The Loire Valley: A Romantic Weekend Escape from Paris

Visit the chateaux that the region is famous for, starting with Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, Cheverny, and many more! These fairytale castles will transport you to a period of elegance, royalty, grand balls and banquets. They are not only beautiful and grand inside, but also have the most exquisite gardens. You have the option to view these at your leisure, or as part of a small group, or with a guide.

Visit vineyards and wineries in the area, some of the most popular whites and rosés are from here. Think Sauvignon Blanc (you can visit Sancerre and Poilly Fume), light and crisp Chenin Blanc (which is my favourite summer white!) and even a sparkling wine from the region called Cremant de Loire.

Visit wine caves, these historic wine rooms are built into the limestone cliffs where you can do tastings, often wine and cheese pairings, sometimes dinners. It’s a great way to explore the wine and some of the ancient ways in which they would store the wine and take advantage of the natural materials around them.

Go on a boat tour on the river. This can be on a traditional flat bottomed boat called toues, they are sail or motor powered. Some have cabins, some are open. Another option, especially in better weather, is kayaking along the river. From the river, you can view the chateaux from another perspective and take a slow tour of the region.

Borrow a bicycle from your hotel and ride between towns stopping at as many cafes as you fancy! For example, from Les Sources de Cheverny, it is a 12-minute bike ride to Chateaux Cheverny. This allows you to have a leisurely ride there, take as much time as you want, stop in at a cafe for lunch on the way home, etc.

Hot air balloon ride. See the chateaux and fields from a different perspective. This is a great option for grand romance, thinking of proposing among the clouds? Imagine having beautiful storybook castles in the background. Also a great option for honeymooners to create an extra special memory.

Enjoy your hotel’s amenities, whether that be a spa, exploring the grounds, taking a bicycle to the nearest village, take advantage of everything these amazing properties have to offer! Many of the hotels here also have accomplished restaurants on site. You can spend the night enjoying a French meal without having to leave the comfort of your hotel.

Assa - Named after the Japanese word for 'Morning,' this restaurant offers a daily-changing menu by chefs Anthony and Fumiko, reflecting the fresh produce available from local suppliers. Their cuisine presents a journey through the Loire Valley with subtle Japanese influences. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday.

Au rendez-vous des pêcheurs - A former neighborhood grocery store and bar, once popular with Loire fishermen, has been transformed by the Chef into a tranquil and welcoming restaurant. Here, guests can relax and savor fresh fish from the Loire River. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.

Le Grand Saint-Michel - Experience French culture and traditions through their seasonal fine dining menu. The restaurant prioritizes high-quality, locally sourced ingredients from farmers, producers, and the Chambord vegetable garden. Open for dinner only, Wednesday through Sunday.

Avarum - Located in Controis-en-Sologne, Avarum restaurant provides a culinary escape with traditional French cuisine prepared by a talented and passionate chef using fresh, local products typical of the Loire Valley region. Situated at the foot of the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, the establishment offers a warm and friendly welcome for both lunch and dinner, boasting high-end service and staff.