Castles, goat cheese, Chenin Blanc<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, Cabernet Franc<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, river tours, cobblestone streets\u2014the Loire Valley<\/strong><\/a><\/span> is the quaint destination for all of these things. Just a little over two hours from Paris<\/strong><\/a>, this destination is an obvious choice for wine professionals but hits all the right notes for any traveler. You can take a look at current flight deals into Paris here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t As a wine region, the limestone-rich soils and varying climates make it a prime location for many different grapes. The Loire Valley is a long area that hugs the Loire River on both sides, covering 634 miles (1015 km). Because of how different one section is from the next, it is broken up into 3 sections going from west to east\u2014Lower Loire (Pays Nantais), Middle Loire (Anjou, Saumur, and Touraine), and Upper Loire (Centre). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Each section makes decidedly different styles of wine and each utilizes different grapes. Some classic and recognizable wines from the Loire Valley are Sancerre<\/strong><\/em>, the “high-end Sauvignon Blanc” from the Sancerre region, Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Muscadet (so great with oysters!) from the Lower Loire, and Vouvray which is made from Chenin Blanc. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For the sake of this travel guide, your home base will be in the delightful area of Touraine, in the Middle Loire offering plenty of excursions to surrounding areas. Compare rental car options on Kayak<\/a> if you’re traveling from Paris.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mercure Hotel<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Location is key, especially if you plan on exploring the Loire Valley in-depth. In the Middle Loire and right on the river in Blois, Mercure has an indoor pool, gym, and a wine bar. The breakfast spread includes French staples along with local cheeses and honey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Domaine des Hauts de Loire<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For a more quaint, countryside feel, this Relais & Chateaux property in Ozain is situated in the heart of wine country. Gastronomy seekers will relish the on-site restaurants. From Bistrot to chef R\u00e9my Giraud\u2019s two Michelin star restaurant, everything is top-notch. Think caviar, squab, lobster, and chocolate made on-site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RELATED:<\/strong> 10 Fun Facts About France’s Loire Valley<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cr\u00eaperie La Dentelle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 33 Pl. du Grand March\u00e9, 37000 Tours, France<\/p>\n\n\n\n +33 2 47 66 36 35<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the heart of Tours, this is a great stop for authentic French cr\u00eapes. Sit outside and enjoy the bistro culture and people watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Le Lift<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n dans le jardin de la charpenterie avec vue panoramique sur la Loire, 5 Rue de la Poterne, 45000 Orl\u00e9ans, France<\/p>\n\n\n\n +33 2 38 53 63 48<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Le Lift, in the town of Orl\u00e9ans, features the local bounty of the region in a retro-futuristic dining area. The creative menu is met with local pairings of wine. Sit on the terrace for a view of the Loire River. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Au Rendez-vous des P\u00eacheurs <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 27 Rue du Foix, 41000 Blois, France<\/p>\n\n\n\n +33 2 54 74 67 48<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby Ch\u00e2teau de Blois is this inventive restaurant set in a former grocery store. The focus is on regional ingredients and boasts some of the freshest fish coming straight from the river to your plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Loire Valley is known for its gardens and chateaux and there are many ways to experience them. In fact, in 2000, UNESCO added the chateaux of the Loire Valley to its World Heritage list<\/a>. Many of these sights can be seen from river cruises or private boat rentals. Cycling is massively popular in the region and it\u2019s also a great way to take in the sights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord<\/a><\/strong> in Touraine is a marvelous sight to take in, either from a tour of the inside, viewing from a boat on the nearby river, or to see the fireworks on the castle grounds at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ch\u00e2teau de Amboise<\/strong><\/a> is a stunning castle boasting overlooks with panoramic views of the river and an array of cottage roofs speckled across the valley. Most notable is the fact that you can visit Leonardo DaVinci\u2019s tomb<\/strong><\/em> on the chateau grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interestingly, many troglodyte caves are underfoot in the Loire Valley. There are tours in which visitors can hike through as well as unusual experiences, such as dining inside of one! La Cave aux Fou\u00e9es<\/strong><\/a> in Amboise has a full restaurant inside of the cave, as well as a mini-museum of antique tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ch\u00e2teau de Villandry<\/a><\/strong> is the perfect place to go on a beautiful day. Walk or bike through the six beautiful French gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you see a six-headed dragon popping its many heads outside the ornate windows of a building exterior, you will know you have found the House of Magic<\/a><\/strong>. Dedicated to the magician, Robert-Houdin, it serves as an exhibition on the history of magic, and work of Houdin, as well as optical illusions of all kinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBackground on the Touraine Wine Region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Touraine France Itinerary & Travel Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Top Hotels in Touraine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where To Eat in Touraine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Top Tours & Things To Do in Touraine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n