Top Things to do in Loire Valley
10 Things to Do in Loire Valley That You Shouldn't Miss
Old world villages and storybook chateaux bedeck the Loire, once fought over by Gauls, Romans, Visigoths and even Attila the Hun. Rent bikes and roll through the lush valley, visiting fortresses in Amboise and Angers, UNESCO-designated Chartres Cathedral and the Gothic cathedral in Nantes. Musee Jules Vernes houses replicas of inventions designed by the futuristic author. Pay respects to other former residents: the Romans in Tours, the cave dwellers of Touraine, and the liberator of Orleans, Joan of Arc.
Restaurants in Loire Valley
1. Walt Disney Studios Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
A new addition to Disneyland Paris that celebrates cinema.
Reviewed By Amy H
We went to both parks but I have to sat that the Disney park was better than the Walt Disney Studios park. My favourite part of this park was the Art of Animation display.
2. Palace of Versailles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Palace, trianon palaces and the estate of marie-antoinette : open daily except mondays and certain public holidays. Gardens and park : open daily.Commented tours, independant visits, musical fontains shows, shows, bowboats, little train, bicycles, bookshop, shops, restaurants...
Reviewed By AlexJames102 - London, United Kingdom
It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to visit the Palace of Versailles and I went with no pre-conceived expectations. In fact, I heavily researched for my visit; which I knew would be busy, being the Easter weekend.
My review is going to be overwhelmingly negative, so I feel it’s important to begin with the positives.
Versailles is simply a marvel; one of the most luxurious and jaw-droppingly beautiful palaces I’ve seen. The Hall of Mirrors is spectacular. The architecture is bedazzling. The interiors are special.
That said, I feel I must warn people about my overall experience visiting the palace. I have no agenda at all except to inform.
Despite arriving at around 10.30am, we queued for over two hours with pre-paid tickets bought online. This massive queue finishes at the actual entrance- a tiny little door. I simply cannot believe that, with the quantity of visitors (10m a year), the Palace can’t organise a better influx into the Palace. There are, after all, a huge number of spacious exits. I know the Palace is world famous and attracts hordes, but the queue is simply outrageously long; with no staff in sight to advise, and poorly managed.
To say that Versailles is overcrowded would be an understatement. It’s claustrophobic, and restricts one’s ability to appreciate the rooms. This, coupled with cameras being shoved in and around one’s person constantly, severely damaged my ability to absorb the splendours of the Palace properly.
And this is where my main criticism lies: the management of the Palace. Elements of the online ticket are simply a scam. Nowhere on the website does it say that two thirds of the house and accompanying estates are closed. Nowhere does it say that even if you buy an e-ticket including access to the Gardens (!) you still have to queue and pay extra to access them on a Saturday. There is, in fact, no live information online detailing day to day details. Let me give an example: the Trianon estate is currently closed for refurbishment. That is not stated clearly on the website. I couldn’t find it anywhere, in fact. But they still charge ticket bundles for it, that cost extra. That is simply a scam.
The staff were unhelpful, and often rude when I asked for specifics. I speak very good French as well. This attitude bore all the hallmarks of a tourist site unconcerned with customer care as they didn’t need to be polite- they will never be short of visitors and ergo don’t face scrutiny.
Versailles was a massive disappointment- and I consider myself a patient and understanding visitor respectful of local culture. I wanted to write a Trip Advisor specifically to warn people.
If you want to visit what is absolutely a fabulous palace, go at 9am, off season, and call to check what’s open and what’s not, and expect queues and people everywhere.
3. Musee d'Orsay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
This beautiful museum, once a railroad station, now houses a staggering collection of Impressionist art, as well as other items created between 1848 and 1914. In 2011, the museum is running a renovation of the top floor (impressionist gallery). Only ground and medium floor are accessible. The top floor will re-open on the 20th of October. Meanwhile, some impressionist masterpieces are not visible.
Reviewed By sargent0 - Swindon, United Kingdom
On our last full day in Paris we visited Musée d’Orsay. We got there early (and thank god we did) arriving at 09:40 just after opening to join a huge queue which stretched to the corner of the block. It took us just over an hour to get in, but it was worth the wait.
