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Getaway in Val de Loire … Truly magical moments!

Close your eyes and breath in the fresh air! You are in Amboise, on the banks of the Loire. On the neighbouring beach, a half dozen hot-air balloons prepare for their spectacular take-off. Red, yellow, blue … Their multicoloured canvases make up an immense rainbow. Silently, they’ll fly overhead as you let yourself begin to dream. You are here, on board this iconic flying machine. The Loire draws a perfect line of azure blue some 500 metres below.

The labyrinth of the old town’s alleys sketch themselves out as you discover the contours of the Amboise Château Royal, the Château du Clos Lucé and the Château Gaillard Royal Estate, all from the sky. Slowly, you glide over the treetops of the intense Amboise forest. Timeless moments!

Now, you’re back on solid ground. Hop on your bike and follow the cycle path that stretches out along the Loire. Heading towards Tours, the Loire à Vélo is a greenway cycle and pedestrian path across almost the entire route, crossing exceptional natural landscapes and many winegrowing hillsides. A family-friendly trail, adapted to all levels and 100% safe. And for a change of scenery, why not try a little variation? As you leave Amboise, take loop 47, which follows the Allée de Dierre. This magnificent tree-lined alley crosses the Amboise forest to join the banks of the Cher. The highlight: the extraordinary Château de Chenonceau which reveals itself over the river like a real stone gem!

Bike tours

Amboise-Tours : 27km/2h
Amboise-Chenonceau : 20km/1h30
Amboise-Chaumont : 20km/1h30

As you recover from all this excitement, head back to Amboise to admire the Loire once more. Set sail in a canoe and follow its waves. The Loire is the last wild river in Europe: a unique biodiversity refuge. If you’re quiet, you might catch a glimpse of a family of beavers tirelessly building their lodge. For a less athletic and more contemplative discovery, step on board a toue – a traditional, flat-bottomed Loire boat. And for an even more unforgettable experience, we recommend heading out at dusk, accompanied by a tasting of local products. On a mild summer evening, the Loire reveals all its secrets!

Get off the beaten track and escape to the villages of Val d’Amboise. Dozens of hiking routes criss-cross between forests, vineyards and lakes. From the villages of Chargé and Montreuil-en-Touraine, various horse-back excursions are offered by the local horse-riding centres. The chance to explore the peaceful, sumptuous landscapes at your own pace.