Loire Valley, France
Touraine — where Renaissance châteaux line the river, vineyards stretch to the horizon, and 300 kilometres of cycling paths trace the Loire. This is France at its most timeless.
Discover Touraine
From royal heritage to vineyard trails and riverside cycling, Touraine offers a France that rewards the curious.
From Chenonceau's arches over the Cher to Amboise's royal ramparts, Touraine shelters the densest collection of Renaissance châteaux in France — including hidden manors far from the crowds.
ExploreTouraine — the "Garden of France" — is home to Vouvray's sparkling Chenin Blanc, Chinon's refined Cabernet Franc, and a food culture rooted in rillettes, goat cheese, and tarte Tatin.
ExploreOver 300 km of flat, signposted cycling paths along the Loire, the Cher, and the Indre. Rent a bike in Tours and ride to Chenonceau, Villandry, or Amboise in a single morning.
ExploreInteractive Map
Toggle layers to discover châteaux, vineyards, and cycling routes. Click any marker for details.
Curated Itineraries
From gourmet weekends to family cycling trips — start planning with a route that fits your pace.
Two days of Vouvray tastings, a market morning in Tours, goat-cheese farms, and a Michelin dinner overlooking the Loire.
Amboise, Clos Lucé, Chenonceau, Chinon, and Langeais — five centuries of French history in a single long weekend.
Flat riverside paths from Tours to Villandry and back — picnic spots, ice-cream stops, and a château garden finish.
Deep into Cabernet Franc country — cave cellars, biodynamic estates, and dinner in a troglodyte restaurant.
Frequently Asked
May to October offers the best weather for outdoor activities. June and September strike the ideal balance — warm days, fewer crowds. The September–October harvest season is when the vineyards are most alive and photogenic.
Tours is 1 hour from Paris by TGV (high-speed train) from Gare Montparnasse. By car, take the A10 motorway — about 2.5 hours. Tours Val de Loire Airport also handles seasonal flights.
Absolutely. The Loire à Vélo routes through Touraine are flat, well-paved, and largely traffic-free. The Tours–Amboise and Tours–Villandry segments are especially family-friendly, with frequent stops for châteaux, picnics, and refreshments.
Touraine is famous for Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire (Chenin Blanc), Chinon and Bourgueil (Cabernet Franc reds), and the broad AOC Touraine appellation covering reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines.
Start with Chenonceau, Amboise (pair it with Clos Lucé next door), and Villandry for the gardens. For fewer crowds, add Azay-le-Rideau and Langeais — both stunning and far quieter.
Yes. The TER regional train connects Tours to Amboise, Chenonceau, Chinon, and Azay-le-Rideau. Bike rentals are available along the Loire à Vélo, and many châteaux offer peak-season shuttle services from Tours.