As the world converges on France for the excitement of the Olympic Games, the Loire Valley offers an idyllic, nearby escape from Paris. Renowned for its stunning châteaux, charming villages, scenic gardens, and extensive cycling routes, the Loire Valley offers unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Biking
One of the best ways to discover the Loire Valley is via Loire à Vélo (or “Loire by Bike”). The Blois-Tours bike route passes through charming villages and vineyards, past iconic châteaux and along the Loire River. Stops along the way include the Château Royal de Blois and the Château du Clos-Lucé in Amboise, which currently has an exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci and the Perfumes of the Renaissance, with 28 unique perfumes and over 60 reconstructed works and objects. Bikers will pass the vineyards and troglodyte caves of Montlouis and can stop by for a taste of its famous sparkling wine. Hotels along the route include the Fleur de Loire, Le Manoir Les Minimes, Les Hautes Roches, and Les Trésorières.
Hiking
The GRP® des Châteaux offers four different loops between the Loire and Cher rivers, showcasing magnificent landscapes and remarkable architecture. Travelers can wander through forests and lakes in Sologne, admire the traditional architecture in small villages, and visit the châteaux of Chambord, Cheverny, and Villesavin.
Sailing
Travelers can sail along the historic canals of the Cher on a traditional wooden boat with Les Mariniers du Jean Bricau. Available daily through October 14, 2024, this journey offers a unique perspective on the region’s history by boat.
Kayaking
As the host site of the 2024 Olympic Shooting Events at the Châteauroux Shooting Center, the medieval city of Châteauroux is filled with opportunities for exploration. Travelers can experience Châteauroux by water with the Canoe-Kayak Club and go for a peaceful paddle around Parc de Belle-Isle and learn about the city’s history, monuments and bridges, while soaking in the surrounding fauna and flora. Visitors can also see the Loire Châteaux and more beautiful sites of the region via a canoe or kayak; find more info here.
Garden Strolling
The Loire Valley is home to some of the most exquisite gardens in the world, ideal for an afternoon stroll. Every garden offers a unique sensory experience, from the formal French gardens of Château de Villandry to hidden gems like Château de Pesselières, which features a labyrinth hornbeam plants and a walled garden. Garden experiences include the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire and the spectacular botanical displays at the Château de Cheverny. For lesser-known spots, the Domaine de Poulaines offers atmospheric gardens and an arboretum in the heart of a 62-acre wooded park, with more than 300 different plant species. The Gardens of the Abbey of Thiron Gardais feature contemporary, medieval-inspired gardens, evoking the work of 12th-century Benedictine monks.
