I am delighted to take you to the Loire Valley this week for an unusual tour of the Loire Valley châteaux! If you are returning to the region and have already done the 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary, or if you would like to discover them in a different way, here are 9 ideas for unusual activities to do in the Loire Valley!
What are the nice things to do in the Loire Valley besides châteaux ? You can discover two little-known castles that nobody know of but are well worth a visit, and even spend an unusual night near the Loire Valley castles! Finally, you’ll find all my top tips for visiting the Loire Valley castles with a difference in the last part of the article!
UNUSUAL ACTIVIES IN THE LOIRE VALLEY – PRACTICAL TIPS
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How to get to the Loire Valley?
The Blois and Loire Valley region is less than two hours from Paris by car and 45 minutes from Tours and Orléans. By train, Blois-Chambord station is 1.5 hours from Paris.
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Where to stay for an unusual night in the Loire Valley?
– In a lodge at the Relais des Landes in Ouchamps: this charming hotel also offers pretty wooden lodges. You can wake up in the heart of the Relais park after a rather unusual night… The setting is peaceful and green, and the Relais offers all the comforts of a beautiful hotel. You can enjoy the swimming pool or the excellent restaurant!
– Demeure des Cordeliers in Blois: Stéphane had been dreaming about this for a long time, so two years ago he opened this superb character guest house in the heart of Blois! The building, a former 18th-century convent, is full of charm, as is the pretty garden hidden behind the old ramparts… A real haven of peace in the middle of the city!
The rooms are superb and each one has its own unique feature! Mine had a bathroom in an old watchtower!
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What to bring back from your unusual visit to the Loire Valley?
The region is also renowned for its local produce. Along the Loire, you will find vineyards producing wines with the Cheverny & Cour Cheverny appellations. You can taste and buy them at the Maison des Vins in Cheverny or Chambord.
Dried apples and pears are another local specialty. The fruit is cooked for several days, then dried and pounded before being packaged.
The Chambord estate also offers game sausages and terrines made from animals raised on the estate. The region also produces delicious cheeses, including Sainte Maure de Touraine and Selles-sur-Cher.
1. SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW AT THE CHÂTEAU DE BLOIS
For our first unusual activity in the Loire Valley, we head to the majestic Château de Blois. Join us at nightfall for a magnificent sound and light show, which takes place every evening in the castle courtyard from spring to fall!
It’s a great way to discover the Château de Blois in a different way, as the show tells the story of the castle and, through it, the history of France…
During the 45-minute show, you’ll meet the famous people who have passed through the castle, from kings of France to poets like Ronsard… And you can also relive the major events that have marked the castle, such as the assassination of the Duke of Guise…
The show is colorful and truly spectacular, and the voices are even performed by famous actors!
Practical information: show from April 9 to September 25 and during the All Saints’ Day holidays (October 22 to November 5), at 10:30 p.m. in summer (10 p.m. in April and September) – castle admission + sound and light show: €22 (reduced rate: €18, free for children under 6). More information on the castle website.
Book your ticket here for the light & sound show
My favorite places in Blois
Where to eat? Au Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs – a very good restaurant well known to the locals. Refined cuisine in an intimate and warm setting…
Where to stay? at the Demeure des Cordeliers
2. VISIT BEAUREGARD, AN UNUSUAL LOIRE VALLEY CASTLE
When you think of unusual Loire Valley castles, you also think of small, hidden gems! Behind the world-famous names lies a region dotted with pretty private castles, some of which are open to visitors—much to the delight of heritage lovers!
Let me take you to visit one of them, the Château de Beauregard! Surrounded by a huge green park, this pretty family castle has the largest portrait gallery in Europe!
With its 327 portraits, lapis lazuli ceilings, and Delft tile flooring, the gallery of illustrious figures is truly the highlight of the Château de Beauregard!
But you can also discover a beautiful wood-paneled cabinet, a typical Renaissance kitchen, and another unusual portrait gallery… featuring portraits of famous dogs!
And the castle grounds are also worth a visit! You can stroll along a historic path that traces the history of the portraits in the gallery of illustrious figures, admire the castle from afar, relax or even picnic in the park, and discover the portrait garden!
Practical information: Open from April to November – check opening times on the castle website. Entrance to the park and castle: €14 – family ticket (2 children)€ 28 – guided tour at no extra cost.
3. HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER THE CHÂTEAUX, MY FAVORITE UNUSUAL ACTIVITY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
I had dreamed of flying in a hot air balloon for a long time, and I am delighted to have fulfilled this dream in the Loire Valley! The region is particularly well suited to it!
