Loire Valley Weekends

Even a short stay in the Loire will thrill visitors like no other place on earth. The vivid expanse of fairytale-like castles, fresh foods and leisurely sports is easy to get carried away with. Fill your things-to-do list with our suggestions for Loire Valley weekends:

• Royal Chateau of Blois: Discover the Royal City of Blois and see the favourite residence of the Kings of France, the Royal Chateau of Blois. This chateau associates four different periods of French architecture and is home to the chamber of Henri III – where the Duc de Guise was assassinated. Beyond the 200 sculpted wooden panels in the private cabinet of Catherine de Medici and the wide wing of François I, the grandiose setting will take you back to the drama, love and mysteries that have shaped the history of France.

• The Loiret between the Loire River and forest: On the banks of the Loire, visit the chateau of the first Duc de Sully – Château de Sully-sur-Loire. Follow the meanders of the Loire towards the Forest of Orléans, perhaps taking a canoe trip along the river or an excursion into the wildlife of the Loire. Take time to admire the basilica of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and the church of Germigny-des-Prés, one of the oldest in France. And outdoors, the grounds offer a breathtaking insight into the soul of the Renaissance landscaped gardens.