Holiday rentals and lettings in Loire Valley

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in the Loire Valley?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in the Loire Valley: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring the Loire Valley: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in the Loire Valley?

• Choice of accommodation: From characterful cottages and country villas to town apartments, log cabins and camping, the Loire Valley suits couples, families and groups, many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: In château towns such as Amboise and Blois, the lively cities of Tours and Orleans, or the vineyards around Chinon and Saumur.
• What guests love: Fairytale châteaux, world-class Loire wines, gentle river scenery and the Loire à Vélo cycle route.
• Best time to visit: Summer for the vineyards and cycling, spring and autumn for the châteaux and gardens, and quiet, atmospheric winters.
• Things to do: Tour Chambord and Chenonceau, cycle the Loire à Vélo, taste Vouvray and Chinon wines and explore troglodyte cave dwellings.

The Loire Valley's holiday lettings are full of character, from country cottages in the Loire Valley and grand villas in the Loire Valley to stylish apartments in the Loire Valley, rustic log cabins and relaxed camping in the vineyards. Many enjoy river views or garden settings, with space for the family, and there is something for couples, groups and dog owners alike. Whether you want a château-town bolthole or a rural base among the vines, there is a self-catering letting to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi and a cosy lounge for evenings in
• A garden or terrace for warm summer evenings
• A barbecue for al fresco dining
• Parking or a central spot near the shops
• A pool to cool off after a day among the châteaux

Wherever you base yourself, a château, a vineyard or the River Loire is rarely far away. Fancy exploring further afield? You can also compare villas in Brittany and cottages in Brittany.

What are the best areas to stay in the Loire Valley?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the château towns are best for history, while the vineyards suit wine lovers and cyclists. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in the Loire Valley through Holidu often highlight the fairytale châteaux, the beauty of the River Loire and the ease of touring vineyards and gardens. Many mention the world-class wines of Vouvray and Chinon, the gentle cycling along the Loire à Vélo and the region's reputation as the Garden of France, and return for the rare mix of history, wine and river scenery all close together.

Strung along the River Loire in central France, the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage region known as the Garden of France. Famous for its fairytale châteaux, from vast Chambord and elegant Chenonceau to Villandry with its celebrated gardens, it is also home to the historic cities of Tours, Orleans and Angers and to world-class vineyards producing Vouvray, Chinon, Sancerre and Saumur wines. With the Loire à Vélo cycle route, troglodyte cave dwellings and gentle river scenery, and easy TGV links from Paris, it makes a delightful base for a holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to the Loire Valley?

Most visitors arrive by car or by high-speed train from Paris and beyond. Here are the most common ways to get to the region:

• By car: The Loire Valley is reached via the A10 motorway, within easy reach of Paris, Nantes and the Atlantic coast. A car is handy for touring the châteaux, vineyards and villages, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train: Frequent TGV services connect Paris to Tours, Blois and Angers in around an hour, with regional trains linking the château towns. The stations are close to the old towns, making it a relaxed, car-free way to arrive and explore on foot or by bike.

🥗Where to eat in the Loire Valley?

According to Google Maps reviews, Au Coeur Epicurieux is one of the best rated restaurants in the Loire Valley. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guests love La Maison des Halles in Tours: an upscale spot serving refined French cuisine paired with Loire Valley wines, right by the Les Halles market and perfect for a memorable dinner after a day among the châteaux.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest weather for the vineyards and cycling, while spring and autumn are ideal for the châteaux and gardens. Winter is atmospheric and quiet, with cosy restaurants and misty river mornings.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Vineyards, cycling and the châteaux
• Weather: Warm and often sunny
• Atmosphere: Lively along the river and in the towns

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Gardens, wine harvest and fewer crowds
• Weather: Mild and often bright
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with easy availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Cosy restaurants, quiet châteaux and atmospheric walks
• Weather: Cool and crisp, sometimes misty
• Atmosphere: Quiet and snug, with a festive glow

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Loire Valley hosts recommend an early start at Chambord or Chenonceau before the coaches arrive, then an afternoon tasting Vouvray or Chinon wines at a small family domaine. Ask your host about the best stretch of the Loire à Vélo for gentle riverside cycling and their favourite village bistro.

1. Tour the Château de Chambord
2. Visit the Château de Chenonceau
3. Cycle the Loire à Vélo
4. Taste the Loire wines
5. Explore the gardens of Villandry

1. Tour the Château de Chambord

   The largest of the Loire châteaux, Chambord is an extraordinary Renaissance masterpiece set in a vast walled estate. Marvel at its fantastical rooftop of towers and chimneys and climb the famous double-helix staircase said to have been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Wander the surrounding forest and parkland, home to deer and wild boar, and soak up the grandeur of a palace built as a royal hunting lodge. It is a truly unforgettable sight.

2. Visit the Château de Chenonceau

   Perhaps the most romantic of all, the Château de Chenonceau arches elegantly across the River Cher on a series of graceful arches. Explore its richly furnished rooms, admire the works of art and stroll the beautiful formal gardens created by the great ladies who shaped its history. Known as the Ladies' Château, it is a magical blend of architecture, water and greenery that captivates every visitor who crosses its threshold.

3. Cycle the Loire à Vélo

   The Loire à Vélo is a superb, largely flat cycle route running for hundreds of kilometres along the River Loire, linking châteaux, vineyards and riverside villages. Hire a bike and follow well-signed paths past sandbanks, meadows and historic towns, stopping to picnic or taste local wines. Suitable for families and casual riders alike, it is one of the finest and most relaxing ways to discover the gentle beauty of the region.

4. Taste the Loire wines

   The Loire Valley is one of France's great wine regions, producing crisp whites, elegant reds and sparkling wines. Visit the cellars around Vouvray, Chinon, Saumur and Sancerre to taste at family domaines, many set in atmospheric troglodyte caves carved into the tuffeau stone. Learn about the grapes, meet the winemakers and pick up a few bottles to enjoy back at your holiday letting. It is a delicious highlight of any visit.

5. Explore the gardens of Villandry

   The Château de Villandry is celebrated above all for its breathtaking Renaissance gardens, among the finest in France. Stroll the geometric ornamental potager, the water garden and the fragrant herb beds, all laid out in intricate patterns that change with the seasons. Climb to the terraces for a sweeping view over the parterres and countryside. A paradise for garden lovers, it is a masterpiece of colour, symmetry and design.