France’s fairy-tale land of whimsical châteaux, riverside vineyards, and cycling odysseys.
Southwest of Paris, the Centre-Val de Loire is France’s regal heartland. Nourished by the mighty Loire River and its tributaries, it’s most celebrated for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Loire Valley, most of which lies within the region. This is the land of royal châteaux and fairy-tale gardens, sun-kissed vineyards that yield some of France’s household-name wines, and the 500-mile (800-kilometre) long Loire à Vélo cycling trail, which crosses four of the region’s six departments. Camping might just be the best way to experience the Val de Loire’s natural wonders, whether glamping, caravanning, or pitching a tent amid the vines.
The former stamping ground of the French Kings, Indre-et-Loire is home to arguably the most delicious slice of the Loire Valley. Postcard views await at every turn: strolling through the show-stopping gardens of Villandry, floating over the vineyards in a hot air balloon, or gazing out across the turrets of Chenonceau castle. Base yourself in the picturesque medieval town of Chinon, the central hub of Tours, or laid-back Amboise, or better yet, take a slow road trip and spend time in each one along the way.
The storybook scenery continues over the border in Loir-et-Cher. Riverside Blois is the department’s largest town and a springboard for visits to two of the most famous châteaux, Chambord and Cheverny. Take the time to discover some of the less-known châteaux that pepper the countryside, hop between the rural villages by bike, or head down to the Sologne marshes, a popular spot for hiking.
If you’re looking to dodge the summer crowds of the Loire Valley, the northern departments of Eure-et-Loir and Loiret are the ideal spot. Departmental capital Orléans is replete with Joan of Arc history, after which you can visit the chateaux of Beaugency and Sully sur Loire, then follow the wine trail to sample the region’s red Pinot Meunier wines. To the north, Chartres is famous for its UNESCO-listed cathedral, or you can escape to the Perche Regional Natural Park, the homeland of the Percheron draft horse, for a horse carriage ride.
The southern Loire Valley departments are named after their respective rivers―the Indre and the Cher―and form the historic Berry region. Follow the Indre River south to visit the Chateau de Valencay and admire the grand 18th-century mansions of Chateauroux, then set out to explore the wetlands of Brenne Regional Natural Park. In neighbouring Cher, medieval Bourges is the main hub, while the vineyards of Sancerre are renowned for their Sauvignon Blanc wines.