What's The Weather Like In Loire Valley In March
Temperature
March is the first month of spring in France's popular Loire Valley. It is the first month since November that enjoys an average high temperature in the two digits. The average afternoon temperature is now 10°C, which, on a sunny and clear day, could be considered comfortable.
The night-time low temperature remains rather chilly, though, averaging 2°C. There is, however, a noticeable rise in temperatures since the previous winter months of January and February. And that rise continues throughout March as wellhe average high and low temperatures climb by about three degrees each as the month progresses. The overall average temperature this month is 6°C.
Rain
When it comes to rainfall, which doesn't vary significantly throughout the entire year, March is as average as can be. The total amount is 54mm, perfectly in between the annual low total of 44mm in February and the annual high of 64mm in May. The 15 days of rainfall this month are no exception either.
Visitors can expect some rainfall on one day out of two this time of year. That rainfall comes in the form of moderate rain, which is the one main type of rainfall in this region in France. Moderate rain is observed on no less than 68% of those 15 days with rainfall. The second type, light rain, doesn't even come close, being recorded on merely 16% of those days. Drizzle is even less likely.
The likelihood of experiencing rainfall in March averages about 52% and ranges between 51% and 54%.
Although the chance of rainfall remains basically constant, there is a rather large decrease in cloud cover in the course of this spring month. It drops from 79% to 72%, which is a trend that will continue until the sky is at its clearest in August.
Sunshine Hours
The days continue to increase in length during March. 1st March has 11.06 hours of daylight, while 31st March has 12.48 daylight hours. This increase of 1.42 hours means that every day is 3.3 minutes longer than the day before.
The decrease in cloud cover and increase in day length manifest themselves in more daily sunshine. March enjoys 5 hours of sunshine per day on average, a one-hour rise since the month before.
If you're visiting the Loire Valley in the near future, make sure to check out our detailed weather forecast.
Loire Valley Hotels In March
Château de Marçay
Arguably one of the absolute greatest places to stay in the Loire Valley in Marchr in any other month, reallys the four-star Château de Marçay. This hotel is housed in an actual 15th-century château in the very heart of the region. Surrounded by 15 hectares of parks, lawns and gardens, and even vineyards and truffle grounds, this magnificent accommodation boasts an outdoor pool, boules court, restaurant, shops, tennis court, free Wi-Fi, laundry service and many other facilities. It's fabulous!
Hôtel Domaine des Hauts de Loire
nother historic accommodation is the Hôtel Domaine des Hauts de Loire, housed in a hunting lodge dating from 1860. This impressive stone building featuring walls covered with vines and topped by a couple of turrets is surrounded by lakes, vineyards and woods. It's a superb place for anyone looking to get outside and spend some time in nature.
L'Orée des Chênes
People who want to alternate between visiting historic châteaux and playing rounds of golf may want to opt for L'Orée des Chênes, a four-star hotel in the heart of the Sologne surrounded on all sides by beautiful nature, lakes and wineries. Facilities include everything from a restaurant serving food made with local produce to a swimming pool and sauna, and outdoor pool and bicycle rental service.
Bars And Restaurants
Le Pique Assiette
Categorised as a "tourism restaurant", AS Hôtel's Le Pique Assiette offers its guests great food in a wonderfully scenic environment. The menu includes an all-you-can-eat section, but also great pizzas, salads and gourmet dishes. A private room is available in case you have something to celebrate.
Auberge du Tranchoir
One of the most peaceful places to go when you're hungry is the Auberge du Tranchoir. Set amid a farm that breeds Vosges cattle and Comtois horses, this rustic inn serves superb traditional food prepared with locally sourced ingredients, including produce grown at the farm itself. This authentic eating venue is open for lunch and dinner.
Le 36
When visiting Amboise, consider going for dinner at Le 36. This is a wonderful restaurant to go to with friends or family, or with a loved one or colleagues. It features a well-filled menu that has a mix of traditional French dishes and international food. All dishes are prepared according to the gastronomic tradition of this region that loves its wines and food.
Things To Do In Loire Valley In March
Tours
Take advantage of the rising temperatures in March to visit one the Loire Valley's most picturesque towns. The historic town of Tours is home to winding medieval streets and alleyways, beautifully cosy squares, and many of those typical half-timbered houses. It's an overwhelmingly charming town, set amid one of France's most beautiful regions. Attractions are plentiful, ranging from museums and art galleries to monuments, gardens and parks. Gourmet food lovers will be in paradiseountless exquisite restaurants dot the town. This is without question one of the best bases for exploring the Loire Valley.
Loches
A smaller town, located just southeast of Tours, that is also worthy of a visit is Loches. This surprising town boasts a huge number of historic sites and buildings relative to its size. Attractions include a 44-metre-high keep, the Saint-Ours Collegiate Church, the Logis Royal of Loches and its atmospheric medieval heart. This little town makes for an excellent destination for a day trip.
