The combination of antiquity and interior in a modern style. Rising in the Massif Central, the Loire River is Frances longest waterway, winding its way over 630 miles to the Atlantic coast at Saint-Nazaire. French national response to Hollywood Disneyland. After touring past the many famous Loire Valley chateaus, why not seize the opportunity to stay in one, and live like a king (or queen!) For this purpose, Frances largest cultural and entertainment center Machines of the Island of Nantes was built on the island on the basis of the shipyard according to the drawings and ideas of the writer Jules Verne and designer Leonardo da Vinci. During the Second World War, the Gestapo was located here on Marshal Foch Square. See all museums and exhibitions in Loire Valley on GetYourGuide. Other highlights include a true-to-scale Roman arena, Viking live action scenes, a flying . Far from the center of Nantes, best accessed by taxi or guided car if Nantes is included in the Loire Valley Tours. Includes:The tour along the banks of the Loire, 1 menu identical to all the guests with wine / pers. A large tower-skyscraper Tour Bretagne surrounded by old houses. One of the biggest benefits to visiting and staying in a small French town such as Saumur, is the wide-range of amazing food and restaurants, available at prices significantly lower than those of the larger cities, without sacrificing quality. Horse lovers will be delighted by a tour of the Cadre Noir, and watching a training session or performance of the spectacular dancing horses is a thrill. What Half-day Tours in Loire Valley are taking additional safety precautions? Instead of creeping bumper to bumper along the A11 expressway, we recommend that you deviate from the main thoroughfare, instead following the D723 as it weaves along the edge of the Loire River, affording you un-rivaled views of the many diverse natural landscapes and access to wineries along the way. Go Your Own Way Cruise the canals driving your own hire boat, Sit Back and Relax captain and crew will treat you like royalty, Watch France Glide Past close-up, from the comfort of your cabin. One of the city's top attractions is the Cathedral St. Gatien, an epically beautiful Roman-Catholic church built between 1170 and 1547, featuring world famous stained-glass windows, a restored 16th century organ, and Carrara Marble -forged royal tombs. Come and visit this wine-growing and arboricultural estate nestled on the heights How to get there: Drive (1-hour 10 minutes) or take the train (41 minutes). NANTES - SAINT-NAZAIRE - NANTES - ANCENIS - CHALONNES-SUR-LOIRE - Angers - The Chteaux of the Loire Valley - NANTES. Afterwards, head down through the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, with its half-timbered buildings and atmospheric terrace cafs. There is not only wine in the Nantes vineyard, there is also beer! Discover the magic of the Chateaux of the Loire and visit Nantes and its historical treasures. Embarking on your cruise, you will most likely travel downstream first to visit Saint-Nazaire on the Atlantic coast an atmospheric port that is full of maritime history with Europes largest ship yard to explore. For a slightly more luxurious option - without sacrificing the many creature comforts afforded by B & B's - is Mercure Bords De Loire Saumur, a beautiful hotel set overlooking the banks of the Loire River, equipped with all the modern amenities you would ever need, and only a 5 minute walk from the town center. Spring is a great time to visit the chateaux's gardens, all in full bloom. These are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Loire Valley: Angers: Chteau d'Angers Fast Track Ticket. A popular place for tourists is Passage Pommeraye and many boutiques. A taste of Paris linked with the history of France: discover the castles of the Loire between Chambord and Chenonceau before boarding the river boat for a cruise on the Royal Loire river whose beautiful landscapes are legendary. Whether you are eager to sample the regions famous wine vintages, or eager to explore ancient ruins, this detailed itinerary will serve as your guide, making sure to lead you to the best Loire Valley wine tours, castles, and hotels - guaranteeing a memorable and exciting vacation in France. After a long day of travel, culinary exploration, and some after-hours clubbing, you're going to want a good hotel in Angers. Admire the views as you follow the scenic cliff-top trail or climb down into the rocky coves to swim or stretch out on the sand. A river cruise here is characterised by an array of elegant chateaux that have been home to French royalty and nobility for centuries, as well as fascinating medieval towns and the famous Loire Valley vineyards, of course. Military history buffs. Behind the seaport, from where sea excursions begin, a long gallery of local vegetation, various types of plants, has been built. This elevated position offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the island of Nantes. Deadline: June 6, 2023 https://buff.ly/3Eow5ud . Our expert partners Prices : 36/p : With restaurant menu Auberge du Val de Loire 45 pers. Near the castle of the Dukes of Brittany there is a square with fountains a favorite place for evening walks of tourists and local youth. Visit Nantes and The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a gallery that recreates the imaginary world of the famous writer Jules Verne. 