France: The most beautiful experiences in the Loire Valley
A region of France that you can explore at your leisure, without the hustle and bustle. Plus: The most beautiful local hotels!
9 July 2021
An undiscovered jewel: The French Loire Valley convinces with a variety of sights and is thus a real alternative to crowded holiday destinations such as the Côte d'Azur . Here, tradition and nature meet romance in a picturesque, fairytale setting. Visitors can look forward to lush nature, delicious wine and fascinating wildlife.
These are the things you can't miss on a holiday in this gorgeous French region!
Discover the largest enclosed forest park in Europe
A natural paradise: With more than 5,440 hectares, the Domaine de Chambord is Europe's largest enclosed nature reserve. Deer and wild boar roam freely among the green oak and pine forests, as do around 150 species of birds, some of which are extremely rare. It is a highlight for every animal lover and hobby ornithologist. Active holidaymakers can explore over 23 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails on foot or by bike. For a romantic excursion, you can also take a leisurely boat trip on the Canal du Cosson or a carriage ride through the park.
Explore the most diverse wine region in France
Known for its high quality wine and champagne, France is a popular destination for fine wine lovers. Here, one often thinks of the vineyards of Bordeaux or Champagne, but the Loire Valley is the true champion. As the most diverse wine region in France, the Loire Valley encompasses four distinct growing regions: Pays Nantis, Ajou, Touraine and Centre. The wines produced here differ from other French varieties due to the region's northern location. The mild, humid climate makes for particularly fresh, light and delicate wines, such as Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Those who prefer sparkling wines will also find what they are looking for. The Loire Valley is the second largest sparkling wine region in France and one or two varieties can definitely keep up with its popular representatives from Champagne in terms of taste. In Chambord, wine enjoyment meets history. In 2015, the "Francois I" vine was replanted 500 years after its introduction in the Loire Valley.
Witness the extraordinary deer gusts
When the air around Chambord gets cooler and the leaves change colour, the so-called "deer squalls" are not far away. Between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, everything in the national park revolves around deer and their noisy mating ritual. Visitors have a particularly good view of the spectacle from the watchtower of the Guillonniere farm - this view used to be reserved only for the French king.
The most beautiful hotels in the Loire Valley
Relais de Chambord
Place Saint-Louis, 41250 Chambord, France
Tel: +33 (0)2 54 81 34 00
relaisdechambord.com
The perfect base for tours of any kind is the four-star boutique hotel Relais de Chambord. It belongs to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is the only hotel in the national park. It even has a direct view of the UNESCO World Heritage Chambord Castle, which is located in the middle of the impressive forest park. For those curious to experience the natural phenomenon of the stag gusts, the hotel offers an extra package. The "Stag Gusts Special" includes an overnight stay with a view of Chambord Castle and a guided tour to the Guillonniere Farm watchtower for 307 euros per person. It is bookable from September 11 to October 3, 2021.
Check out this post on Instagram
Château de Verrières
53 Rue d'Alsace, 49400 Saumur, France
Tel: +33 (0)2 41 38 05 15
chateau-verrieres.com
This charming château hotel is located in the centre of Saumur. However, the exclusive accommodation is surrounded by a soothing tranquility, because the 5-star hotel is located in a 2-hectare park. The rooms will delight you with their antique flair and fairytale details. In addition, the castle is also ideally suited for discovering the idyllic river banks of the Loire.
Check out this post on Instagram
Château Troussay
12 Route de Troussay, 41700 Cheverny, France
Tel: +33 (06) 70 63 10 94
chateaudetroussay.com
Directly immerse yourself in the French aristocratic life by spending the night in the castle of Troussay. The small romantic rooms in the famous Loire castles are designed exactly in the style that barons and other nobles liked at that time. The garden, from which you have a fantastic view of the playful towers of the listed castle, makes a stay here perfect.
Check out this post on Instagram
