day trips to loire valley

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in the Loire Valley Itinerary

Last Updated on February 28, 2024

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

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In northwest France — east of Brittany — lies a strong contender for mainland France’s most beautiful area. The Loire Valley, stretching along the river Loire, is surrounded by wondrous châteaux and far-reaching vineyards, and our 2 to 3 days in the Loire Valley itinerary will take you through the hotspots of “the Garden of France”.

While England, Scotland, France and Germany are all famous for their castles, you’ve really not seen anything until you’ve spent some time in the Loire Valley.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in the Loire Valley?

You should consider how many days to spend in the Loire Valley before booking your trip, as the area is full of incredible castles, each as spectacular as the next, so you won’t want to miss out on anything.

2 days are just enough to see some of the most magnificent châteaux, but you’ll have to make the tough decision to visit only two places.

This can include either the pretty town known for its sparkling wine, Saumur, Leonardo da Vinci’s house in Amboise, the legendary Chenonceau castle stretching over the river, or the Disney-esque castle of Chambord, to give just a few examples of the huge number of wonderful castles in the area.

If you’ve got 3 days, then you can spread your time between each of the most outstanding châteaux, however a week in the Loire Valley is ideal to fill each day with châteaux, white wine and trips along the Loire River.

Getting To & Around the Loire Valley

There are two main airports in the Loire Valley: Tours Val de Loire Airport and Nantes-Atlantique. You can take direct flights to the former from some cities across Europe, however, it is a small airport, so most other flights stop in Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle first.

Nantes-Atlantique is a larger airport, however, so you can take direct flights from Paris , London , Madrid and Geneva , among other major cities.

Tours Val de Loire Airport is just a few kilometres out of the city of Tours, so you can take a short taxi ride, tram line A or bus line 02 to reach the city centre, whereas Nantes-Atlantique is an almost 2-hour drive to the nearest point on our itinerary, Saumur, and over 2 hours on the train via Angers.

The best way to get around the Loire Valley, however, is by car, so if you’re coming from the UK, there’s no need to fly and then rent a car when you can take a car ferry from Portsmouth to Caen or St Malo and drive for just under three hours down to reach Saumur.

Or if you don’t mind driving long distances, take the Eurotunnel to Calais and drive for 5 to 6 hours to Chambord or Saumur, depending on which end of the valley you prefer to start your Loire Valley road trip.

You can, of course, also rent cars at both airports, with well-known companies Hertz and Enterprise located at Nantes-Atlantique Airport. You can browse car hire options here .

If you don’t drive and the idea of messing around with airports, but you’d still like to visit the Loire Valley, you can move around the region on the local trains or buses. Once you have arrived at the city or town you’d like to explore, you won’t need public transport as the towns are very walkable.

If you have a bit longer to explore the Loire Valley and feel like getting around in a different way, from April to September, you can also rent kayaks or canoes and paddle along the Loire River to get to each of your destinations where you can stay in hotels, campsites or bivouacs.

Finally, if you’re short on time it is possible to take a day trip from Paris to see the highlights such as on this full-day tour or this full-day tour .

2 to 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary

Day 1 – ussé to saumur.

Starting in the west side of the Loire Valley region of France, you can visit the fantastical castle of Ussé before jumping in your car or canoe and heading west to explore Saumur’s castle and enjoy a late afternoon wine tasting.

You can spend a whole day in Saumur visiting the château, the town hall and going wine tasting, however, if you’re doing a whistle-stop tour of the Loire Valley, you can quickly skip from spot to spot to include as many châteaux as possible – as castles such as the Château Cheverny and the Château de Villandry aren’t included.

Château d’Ussé

In the small, picturesque village of Rigny-Ussé, you will find, slightly hidden behind the foliage, a castle so beautiful that it became the inspiration for the story of Sleeping Beauty.

You can walk up to the tower of the château where, around every corner, the story of Sleeping Beauty is creatively displayed before you alongside passages of the tale.

You can visit the château itself too, thanks to the resident Blacas family opening it for public view, where you’ll find curious objects from all over the world, amazing decorations from the 15th to the 18th century, a collection of 17th-century tapestries and the King’s chamber which has housed both King Louis XIV and Emperor Haile Selassie.

Although originally designed as a fortress in a strategic location backing the Chinon forest between 1000 and 1400, the château was beautified in the 15th century and over the years became a symbol of splendour rather than a bastion.

You can see the mix of Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance designs in the shape and decoration of the incredible building, before turning your attention to the formal gardens, ornately created by “the King’s gardener” himself, Le Nôtre, who is most famous for having designed the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.

They have been well preserved, with an orangery added as well as two cedars that were gifted from Lebanon that stand tall in the gardens, alongside a small chapel with wine cellars.

Set aside an hour to spend in Château d’Ussé, so early afternoon is a perfect time for you to visit before heading to Saumur.

Saumur Centre

Saumur is not a very well-known town in France, however, with its significant military history, its many vineyards producing renowned wines, and its being the birthplace of Coco Chanel, there’s plenty to get stuck into as a tourist in this mediaeval town.

