The Centre-Val de Loire is, arguably, the jewel in France's crown. This flat swath of land in central-northern France is criss-crossed with vineyards punctuated by palatial chateaux and pretty little villages. Its position between Paris and the South has always made the region an important one, both strategically and gastronomically. If you've nabbed one of the Centre-Val de Loire vacation rentals in the sophisticated cities of Tours or Orleans, you can dive into a dizzying array of culinary delights paired with extraordinary local wines. Outside of the cities, the Loire Valley provides ample opportunities for outdoor fun.
It would be simply unthinkable to stay in a Centre-Val de Loire vacation rental and not visit at least one of the magnificent chateaux. The Gothic and Renaissance Chateau de Chenonceau is particularly beautiful, as are the sumptuous gardens at the Chateau de Villandry. Another architectural gem is the Gothic Chartres Cathedral, which is best experienced during one of the nightly summer light shows. For a little slice of history, swing by the former home of Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise, where the artist and inventor spent his last days before his death in the 16th century.
If you grab 2 wheels in Orleans, you can ride along the impressive Loire a Velo Cycle Path, passing ancient towns and historical sites along the way. The sun-baked summers are perhaps best spent swimming in one of the region's natural swimming areas or paddling along the waterways in canoes in the Loire Valley. This is France's premier hot air balloon area and when you're looking down over the sweeping vineyards and ornate chateaux from your basket, you'll quickly realize why. Golfers will be pleased to hear that the Loire Valley has several 18-hole courses from which to swing their clubs.
For almost guaranteed good weather, try to score a Centre-Val de Loire vacation rental during the summer months, when the days are always lengthy and glorious. You shouldn't expect to be the only one with the same idea though, so book your rental soon to avoid disappointment. Outside July and August, the weather can be a little more temperamental, though the days can often be sunny. Those who come in spring benefit from a drop in rental prices and far fewer travelers to contend with at the wineries, chateaux and attractions, while the fall foliage can be spectacular.
Outside the cities, nature lovers are treated to some seriously beautiful French countryside, characterized by forests, wildlife parks and rivers. Grab a pair of hiking boots and head off with your binoculars to spot all manner of birdlife, from buzzards to woodpeckers. When you're walking along the riverbanks, you may very well spot one of the Eurasian beavers which were successfully reintroduced to the region 20 years ago, while the wetlands teem with reptiles and amphibians. You won't need to look hard to see some of the 100 species of butterfly or 60 species of dragonfly.
After a long week at work, a short getaway big on adventure will be just what you need to reinvigorate your spirit. Browse these top-rated weekend getaways in Centre-Loire Valley where you can cram plenty into your stay:
Typically well located and at a price that's easy on the wallet, studio apartments offer privacy and style with the comforts of home. Book one of these studio apartments for rent in Centre-Loire Valley and use it as a base to explore what's around you:
Ditch the lackluster hotel experience for the privacy and space of your own place. Even if you only have a handful of days up your sleeve, you'll find short-term rentals in Centre-Loire Valley that'll make you feel at home. Here's a sample of them:
Whether you've been paired up for a couple of months, a year or an eternity, there's nothing like a romantic weekend getaway to stoke passions. If you're after somewhere dreamy to spend a few days with your sweetheart, consider these escapes:
With privacy, space and lots of wow factor, mansions offer a taste of something unique. If you think your crew deserves a taste of the high life, whisk them away to one of these mansions for rent in Centre-Loire Valley:
If you're planning to take a getaway to remember, don't go by yourself; take the whole gang. You'll have loads more fun sharing the adventure with your nearest and dearest. These vacation rentals in Centre-Loire Valley are perfect for larger groups:
Whether you're organizing a trip away with family and friends, a big birthday party or even a wedding, Vrbo will help you find a space to fit your group. Gather your best buddies and look at these large vacation rentals in Centre-Loire Valley:
In Centre-Loire Valley, there are lots of house rentals where you can make every day a pool day. Having a splashing good time will be your highest priority at one of these reputable getaways:
There's nothing like a vacation to bring a family together, but first, you need to find a space where magic moments can come to life. These large family vacation rentals in Centre-Loire Valley come with plenty of room to spread out and relax with your loved ones:
Reserving a cabin in Centre-Loire Valley is a fun way to reconnect with your nearest and dearest. Take a look at these popular options:
For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the Centre-Loire Valley vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.