Often called the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley greets you with rolling green hills, world-class vineyards, and more than a thousand châteaux. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci flocked here to design grand residences with formal gardens, reflecting the region’s centuries-long legacy of beauty and innovation.

Our Top Three Loire Tours from Paris

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Highlights of the Loire Valley

Chartres
Home to the iconic Gothic cathedral Rodin once called the “Acropolis of France,” Chartres features 12th and 13th-century stained glass and a charming Old Town. Nearby, explore castles like Anet and Maintenon.

The exterior of the Chartres cathedral. — The exterior of the Chartres cathedral

Orléans
Famous for Joan of Arc’s 1429 victory over the British, Orléans also reigns as the vinegar capital of France. Don’t miss castles like Chamerolles and Sully-sur-Loire in its vicinity.

Bourges
At France’s geographic center, Bourges is known for Sancerre wine and the romantic legacy of George Sand in nearby Nohant. Summertime illuminations and music make it a lovely overnight stop.

Tours
An ideal starting point for Loire Valley exploration, Tours brims with Renaissance-era mansions and lively squares like Plumereau. Wine lovers delight in local Vouvray, Chinon, and Bourgueil from the region’s chalky soil.

Châteaux of the Loire

Blois
Its namesake château, once neglected post-Revolution, is now gloriously restored. Legend has it Catherine de Medici’s stash of poisons is on display here!

Chambord
The largest Loire château, set amid a vast deer-filled forest. Embrace the Renaissance splendor, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, and maybe sample Chambord liqueur.

Tourists walking along the path in front of Chambord Castle.

Cheverny
A hunting lodge with a renowned dog kennel of 100. The same family has lived here for six centuries, curating beautiful interiors, a tulip garden, and a charming maze.

Amboise & Chenonceau
Amboise flaunts 15th-century homes and Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days—he’s buried on site. Nearby Chenonceau, the “Ladies’ Castle,” boasts a unique gallery bridge stretching across the Cher River.

Getting to the Loire from Paris

By Car: Take the A10 highway to Tours—an easy two-hour drive.
By Train:
- Paris Montparnasse to Tours in 55 minutes (TGV)
- Paris Austerlitz to Orléans, Blois, Bourges, Châteauroux, and Tours
- Paris Montparnasse to Chartres in about 65 minutes

Gastronomy

Dubbed the “garden of France,” the Loire yields fine produce and orchard fruits. Don’t miss local classics:

Apples (for the famed upside-down Tarte Tatin)
Goat cheeses like Sainte Maure or Crottin de Chavignol
Wines from Sancerre, Bourgueil, and sparkling Vouvray

Sports & Leisure

Boating: Canoe or kayak the Loire and its canals.
Golf: Over 30 scenic courses.
Biking & Hiking: Explore the region’s châteaux by winding country lanes or signposted trails.
Ballooning: Take a hot-air balloon ride for fairy-tale views of castle-studded valleys.

Culture & Heritage

The Loire is a UNESCO World Heritage site, often visited by luminaries like Catherine de Medici, Leonardo da Vinci, and Joan of Arc. From illuminating summer festivals to medieval festivals in historic towns, the region brims with art, music, and vibrant tradition.

Ready to explore? Book one of our Loire Castle tours from Paris for an unforgettable day amid Renaissance towers, sweeping gardens, and legendary French elegance.