Discover the best activities to do in the Loire Valley, from cycling along the scenic Loire à Vélo to wine tasting at family-run vineyards and exploring troglodyte villages. Immerse yourself in the valley’s beauty with hot air balloon rides, cooking classes, and river cruises.
The Loire Valley is a treasure trove of activities that blend history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. Having spent time in this beautiful region, I can confidently recommend a variety of activities that go beyond just visiting famous châteaux. Here’s a comprehensive list of the best activities you can do to experience the Loire Valley like a local:
Cycling Along the Loire à Vélo
Why It’s Special: The Loire à Vélo is one of the most scenic cycling routes in France, stretching 800 kilometers. It takes you through charming villages, past vineyards, and along the banks of the Loire River.
Tip: Many of the paths are flat and suitable for all levels, so it’s a great way to explore at your own pace. You can rent bikes in many towns or take guided cycling tours.
Favorite Route: The ride between Tours and Amboise is particularly stunning, with castles and vineyards lining the way.
Hot Air Ballooning Over the Loire Valley
Why It’s Special: Seeing the Loire Valley from the sky is an unforgettable experience. A hot air balloon ride offers panoramic views of the sprawling châteaux, lush vineyards, and winding river.
Tip: Flights typically take place at sunrise or sunset, giving you the best light for photos and a tranquil experience.
Best Spots: Launch from Amboise or Chenonceaux for views over some of the most iconic châteaux.
Wine Tasting in the Vineyards
Why It’s Special: The Loire Valley is famous for its wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, and Cabernet Franc from Chinon.
Tip: Visit both large vineyards and small, family-run wineries for a more intimate experience. Many vineyards offer guided tours that include tastings paired with local cheese and charcuterie.
Don’t Miss: Try a troglodyte cellar wine tasting, where the wines are stored in caves carved into the rock. It adds a unique element to the experience.
Canoeing or Kayaking on the Loire River
Why It’s Special: Paddling down the Loire River gives you a peaceful way to explore the landscape while passing under historic bridges and alongside stunning castles.
Tip: Choose a half-day or full-day trip, depending on your level of adventure. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for picnics on the riverbanks.
Best Route: The stretch from Amboise to Chaumont-sur-Loire is particularly scenic, offering views of Château de Chaumont from the water.
Exploring Troglodyte Villages
Why It’s Special: The Loire Valley is known for its troglodyte dwellings, ancient homes carved into limestone cliffs. Many of these caves are now used as homes, wine cellars, restaurants, and even hotels.
Tip: Visit Rochemenier or Troo to see preserved troglodyte homes or dine in a troglodyte restaurant for a unique culinary experience.
Attend a Local Market
Why It’s Special: The Loire Valley’s markets are a feast for the senses, with fresh local produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods. They’re a great way to sample regional delicacies and immerse yourself in local culture.
Tip: Head to the Amboise market on Sundays or the Tours market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Grab some goat cheese, fresh bread, and local wine for a picnic.
Local Favorite: The Blois market is smaller but offers an authentic local vibe without the tourist crowds.
Château Light Shows and Night Visits
Why It’s Special: During the summer, many châteaux host spectacular evening light shows, and sound displays, adding a magical atmosphere to your visit. These events illuminate the castles in vibrant colors while telling their history through projections and music.
Tip: Château de Blois and Château de Chambord are two of the best spots to catch these nighttime spectacles.
Local Insight: If you want to avoid crowds, the night visits tend to be quieter and offer a more intimate way to explore the castles.
Explore the Gardens of Villandry
Why It’s Special: Château de Villandry is famous for its stunning, meticulously designed gardens, featuring themed sections like the ornamental garden, water garden, and herb garden.
Tip: Plan to spend a couple of hours strolling through the gardens, and don’t miss the vegetable garden, where the layout is a work of art in itself.
Local Insight: Visit in spring or summer when the flowers are in full bloom for the best experience.
Go on a Loire River Cruise
Why It’s Special: A river cruise on the Loire gives you a completely different perspective of the valley’s castles and vineyards. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the sights while learning more about the history of the region.
Tip: Opt for a gabare boat (traditional flat-bottomed boat) for an authentic experience, especially if you want to explore quieter sections of the river.
Best Route: The cruise between Saumur and Chinon takes you past vineyards and the picturesque Candes-Saint-Martin village.
Cooking Classes with Local Chefs
Why It’s Special: The Loire Valley’s culinary scene is rooted in tradition and taking a cooking class gives you hands-on experience with local ingredients and dishes.
Tip: Look for cooking classes that focus on regional specialties like rillettes, Tarte Tatin, and goat cheese tarts. Many classes include a visit to a local market to source ingredients.
Recommended: Le Calabash near Loches offers in-depth cooking classes in a beautiful countryside setting.
Attend a Wine Harvest Festival
Why It’s Special: If you’re visiting in autumn, the Loire Valley comes alive with wine harvest festivals. These events often include vineyard tours, grape picking, wine tastings, and feasts celebrating the end of the harvest.
Tip: The Vouvray and Chinon wine festivals are particularly lively and attract both locals and visitors. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the region’s wine culture.
Hike in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Natural Park
Why It’s Special: For nature lovers, the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Natural Park offers well-marked hiking trails through forests, vineyards, and charming villages.
Tip: Pack a picnic and stop at one of the many scenic viewpoints overlooking the Loire River. Fall is an especially beautiful time for hiking, with the vineyards turning gold and the air crisp.
