We have some unforgettable gites, holiday villas and holiday cottages in the Loire Valley! This is one of France's most lovely regions, taking in the dramatic Massif Central, the Atlantic coast and France's longest river, the Loire. This meanders scenically along its verdant course in what's called the Garden of France... stunningly beautiful! Take a gite in the Loire Valley and enjoy endless vineyards spreading out as far as the eye can see. Across neat patches of undulating farmland and along rivers spanned by graceful bridges, everything seems to flourish here. A holiday villa in the Loire Valley also delivers history, with countless châteaux and palaces with fairytale turrets. Packed with antique treasures, set in beautifully manicured gardens.

A holiday cottage in the Loire lets you explore Azay-le-Rideau, with its fantastic Son et Lumière displays throughout the summer. Blois, Chenonceaux, Chambord and Villandry are also worthy of attention, all exciting in their own unique way. The Loire is home to fascinating troglodyte villages carved into the limestone landscape, Rochmenier for one. This is the garden of France. Gites, holiday villas, holiday cottages in the Loire valley are popular with cyclists, walkers, fishermen and everyone who loves spending time in the water. Splashing in the Loire's cool, refreshing waters is hard to beat for sheer relaxation! Why not take a tour around our Loire Valley villas, cottages and gites? Your ideal Loire valley self catering holiday starts here!

View and book properties in Loire Valley

When in Loire...   

Gastronomy

Wines hark from the vineyards of Vouvray, Chinon, Saumur, Sancerre and Touraine. Trout and salmon fresh from the river, wild boar, venison and pheasant are all common on menus, along with local mushrooms and asparagus, often in beurre blanc sauces. Cheeses here include Ste-Maure, Selles-sur-Cher, Valençay and Crottin de Chavignol, while fruit pies are a favourite dessert.

Places of Interest

Around 120 châteaux, dating from the 12th to 18th century. To those mentioned above, consider Valençay, Cour Cheverny and Ussé, which inspired Perrault to pen 'Sleeping Beauty'. Visit da Vinciís house at Amboise. Explore Chartres, with its beautiful spired cathedral, Joan of Arcís Orlèans, Tours, a city rich in galleries, markets and museums, and any number of lovely villages.

Sports and Leisure

Swim in the Loire or windsurf at the Lac de Rillé; rivers for trout and salmon fishing are open from March to September. Tennis courts are plentiful and there are several excellent 18-hole golf courses. The landscape is ideal for cycling and horse riding - perhaps drop into the famous Cadre Noir riding school in Saumur. And catch a ‘Son et Lumière’ display especially in July and August.

Getting there

Take an overnight Brittany Ferries crossing to Caen or St Malo followed by a leisurely 3-4 hour drive to your Loire cottage or gite.

If you prefer a shorter crossing, travel from Dover to Calais with P&O or Folkestone to Calais with Eurotunnel followed by a 5 hour drive via Paris.

Flying to your Loire cottage is easy with low cost flights to Nantes, Tours, Angers or Poitiers from a range of UK airports.