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Time Zone: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)
Currency: Euro – EUR – €
Country Code: +33
Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 and ask for the service (police, fire service, or ambulance.
Nearest Airport: Tours St Symphorien (TUF) Airport (3.8km)
Nearest Train Station: TGV stations- Tours St Pierre des Corps (TGV) or Angers St Laud (TGV).
April - June: Spring Season
September- October: Autumn Season
Distance: Paris To Loire Valley- 215kms
By Car: Duration: Around two and half hours.
By Train: Duration: Over an hour (TGV trains)
By Bus: Duration: Around three hours
Guided Tours: Book Loire Valley Castle Guided tours to leave everything up to the professionals.
Rent a Car: Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. It allows easy access to remote or less touristy areas not well-served by public transportation.
Cycling: The Loire Valley has well-marked cycling paths that offer breathtaking views of the countryside and allow you to visit multiple attractions in a day.
Train: The train network connects major cities like Tours and Nantes, making it efficient for traveling between them. You can enjoy scenic train journeys along the Loire River while traveling between cities.
Boat Tours: Explore the Loire River on a boat cruise for a unique perspective of the castles and landscapes. A leisurely boat ride allows you to enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving.
Public Buses: Public buses connect many towns and villages in the Loire Valley, offering an economical option for budget travelers. Check schedules for regular routes connecting popular tourist destinations.
Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis or rideshare services can be convenient for short distances or when you prefer not to drive. Drivers may provide local tips and recommendations.
Explore Châteaux: Visit iconic castles such as Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Villandry for their architectural splendor and historical significance.
Wine Tasting: Experience the renowned Loire Valley wine region, known for its crisp white wines and refreshing rosés. Visit local vineyards and wineries for tastings.
Cycling Tours: Take a scenic bike ride along the Loire River or through vineyard-covered landscapes, exploring charming villages and enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Soar above the Loire Valley in a hot air balloon for a breathtaking aerial view of the castles, vineyards, and the winding Loire River.
Canoeing on the Loire River: Enjoy a leisurely paddle down the Loire River, taking in the scenic beauty and discovering hidden spots along the way.
Taste Local Cuisine: Indulge in delicious regional cuisine, featuring specialties like goat cheese, river fish, and local dishes from traditional French bistros.
Rillettes: A spread made from finely shredded and seasoned meat, often pork or duck, slow-cooked until tender. Typically served on crusty bread as an appetizer.
Tarte Tatin: An upside-down caramelized apple tart, where the apples are caramelized in sugar and butter before being covered with pastry and baked. Served with a dollop of crème fraîche.
Coq au Vin: A classic French dish featuring chicken braised in red wine, usually with mushrooms, bacon, and onions. The slow-cooking process imparts deep flavors to the meat.
Crottin de Chavignol: A goat cheese produced in the Loire Valley, particularly in the village of Chavignol. This small, cylindrical cheese is often enjoyed fresh or aged.
Quiche Lorraine: A savory tart filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, bacon, and cheese. It is a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold.
Andouillette: A type of sausage made from pork intestines, with a distinctive flavor. It is often grilled and served with mustard or in a creamy sauce.
Loire Valley Wines: The region is renowned for its diverse wine production, including crisp Sauvignon Blanc, elegant Chenin Blanc, and fruity Cabernet Franc, and Rosé d'Anjou, and the crisp Muscadet.
Cointreau: A famous orange-flavored liqueur produced in Angers, a city in the Loire Valley. Cointreau is often used in cocktails and desserts, known for its bright citrusy notes.
Kir Royal: A classic French cocktail made by adding crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) to sparkling wine, often using local Loire Valley sparkling wines. It's a festive and fruity drink.
Yes, discounts are available on some of the Loire Valley Castle online tickets. Check your ticket details before purchasing.
Children aged 6-18 enjoy a discounted price on the Loire Valley Castle tickets., while infants aged 5 can visit the castles for free. Make sure to check the ticket information before you purchase.
The most popular castles (or chateaus) in the Loire Valley are Château de Chambord, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, Château du Clos Lucé, Château Royal d'Amboise, Château de Chenonceau, Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, Château d'Angers and Château de Blois.
Loire Valley is a vast stretch of area, which is located about 280 km south of Paris.
The Loire Valley Castles are located about 280 kilometers south of Paris. Most tourists prefer taking a comfortable car ride to the Loire Valley castles as only a handful of train stations are close to the sites.
If you are planning to visit the Loire Valley Castle and want to avoid crowds, try to plan your visit between the months of April and June or between September and October.
It depends on the kind of trip you are looking for. Most tourists prefer to spend an entire day in a castle as all of the Loire Valley Castle has lots of things to explore, activities, and exhibitions taking place. If you want to make the most of your visit, you can buy a combo ticket to save time and visit multiple castles in the same day while making the most of it.
Yes, there are combo tour tickets for those who are looking to visit multiple Loire Valley Castles in a day. The combo tickets offer up to 30% discount, which can be a huge money-saving option for visitors.
The design and the structure of castles like Château de Chambord, Château ‘Azay-le-Rideau, Château du Clos Lucé, Château Royal d'Amboise and Château de Chenonceau show a significant influence of the Renaissance period of France.
Château du Clos Lucé and Château Royal d'Amboise are the two castles that played a significant role in Leonardo Da Vinci’s life. He spent the final 3 years of his life at Château du Clos Lucé, while Château Royal d'Amboise is designed by the maestro. Both the castles have gardens with replicas of Da Vinci’s works and models on display.