School Trips to the Loire Valley
Situated in the heart of France between Nantes and Paris, the Loire Valley offers an unforgettable experience of French culture, science and language. From here, school groups can visit a wealth of nearby historic towns, including Angers, Chartres and Orléans.
The area is often referred to as the Garden of France, a name inspired by the abundance of orchards and vineyards that line the banks of the River Loire. Local producers claim their fresh fruit and vegetables are among the highest quality that the country has to offer, particularly when it comes to delicious cherries, pears, asparagus and artichokes. That’s not to mention the cheese…
A school trip to Loire Valley is a perfect opportunity for students of all ages to hone their French language skills and develop a taste for the nation’s food, landscape and architecture. We can also arrange a trip to the wonderful Futuroscope theme park – a fantastic day out with a distinct multimedia edge.
If you’re looking for more information on your Loire Valley school trip then feel free to get in touch with one of our expert school trip advisors – we’re more than happy to help.
Browse our most popular Loire Valley school trips
Why choose NST?
Here's why thousands of teachers choose NST each year...
- Unrivalled school trip knowledge
Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their trip planning knowledge and expertise to create a tailor-made, curriculum-linked itinerary to meet your group’s exact needs.
- Making it easier for you
Your own trip organiser, travel app, free classroom packs and trip promo resources.
- Free group leader inspection visits
Visit your chosen destination free of charge and plan with confidence.
- Value for money, always
We work hard to make every penny count.
- Over 55 years’ experience
With NST you can rest assured that your group is in safe hands.
- Aligned to your learning outcomes
Every trip can be built around your specific goals — from the latest GCSE and A level curriculum requirements to particular themes, interests or visits you want to focus on.
- Risk assessment guidance
Clear, practical support to help you manage group safety including our free guide.
- Offsetting carbon emissions
Through our partnership with Carbon Footprint, we're committed to offset one tonne of CO2 emissions, and plant a tree on school grounds in the UK, for every trip booked.
Loire Valley trip highlights – our groups love
Futuroscope
A theme park that’s been designed with fun and education in mind - and it’s one of France’s most visited attractions. Packed with content, the park offers a wealth of ideas so you can develop your educational projects around your visit.
Aquarium du Val de Loire
Study the diversity of the Loire’s aquatic life and touch the fish in the 15 metre tactile pool!
Châteaux of the Loire Valley
There are a wide number of châteaux along the Loire Valley each providing an insight into French history and tradition, whilst also providing spectacular scenery and architecture. The most popular ones are: Château de Chenonceau, Château de Blois, Château Montrichard and Château d’Amboise.
Patisserie Chocolaterie Bigot
Tour of the chocolaterie including hot chocolate tasting.
Puy du Fou Theme Park
Puy du Fou offers a multitude of great shows and adventures to entertain and excite students. The park doesn't have rides, however, offers spectacular history extravaganza shows where actors and animals recreate high drama, from Roman gladiators to King Arthur, with mind-blowing special effects. In 50 hectares of forest and gardens, there are reconstructed historic villages, including a medieval settlement and an 18th-century farm, where you can go into houses and watch artisans at work.
Loches
Situated on the banks of the Indre, this small town is a gem of historical and architectural interest. Dominated by the medieval city enclosed within impressive ramparts it is also home to a number of visits where students can practise their language skills, including: Vignemont Cave Dwellers Quarry, Château Loche and Confiserie Hallard Sweet Factory.
Amboise
Groups can spend a day exploring this fascinating town. The Château du Clos Lucé is a must-see; it was Leonardo da Vinci’s last home and is now a museum dedicated to him. Le Petit Train is an ideal way to see the town and the Aquarium du Val de Loire and Bigot Patisserie Chocolaterie are other highlights.
Saumur
This small town has a number of exciting attractions for groups, many of them based around the town’s wine and food industries. Highlights include: Musée du Champignon, Gratien & Meyer Sparkling Wine Caves and the National Riding School.
