The Loire Holidays
La vie Française
Weather
The Loire region has a surprisingly good climate, considering its relative proximity to Paris. It is temperate and warm with lower rainfall than Southern England.
Wine & Cuisine
Due to the fertile land, the range of local dishes is immense. Freshwater river fish are widely served, including salmon, pike and eels with the speciality beurre blanc (butter whipped with white wine and shallots or with vinegar). The Loire’s lighter reds are often served slightly chilled and Chinon and Bourgueil are some of the best. Vouvray white can be very good too, but renowned wines include Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé; dry crisp whites with a real ‘zing’.
How would you like to...
Immerse yourself in the majestic Loire landscape whilst golfing, cycling or walking, rewarded by the best gourmet food on offer? Discover the French home of Leonardo da Vinci at Amboise? Or how about an inspirational day at the famous Chaumont International Garden Festival? Find these and other wonderful Loire experiences on the next few pages.
Holidays in The Loire
Loire en Vélo
Châteaux and vineyards
Easy cycling along country lanes and the day trips described are just our suggestions, so you can adapt the route to suit you to enable you to visit the châteaux at Chenonceaux, Chambord and Amboise.
Garden of France
Pretty villages and enchanting châteaux
Princely mansions stand next to picturesque farm houses, fields of sunflowers merge with the uniform rows of vineyards. There is ample opportunity for tasting some of the local wines. The grade is easy with few climbs.
Château to Château
Famous names and hidden gems
An easy walk through the garden of France, along the limestone banks of the Loire. Turn inland through vineyards and flower-decked villages to take in some of the region’s enchanting châteaux. The grade is easy and navigation is simple and even the longest day has flat gradients.
Loire Discovery
Discover rivers, forests, vineyards and châteaux
Easy cycling along country lanes and the day trips described are just our suggestions, so you can adapt the route to suit you and explore all faces of the region from Montrichard on the banks of the River Cher to the peaceful village of Chitenay.
Along the Leisurely Loire
Blois to Saumur
A gentle bike ride following the majestic River Loire from Blois to Saumur with daily distances never more than 20 miles. Hotels offer genuine French charm and wonderful regional fare, whilst B&Bs provide an opportunity for you to discover a ‘local’ restaurant.
Loire en Famille
Bikes and bouncy castles, high wires or canoes
The perfect region to choose for a family holiday, the quiet country lanes and shady woodland routes make for gentle cycling easy for even the smallest member of the party and there’s plenty of time to discover the many child-friendly attractions of the region.
Loire Prestige en Vélo
Tranquil rivers and regal architecture
Luxury holiday staying in elegant accommodation reflecting the style of this classic region. Explore quiet back roads and visit the fascinating old towns of Amboise and Blois with time to discover the classic wines of the region. Graded easy.
Loire Prestige à Pied
Enchanting châteaux and picturesque villages
The Loire is renowned for its châteaux, and you have the chance to live like a king yourself as you walk from château to château. We grade this walk as easy, following pathways alongside the river and through vineyards, rewarded with gourmet food at the end of each day.
Loire Valley Wine Trail
The Loire offers a wide range of wines
Sample a range of Loire Valley wines from the dry whites of Touraine, then fruity reds of Bourgueil to the luscious sweet whites of the Coteaux de Layon. Our partner vineyards guide you through their varieties. Add to that some fine dining and you have the basis of a truly gourmet experience.
Jardins de la Loire
Majesty, charm and artistic garden delights!
The majestic gardens of the chateaux of the Loire are breathtaking but enjoy too the less formal and magical gardens nearby. Complete your experience with a visit to the famous Festival International des Jardins, held annually at Château de Chaumont - truly a gardener’s feast!
Gourmet Golf Touraine
Golf, vineyard wine-tasting and a Château hotel
A terrific break for golf enthusiasts as we take you to three first class courses and include a personal wine tasting at our partner Touraine vineyard. Your final night is in a château hotel and plenty of interesting visits are available for non golfing partners.
Want to know more?
Why not give us a call and we'll help you pick a holiday that suits you.