I really loved this experience, especially being able to follow the different stages! It’s a complete experience: you help inflate the balloon until it takes off, then pack it away at the end of the trip…
And before takeoff, seeing the balloon come to life is a wonderful appetizer before the grand finale of takeoff.
The sensation of flying is truly incredible, as you let yourself be carried by the wind. Only the height can be controlled by the pilot…
Everything is smooth and calm during the flight: of course, you don’t feel the wind because you’re moving at the same speed as it is. But you can feel the heat of the flames intermittently as they light up the 30-meter-high canopy…
You can fly in the early morning or in the evening, which allows you to admire the beautiful glow of the setting sun over the surrounding area.
We took off from Blois with Les Compagnons du Vent. That evening, the wind carried us towards the Loire and then the plains of Beauce, revealing a magnificent patchwork of fields and colors. We also saw Chambord in the distance, surrounded by greenery!
That’s the magic of hot air ballooning: you never know where you’re going!
But Mickaël, the pilot, is passionate and knows the region well, so he can tell you about the history of the area and point out details you wouldn’t otherwise notice. Whether you’re flying over the city, the forest, or the countryside!
A poetic and extraordinary experience that I highly recommend if you want to discover the Loire Valley castles in an unusual way!
Practical information: flights 7 days a week depending on weather conditions – duration 3.5 hours (including 1 hour of flight time) – €205 (group rate for 4 or more people, €160 for 7-15 year olds) – booking and information on the Compagnons du Vent website
4. SAILING ON THE LOIRE RIVER : AN UNUSUAL THING TO DO IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
Now let me take you on a journey to discover the Loire Valley castles from the water in a traditional boat! This is another unusual activity in the Loire Valley that I loved ! This local traditional boat has a flat bottom that allows it to sail on the Loire, even in summer when the water level is very low.
The trip is particularly peaceful and enjoyable, as you travel at the pace of the Loire (around 5km/h). It starts at the foot of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, which you can admire from the river…
As passionate as he is fascinating, Aurélien will tell you all about the many species you will encounter along the way, which hold no secrets for him, as well as environmental issues and biodiversity challenges in the region.
For example, you can watch the ballet of dragonflies, terns and herons, or even spot traces of beavers… In fact, there is a whole ecosystem evolving around the Loire, and only a boat trip allows you to get close to it. So you feel a little privileged!
This timeless moment is a delightful interlude, full of peace and quiet and refreshing when summer comes around!
Practical information: 1.5-hour trip – €20 (free for children) – book on the Moments de Loire website
5. ENJOY THE GARDEN FESTIVAL IN CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE
Every year for the past 30 years, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire has hosted the Garden Festival from April to November! Thirty groups of artists, architects, botanists, and landscape designers were selected through a competition to interpret their version of the “ideal garden” this year.
And the result is simply magical: 30 ideal gardens have been created on site!
The walk is as fun as it is poetic, for young and old alike, and everyone can really visit at their own pace.
There is something for everyone, whether you love art, gardens, nature, or are simply curious. Some will discover them by giving free rein to their imagination, while others will prefer to understand the creators’ approach explained on the signs.
As for the gardens, some are very poetic, others are committed, and still others reflect childhood nostalgia… Each interpretation of the ideal garden is fascinating! And the whole thing creates a magnificent fresco of plants, works of art, and colors.
You really have to see them, hear them, and smell them, as photos don’t do justice to the experience once you’re there!
The festival offers an exceptional experience, but the visit doesn’t end there! You can also explore the castle’s wooded park, filled with works by great artists, a lush meadow hiding magnificentperennial gardens, and the beautiful castle itself, which also hosts photo exhibitions.
You can find out more in my article 3-day Loire Valley Castle Tour – practical guide!
Practical information: open every day – single ticket for the castle and gardens: €21 (family rate: €42) – opening hours and information on the castle website – allow a full day to see everything
My favorite places near Chaumont-sur-Loire
Where to eat? The café at the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire offers homemade dishes and snacks that are great value for money! Perfect for spending the day at the château and the garden festival.
Where to stay? In a lodge at the Relais des Landes in Ouchamps
6. TASTING THE WINES OF CHEVERNY, AN UNUSUAL ACTIVITY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
When we think of Cheverny, we often think more of Tintin’s castle than of wine (you can discover the castle in my guide to the Loire Valley castles in 3 days)! However, there are two appellations in the castle region: Cheverny (white, rosé, and red) and Cour-Cheverny (white only).
You can discover them at the Maison des Vins de Cheverny, located at the entrance to the castle. The house offers a unique concept thanks to the thirty or so winegrowers who have joined forces to offer tastings of three wines from each estate.
You can try the wine of the day or purchase a tasting kit of three or seven wines from a selection of around 100 wines! Each wine comes with a description so you can choose the ones that suit you best!
