Many Kings of France succumbed to the charms of the Val de Loire (the Loire valley) – will you follow the same route?

History lovers will be delighted by the treasures inherited from the French renaissance found in this region, which has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. From Chambord to Blois, dozens of castles are competing with each other to attract as many amazed visitors as possible.

The Loire River lies at the castles’ foot and meanders quietly through bucolic and romantic landscapes, which inspired many poets and writers such as Du Bellay, Ronsard, Balzac, Baudelaire or Hugo. Thanks to the 600 km of the “Loire à Vélo” waymarked path, hiking and cycling amateurs will be able to explore the area at their own pace!

The less active ones may just want to relax in the most beautiful gardens in France, an ancient tradition coming from the Middle Ages and the many abbeys of that time. Fishing enthusiasts of all levels will not be forgotten either, as the river waters have been well preserved.

Last but not least, the mild climate of the valley produces a smooth and refined wine, the perfect combination with Tours rillettes (pâté) or a pike baked in butter…