Unicorns in the Loire Valley

What are the chances of seeing a unicorn when you visit the Loire Valley? Well, of course, they are rare, but if you choose knowledgeable local guides like us, you have a better chance than most. We photographed this one quite close to where we live.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

When Would You Rather Visit the Loire Valley?

Most people know that July and August is peak period in the Loire Valley, with the well known chateaux crowded with visitors from all over the world. So when would the best time to come be? May, June and September offer many advantages -- nice long days, gardens at their peak, and the French themselves not yet on holiday. The only thing you have to watch out for is the series of long weekends and public holidays in May and June. It's always best not to clash with them as they can end up being even busier than the summer if the weather is good.

April can be a very rewarding time to come, with early spring flowers providing colour but the trees still bare and allowing otherwise hidden views to appear. The weather is often not optimal, and Easter sometimes tricky to negotiate, but overall, we would highly recommend visiting in April if you like a quiet and atmospheric visit to a chateau.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Security at the Chateaux

Only the most popular chateaux in the Loire Valley have security lines where you have your bag searched. At Chenonceau the security staff are professional and friendly (and surprisingly furry...). You can expect your bag to be visually searched, scanned with a metal detecting wand and occasionally there will be a cat scan operating. We can skip the line for tickets, but nobody skips the security line. Fortunately for small groups like ours there is never more than a few minutes of waiting in the queue.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.