The Loire Valley is resplendent in autumn colours – its chateaux, gardens, troglodyte caves and historic towns look even more magical at this time of year. Pack up your car and hop over the Channel with Brittany Ferries.
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)