The GR3®, the Loire trail, covers almost 1300 km from Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc to the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the landscapes of the Loire Valley on foot on a Grande Randonnée or a Grande Randonnée de Pays walking trail. It will reveal all the facets of the Loire Valley: emblematic towns, Loire fauna and flora, Loire châteaux, vineyards and troglodyte dwellings. Off you go! 

THE GR3®: FROM THE SOURCE TO THE ESTUARY OF THE LOIRE THROUGH THE LANDSCAPES OF THE LOIRE REGION 

Des oersonnes faisant une randonnée
J.C Coutand-ADTTouraine

The GR3® follows the Loire from its source (Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc) for almost 1300 km to its estuary in the Atlantic Ocean at La Baule. This was the very first “GR” hiking trail to be created in France! 

Along the way, it takes you past the typical landscapes of the Loire Valley and up close to its flora and fauna. Discover the emblematic cities of Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Tours and Chinon. Up the river from Orléans, you can also visit the Basilica of Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire and the Carolingian Oratory in Germigny-des-Prés. 

THE GR3®: A LEGENDARY ROUTE ALONG THE LOIRE 

Des personnes assises devant un lac
J.C Coutand – ADT Touraine

You will also come across many Loire châteaux, such as Sully-sur-Loire, Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau. And don’t forget to admire the troglodyte dwellings and vineyards, particularly those of Vouvray and Azay-le-Rideau. 

Along the way, there are a number of variants available, one focusing on vineyards, another on the mariners’ route along the Loire, which will tell you all about the history of inland waterway transport on the royal river. There is also a route centred on the Orléans forest or Sologne

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