Loire in Loir-et-Cher
The last untamed river in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Loire represents a relaxed way of life for many.
The Loire - symbol of a gentle way of life !
Its ever-changing scenery, diverse wildlife and colours which change by the hour make it unique. Whether you are a sporting enthusiast, nature lover or just someone who likes to contemplate the world around you, the Loire will surprise and delight you.
The Loire and its famous châteaux
The cultural heritage along the Loire in the Loir-et-Cher region is rich and varied. There are famous châteaux like Blois and Chaumont sur Loire with its International Garden Festival, a wide variety of birds which nest on the sandbanks (Ile de la Folie at Chaumont sur Loire is one of the finest flooded forests in Loir-et-Cher), not forgetting the Maison de la Loire at Saint Dyé, a multi-sensory experience for all the family.
Every year, the International Garden Festival at Chaumont sur Loire takes place from the end of April to mid-October with a different theme reflected in thirty gardens created by landscape designers from around the world. The ideal time to visit is before the summer to enjoy the flowers at their best. Register beforehand for a night time visit by the light of 2,500 candles. In autumn, the estate puts on its party clothes offering tours, walks and plant discovery events during the Splendeurs d’Automne. The château de Chaumont overlooks the Loire and its grounds, which house a major contemporary art exhibition every April, have uninterrupted views of the river.
The Loire and its vineyards
The Vallée de la Loire is a wine-growing area with 9 AOC (PDO) and also produces fine food. Many good restaurants serve fish from the Loire and our owners are always happy to recommend them (Loir-et-Cher has 6 Michelin-starred restaurants). There are lots of different activities around the Loire.
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The Loire by bike or by boat
Boat trips in traditional river boats take place at dawn and dusk for an alternative view of the river, starting from Blois, Chaumont sur Loire and Saint Dyé sur Loire (once the port for Chambord). You can also paddle along the river from various places, stopping off at some of the numerous little islands along the way. At Saint Dyé you can spend a night on the river aboard a ‘toue’, a traditional, flat-bottomed river boat - rather unusual Gites de France accommodation ! Hot-air balloons trips are a great way to discover the river and its heritage from an original angle.
Cycling enthusiasts can travel along the Loire à Vélo cycle route in complete safety. The route, which runs for 900km across France, is one of the finest in the country. Many of our approved properties also have the status « Accueil Vélo » (awarded to those whose position and facilities help touring cyclists).
Magnificent sunrise and sunsets provide amazing photo opportunities. Don’t hesitate to have an evening picnic beside the river to admire the beautiful flaming colours; you may be lucky enough to see a hot-air balloon going up or landing.
Discover the Cher Valley and the Châteaux de la Loire with Gîtes de France, Loir-et-Cher.
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