There are some advantages to visiting the Loire Valley in the winter. No crowds at the chateaux, for one, except during the school holidays (Christmas to New Year and two weeks in February). All the big name chateaux remain open throughout the year, and if you come in January you could have these places virtually to yourself. Think of the opportunities for fabulous photos! You can take them yourself, we can take them on your camera/phone or we can arrange for a professional photographer to meet us as part of your tour. Let us know what you'd like to do.