Luxury holidays in Loire Valley

Could the Loire Valley be heaven on earth? The mediaeval monarchs certainly thought so, treating the rich countryside as their pastoral playground. Sun-kissed vineyards have earned the region respect as a stellar wine producer, and the local restaurants turn out memorable meals: grilled sardines, andouille sausage, coarse rillettes, and similar seducers. Having unwrapped some of the area’s obvious charms, we’ll hint at some of its secrets: mysterious caves, artistic fans, and see-to-believe tapestries…

Areas in the Loire Valley

When to go

May–September is the best time for being outdoors: cycling, walking and so on. It’s also when the region’s châteaux host ‘Sound and Light’ festivals, setting off their historic beauty with candles, installations and concerts, and staying open until late at night.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Tours Val de Loire airport, 6km from Tours, is served by Ryanair, which operates direct flights from London Stansted, Porto and, in season, Dublin and Marseilles.

  • Trains

    Saint-Pierre-des-Corps is the station where high-speed LGV Atlantique trains from Paris, Nantes, Bordeaux and Toulouse terminate.

  • Automobiles

    This is a beautiful – and relatively peaceful – area to drive around. You’ll need your own wheels if you’d like to explore independently.