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Things to do in the Loire Valley

Throughout the years, the Loire Valley has been home to some of the area's richest and most powerful families. Many royals chose this area as the location of their most impressive homes and palaces, making it a fascinating destination to visit.

Although the architecture certainly deserves your appreciation, you will find plenty of other great things to do in the Loire Valley, no matter how you like to spend your time on holiday.

It takes around 5 hours to drive from Calais to the Loire Valley, and if you want to break up your journey, there are plenty of interesting places to stop by, such as Le Mans.

Do you want more freedom and peace of mind when traveling with your car? Then why not upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets? Allowing you to take the scenic route home, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility on your departure time when getting our Ferries to and from France!

So why not book your Dover to Calais ferry today and discover all the things to do in the Loire Valley!

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Parks and Gardens
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Explore famous Chateaux
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Things to do in the Loire Valley

Places to visit in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is often referred to as the ‘Garden of France’ due to its impressive number of parks, gardens, and estates, so if you are looking for green spaces during your break, you will be spoilt for choice.

One of the best places to visit in the Loire Valley is the La Brenne Regional Nature Park, where you will find over 2000 lakes and ponds, offering the perfect space to enjoy some fresh air and relax away from the towns and cities. This park is home to around 2,300 different animal species, including turtles, herons, ducks, and dragonflies, and 1,200 types of plants, so if you love wildlife, this really is the place to be.

When you visit the Loire Valley, you will also have the chance to see the largest Japanese garden in Europe, the Parc Oriental de Maulévrier. With a design mostly centered around water, this park has a pond that is home to two islands, plus natural and mythical landscape designs that are sure to enchant you. There are plenty of Japanese symbols to discover as you wander around the park. You can also take a guided tour if you like, which can be a perfect family thing to do in the Loire Valley.

Top things to do in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is popular because it is home to over 300 castles boasting a variety of amazing styles and designs. If you love wandering around stunning buildings, you really won’t be disappointed.

One of the most famous places to visit in the Loire Valley is the Chateau de Chambord, which was initially created to be a hunting lodge for Francois I. It now has over 400 rooms inside and stables for around 1,200 horses! The grounds are extensive and beautiful, and you can choose to walk, cycle, or horse ride to see them for yourself. As one of the region's most visited and photographed chateaus, it really should be an attraction at the top of your list.

With Renaissance furniture, tapestries, and various artwork to admire as you walk around, you’re also sure to love the small chapel and its stained glass windows that replaced the originals damaged in World War II, visiting the Chateau de Chambord is one of the best things to do in the Loire Valley.

Things to do in the Loire Valley with kids

The Loire Valley is also popular because there are plenty of family-friendly things to do. Recognized as one of the most beautiful zoos in the world, the ZooParc de Beauval is one of the best things to do in the Loire Valley with kids. It is home to around 8,000 residents from 600 different species, including white tigers, pandas, and koalas.

As one of the top things to do in the Loire Valley beyond visiting châteaux, ZooParc de Beauval offers an unforgettable experience. Part of the zoo is designed to resemble an African plain, where you can spot zebras, giraffes, rhinos, antelope, and more in a naturalistic setting. Don’t miss the impressive amphitheatre shows featuring sea lions and birds of prey. The hippo enclosure is also a highlight. It has its own beach and waterfall, and it’s perfect for animal lovers of all ages.

Best Places to visit in the Loire Valley

Another different thing to do in the Loire Valley is spot the troglodytes, which are dwellings carved into the slopes and rock faces. Those who lived there wanted to make the most of the landscape. These residences are made from tufa stone, which is very easy to work with. The material taken from the landscapes during the carving process was then sold on.

If you are interested in the troglodytes, head to the Troglodyte Village of Rochemenier, where people lived until the 1930s. You can see farms, houses, and even an underground chapel!

With so many things to do in the Loire Valley, add a trip to your travel wish list and discover all it has to offer for yourself. Book your Dover to Calais ferry crossing today and start planning your perfect break!

The Loire Valley is often referred to as the ‘Garden of France’ due to its impressive number of parks, gardens, and estates

Villandry Castle And Gardens in Loire Valley

FAQS:

1. Where is the Loire Valley?

The Loire Valley is in central France, stretching along the Loire River from around Orléans to Angers. It’s part of the regions of Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de la Loire, about 200 km (125 miles) southwest of Paris. Taking approximately five hours from our Calais Port it is a perfect location for those wanting a picturesque road trip with many places to visit along the way.

2. Is the Loire Valley worth visiting?

As the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is definitely worth the visit, especially for those who want a more relaxed and slower travel experience. There are plenty of things to do in the Loire Valley, including visiting different castles, rolling vineyards, historic towns, and family-friendly activities. Make your journey more enjoyable with our onboard entertainment when you travel with us to start and finish your trip right.

3. How to get to the Loire Valley?

There are many different ways to travel to the Loire Valley. One of the most straightforward and stress-free ways is by ferry. With our Dover to Calais ferry, you will be a 5-hour drive away, perfect for exploring many other towns and cities. Travelling by car to the Loire Valley couldn’t be easier. So, why not book your ferry to France today!

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