All breakfasts are included on this holiday, with the rest of your meals free to explore the local area.

The Loire prides itself on it’s cuisine. It is refined country cooking, not heavy but rich in flavours and textures, drawing on the great garden of the Loire valley. Fruit and vegetables abound. Asparagus, artichokes, button mushrooms, cherries and strawberries from the Loire are transported to kitchens throughout France, which demonstrates the quality of the produce. These all provide delicious accompaniments to the duck, venison and wild boar dishes (all hunted locally) and served in sauces using wines from the local vineyards. Fish also features in abundance. With three wide, gently flowing rivers passing through the region, freshwater fish appear on most menus. ‘Sandre’ (pikeperch) and breme (bream) are especially popular and are usually served in a beurre blanc sauce – made with shallots, butter, dry white wine and vinegar. The majority of the cheese found in the region is goat’s cheese. We suggest trying Selles-sur-Cher from the neighbouring Blesois region. Desserts are often based on the fruit from the local orchards. They include ‘tarte tatin’, a yummy caramelised upside-down apple pie – the invention of two absent-minded sisters in their attempt to salvage a dessert they had dropped on the floor.

The Loire is undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest wine producing regions with many of the separate wine areas producing red, white, rose and sparkling wines. Distinctive whites include Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Vouvray and Muscadet; for reds, try Chinin, Bourgueil and Saumur. Anjou is by far the most popular rose.

Explore Blois’s cobbled streets and arcaded squares on a self-guided wander through this Loire-side town. See the Château Royal de Blois, whose varied facades reflect successive chapters of French royal history.

The compact historic centre makes it easy to appreciate Blois on foot, from its old streets to views towards the river. This is an opportunity to discover the château’s setting; entry to the château is not specified as included.

Cycle approximately 29 km along the Loire à Vélo route, following the river through small villages towards Chaumont-sur-Loire and its château. The route pairs gentle riverside riding with views of the valley’s historic landscape.

The château is known for its International Garden Festival, held from May to October. The cycling route offers a chance to appreciate its setting, but château or festival admission is not specified as included.

Paddle approximately 10 km along the Loire, exchanging the cycle path for a view from the water. Watch for riverside wildlife and vegetation, with the chance to pause on a wild river island.

The Loire Valley’s cultural landscape is recognised by UNESCO, shaped over centuries by the relationship between its river, towns and châteaux. Approaching Amboise by canoe brings the Château d’Amboise into view above the river.

Discover Amboise’s medieval streets on foot, or take the described circular walk through the surrounding vineyards. The walking option is approximately 19 km and offers a different perspective on the town and its Loire Valley setting.

Amboise has strong links to the French royal court and to Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years nearby at Clos Lucé. Look out for the Château d’Amboise, where he is buried; admission to historic sites is not specified as included.

Ride approximately 21 km through vineyards towards Chenonceaux, where the Château de Chenonceau stands beside the River Cher. Its gallery and arches extend across the water, creating one of the Loire Valley’s most recognisable views.

The château’s riverside design gives this cycle ride a striking destination: Renaissance architecture set directly into the valley landscape. The itinerary describes the approach and views, but does not specify château admission as included.

Canoe approximately 4 km on the River Cher for a water-level view of Chenonceau’s arches. Paddle beneath the château’s gallery and see how its pale stone spans the river.

This close perspective reveals what makes Chenonceau distinctive among Loire Valley châteaux: the building is part of the river scene, not simply beside it. The gentle route also brings the Cher’s banks, vegetation and wildlife into focus.

Cycle 37 km or 45 km towards Tours on peaceful paths beside the river and past grand houses. The route takes in the Château de la Bourdaisière, known for its vegetable gardens, and the vineyards of Vouvray.

Vouvray is celebrated for wines made from Chenin Blanc, and the route offers opportunities to seek out local tastings. Continue along the Loire’s banks towards Tours’ historic centre. Tastings and château or garden admission are not specified as included.