Fifteenth century castles and extravagant Royal chateaux. The pure French language and wild Loire River. Brioche and button mushrooms, tarte-tatin and sweet preserves, goats’ cheese and green lentils. Lined with vineyards and stuffed with sunflowers, the valley runs from the Atlantic Coast to the centre of France and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 280 kilometres.

Sketch the round towers and octagonal staircase at the Royal chateau in Blois. Study moat fortresses in Chinon, count the spires in Poitiers and explore the Renaissance chateau in Chambord. Visit the mushroom museum and find out how Cointreau is made, or study revolution and religion at the Joan of Arc Museum. Be amazed by the multimedia, cinematographic and audio-visual expertise at Futuroscope - a world-famous special effects theme-park.

Just an hour from Paris and with long summers and excellent French language opportunities, the Loire valley is an attractive region for school groups. We offer comfortable accommodation in Tours, a beautiful town which provides an excellent base for exploring the valley’s many attractions.