Loire and Loire Valley Cottages

Holiday Cottages in Loire and Loire Valley

Loire & Loire Valley Holiday Cottages 

An hour from Paris, with its capital of Orléans, the Loire and Loire Valley is France’s finest hour for the diversity and beauty of its fairytale Châteaux and breathtaking, lush scenery.  Playground of the French nobility, found in northern-central France, the whole of the Loire Valley has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for tranquil walks, boating, cycling, fishing and riding Loire Valley country cottages are hard to beat.   

For foodies – mouth watering goat cheese, fresh fruits and wild game from the charming market towns and villages dotted throughout the vineyards and rolling fields – look out for the labels of Muscadet, Vouvray and Sancerre.  The main rivers in the region, the Loire, the Cher and their tributaries mean lots of fun on the water as well as super locations to spot wildlife.  

Fertile farm land and forests stretch away from the Loire Valley and the historic centres include Chartres to the north with its fabulous cathedral, Orléans, delivered from the English by Joan of Arc and Blois with its fabulous Château…  Speaking of which you’ll be spoilt for choice, set in river valleys, forest clearings or lush plains, surrounded by glorious gardens, vineyards and acres of history, many playing host to seasonal events, colourful pageants and festivals throughout the year.  To keep the whole tribe happy there’s also a wealth of attractions for all ages including zoos, aquariums, museums and fantastic caves!
 

Things to do in Loire & Loire Valley 

Get yourself ready for some great outdoor fun in this superb region and discover the Loire Valley by bike.  ‘Loire à vélo’ is a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery on traffic-free trails and quiet roads and you can hire a bicycle at around 12 local centres and set off on the Loire Valley’s 150 mile section of the route that links the Atlantic Ocean to the borders of Burgundy.  Walkers too are well catered for with waymarked routes to follow and guides available from all local tourist centres. 

If you prefer to be on the water there are many boat cruises that will show you unrivalled scenes of the river, the wildlife and bank side Châteaux.  Plus, on the region’s rivers of Loire, Cher, Indre, Eure, Creuse and Vienne why not get the whole family paddling their own canoes for a more adventurous day out?  There are many centres catering for both guided and non-guided trips from one hour to whole day on the water. 

Heritage and art lovers just need to take a deep breath and dig in…  Some top châteaux to visit include Bois, Chambord and Cheverney, also Villandry with its wonderful gardens, plus Angers, Chinon and Rivau to name just a few!  There are also fortified medieval towns, abbeys, and museums to enjoy and, to literally top it all off, how about a balloon ride for an unforgettable experience?   All ages will also love the amazing Troglodyte caves west from Montsoreau, the Museé Dufresne at Marnay for all things that move (including guillotines) and the amazing zoo de Doué.