valley's rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages create a postcard-perfect setting for your adventures.

• World-Class Wine: Indulge in tastings of the region's renowned wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.

• Outdoor Activities: Go cycling along the Loire River, kayaking through its tranquil waters, or hot air ballooning for a bird's-eye view of the stunning scenery.

• Gastronomic Delights: Savor the flavors of local cuisine, from traditional dishes like rillettes (pork pâté) and tarte Tatin (upside-down apple tart) to Michelin-starred dining experiences.
  
  

Top Châteaux to Visit

• Château de Chambord: A true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, Chambord's double helix staircase and intricate rooftop terraces are a marvel to behold.

• Château de Chenonceau: This elegant château, known as the "Ladies' Château," is built on a bridge over the River Cher and is famous for its exquisite gardens.

• Château de Cheverny: Explore the well-preserved interiors and discover the inspiration behind the fictional Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin comics.

• Château Royal d'Amboise: Perched high above the Loire River, this château offers breathtaking views and houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.

• Château de Villandry: Don't miss the stunning terraced gardens of Villandry, a masterpiece of Renaissance landscaping.
  
  

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.

• Accommodation: The Loire Valley has a wide range of accommodation options, from charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious châteaux hotels. For some of the most competitive rates on accommodation with the most flexible conditions, check Hotels.com

• Tours: Consider joining guided tours to delve deeper into the history and culture of the châteaux and vineyards, and to visit wineries that may not be easily accessible by public transport.

châteaux de Chenonceau

Getting to the Loire Valley from Paris

• Train: The fastest and most convenient option is taking a TGV train from Paris Montparnasse to Tours or St-Pierre-des-Corps, the main gateway cities to the Loire Valley. Travel time is approximately 1-2 hours.
  

• Car: Renting a car allows for maximum flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. The drive from Paris takes around 2-3 hours. From Paris to the Loire Valley, the distance is approximately 236 kms or 147 miles.
  

• Rental car tips: In France, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Smaller cars are more common. One-way rentals are generally permitted. Hire cars are not generally automatic. Manual transmission cars are still the standard. However, automatic cars are becoming more available, especially from larger rental companies and at airports. If you specifically need an automatic car, it's important to:

  Book well in advance: Automatic cars are less common, so they can get booked up quickly, especially during peak season.

  Specify "automatic" when booking: Make sure to clearly state your preference for an automatic transmission when you make your reservation online or over the phone.

  Be prepared to pay more: Automatic cars often come with a higher rental price than manual cars due to their lower availability.
  
  You can use online comparison tools like Expedia to search for automatic car rentals in France and compare prices from a broad range of car rental companies to suit your needs and budget.
  

paris to the loire valley = 236 kms
or 147 miles

Top Wineries to Visit in the Loire Valley

Stretching along the Loire River, the valley boasts diverse terroirs that produce a wide range of wines, from crisp whites to elegant reds. Wine enthusiasts flock to the Loire to explore its vineyards and savor its unique flavors.

• Domaine Huet (Vouvray): Celebrated for its biodynamically grown Chenin Blanc, producing exceptional sparkling and still wines with remarkable complexity.

• Domaine de la Coulée de Serrant (Savennières): Home to the legendary Coulée de Serrant vineyard, producing a unique dry Chenin Blanc with intense minerality and aging potential.

• Domaine Alphonse Mellot (Sancerre): A family-run estate known for its outstanding Sauvignon Blanc, expressing the region's characteristic minerality and citrusy notes.

• Château de Tracy (Pouilly-Fumé): A historic estate producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc with a focus on sustainable practices and respect for the terroir.
  
  Explore the enchanting Loire Valley with Get Your Guide's diverse range of tours, offering visits to renowned wineries alongside picturesque castles and charming villages.
  

1947 Domaine Huet Le Haut-Lieu

Where to Eat

• La Maison d'à Côté (Montlivault): Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative French cuisine with seasonal ingredients.

• L'Orangerie (Château de Chenonceau): Enjoy a delicious meal with a view at this restaurant located within the Château de Chenonceau. (Website link is only available in French language.)

• Les Hautes Roches (Rochecorbon): This unique troglodyte restaurant is built into the cliffs overlooking the Loire River, offering a memorable dining experience.

• Le Bistrot de la Place (Amboise): A charming bistro serving traditional French dishes with a modern twist.

L'Orangerie at Château de Chenonceau

Plan Your Loire Valley Adventure

With its enchanting châteaux, stunning landscapes, rich history, and delectable cuisine, the Loire Valley is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. Start planning your adventure today and discover the treasures of the "Valley of the Kings."

For some stunning photos of Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, visit the main destination page for the Loire Valley.

Book Loire Valley entry tickets and day tours with Get Your Guide

Loire Valley

Websites

https://www.france.fr/en/destination/loire-valley/
https://www.loirevalley-france.co.uk/discover/loire-chateaux/

Check out these official Loire Valley tourism websites for
more information.