When to visit the Loire?

The best time to visit Loire Valley to have good weather is from April to October. Spring is a great time to visit the chateaux's gardens, all in full bloom. The best seasons for outdoor activities are spring and autumn.

How many days do you need in the Loire Valley?

Exploring the Loire Valley by car is a great way to discover beautiful châteaux, peaceful riverside paths, and charming towns at your own pace. Below, you'll find our suggested 5-day itinerary, along with practical tips for each day.

Which is the most beautiful part of the Loire Valley?

What is the weather like in the Loire Valley in early September?

Weather in the Loire Valley

Sept. The days begin to get longer and the temperatures rise steadily up to around 20°C. You can have misty starts to the morning clearing away quickly to give very pleasant days and nights. There will be the odd days of rain but rarely for long periods.

Is Loire worth visiting?

The region is known for its quality vineyards, and a visit to the area wouldn't be complete without a visit to a winery. The region is also great for longer stays, and you could even participate in a work-for-housing exchange through WWOOF in the farms and vineyards of the Loire Region.

Visit Loire Valley - What to Know Before Your Visit The Loire Valley, France

What is the best time of year to visit the Loire Valley?

The best time to visit Loire Valley to have good weather is from April to October. Spring is a great time to visit the chateaux's gardens, all in full bloom. The best seasons for outdoor activities are spring and autumn. The shoulder seasons in the Loire Valley are perfect for walking and cycling.

Why can't you swim in the Loire?

Swimming in the Loire has been strictly prohibited since 1969, due to its dangerousness and unstable currents: On its banks, the existence of "soft sands", hiding under the feet of walkers, and the collapse of "dead ends", also very fragile sand escarpments, require increased attention.

Does it rain a lot in the Loire Valley?

The number of rainfall days ranges between 10 and 12 days per month. Rainfall totals are basically constant all-year round, and that trend is definitely obvious in autumn. Both October and November receive 56mm of precipitation. Daily sunshine hours fall significantly compared to the summer months.

Where to stay in the Loire Valley?

Where is the warmest place in France in September?

The warmest parts of France in September are Provence, the French Riviera, Dordogne, and Carcassonne.

What is the nicest village in Loire?

On the banks of the Loir, the medieval village of Lavardin is listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. It is located near Vendôme and will welcome you with its charming little cobblestone lanes lined with old houses, with the ruins of the château overlooking the village.

Is it better to stay in Tours or Amboise?

Tours or Amboise: quick response

Tours is a large, busy city, while Amboise is a small, mainly tourist town. For a more relaxing vacation, we recommend Amboise. But if you're looking for a wide choice of bars for your evenings out and museums, the city of Tours will be a better option.

What is the best town to base yourself in Loire Valley?

Many travelers who visit the Loire Valley stay in Blois or Orléans, but we don't recommend these towns are they are not central enough if you're planning to tour the whole region. If you want to see the region's most famous castles, Amboise or Cheverny will be the best places to stay in the Loire Valley.

Do I need a car in the Loire Valley?

With its proximity to Paris, stunning castles and charming towns, the Loire Valley is ideal for an excursion from the capital. Fortunately, it's also one of the easiest regions to visit without renting a car, which can be both cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

What not to miss in the Loire Valley?

What is the biggest town in the Loire Valley?

The administrative capital is Orléans, but the largest city is Tours. Like many contemporary regions of France, the region of Centre was created from parts of three historical provinces: Touraine, Orléanais, and Berry.

Which Loire château is best?

When should I go to Loire Valley?

If you're visiting the castles of the Loire Valley (a must-see!), traveling between April and June or September and October will mean you avoid the largest tourist crowds. You're also likely to see the castle gardens at their most beautiful.

Are there beaches in Loire Valley?

Pays de la Loire, also known as Western Loire or Atlantic Loire Valley, is a region of lush countryside covered in chateaux, stunning beaches including the 9km long expanse of fine sand at La Baule, and historic towns and cities where troglodyte caves are hidden underground, carved out of the beautiful soft white ...

Is October a good time to visit Loire Valley?

The pleasant seasons of spring from April to June and autumn from September to October are the best to visit Loire Valley Castles. What are the opening hours for Château De Chambord? ​Château De Chambord remains open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

What month rains the most in France?

The south of France doesn't have a rainy season, although October, November, January, and April are statistically the months with the highest rainfall. October is the wettest month, with 2.6 inches (65mm) of rain, but this doesn't mean it will rain all the time.

How do I get to Loire Valley from Paris by train?

​Direct trains to Blois leave Paris from Austerlitz station, with journey times of 1 hour 20 to 2 hours. You can also take a TGV from Paris to Tours (70 minutes), and another train from Tours to Blois (30 minutes). With this day trip from Paris by train to Blois, journey to the heart of French history!

Why can't you wear swimming shorts in France?

Why are swim shorts prohibited? Unlike body-fitting swimming briefs, most styles of men's shorts can just as easily be worn throughout the day, with some even having pockets. As such they'll pick up more dirt and dust, contaminating pool water.

Can you drink tap water in Loire Valley, France?

Tap water is safe to drink. Remember to drink plenty of water during hot weather. The power supply in La Loire is 230 volts. Sockets accept two-round-pin style plugs, so an adaptor is needed for most non-continental appliances and a transformer for appliances operating on 100-120 volts.

Is the Loire polluted?

Aside from the great variety and richness of the living communities they host, aquatic ecosystems composing the Loire river system are exposed to many sources of pollution and anthropogenic disturbances affecting water quality and ecosystem functioning throughout the food webs.