Destinations > France > Centre & the Loire Valley

Centre & the Loire Valley

Less than two hours from Paris is the Loire Valley, a picturesque valley full of France's grandest châteaux including Château de Chambord, Château de Cheverney, Château d'Amboise and Château de Samur. The main cities in the region are Orleans, Blois and Tours. The best way to see the Loire Valley is to stay at one of the hostels in Blois or Tours, rent a bike and explore.

Blois

This picturesque town on the Loire Valley has its own chateau, and many travellers prefer Blois to much larger Tours. However it's a bitch of a walk to the youth hostel.

Practical Information

Blois Tourist Information Centre

3, avenue Jean Laigret, Bois

Tel 02 54 74 06 49

Accommodation

Auberge de Jeunesse Les Grouëts

18 rue de l'Hôtel Pasquier, Les Grouëts, 41000 Blois

Bus 4

Tel (02) 54 78 27 21

Auberge de Jeunesse Montlivault

Levée de la Loire, Cedex 181 Montlivault, 41350 Vineuil

Bus 1

Tel (02) 54 78 27 21

Éthic étapes - Val de Loire

37, rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 41007 Blois

Bus 3

Tel (02) 54 52 37 00

Tours

Tours is a much larger alternative to Blois which means that there is a lot more to do at night, however it is a little bit farther from the main châteaux.

Practical Information

Tours Tourist Information Centre

78/82, rue Bernard Palissy, Tours

Tel 02 47 70 37 37

Accommodation

Auberge de Jeunesse du Vieux Tours

5, rue Bretonneau, 37000 Tours

Bus 2

Tel (02) 47 37 81 58