Why the Loire Valley is about so much more than fairytale castles

While the Loire Valley is often associated with its enchanting fairy-tale châteaux, there exists a more tranquil side to this renowned destination that remains largely unexplored. In just an hour flight from London's Stansted Airport to Tours, visitors can indulge in a breathtaking lunch and sip on local wines at the rooftop La Belle Vue Restaurant.

Surrounded by the awe-inspiring Tours Cathedral, with its stunning stained-glass windows and twin towers adorned with Renaissance lanterns, it is easily understandable why most tourists flock to the Loire Valley in search of those iconic castles, often forever forgetting the true essence of the region.

Venturing beyond the customary attractions, the Loire Valley offers exceptional food, ambitious wines, elegant accommodations, and a serene pace of life that is increasingly rare. By immersing oneself in this slower side of the region, a new and richer image of the Loire starts to take shape. Dining at Nuances, a peaceful riverside restaurant featuring meals crafted from farm-fresh ingredients, sets the tone for an exploration of the region's gastronomic wonders.

Continuing the journey, a stay at La Dixmeresse, an elegant B&B nestled in the heart of the wine-growing village of Restigné, unveils the importance of local wine production to the area. The charming family-owned property, owned by Charles and his French wife Géraldine, not only produces nearly 40% of the red wines from the Bourgueil appellation but also provides warm hospitality and a genuine taste of French country life.

Not far from Tours lies Huttopia Family Camping, a unique option for those seeking a closer connection to nature. Equipped with a heated swimming pool, nature-themed activities, and a sauna, the site offers all the comfort one could wish for, even if you opt to pitch a tent or stay in a ready-to-camp accommodation. The serene 200-hectare Lac de Rillé provides a picturesque backdrop for a canoe ride, a serene experience that leaves visitors yearning for such a picturesque place from their childhood.

As the exploration of the Loire Valley continues, a new wave of chefs appears, creating polished yet relaxed restaurants where local produce takes center stage. Chez Odette, a vineyard restaurant known for its French bistro cuisine, exemplifies this trend, offering delectable dishes at affordable prices. The Château of Champchevrier, owned by Laurence Bizard-Hamilton and her husband Gustaf, epitomizes living tradition, with aspects of the property remaining unchanged for centuries.

Gustaf shares stories of historical visits, such as Louis XIII's stay in 1619 and Sir Ronald Hugh Campbell's visit during WWII, while also highlighting the castle's historical significance as the site of Wallis Simpson's marriage to former King Edward VIII. The Château de Candé, situated 30 minutes down the road, played a pivotal role in 1937 when it hosted the controversial wedding of the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, who were later accompanied by the controversial Adolf Hitler.

Finally, Château de Rochecotte and the renowned Villandry Castle, with its geometric kitchen gardens, showcase the ultimate in luxurious accommodations and horticultural excellence, collectively crafting an unforgettable experience that transcends the stereotypical image of the Loire Valley.