Loire Valley

Main interests: History, Wine touring, Beautiful Villages, Landscapes, Sports
For children: ★★★☆☆
Best season: all year round
Best wines: red (Chinon, Saumur, St Nicolas de Bourgueil)
                     white (Touraine, Montlouis, Vouvray)
Easy to combine: 1-hour train from Paris / 2,5-hour drive
                               2-hour train to Bordeaux
Ideal stay duration: from 1 to 4 days

A treasure trove of Renaissance heritage, the Loire Valley unfolds along the everchanging Loire River – the last wild river in Europe. Its peaceful countryside is ideal for a quiet retreat, with a balanced program of sightseeing, château visits, and wine tastings. At every season, the valley’s majestic castles reveal new lights, moods, and experiences – always offering something to discover. The region is also home to small, little-known wine appellations that always reward curious connoisseurs.

A personal favourite: a visit of Château de Chenonceau gardens with the head gardener