16 Apr 2025
New York - April 15, 2025: There are countless reasons to visit France's Loire Valley region, renowned for its incredible châteaux, wine, gardens, charming towns, historic sites and much more. In 2025, the region will celebrate four anniversaries, welcome a new 5-star hotel and host several art events.
ANNIVERSARIES
The Loire Valley will celebrate four anniversaries in 2025: The 20th anniversary of La Loire à Vélo; the 25th anniversary of the Loire Valley being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site; the 15th anniversary of UNESCO's recognition of the French gastronomic meal; and the 500th anniversary of Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
La Loire à Vélo is a scenic 560-mile bike route that follows the Loire River and passes through charming villages, towns, vineyards and châteaux. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary, visitors can bike the entire route, as well as participate in some of the many events taking place in the region.
Les Vieilles Pédales will be held in Chartres from May 9-11, 2025, featuring an exhibition of vintage bikes, scenic guided bike rides through the city, live entertainment and more. Mad Jacques Val de Loire, happening from June 7-9, 2025, invites cyclists to bike to music from one guinguette (a lively open-air cafe) to another, passing through scenic landscapes, châteaux and nature reserves, culminating in a celebration with food trucks and a DJ for a unique “pedal-disco” experience. Furthermore, a new cycling route between Tours and Bourges will be unveiled, called Coeur de France à Vélo.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau will be celebrating its 500th anniversary with an extensive program of events and festivities, including special exhibitions, immersive shows, illuminations, concerts and more.
2025 also marks 25 years of the Loire Valley being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and the 15th anniversary of UNESCO's inclusion of the French gastronomic meal. Le Festival de Loire, taking place from September 24–28, 2025, is the perfect way to experience heritage in the Loire Valley. Held every two years, the festival celebrates the Loire River and the region's maritime history with more than 200 boats, 700 sailors and 500 artists, offering maritime exhibitions, regattas, live performances, rowing races, boat jousts, local gastronomy and more.
HOTEL NEWS
Les Hauts de Sancerre will be Sancerre's first 5-star hotel, set to open this summer. In celebration of its 150th anniversary, the Château de Sancerre—a small architectural gem overlooking the Loire River—opened its doors to the public in spring 2024. The hotel will consist of four buildings, including the Château de Sancerre, and will eventually offer 27 rooms, a spa, gourmet restaurant and a pool.
The hotel will open in phases; the first phase, featuring eight guestrooms and a chef's table in the châteaux, will be completed in summer 2025. Phase two, scheduled for spring 2026, will add nine more rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a kitchen garden and a pool. The final phase, expected by 2027, will include additional guest rooms in the forest, as well as a spa.
In other hotel news, Les Hayes en Sologne opened in November 2024. A new 19-room, 4-star boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century château, Les Hayes en Sologne is located in a serene atmosphere on a private 445-acre estate, just minutes from Château de Chambord. The hotel offers a pool, tennis, bike rentals, forest walks, activities for kids, astronomy nights, open-air film screenings and more.
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