Loire holiday cottages
Unwind in the valley of the kings
Throughout the centuries, The Loire has been the country retreat of France's kings and nobles. Rent a French holiday gite in this vast valley and you're in for a royal treat.
With silvery rivers, emerald landscapes and glittering châteaux, the Loire is a natural and cultural treasure-house of France waiting to be explored from your French cottage.
Vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with traditional villages and splendid towns combining old-world charm with cosmopolitan vitality, make this an exquisite region to enjoy a French cottage holiday in.
Things to see and do in Loire
Step out of your French holiday cottage to marvel at the natural beauty on your doorstep...
- Wine routes: Follow the 'Routes des Vignobles' through the vineyards, with cellar tours and tastings along the way.
- Historic cities: With beautiful riverside settings, cobbled medieval streets and stunning Renaissance architecture, explore Bourges, Blois, Tours, Amboise, Chârtres and Orléans.
- Go with the flow: The Loire River and its tributaries are popular for boat trips, canoeing and fishing.
- Ballooning: Enjoy a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the Loire scenery and châteaux, with balloon flights regularly available.
Tastes of Loire
- Goats' cheese: The five most acclaimed varieties are Crottin de Chavignol, Sainte-Maure de Touraine, Selles-sur-Cher, Valençay and Pouligny-Saint-Pierre.
- Fine Wines: For crisp whites, silky reds and fruity rosés, familiar favourites include Muscadet, Vouvray, Pouilly, Chinon, Borgeuil, Sancerre, Saumur and Rosé d'Anjou.
- Rillettes: A speciality of Tours, enjoy this coarse pork pâté on crusty French bread with gherkins.
Don't miss...
- Châteaux: Each one is magnificently unique - from the Renaissance masterpiece of Chambord and gardens at Villandry, to fairytale Chenonceau and Sleeping Beauty's castle at Usse.
- Great gifts: The Loire is great for foody gifts including jars of Rillettes pâté, Gâtinais saffron and Orléans vinegars. In addition, the Berry region is renowned for its Porcelain, La Borne for its pottery and Villaines-les-Rochers for its wickerwork.
Our regional team recommends
- See the fascinating inventions of Leonardo da Vinci at Le Clos Lucé in Amboise where he lived for three years.
- The May Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc in Orléans provides a colourful spectacle of medieval parades and music concerts.
- Visit the Cointreau museum in the quintessential Loire city of Angers, where you'll find the 100-metre long medieval Tapestry of the Apocalypse in the 13th-century château.
Did you know...?
Magical Son et Lumière (musical displays of lights and fireworks) provide memorable occasions at the Loire châteaux throughout the summer months.
Cottages to rent in France
Nearest Airports
Angers and Tours.
Travel Tip
To make the most of the châteaux, their gardens and grounds, pack a picnic and spend the day there.