Each July, there is a military parade displaying old and new vehicles (which can normally be found in the city’s tank museum) as well as equestrian performances, while at the beginning of August, a huge local food and drink festival takes place in the city with hundreds of stalls showcasing local produce. If you’re visiting Saumur outside of summer, you can still enjoy the Saturday morning market.

The main attraction in Saumur, however, and the first of many over your 2 or 3 exploring the Loire Valley, is the Château de Saumur. Sat on top of a hill overlooking the city, the impressive structure is easy to find and quite a sight.

Originally built as a fort in 900 CE and destroyed in 1067, Saumur Castle was rebuilt in the 1100s as a royal palace. However, after falling into disrepair, the castle became a prison, holding many dissidents in the 1780s, before being used by the War Ministry as storage for ammunition and weapons.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the local council bought the château and turned it into the museum we see today, however, it has been repaired several times over the years due to the extensive damage done during WWII.

The château now boasts an immense collection of ceramics and tapestries as well as some ancient artefacts, while the second floor houses the horse museum.

You can walk around the castle grounds for free, but there is a fee to enter the museum and is generally open February to December, Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm – although opening hours differ slightly according to the season. Estimate around 1-2 hours in the château.

Wine Tasting

The people of the Loire Valley have been making wine since the 1st century, so you can’t spend 2 days in the Loire Valley without visiting a vineyard or winery to sample the produce of a two-millennia-long tradition.

Saumur is known for its sandy-coloured buildings made from Tuffeau stone that was excavated through tunnels dug under the city; these tunnels are now used as wine cellars to house the famous local white and sparkling wines, as well as the less well-known reds and rosés.

One excellent vineyard and winery that’s within walking distance from the city centre, is Langlois-Chateau – Crémant-de-Loire et Caves à Saumur. This vineyard is known for its crémants, or sparkling wines (you can only call it Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region ) including a delicious sparkling red!

You can take a vineyard tour in a horse-drawn carriage or simply try before you buy in the winery with the guidance of their experts.

Or try the self-declared ‘oenotourism’ hotspot, Le Secret des Papilles, a large vineyard located on the small island in the middle of the Loire River.

If you happen to be staying in Saumur for the night and have a car, Le Moulin de Sarre is a fantastic restaurant for your evening meal.

Making as many fresh bread rolls in front of your table as you can eat, this small, out-of-the-way restaurant is located in an old mill where they still turn the grain into flour for their homemade bread which provides the perfect accompaniment to each of the traditional local dishes they serve.

Day 2 – Amboise to Chenonceau

If you want a city break, you can have a wonderful time exploring the streets of Tours, however, if you just have 2 days in the Loire Valley, then your best option is to skip the cities and opt for the opulent châteaux instead; nowhere demonstrates architectural beauty quite like Amboise and Chenonceau.

It is also possible to organise a hot air balloon ride either for sunrise or sunset if you want to get a unique vantage point.

Château d’Amboise

Located on top of a hill to gain strategic views of any oncoming mercenaries, the Château d’Amboise looks spectacular as you arrive in the small town.

The castle became a royal residence in 1431 after the owner, Louis of Amboise, was caught in a plot against a friend of the crown and forced to give up the property, and in the following years was decorated in the Early Renaissance style as the Kings of France were inspired by the Italian movement.

None more so than King Francis I, who invited Leonardo da Vinci over from Italy and provided him with lodgings just 400 metres away and accessible from the Château d’Amboise by a secret passage. The world-renowned creative is also buried in the chapel on the castle grounds.

After being partially dismantled and later used as a prison, restoration works began in the 19th century. You can visit the incredible château from 9 am to sunset most of the year, with official opening times changing seasonally.

If you visit Amboise in Summer, try to align your trip with the amazing light show “The Prophecy of Amboise” which tells the history of the château in a visual display projected onto the castle, behind hundreds of performers.

Château du Clos Lucé (da Vinci’s House)

Within walking distance from the Château d’Amboise, both over and formerly underground, is the must-see spot on every trip to the Loire Valley, the Château du Clos Lucé.

Having been bought and sold many times throughout the centuries, the Clos Lucé became a summer house for the king in 1490, before being gifted to Leonardo da Vinci in the early 1500s by King Francis I. The artist, engineer, architect and inventor lived in this mansion for the last three years of his life, from 1516 to 1519, working on many different machines at the behest of the king.

Not only can you visit the building in which da Vinci lived, fully restored to resemble the building during the 16th century, but you can also go into his workshop, where you’ll find replicas of his notes and diagrams amongst models of various inventions, such as arguably the first ever machine gun and the double helix staircase that you can find in the Château de Chambord.

If that wasn’t enough, the gardens of the mansion have been transformed into a park that both represents the artistic style of da Vinci’s work and showcases his inventions in actual-size interactive models.

The mansion and grounds are open all year, with opening times changing slightly according to the season. You can pre-book tickets here .

Château de Chenonceau

Driving South for 15 minutes or navigating your canoe off the Loire River around Villandry and onto Le Cher River, you’ll find one of the most famous châteaux of the Loire Valley: Château de Chenonceau.