This is an opportunity to discover little-known grape varieties and let yourself be surprised… Even the pure grape juice is delicious!
Practical information: open house from March 19 to November 13, 2022 – tasting kit with 7 wines: €6.50, 3 wines: €4 – opening hours to be confirmed on the website
My favorite places near Cheverny
Where to eat? The restaurant at the Auberge du Centre in Chitenay is definitely worth a visit! You can enjoy semi-gourmet cuisine on the leafy terrace, a very pleasant setting in summer!
Where to stay? Auberge du Centre in Chitenay
7. EXPLORE THE CHAMBORD ESTATE ON AN ALL-TERRAIN SCOOTER
Now head for the majestic Château de Chambord, or more precisely the vast forests that surround it…
I had never tried an electric all-terrain scooter before, and it was a wonderful surprise! The experience begins after just twenty minutes of explanations and trials to familiarize yourself with the scooter.
Chambord is actually just the highlight of a superb ride in the heart of nature… Because you can explore the entire Boulogne forest and the Domaine de Chambord! Just as majestic as the castle itself, the forest is a magnificent playground!
Eloïse, the creator of So’Trott, is passionate about her region and will provide you with a wealth of anecdotes and explanations to help you discover the paths you travel along. The itinerary is also very varied, with an oak forest, ponds, a pine forest, and finally the Chambord estate.
And you might even be lucky enough to meet some of the forest’s inhabitants!
I really enjoyed this 100% nature experience, which was both rejuvenating and athletic (you get a good upper body workout on an all-terrain scooter!), and which also allows you to discover the Loire Castles in an unusual way…
Practical information: 2.5-hour ride – 25 km – €45 – book on the So’Trott website – requirements: must be over 12 years old, taller than 1.45 m and able to ride a bike!
My favorite places near Chambord
Where to stay? At the Relais de Chambord at the foot of the castle
8. VISIT ANOTHER UNUSUAL CHÂTEAU IN THE LOIRE VALLEY: VILLESAVIN
Another unusual visit to a Loire Valley castle is Villesavin! This family castle located between Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire is incredibly charming! Built in the Renaissance style, in the 16th century it was the “construction site hut of Chambord,” as the supervisor of the Chambord construction work lived there…
You can explore the interior of the castle, which is still inhabited and has been lovingly renovated by the Sparre family.
The service wing houses a superb Renaissance kitchen that has remained intact for several centuries, and you can also explore the 19th-century residential wing. Don’t miss the magnificent chapel!
The castle has even more surprises in store for you! You can discover the collection of antique children’s cars, sit under the magnificent hundred-year-old lime tree that adorns the courtyard, or visit the amazing wedding museum!
The castle has a magnificent collection of antique wedding-related objects. This is an opportunity to discover the customs of the time and admire some beautiful objects!
Practical information: open from March 1 to November 15 (check opening hours on the castle website) – Admission: €12 reduced rate €10, free for children under 6
9. EXPLORE THE LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES BY BIKE
“Les Châteaux à vélo” offers a number of routes for exploring the Loire Valley by bike!
This is a great way to visit the châteaux of the Loire in an unusual way, as you can discover the surrounding landscapes, ride along the Loire, and even come face to face with some of the châteaux!
There are several routes to choose from: there are 500 km of marked trails! I tried route no. 1, which takes you through a variety of landscapes. Forests, villages, vineyards, rivers, castles… The bike ride is very enjoyable as there is so much to discover in the department!
I recommend renting bikes from Station Bee’s in Chaumont-sur-Loire.
The team is full of good advice and offers many services in addition to electric bike rental. For example, you can take a delicious picnic prepared by a caterer to enjoy in front of a castle or by the water!
Practical information: Click here to download the Map of Castles by Bike
Station Bee’s – April – October: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. November – March: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Rental price: €38 (€34 for 4 or more people) – Picnic available at an additional cost – See website
If you would like a complete tour to discover the most beautiful châteaux of the Loire Valley over a long weekend, here is my 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary : the Ultimate Guide
I also recommend visiting the Loire Valley castles during the Christmas season (it’s a truly magical experience!). For more information, check out my article: A 2025 Local’s Guide to Loire Valley Christmas Markets in the Châteaux.
And if you’d like to explore other castles in the region, I also recommend Chenonceau, the castle of the ladies, or Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry!
This blogpost follows an invitation from Loir-et-Cher Tourisme. However, I remain entirely free to express my own opinions and am completely sincere in my recommendations! A huge thank you to Lygie and all the service providers who gave me such a warm welcome and shared their passion for their beautiful region with me!
Coming soon on La Marinière en Voyage…
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