Loire Valley Tours and Vacation Packages
The Loire Valley, less than an hour away from Paris via the TGV express train and about 2 hours by road, is a perfect destination for a France vacation. It stretches for around 280 kilometres/170 miles along the River Loire, roughly east to west. It has been described as “The Garden of France” due to the many vineyards and fruit orchards found along the river banks. It is also home to a large number of magnificent and grand chateaux which are a combination of a castle and a stately home. There are around 300 chateaux built during the period from the 10th Century to the 16th Century for French royalty and nobility. Some of the best known is the Chateau de Chenonceaux near Tours with its beautiful formal gardens, the Chateau de Chambord near Blois with 400 rooms, the Chateau Villandry in the town of the same name with its 6 wonderful landscaped gardens, the Chateau d’Amboise in the town of Amboise and where Leonardo da Vinci stayed for some considerable time and the Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau near the town of the same name with its excellent collection of Flemish tapestries.
Tours is the largest city in the Loire Valley and are famous for its medieval district called le Vieux Tour with its preserved half-timbered buildings, its cathedral with its interesting stained-glass windows, and its many bridges crossing the River Loire and the former home of Joan of Arc. Blois, with its medieval architecture, is a very attractive town. It also has an excellent fine arts museum and a 17th Century cathedral. Saumur is a historic town with a weekly Saturday market with hundreds of stalls. Angers has a chateau housing the largest medieval collection of tapestries in the world.
The Loire Valley is not only a large wine-producing region with wineries everywhere but it is also responsible for some of the world’s best-known wines, especially white wines such as Pouilly-Fume, Muscadet, Vouvray and Sancerre, all to be enjoyed on trips to France.
So, there you have it - chateaux, medieval towns and visits to wineries on a France vacation. The Loire Valley is definitely the place to visit.
Extend your Stay
Consider an additional stopover to your France Tours on one of Goway's other European tours. You can also choose from a London vacation, an Amsterdam vacation or a Belgium vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from France.
The Loire Valley
4 Trips Available
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La Belle France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany & Loire Valley
FIRST CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore the intriguing provinces of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley while enjoying splendid medieval towns and cities, magnificent chateaux, ancient monasteries and abbeys; sample excellent wines and local cider and appreciate fine food. Also experience major highlights – Mont St. Michel, The Normandy Beaches and the Bayeux Tapestries.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,659
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Small Group Touring
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Paris and the Loire Valley
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Spend 7 days exploring two of the most visited regions in France! In Paris, explore the city at your own pace with a hop on, hop off ticket, then, discover the Loire Valley, famous for its wine and royal castles. Take a private tour of Tours, visit the two most popular castles, enjoy wine tastings and local cuisine and relax in one of the most stunning regions of France.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,331
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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France for Foodies: Paris, Loire Valley & Bordeaux
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Let your senses guide you on this journey to three of the most celebrated cities in France. Get a taste for Paris and explore the flavours of Montmartre. Then connect to Tours and Bordeaux to taste world-class wines, visit majestic chateaux, and sample regional dishes alongside expert guides.- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,500
- Trip Type:
- Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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The Loire, A Royal River Cruise
Discover western France in style and comfort as you cruise down the Loire. This Europe cruise embarks in Nantes, taking you through historic medieval towns in some of France’s most beautiful countryside.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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