Other Activities
There is far more to the Val de Loire than castles. In fact it is difficult to list all the possible activities on just one page. Here are just a few other suggestions of what you can do while you are here.
Vineyards & wine tasting
The Loire Valley is France’s third largest wine growing region. The Loire Valley Wine Route is the longest in France – 800 km wind through the Loire Valley vineyards – making this a prime wine-tourism destination.
There are plenty of well-placed signposts to guide visitors and the route includes some unique cultural heritage sites along the Royal River, including the famous Chateaux and a vast range of diverse landscapes.
For an interative map showing some of the routes click on this link : Loire Valley wine routes
Cycling
Alternatively, the “Loire à vélo” offers over 800 km of track along the Loire river (210 km in Touraine). The trails take you past castles, through beautiful landscapes, vineyards and charming villages. For more information : Loire à vélo
Closer to us, the “Indre à Vélo” is a nice alternative. This easy itinerary, passes through typical villages, bucolic landscapes and several tourist sites, including a link to the Château de Chenonceau. For more information : Indre à velo
Walking
Along the same lines as the cycling trails over 50 different walking trails exist in and around Loches.
We have full brochures of all the trails that you can consult while you are here.
Whether you would like an afternoon stroll through the forest, along a river or a longer 20km walk through the countryside there are trails suited for everybody.
In the air…
For a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies and admire the Loire Valley’s châteaux from above! Choose from a hot air balloon, helicopter, or ULM—each offering a unique perspective of the stunning landscapes below. Several companies operate in the area, and we’ll be happy to recommend the best options to help you book your flight.
…or on water
With three rivers—the Indre, Loire, and Cher—flowing through the region, there are plenty of ways to explore the area from the water. Enjoy activities like canoeing, boat rides, fishing, or even swimming.
For a refreshing summer escape, head to the nautical base of Chemillé-sur-Indrois, just 20 minutes away. Here, you’ll find a beautiful beach, perfect for cooling off and relaxing by the water.
Theme Parks
🌟 Mini-Châteaux Park (30 minutes away)
Located on the outskirts of Amboise, this park is a fantastic experience for both children and adults. Explore 41 of the most beautiful Loire Valley châteaux, meticulously reproduced at a 1/25th scale. Little ones can even dress up as princesses and knights, adding a magical touch to their visit. Plan for about 2 hours to fully enjoy the park. Mini-Castles web page
🎡 Family Park (20 minutes away)
A fun-filled outdoor amusement park designed for the whole family! With over 38 attractions, including inflatable play areas for young children, there’s something for everyone. We recommend allowing at least half a day to make the most of your visit. Family park web page
For thrill-seekers, two adventure parks near Tours offer tree-top obstacle courses and exciting zip lines over water. Choose your park based on the difficulty level of the courses. Expect to spend 2-3 hours on this exhilarating experience. Gadawi adventure park web page
🏖️ La Base de Loisirs – Chemillé-sur-Indrois (20 minutes away)
The perfect summer escape for families and friends! This leisure base features a lake with a beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Activities include pedal boats, canoeing, fishing, pétanque, and even a treetop adventure course. A picnic area is available, and lifeguards are on duty in July and August. Chemillé-sur-Indrois web page
Spa & balneotherapy
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a moment of pure relaxation, Loches is the perfect place to unwind. More than just a beauty institute, Les Bains Douches offers a peaceful retreat where you can release stress, recharge, and take care of your body.
With a professional and attentive team, you can enjoy a range of treatments, including:
✨ Balneotherapy sessions
💆♀️ Massages & facials
🧘♂️ Wellness exercises
🌿 Full-body treatments
All in a calm and intimate setting, designed for your ultimate relaxation and well-being.