Also being the first Sunday of the month, entry was free which was a real bonus though the full price ticket is only €12 per adult.
On arrival we head straight up to the 5th floor to the only cafe which was open at the time. Worth noting that until 11:45 they only serve tea, coffee, cake and desserts so we ordered tea, a pint of cola and my husband had a Belgian waffle. Once lunch could be ordered I had the Salade Parisian and my husband the Fois Grais.
Both of which was very nice and all in all cane to around €45
We started our visit on the 5th floor after our lunch and it is without a doubt the best section.
With a huge collection of Monet, Renoir you would not be disappointed by the majority of Exhibitions. I particularly liked the Sisley collection.
Having arrived at 11:15 we departed around 14:30.
It’s a stunning museum with a collection which I am sure would have something for everyone.
I’ll be honest, I was very surprised by how much of the art work I really liked. I would never have classed myself as a fan of the Impressionists as our personal art collection is very modern day while quite eclectic to say the least but there were a number of the Monet and Sisley pieces which I found quite stunning.
For €12 each you cannot go wrong with a visit to this beautiful museum which in itself is a piece of art, originally an old railway station, this old building is something to be admired in its own right.
Would absolutely recommend if you can stand the queues.
4. Franca Entre Amigos
Overall Ratings
5 based on 242 reviews
Franca entre amigos, or France among friends is a tourist agency that wellcomes travellers in Paris. Since 2008, a friendly and thoughtful staff provide private excursions and transferts. The team is experienced and knowlegeable on major sights. We only do private tours and departure point is always located from your hotel, so that you and your family can enjoy maximum confort and security.
Reviewed By Stefania20 - Copenhagen, Denmark
It's an incredible place, seeing the tide coming up so quickly it's mesmerising. The only negative point we found is this one: we wanted to wait for the 20: p.m. tide, after having visited the abbey. We wanted to just sit in a cafe to have a beer or something like that, watching the tide coming up. Nothing, at 6 p.m. every bar or restaurant (but one, internal) was closed. Not a very marketing-clever idea, but maybe there was something going on we didnt' know about.
5. Helixaero
Overall Ratings
5 based on 98 reviews
Helixaero is a training school helicopter pilot . Based on the airport Toussus-le-Noble , just 20 minutes from Paris, our team of instructors you will discover the pleasure of a helicopter either for a walk as a baptism of air or to take control of the aircraft during a flight initiation . Open all year join us during a few hours of discovery or for your complete training.
Reviewed By Jofo_fr - Paris, France
En 1978, je projetais la construction d'un hélicoptère avec un de mes amis. Projet jamais abouti.
En 1988, premier vol en tant que passager avec atterrissage à l'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay...
Premier contact avec ce qui allait devenir une fascination.
Et puis le temps a passé, j'ai eu pas mal d'occasions, heliski, balades, vols découverte...
Et puis j'ai décidé de franchir le pas : objectif PPL/H.
D'abord, trouver l'endroit et les formateurs qui me conviennent (je ne sais pas si je suis vieux ou caractériel...), et tant qu'à faire, trouver une machine qui me plaise pour aller jusqu'au bout.
J'avoue que ma première rencontre avec Olivier et Benjamin m'a définitivement décidé.
Au delà de l'accueil (sans faute), c'est une rencontre humaine qui m'a intéressée tant par l'approche pédagogique que par une vraie transparence.
Donc, une fois le certificat médical obtenu, première leçon cette semaine.
Paperasse, une heure de théorie et une heure de pratique avec une météo de rêve.
Quel plaisir que cette machine, sous l’œil sécurisant d'Olivier.
45 minutes d'apprentissage tout en intelligence et en douceur (heuu, j'ai peut être un peu secoué le bouzin).
Je suis rentré chez moi avec la banane.
Même si je sais que ça ne va pas être facile, j'envisage la suite avec confiance. J'y retourne la semaine prochaine.
Alors, si vous cherchez un endroit magique, vous y êtes.
6. C La Vigne- Authentic Champagne Tour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 136 reviews
C La Vigne is a boutique company specializing in vineyards and wineries day tours to Champagne region from Paris. Our tour is intimate as we travel in a small group (maximum 6 people). You will be accompanied by an experienced and friendly wine Professional to discover the Champagne making process, get familiar with the wine tasting technique and, of course, have a leisurely day of fun!
