In the Loire Valley, Driing brings together holiday rentals offered directly by their owners, around the Loire châteaux, Beauval Zoo and the Sologne. An easy drive from the Channel ports, it is one of the classic French holiday destinations for British families. The median price is €88 per night (typically €75 to €177). For properties also listed on Airbnb or Booking.com, booking direct works out on average 17% cheaper for the same home.

‍

Why book direct in the Loire Valley

Every property on this page is booked directly with its owner, with no platform commission added to what you pay. The saving is real: for holiday rentals in the region that are also listed on Airbnb or Booking.com, the direct price is on average 17% lower for the same home on the same dates. Over a week, that often adds up to hundreds of euros.

The price you see is the one set by the host, with no middleman between you and the person welcoming you. Same home, better price.

Where to stay: the châteaux, Beauval and the Sologne

The region is built around three areas that most travellers look for:

• Along the Loire, from Chenonceaux to Blois: easy access to the châteaux of Chenonceau, Chambord and Villandry and to the Chaumont-sur-Loire garden festival, often just a few minutes away.
• Around Saint-Aignan and Beauval Zoo, one of France's most visited attractions: mostly family gîtes less than twenty minutes from the park.
• The Sologne and the Berry (George Sand country, the Sancerre vineyards): quiet houses at gentler prices, popular for nature and the Loire à Vélo cycle route.

Types of property and prices

Properties range from city studios in Tours or Châteauroux to large group gîtes sleeping up to fifteen, as well as B&Bs and a few unusual stays such as a gypsy caravan with a hot tub or a former watermill.

Prices reflect this variety:

• Apartment or small gîte: around €75 to €90 per night
• Family house: €100 to €180 per night
• Private estate (large groups): more, depending on capacity

The most common amenities are Wi-Fi, free parking, a barbecue and a garden; some houses also have a pool or a hot tub.

What to see in the Loire Valley

The highlights are easy to reach from most properties:

• Chambord and its double-helix staircase
• Chenonceau, spanning the River Cher
• The gardens of Villandry
• The Clos Lucé in Amboise, Leonardo da Vinci's last home
• The UNESCO-listed Bourges Cathedral

To get around, the Loire à Vélo links the châteaux along the river, and the troglodyte wine cellars of Vouvray, Chinon and Sancerre are open for tastings. The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site over 280 km.

‍

Frequently asked questions

Is booking direct in the Loire Valley really cheaper?

‍Yes. For properties in the region also listed on Airbnb or Booking.com, the price booked direct through Driing is on average 17% lower for the same home, often tens of euros per night, because no platform commission is added to what you pay.

How much does a holiday rental in the Loire Valley cost?

‍The median price is €88 per night, typically between €75 and €177 depending on the size of the property and the season. Small gîtes and apartments start at around €75, and family houses cost between €100 and €180.

Where should I stay to visit Beauval Zoo?

‍Most gîtes near Beauval are around Saint-Aignan, less than twenty minutes from the park, and suit family stays of two to four nights.

When is the best time to visit the Loire châteaux?

‍Spring (April to June) and early autumn offer a good balance of mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is the peak season, especially around Beauval, so it is best to book early.

Can I visit the châteaux without a car?

‍Partly: the Loire à Vélo links several châteaux along the river, and some properties near Chenonceaux or Blois let you reach the sites on foot or by bike.