Loir-et-Cher Holiday Guide
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A holiday destination perfect for outdoor activities
The Loir-et-Cher is named after the two rivers the Loir and the Cher, one of which crosses the north of the department and the other the south, but the mighty River Loire also flows through the department. With all this water, the department is ideal for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, cruising and swimming. Continuing the watery theme, the marshlands of the Sologne area are rich in flora and fauna, and present an opportunity to enjoy an unusual, nature based holiday. The department also has many stunning chateaux to visit.
Top 5 things to see and do in Loir-et-Cher
1. Tour the chateaux
In this region of castles, the Loir-et-Cher presents five of the very best in the form of the Château de Blois, the Château de Chambord, the Château de Cheverny, the Château Chaumont sur Loire and the Talcy Château.
2. Enjoy the rivers
With no less than three famous rivers running through parts of the department, there are many water-based activities to enjoy. Take the kids canoeing, have a refreshing swim, spend a day fishing or enjoy a leisurely river cruise.
3. Walk in the Sologne
The Sologne area of the department is a wild, natural environment replete with marshes, ponds and lakes rich in flora and fauna, and where you can enjoy walking and hiking in a totally unspoilt and beautiful countryside.
4. Go wine tasting
With the famed and acclaimed Touraine vineyards at your disposal, wine tastings and courses are a great way to add a little local colour (and flavour!) to any holiday.
5. Explore troglodyte dwellings
Troglodyte dwellings, or houses built into natural cliffs, are always fascinating to visit, so take a trip to the troglodyte village of Trôo, where several of these unusual but very traditional homes can be found.
Top 5 towns and cities in Loir-et-Cher
1. Blois
The capital city of Loir-et-Cher is Blois, and a fabulous ambassador for its department it is indeed. A majestic 18th century bridge leads over the River Loire into the city, where among the attractions awaiting you are the beautiful Renaissance Château de Blois, a delightful Magic Museum, a superb art museum and a cathedral.
2. Vendôme
Vendôme is somewhat reminiscent of Venice, with its river, canals and pretty waterside houses. It is a designated Town of Art and History, offering a rich heritage to discover as well as being very beautiful and having a charming atmosphere, guaranteed to relax you and put you in the holiday mood. See the sights, which include a lovely abbey, enjoy the shopping and restaurants and take a river cruise to enjoy the town and its surroundings from the water.
3. Lavardin
If you journey west from Vendôme, you will come to the little village of Lavardin. It may be tiny, but it is proud of its listing as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and will certainly repay you for taking time to visit. Topped by an atmospheric ruined castle, dropping to picturesque old streets and half-timbered houses, Lavardin also delights in a lovely riverside setting, where the River Loir is crossed by a beautiful stone Gothic bridge.
4. Saint Aignan sur Cher
This is a great town to visit, as it allows you to combine a sight seeing morning with a family visit to the Zoo Parc de Beauval in the afternoon, ensuring that the younger members of the family are kept happy. Sights of the town include a Renaissance castle and a Romanesque collegiate church, while the Zoo Parc supplies lots of entertainment with many exotic animals and exciting shows to keep everyone happy.
5. Romorantin Lanthenay
This is the ancient capital town of the marshy Sologne area, and is a good place to visit before you take to the wild, natural spaces. The museum here can take you on a virtual voyage of discovery and help you to appreciate the sights and nature of the Sologne, while the town itself is picturesque and interesting.
Food and drink in Loir-et-Cher
Local specialities of the Loir-et-Cher include wines from the Touraine vineyards, goats' cheeses (with the pièce de resistance being a cheese from the town of Selles sur Cher) and the Queen of French desserts, Tarte Tatin which originates from the town of Lamotte Beuvron. An unbelievably delicious take on the apple pie theme, this divine concoction consists of caramelised apples and pastry, served as an upside down pie. Don't miss it!
How to get to Loir-et-Cher
If you want to fly, head for either Tours or Paris, both of which have plenty of flights available from the UK. The TGV is a good way to travel as it will get you right into the department at Vendôme, while it is also possible to travel by coach.