145km (90 miles); 2-3 days Combining emblematic wines with picturesque landscapes, this road trip passes white tufa (limestone) villages overhanging the Loire and vineyards rolling out as far as the eye can see. In the Loire Valley the number of wines tasted depend on the range of wines that are produced at the wineries. Plages des Dames is the most popular hangout, with its traditional beach huts and coastal forest overlooking the sandy beach, while the main town of Noirmoutier-en-lle has a bustling market and canalside restaurants. What tours in Nantes are good for avoiding crowds? After the First World War, the city center underwent a major restructuring and even the path of the Loire through the city was changed, which can be clearly seen in the prints and photographs during a tour of the castle from special viewing platforms. The nightlife scene in Nantes is top-notch to say the least, as a large variety of bars, clubs, and cocktail lounges are spread throughout almost every major district. Not included :Transport,vehicle mileage: from 3.9 to 10.3 km according to option of tour along the banks of the Loire,personal expenses. Nicknamed La Ville Blanche (the White City) for its gleaming limestone faades, La Rochelle wears its maritime heritage on its sleeve. Here is the railway station, the water channel Saint-Felix, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Garden with plants (Jardin des Plantes) and the unique old place of the cake factory (Le Lieu Unique). Since that time, there are still strong communist sentiments here and a popular front has been active, since after the industrialization of the city, many shipyard workers live here. For more details, click on "Learn more". ExploreNantesforan authentic journeythrough one of the majorcitiesinBrittany, and pay a visit to theSaint-Nazaire shipyard. As mentioned earlier, the Loire Valley is famous as a wine producing region, and Tours carries the torch nicely with a veritable host of wine tasting opportunities. Water, lights, trees. Pleasure excursion boats also leave from here. Loire Gliding gently east to west, officially separating northern from southern France, the Loire River empties a valley carpeted with fertile fields, crisscrossed by smaller rivers, laced with rolling hillsand dotted with an incredible array of enchanting chteaux. maximum) or the winetasting tour to lAuberdire wine property (30 pers. Stretching luxuriously along the banks of the longest river in France, not only is the Loire Valley spectacularly beautiful, it is also one of France's most fascinating, individual and ancient wine-making regions. Discover Saint-Nazaire and admire its shipyard and the Escal'Atlantic which immerses you in the world of steamships from the beginnings of their gigantic construction to life on board. You can get there by river taxi along the Loire River from the maritime station or by car. The hotel features an outdoor pool, spa facilities, tennis courts, mini-golf, and a gym, all set in a palatial mansion decorated with classic antique furnishings, and a unique old-world charm. Sign up for free and earn commission on every booking by registering as an accredited TourRadar Agent. Therefore, below we present the main areas of Nantes and local attractions that are worth seeing with a guide or on your own. A river cruise here is characterised by an array of elegant chateaux that have been home to French royalty and nobility for centuries, as well as fascinating medieval towns and the famous Loire Valley vineyards, of course. The very place for metal music : the Hellfest festival, Homepage / Your stay / Practical information / Tours for Groups / Loire valley tours. Talensac quarter. On the left is the floating restaurant O Deck near the Amusement Park of the Isle of Nantes. Illumination and illumination. Lie back and let the skipper and crew take care of everything. Take in the memorable sites, prestigious vineyards and historic cities and fairytale chateaux of the Loire Valley area on a delightful adventure. Notwithstanding the length of your stay, they will give you a chance to discover our region with our unique touch. According to archaeological research, it is known that a port center was formed here, which became the capital of the Gallic tribe of Namnets. Loire Valley Wine Regions. Later, the Breton capital was moved to the Rhine, but Nantes still remained a major commercial and industrial city. Trentemoult: the small fishing villages. Upper Loire: Containing Auvergne and surrounding vineyards. The Morille family- Deals of The Week . The region's rich history contributes significantly to Saumur, as a host of abbeys, chateaus, and castles populate the area, including the famed Chteau de Saumur, the Monsoreau Chateau, and the Abbaye de Fontrevraud - the burial grounds of Eleanor of Aquitane, Richard the Lionheart, and Henry II. If you cancel 48 hours before the activity starts, we will refund you 50%. Loire Valley is divided into three sections: Upper Loire, Middle Loire and Lower Loire. Nantes' unique location bordering Brittany from within the Loire Valley provides a near-perfect venue to experience multiple styles of French cooking without having to travel great distances, and the restaurant scene in Nantes exemplifies the many diverse offerings that France has to offer. 54 Loire Valley tour packages with 22 reviews View Map Bicycle The sheer number of breathtaking vistas overlooking the river is reason enough to spend an extra hour or so that it takes to get to Saumur on the D952. Here the embankment has an interesting shape in the form of a long pontoon and serves as a place for festivities for local residents and guests of the city. The tour will continuetowards Amboise. As the unofficial "wine capital of the Loire Valley," Saumur's restaurant scene follows suit accordingly, offering a variety of local fare that pairs perfectly with the regions many outstanding wines. Centre Loire: The Centre-Loire vineyards which include Sancerre that flank Burgundy. maximum). Simple pleasures are on offer herestroll around the colourful fishing harbour, stop for lunch at one of the seafood restaurants, or grab an ice cream and walk out along the boardwalk for a closer view of the medieval castle.