Reviewed By NeilGrosvenor - Adelaide, Australia
Peggy was extremely knowledgeable. The first two champagne houses were entertaining and personal. The restaurant for lunch was excellent. Our tour of the region was fun and informative. The least enjoyable part was Moet and Chandon which could have been any of the really large wineries in Australia, but Peggy can't help that.
7. Rendez-Vous dans les Vignes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 110 reviews
"Rendez-Vous dans les Vignes", at the heart of the Loire Valley, between Amboise and Tours, offers tours in English and French to discover the winegrower's work throughout the year, in the vineyard and the cellar. Learn about tasting techniques during indoor or outdoor sessions based on various Loire Valley wines paired with regional food. Sessions for groups and individuals, all year long.
Reviewed By R A - Baltimore
Took this tour in August with my boyfriend and we both had a great time! Myriam is extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the wine making process and answered all of our questions. It was so interesting to see the entire wine making process from...MoreThank you for your review! And thank you again for visiting. I'm happy to read that you enjoyed the whole experience. Warm regards to both of you.
8. Paris Bike Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Beejayaug - Cliffside Park, New Jersey
We were four couples who all ride high-end road bikes at home and have traveled extensively throughout Europe, mostly bringing our own bikes. After this experience it is not likely we'll ever bring our own bikes again. Sam's attention to detail and fit were amazing....MoreThank you so much "Team M."!!
9. Chateau Gaudrelle, Vins de Vouvray
Overall Ratings
5 based on 130 reviews
Chateau Gaudrelle is a family-run exploitation of 50 acres. We produced Vouvray wine since 1931. You are welcome to visit our cellars (cave) and to enjoy a commented wine tasting.Alexandre Monmousseau produce still and sparkling Vouvrays which are now recognised as being amongst the very finest of the appellation.
Reviewed By Kevin M
I write this a few months after our epic tour of the Chateau Guadrelle. I had the pleasure of visiting this winery during a driving trip through some of the smaller cities surrounding Paris and, wanting to bring my parents to a winery around Tours where we were staying, I looked on Trip Advisor to see which had the best ratings. The Chateau Guadrelle kept coming up for its exceptional tours and the warmth expressed to their guests. I knew this was the place for us.
I'd been on countless winery tours as a native of California, growing up near the Napa Valley, and naively thought I knew a thing or two about wine and wineries. We swung by the Chateau and were greeted by both a friendly large furry dog and Charles, our host. Charles cordially showed us around the grounds, brought us into the amazing caverns underneath the mountain, and explained in great detail every part of the process. Ironically, while we were told were getting the shorter tour, it was was the most detailed and comprehensive wine tours of my life.
Moreover, the level of passion and love he had for his craft was unbelievable. It's quite rare to see this excitement and passion for one's work expressed in a human being and it was a true honor to witness this in Charles and his colleagues at the Chateau Guandrelle. Charles and his staff spent a solid hour with us speaking to us about the process of the wine they made, about the philosophy of their wines, and about French wine making in general and it's importance in modern French culture. The talk was both inspiring and educational and we all walked away with an experience that will be forever planted amongst our best memories. I truly appreciate this winery and look forward to buying their excellent wines online and hopefully, one day, going back.
10. Chateau du Petit Thouars
Overall Ratings
5 based on 104 reviews
Chateau du Petit Thouars is an award-winning family-run vineyard located in the heart of the Loire Valley wine country: between Chinon, Saumur, and Bourgueil. We are open year-round for free wine tastings in our traditional salle de degustation/tasting room and look forward to welcoming you to the joys of our 100% Cabernet Franc wines! Wine tasting - Cellar Tours - Group Lunches and Dinners - Picnics in the vines - Boat Tours.
Reviewed By HollyRS_12 - London, United Kingdom
We booked the Epicurian tour and tasting on the website and had a fantastic time. D'Arcy took us to see the vines and then into the cave where the wine is aged in barrels.
Sebastien conducted the tasting and was very interesting and knowledgable as he talked us through the wine they produce, all of which was delicious.
We bought lots too - thanks for such a fantastic day!
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