The ABC of chateaux

Do you know your Chambord from your Chenonceau, or your Blois from your Brissac? These jewels of French architecture are just waiting to be explored.
The ABC of chateaux

Blois

This designated ‘Ville d’Art et d’Histoire’ is a maze of hidden courtyards and paved squares – and its chateaux is where four architectural styles spectacularly collide.
Blois

Orléans

There’s plenty to see in one of France’s oldest towns, whose history revolves around Joan of Arc and whose soaring Gothic cathedral is beautifully illuminated at nightfall.
Orléans

Saumur

Watch a mesmerising dressage show at France’s National Riding School, or explore the network of troglodyte dwellings carved into the limestone rock.
Saumur

Gardens

Glorious gardens abound in the Loire Valley: soak up the sunshine in its grand formal spaces, greenhouses, landscaped parks and romantic rose gardens.
Gardens

Angers

Vibrant Angers is a tangle of architecture, gardens and vineyards – but perhaps its most famous visual asset is the ancient tapestry secreted within the chateau.
Angers

Nantes, capital of Pays de la Loire

Imaginations have run wild with the Machines de L’Île – they must be seen to be believed –and with a pedestrianised centre and plenty of smart shops to browse, all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes to explore Nantes.
Nantes, capital of Pays de la Loire

Loches

Gorgeous Loches occupies a dramatic position straddling the Loire – but look more closely and you’ll find a military citadel and one of Europe’s most imposing dungeons.
Loches

Tours

France’s gateway to the Loire Valley, Tours is stuffed with beautiful medieval architecture and some wow-factor landmarks. Our favourite place for people-watching is Place Plumereau.
Tours

Nature and wildlife

Wading birds, beavers and insects share the Loire riverbanks, while deer and birds of prey live in the forests of Sologne and Orléans… so pack binoculars.
Nature and wildlife

Fontevraud

One of Europe’s greatest monastic sites, spectacular Fontevraud is an abbey-turned-cultural centre that champions exhibitions, regularly hosting artists in residence.
Fontevraud

Troglodyte sites

Can you spot the prehistoric markings left by former sea beds, or miniature sculptures made by ancient civilisations within the Loire Valley’s network of caves?
Troglodyte sites

Get there with Brittany Ferries

The best way of exploring the Loire Valley is in the comfort of your own car, packed with everything you need. Sail direct to Brittany or Normandy from Poole, Portsmouth or Plymouth with Brittany Ferries and head on down to the Loire Valley.
Plan your trip to the Loire Valley with Brittany Ferries. (External link)

Visit Pays de la Loire Tourist Office website for more information. (External link)