Loire Valley Holidays: Castles, Vineyards and French Charm

With a self-catering holiday rental in the Loire Valley, discover a region where history and nature meet Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, the peaceful banks of the Loire, and cycle routes winding through vineyards and forest. Each day can bring a castle visit, a countryside walk and a leisurely lunch in a village of character.
Whether you're travelling as a family, a couple or with friends, this is one of our most heritage-rich countryside destinations easily accessible for visitors from the UK and Belgium, with the château region just a few hours away by Eurostar and train, or a straightforward drive via the Channel Tunnel or ferry.

Why choose this destination?


The Loire Valley, often called the garden of France, owes its reputation to its royal castles and UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise and Chinon create a backdrop where history unfolds in the open air, surrounded by formal French gardens and vineyards. In the Sologne area, our holiday village at La Ferté-Imbault puts you close to the castles of the Loire and the ZooParc de Beauval, in a peaceful, wooded setting.

The region is particularly well suited to a cycling holiday: the Loire à Vélo cycle route links castles, villages and riverbanks over several hundred kilometres, on largely flat and family-friendly terrain. Between rides, nature lovers can explore the forests of the Sologne, go canoeing on the Loire, or take a traditional boat trip along the river.

The Loire Valley suits any pace: castles and gardens for heritage lovers, cycle paths and rivers for the outdoors, and markets and tuffeau-stone villages for those simply looking for French country charm.

 

What you'll love

  • The royal castles of Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise.
  • The Loire à Vélo cycle route along the river.
  • The vineyards of Touraine, Chinon and Vouvray.
  • Tuffeau-stone villages and formal French gardens.
  • Canoeing and traditional boat trips on the Loire.
  • The cathedrals of Orléans, Chartres and Bourges.
  • The Sologne and its game-rich forests.
  • Local markets and Loire Valley gastronomy.

 

Perfect for every kind of trip

  • Families enjoy child-friendly castle visits, the ZooParc de Beauval and easy cycling in the Sologne. Discover our holidays designed for families.
     
  • Couples can enjoy formal gardens, vineyard tastings and dinner by the Loire.
     
  • Groups of friends will find long cycling routes, canoeing and troglodyte caves to explore.
     
  • Nature lovers find unspoilt landscapes in the Sologne and along the Loire, ideal for walking and wildlife watching.
     
  • Heritage enthusiasts have one of the highest concentrations of castles in France, from Chambord to Chinon.
     
  • Those looking to unwind can simply follow the quiet vineyard roads and take their time exploring markets and stone villages.

 

Highlights not to miss

  • Chambord, the largest of the Loire castles, famous for its double-helix staircase and vast surrounding park.

  • Chenonceau, built across the River Cher, known for its gardens and its arches spanning the water.
  • Amboise, a royal town linked to Leonardo da Vinci, overlooked by its château with sweeping views of the Loire.
  • Chinon, home to a medieval fortress and surrounded by vineyards, at the gateway to the Cher valley.
  • The Sologne, for its forests, lakes and unspoilt natural landscapes.
  • Looking to explore more of France's vineyard country? Discover our self-catering holidays in Alsace along the Wine Route, or our holidays in Nouvelle-Aquitaine between Bordeaux and Bergerac.

 

Everything you need to know about a Loire Valley holiday

When is the best time to visit the Loire Valley?
Spring and summer are ideal for blooming gardens and cycling. Autumn offers a quieter atmosphere and beautiful colours across the vineyards.

How many castles can I visit in a week?
Three to four major castles (Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Chinon) let you experience the region's variety without rushing, while leaving time for cycling and village visits.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist for the Loire à Vélo?
No. The route is largely flat and family-friendly, with plenty of stages so you can adapt the distance to your own pace.

Can I visit the Loire Valley without a car?
Towns such as Tours, Amboise and Blois are accessible by train, and the Loire à Vélo route connects several castles without needing a car. A car is still useful for reaching more remote sites.

How do I get to the Loire Valley from the UK or Belgium?
From the UK, Eurostar to Paris connects onward to Tours or Blois by train, or you can drive via the Channel Tunnel or ferry  the region is around 2-3 hours' drive south-west of Paris. From Belgium, it's a direct drive of roughly 5-6 hours, or a train journey via Paris.

What local specialities should I try?
Look out for Chinon and Vouvray wines, Tours-style rillettes, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat's cheese, and tarte tatin.