Loire Valley: Things To Do

Abbaye de Fontevraud Founded in 1101, this aristocratic abbey is the largest and perhaps most beautiful in France, with Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings, extensive grounds, and even a hotel and restaurant in the old hospital. l’Abbaye; 011-33-2-4251-7141; www.abbaye-fontevraud.com
family | architecture | culture | history

Château Azay le Rideau This château hosts one of the region’s best Son et Lumiéres, nighttime sound and light extravaganzas popular June through September. Part spectacle and part theatre, they combine light, music, and actors to create breathtaking interactive experiences. rue de Pineau; 011-33-2-4745-4204; azay-le-rideau.monuments-nationaux.fr
family | performing arts | historic

Château de Villandry The Loire region is dotted with dozens of spectacular gardens. Vegetables have nowhere looked more decorative than at the formal potager jardins here. 011-33-2-4750-0209; www.chateauvillandry.com
family | garden | outdoors

Châteaux of the Loire The most famous attractions of Loire Valley are its many historic chateaux, which range from medieval fortresses to elegant Renaissance palaces: Chambord, Chenonceau, Azay-Le-Rideau, Villandry, and Saumur are open daily. www.visaloire.com
family | architecture | culture | historic

Cycling and walking The region has the longest network of dedicated cycling and hiking paths in France, with many following picturesque rivers and connecting important towns and historic sites. A scenic nature ride might take you along from the historic Briare canal bridge to Sancerre, but maps for many itineraries are available on the official website. www.loireradweg.org
walk | history | bike

Montsoreau Visit this village to see its “troglodyte” cave dwellings, some of which date to the 12th century. The dwellings often have elaborately carved facades, and house barns, wine cellars, churches, and even residences. ruelle Bussy d'Amboise and Chemin du Coteau, near Saumur; www.ville-montsoreau.fr
family | culture | history