What to do in the Loire Valley during your holiday ?

The Loire Valley: where culture meets nature

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Loire Valley unfolds a unique landscape where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Along the river and across the surrounding countryside, Renaissance châteaux rise gracefully from vineyards, forests and riverbanks.

No stay in the region would be complete without discovering some of its architectural masterpieces, such as the Château de Chambord, the Château de Blois, the elegant Château de Chenonceau, or the historic Château d’Amboise. Guided tours, family-friendly trails, exhibitions and beautifully designed gardens allow visitors of all ages to explore these sites at their own pace.

The Loire Valley’s cities are equally rich in heritage. Orléans, Blois, Angers, Tours, Chartres and Bourges all boast remarkable architecture, museums and a lively cultural scene.

For a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, charming villages such as Montrésor, Montsoreau or Saint-Benoît-du-Saultinvite visitors to slow down and enjoy a timeless evening over fine local cuisine.

Family-friendly activities across the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is particularly well suited to active, family-oriented holidays. Across its nine departments, the region offers a wide range of cultural, outdoor and recreational activities designed to be enjoyed together.

Children will love getting lost in giant plant mazes, such as those found in Sainte-Christine or at the Parc des Naudières. Thrill-seekers can test their agility in the treetops at Léo Parc Aventure, while animal lovers will enjoy a day at the Zoo de la Boissière du Doré or the Jardin des Kangourous.

In Angers, Terra Botanica offers an immersive and educational experience dedicated to the plant world, combining discovery, play and environmental awareness. Many château gardens also extend this connection to nature in a more refined and contemplative setting.

Discovering the Loire Valley at your own pace

A getaway in Sologne: forests, lakes and discreet heritage

Located south of the Loire, Sologne captivates visitors with its unspoilt landscapes of dense forests, shimmering lakes and authentic villages.

Among its architectural highlights, the Château de Cheverny stands out as the inspiration behind Hergé’s Château de Moulinsart in The Adventures of Tintin. Nearby, the iconic Château de Chambord remains one of the most striking symbols of the French Renaissance.

Nature lovers will appreciate the many signposted walking and cycling routes, such as the Orée de la Sologne trail or the Vallées path, which wind gently through lakes and woodland.

The town of Gien adds a cultural dimension with its renowned faience pottery and Renaissance château housing the hunting museum. In Ligny-le-Ribault, the Tuilerie de la Bretèche offers a rare insight into traditional tile-making craftsmanship.

Local gastronomy is equally enticing. The famous tarte Tatin, created in the region, is a must-taste delicacy. Vineyards stretching between the Loire and the Sologne forests welcome visitors for tastings of white, red and rosé wines.

To stay in the heart of this peaceful setting, Camping Les Bois-du-Bardelet offers a five-star experience in mobile homes, chalets or spacious pitches, surrounded by nature.

Touraine: elegance, river landscapes and fine food

Often referred to as the “Garden of France”, Touraine perfectly embodies the Loire Valley art de vivre. Its exceptional heritage blends seamlessly into serene landscapes ideal for leisurely exploration.

The Château de Chenonceau, gracefully spanning the River Cher, is one of the most romantic sites in the region. Further south, the Cité Royale de Loches impresses with its monumental keep and royal residence, once frequented by Joan of Arc and Agnès Sorel.

The Loire itself is best discovered slowly, whether on foot or by bicycle, along well-maintained routes offering ever-changing views of the river.

For a cultural city break, Tours is an essential stop. Its lively historic centre, cathedral and museums, including the Rabelais Museum – La Devinière, provide valuable insight into the intellectual and artistic spirit of the Renaissance.

Touraine is also renowned for its gastronomy. Rillettes of Tours, goat’s cheeses, stuffed fouées and expressive local wines can be enjoyed at regional markets or during visits to nearby vineyards.

Located around 30 kilometres south of Tours, Camping Parc de Fierbois offers a wide range of high-quality accommodation, from Premium pitches and mobile homes to lodges, apartments and treehouses, for a comfortable stay close to nature.

The Loire Valley reveals itself as a destination to be enjoyed at multiple rhythms: grand heritage, accessible nature, local flavours and meaningful encounters. An ideal place to slow down, share memorable experiences and leave with lasting impressions – and a strong desire to return.