Loire Valley A World Heritage Site

Travel guide updated in February 2019.

The Loire Valley is the largest site ever registered in France as World Heritage site by UNESCO. The site crosses a multitude of historic towns and villages, rich with architectural heritage and ancient history. It reveals religious buildings and castles, each more sumptuous than the last, cultivated land and wild landscapes exploding with biodiversity. This ensemble, which witnessed thousands of years of interactions between man and nature, is a cultural landscape of exception. The Loire River is at the heart of this landscape. Indeed, without it, none of this would exist. The largest river in France, and the wildest, it is nicknamed "the Royal River." The Loire Valley was chosen as a royal residence in the 15th and 16th century. Several days are needed to explore the natural and cultural heritage of these landscapes. Take the time to soak up the history, culture and landscapes, and your stay in the Loire Valley will be unforgettable ...

Here you’ll find all the information necessary to prepare your trip and your stay in Loire Valley in order to discover this exceptional site of indisputable universal value. You will find the following under the sections: the reasons for its selection for the World Heritage list, the history of the site, many practical informations (Tourist Offices, suggested tours, museums, events, transports), and a selection of accommodation and restaurants. Informations, prices and opening hours shown are for 2019.

But most importantly, this “Loire Valley, a World Heritage Site” travel guide also offers a suggested itinerary for visiting each site and monument. You'll also find tips (transport, pricing, activities ... ), anecdotes and all the possibilities for family-friendly visits to encourage children and families in their discovery. The area and city maps included on all pages show all the sites and monuments discussed.

Let us guide you...