The Loire Valley is a beautiful and culturally rich destination. Located less than an hour from downtown Paris by bullet train, it’s a natural choice for an initial journey into the countryside of France. The Loire is known for its magnificent Renaissance châteaux - and seeing several is a must - but there are other aspects that make it attractive for a Sandquist Europe journey. It is known to have the most pure and clear French spoken, so if you have studied the language at sometime in your life, chances are you will understand at least a portion of what you hear. The main waterway in the region is the Loire river itself but there are three other rivers that divide the area: the Cher, the Indre and the Vienne. Rivers mean river valleys so, from an active perspective, the cycling or walking is manageable for everyone. Although perhaps not the most famous wine region in France, the Loire is home to many excellent appellations that are well worth exploring and learning about. From a culinary angle, the Loire boasts many renowned restaurants and is known for several regional specialties – from the fresh, line-caught produce of the rivers to delicious fresh or aged goat’s cheese and the crisp produce that gives the region its other name, the vegetable garden of France. Quaint towns and villages, welcoming locals, and a variety of luxurious accommodations round out the experience in this historically important region of la belle France.

Sample Loire Valley journey:

Private Loire Valley journey