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Discover the Loire Valley

Journey to the heart of history
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A Magnificent Landscape

A trip to the heart of France. Just 2 hours from Paris, discover the central region where the kings of France chose to rest, a place where you can feel its magnificent charm.

Located south of Paris, the Loire Valley is a magnificent region, rich in the history of the kings of France in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. This has resulted in a number of amazing castles that embody the glory, romance and extravagance of French history. It is a popular destination with tourists who come to explore the grand châteaux, gardens, quaint little towns and gently rolling landscapes.

Historic Castles

The abundance of architectural treasures in this region is so great that it was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The turrets, exquisite architecture and impressive extravagance of châteaux such as Chambord and Chenonceau continue to fascinate today as they have for generations.

Residence of kings, queens and beautiful people, the Loire castles have witnessed court life and magnificent festivals, but also the setting for adultery, murder, intrigue, power games, torture and epic horticulture.

The River

The Centre Val de Loire extends to the suburbs of Paris in the north and borders the Limousin and Auvergne in the south. The region is divided by the Loire, the longest river in France, which flows from south to north before diverging and flowing into the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of France.

The Loire has a thousand different facets that are constantly changing with the days and seasons. Covered in mist in winter, the river lights up with the arrival of sunny days, ideal for walks along the water's edge. Come and discover all the nuances of the Loire, so dear to the locals.

The Wines of the Loire

Of course, the Loire is also famous throughout the world for its wines. Here you will find great selections of lighter red wines, delicate and fruity white wines, sweet rosés and a large production of sparkling wines. The most popular vineyards in this region are Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre and Valençay. The sparkling wines of Touraine and Vouvray are also well known. The five main grape varieties (Sauvignon blanc, Chenin, Cabernet franc, Gamay and Pinot noir) are found throughout the region and there are many opportunities to visit a vineyard, take a tour of the vineyards or even visit a cellar attached to a château such as Chenonceau, Amboise or Clos Lucé.

Our Take-Off Sites

  • Chenonceau

    The Château de Chenonceau, located in Touraine in the commune of Chenonceaux, in the department of Indre-et-Loire in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is one of the jewels of the Loire castles.

    Recognizable by its famous two-story gallery overlooking the Cher, Chenonceau is an emblematic example of the architecture of the Loire Valley. Its Italian influences and French characteristics blend harmoniously in its design.

  • Amboise

    The Royal Château of Amboise, a former residence of the kings of France, overlooks the Loire in Amboise, Indre-et-Loire. It is one of the jewels of the Loire Valley castles.

    Before being integrated into the crown in 1434, the castle had belonged for more than four centuries to the powerful House of Amboise. During the Renaissance, it was the residence of several kings, including Charles VIII, Louis XII and François I.

  • Chaumont sur Loire

    The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, located in Loir-et-Cher on the banks of the Loire, between Amboise and Blois, France, has been listed as a historical monument in 1840, as well as in 1937 and 1955.

    Every year, its gardens host the International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire.

  • Chambord

    The Château de Chambord, located in the town of the same name 17 km from Blois, in the Loir-et-Cher department in the Centre-Val de Loire region (France), is a jewel of the Loire Valley castles.

    Built in the heart of the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, it covers approximately 50 km2, surrounded by a 32 km long wall. Chambord is the largest of the Loire châteaux and boasts a pleasure garden and a hunting park, both classified as historical monuments. Nicknamed the 'hidden diamond in the woods', Chambord remains the only royal estate still intact since its creation.

  • Cheverny

    The Château de Cheverny, located in Sologne in the town of Cheverny, in the Loir-et-Cher department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a magnificent example of a French Loire Valley castle.

    Classified as a historical monument, this château was built in the 17th century in a strictly classical style. Designed by the architect Jacques Bougier, who was also responsible for part of the Château de Blois, it has been the residence of the Marquis de Vibraye since the 16th century.

  • Blois

    Nestled in the heart of the city of Blois, on the right bank of the Loire, the Château de Blois offers an immersion into French architecture, from the Middle Ages to the classical era. This emblematic building is an essential landmark for understanding architectural evolution through the centuries. The restored royal apartments feature polychrome decorations from the 19th century, created by Félix Duban, in line with the contemporary restorers of Viollet-le-Duc.

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At Loire Montgolfières, we are committed to providing you with the most experienced pilots and team, ensuring that your hot air balloon experience is truly unforgettable.