Things to Do in Loire Valley

Things to Do in Loire Valley, France - Loire Valley Attractions

Things to Do in Loire Valley

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Château de Chambord, Château De Villandryswss Iki, Wine Tastings, Castles.

Top Attractions in Loire Valley

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Renaissance-era chateau with a double helix staircase and rooftop views, surrounded by a vast park. Features historical exhibits and night concerts amidst its grand architecture.
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Renowned Renaissance gardens with a tapestry of manicured landscapes, diverse spaces, and sustainable vegetable plots. Historical chateau backdrop adds to the serene atmosphere for exploration.
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Chateau grounds with life-size models of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions, detailed exhibits of his life and works, and a picturesque garden.
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Tranquil gardens and historic charm at this castle, with panoramic views of the Loire River and scenic ramparts walk. Includes a chapel with Leonardo da Vinci's tomb.
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Gothic cathedral with ancient stained glass and serene ambiance, featuring impressive mosaics and a rich historical backdrop. Visitors can explore intricate interior details.
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Historic chateau set amid scenic gardens and reflective lakes, with well-preserved interiors and evening tours evoking a bygone era. Enjoy a romantic stroll and capture the fairy-tale ambiance.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Bustling square in Old Town framed by medieval houses, with diverse dining options, a vibrant nightlife, and photo-worthy scenery.
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Historical complex with serene gardens, Roman Kitchen, and significant tombs. Showcases art, prison history exhibits, and audio guides for a reflective visit.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.




*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • TripPhotographer52
    Cincinnati, OH1,894 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This large chateau was beautiful and very extensive. My wife and I went with a group but explored it on our own. Very impressive outside and inside. It was apparently built by King Francois I as more of a hunting lodge than a home. It has an interesting swirling staircase in the middle. The grounds are also magnificent. Opulence of the French kings of the past.
    Written January 21, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TripPhotographer52
    Cincinnati, OH1,894 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I visited the Villandry chateau gardens with a tour guide and skipped the chateau interior. The gardens are amazing. They must spend a fortune in workers who keep the variety of many gardens well groomed. While the chateau and previous buildings on the property go back hundreds of years, the fancy gardens are from the 1900s. A must see if in the Loire Valley.
    Written January 22, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TripPhotographer52
    Cincinnati, OH1,894 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were on a tour but my wife and I went to this chateau ourselves. I am amazed at the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci who was a great artist, engineer and creator of inventions of war - both offensive and defensive (depending on who was paying him). King Francois I of France invited him to come live and create in France at the end of his life and this was his home for three years. They have recreated his workshops, living quarters and many of his inventions. His genius was way ahead of his time. Very interesting if you appreciate his many accomplishments.
    Written January 21, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Melissa G
    Owosso, MI703 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chateau d'Amboise wasn't my favorite of the châteaux we visited while in France, but it was definitely worth a visit! The view of the river is beautiful and there is definitely a lot of history to the area that makes it very interesting to see. If you have the time and are in the area, I recommend stopping by to see it.
    Written December 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ursosarctos
    United Kingdom787 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely stunning. The facade and the glass are wonderful.

    It is helped by not being situated on a main road, so it has an aura of peace as you approach. The interior was calm and uplifting, with a feeling of sanctity often missing from cathedrals that are on the tourist circuit.

    Unmissable.
    Written October 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Glen G
    Josselin, France153 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great museum preserving the history for us all to understand and appreciate. There is a huge collection of tanks, armoured vehicles, engines and models that give a great insight into the evolution of armoured warfare from many different countries.

    It’s definitely worth a visit while your in Saumur.
    Written September 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mairwen1
    United Kingdom12,072 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was one of the loveliest chateaus that we saw in the Loire Valley - it’s a picture postcard French Chateau.
    We visited late in the day so we only went to the gardens, not through the house. If you go one hour before closing time, entry to the garden park is free (it is normally 13€).
    Set on an island in the middle of the Indre River, the castle has a fairy-tale appearance and seems to be floating on the water.
    Depending on the time of day, you the mirror-lake perfectly reflects the chateau with its steeply sloping slate roof, its towers and turrets. It really is as pretty as it sounds.
    We spent the last hour of the day wandering through the garden paths, alongside the river, just enjoying the romantic atmosphere, before having dinner at Cote Cour, a lovely bistro just outside the chateau gates.
    TIPS FOR CARS: We parked in the town centre in the Place de la Republique but its only a small carpark and you have to be lucky to get a spot. Otherwise you can use the paid parking at the chateau car park.
    Written October 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert O
    Rotterdam, The Netherlands6,549 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Holy Cross cathedral was finally consecrated in 1829 more than 600 years after they started building it. The colossal neo-classical building (140m long, 50m wide, spire 106m high) dominates the center of Orléans and can be seen from far away. For me it was difficult to discern the different sections and link them to the time they were constructed. I liked the interior with gothic style arches and light through the beautiful stained glass windows.

    The church is well-maintained and clean.
    Free entry (it is still a house of God welcoming guests both rich and poor).
    Written November 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erin S
    North Sydney, Australia107 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wandered around this area during the evening. It is vibrant and many restaurants to choose from.
    Make sure you get here before 21:00 as the choice reduces.
    The buildings are very pretty
    Written October 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JLR
    Richmond, VA27 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful area of the country and a beautiful Chateau overlooking the Loire River. The Chateau entrance was through this very cool drawbridge and we also found some other fascinating aspects including the display of local artists inside the chateau
    Written August 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Janet F
    Farnham, UK10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quite simply stunning - one of the most unusual buildings we've visited. The scale of the place is complemented by the vast empty entrance space and lovely cloisters and gardens. You certainly need the 3-plus hours recommended, but fear not - a very nice café onsite has salads, baguettes, cakes etc to provide a lunch break (their beer's really good too!) There are some pleasant cafés This is such a welcome change from the ubiquitous (albeit lovely) chateaux in the area. A pleasure to visit - don't miss it.
    Written July 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 20bothwell
    United Kingdom148 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    in tough company but lovely village in an amazing location with the bridge and river, the castle site is small and the castle is perhaps over done for kids still great. there are roman remains close by if you are interested
    Written July 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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