Known as ‘The Garden of France’, the Loire Valley has been settled since the Palaeolithic era, over 50,000 years ago – and it’s easy to see why. Stretching for 280km along the banks of the River Loire, the valley is all lush countryside, stunning châteaux and fabulous food. Once you disembark at Cherbourg, you’re only a three-hour drive from some of the very best that France has to offer.
Aside from being renowned as a wine-producing region, the Loire Valley is also home to a huge number of fairytale-esque châteaux, some dating from the Renaissance, that have played host to kings, queens and all manner of dignitaries down the centuries.
Any visit to the region would be incomplete without a tour of at least one of these majestic architectural marvels and a stroll around stunning gardens that hark back to an elegant and romantic era long-gone.
If you have to pick one, why not try the stunning Château of Chenonceau, in Touraine - one of the true gems of the Loire Valley. This “Ladies’ Château” is built over the river Cher and was the home of several great historical ladies including Catherine de’ Medici, Diane de Poitiers and Louise of Lorraine.
As you might expect, there are plenty of water-based activities along the Loire, and the summer is a wonderful time to take in the very best views the river has to offer, while everything is in full bloom. Take a lazy, guided boat tour in a traditional-style Loire vessel, or try your hand at fishing and see if you can catch a big one. If you’re into a more action and adventure-style trip, there are plenty of fantastic designated swimming spots along the Loire, or you can rent a canoe or kayak and explore under your own steam.
5 must-see attractions in the Loire Valley
Caves Louis de Grenelle, Saumur
With a truly dizzying number of top-class wineries in the Loire Valley, it’s difficult to pick just one, but this underground cellar in Saumur is definitely worth a visit. The tour takes around two hours and is available in English and French, with tastings of delicious Cremant de Loire and Saumur Brut.
Château de Chambord
Much like the wineries, it's near impossible to pick just one château in the Loire, but if pressed for time you might as well make it the grandest – and Chambord is the most lavish of them all. It’s a showpiece of Renaissance architecture, from the double-helix staircase up to the turret-covered rooftop, the sheer scale of the place is mindboggling.
Cathédrale St-Étienne, Bourges
Considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, this stunning cathedral in Bourges was constructed between 1195 and 1324. Take the time to visit the crypt and marvel at the impressive mid-17th-century organ.
Musée des Beaux-Arts, Orléans
For lovers of fine art, this five-level museum is a real treat. It boasts an impressive collection of works by Paul Gauguin and other French painters, as well as numerous masterpieces by Italian, Flemish and Dutch artists.
Maison de la Magie, Blois
Sure to be a hit with the whole family, the museum of magic is housed in the home of watchmaker, inventor and conjurer Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805–71), the namesake of Harry Houdini.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, the Loire Valley offers around 5,000km of cycling trails for you to explore at your leisure. Cycle routes and greenways connect all the major sights and bikes are welcome almost everywhere. You can even take your bike on the train as part of the Loire à Vélo trail, which connects Orléans, Tours, Nantes and Le Croisic.
While the Loire Valley’s natural beauty is a huge part of its appeal, fans of city-breaks will have plenty to enjoy as well. There are numerous beautiful cities, towns and villages to explore – from Orleans, one of the oldest cities in France, and the home of Joan of Arc, to the medieval Bourges, with its gorgeous half-timbered houses and Renaissance hotels.
For foodies, a stop in the city of Tours is a must. Make sure you taste rillettes and rillons, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat’s cheese and fouaces (rolls cooked in a wood-fired oven) and don’t skip a visit to the famous covered market.
No matter how you choose to spend your break, getting there is easy with Stena Line. You can pack everything you need into your car and take it all with you – pack in your family, pack in your friends, pack in your pets or pack in enough luggage for an adventure in France this summer!
Stena Line offers a fantastic on board experience, with bars, restaurants, kids play zones, cabins, Pure Nordic Spa treatments and pet friendly travel – your holiday begins the moment you step on board!
With six weekly sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg, Stena Line has the most sailings to France from Ireland. Enabling you to roll off the ferry, in your car, in Northern France and travel on to wherever you want to go.
Kids go FREE when you book with Stena Line before 30th September 2024!
Bonjour France
Make your summer special by exploring one of the gems of Europe. Here are just a few of the amazing places to visit in France:
With six weekly sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg, Stena Line has the most sailings to France from Ireland. Enabling you to roll off the ferry, in your car, in Northern France and travel on to wherever you want to go.