The unmistakable castle reaches out over the river Cher, positioned across several arches, so if you have come on your kayak or canoe, you can actually row underneath the castle.

Affectionately nicknamed Le Château des Dames, or the Ladies’ Castle, the clean elegance of the pale outer walls, turrets and interior decoration exude a femininity that demonstrates the long history the château has had in the hands of powerful women of France.

Built on the site of an old mill in the 1500s, the project proved too much for Finance Secretary Thomas Bohier, leading his wife, Katherine Briçonnet to oversee the construction of the castle according to her own tastes and design. However, as King Francis I died and his son Henry II ascended the throne, Chenonceau castle was gifted to the new King’s mistress Diane de Poitiers, to the chagrin of his wife, Catherine de Medici.

After the King’s death, Catherine de Medici removed Diane de Poitiers from the château and sought to remove every trace of the hard work her rival had put into the construction and decoration of the castle, before leaving it in her will to Louise of Lorraine, the wife of Catherine’s son, King Henry III.

After his death, Louise of Lorraine shut herself away in a sepulchre, a room full of funerary items and with black-painted walls to mourn her husband.

Since then, two more women fell in love with the château and attempted to restore it to its former glory, however, it eventually became a military hospital during WWI and shortly after, the rooms were returned to their original state before being opened to the public.

You can explore the spectacular gardens and rooms designed by Catherine de Medici, the gloomy chamber of Louise of Lorraine and the large central hall, as well as see some incredible pieces of Renaissance artwork and a collection of 18th-century horse-drawn carriages.

This is a very popular tourist attraction so you have to book a time slot for your visit to the château, however, you can wander around the grounds at any time on the day of your ticket. You can organise tickets here .

Day 3 – Beauregard to Chambord

While it’s impossible to see all of the Loire Valley castles in 3 days, we’re going to continue eastward towards Blois to see the last three châteaux of our Loire Valley trip – and we think we’ve saved the best ‘til last.

Château de Beauregard

Built in the late 1400s, the Beauregard Castle quickly became one of the favourite retreats of King Francis I due to the dense forest surrounding it, making it an excellent hunting lodge, and continued to be developed and beautified over the following 150 years.

The various eras of destruction and modernisation finally came to a head in 1912 when the château was bought and had electricity and running water installed, before being returned to its 17th-century state by the new owners in 1926, whose family still reside there today.

Within the château, you can find the largest portrait gallery in Europe, with over 300 portraits taking you through the history of monarchs and significant persons of Europe, under the breath-taking ceiling made of Lapis Lazuli, a deep midnight-blue semi-precious stone.

You can also enter the Cabinet des Grelots, a small ornately carved oak room, with small Renaissance decorations, or explore the château’s collection of Renaissance furniture, and a whale jawbone from the 1700s.

Covering a massive 40 hectares, you should definitely take the opportunity to explore and relax in the castle gardens, with the garden of portraits, rose garden, garden of Lebanese cedars and the ruined 14th-century chapel that was once part of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.

There’s also a path directly from the Château de Beauregard to the King’s other favoured hunting lodge, the Château de Chambord, but if you’re on a Loire Valley road trip, it’s best to stop in Blois en route.

Check opening hours in advance as the château often puts on events such as weddings and other celebrations as well as filming opportunities, although, for most of the year, you can enter the castle and gardens from 10.30 am to 6 pm.

Château de Blois

One main theme of the châteaux of the Loire Valley is that many were popular residences of King Francis I – and none more so than the Château de Blois.

Having been built as a mediaeval fortress, Blois Castle changed dramatically over the years as different resident Kings destroyed and rebuilt parts of the castle, leaving only the Estates General room, and the Le Foix tower from its original construction.

Born in the castle, King Louis XII elevated the status of Blois to capital of the Kingdom upon his coronation in 1498 and oversaw the Renaissance architectural influence on the castle.

You can enter the castle from 9 am to 6.30 pm in summer and 10 am to 5 pm in winter to marvel at the history as you pass from room to room, taking in the many architectural styles on display, as well as the over 30,000 works of art in the so-called Musée de France. In a former apartment, you can also see the Museum of Fine Arts, with works from the greats, including Rubens.

Every evening, around 10 pm in summer, a display is projected onto the castle’s façade, detailing the history of the Kings and Queens who left their mark on the castle, and the dramatic instances that took place there. It is possible to buy a combined ticket for the château visit and visual display. You can organise tickets here .

If you have more than 3 days in the region, Blois is a great place to explore the city streets and old town, however, if you’re seeing the Loire Valley in 3 days or less, continue to the next stop.

Château de Chambord

Last but by no means least on our Loire Valley itinerary, is the magnificent Château de Chambord.

A 20-minute drive from Blois, the Chambord château is perhaps the most striking castle in the region, with its French formal garden, enormous façade and ornately carved windows and turrets.

Another of King Francis I’s hunting lodges, the castle is another fantastic display of the King’s fondness for Renaissance architecture, including the amazing spiral staircase designed by the great Leonardo da Vinci himself.

Nowadays, the building is far from an old relic but is home to a permanent collection of 17th-century tapestries, period furniture and ornaments, as well as hosting numerous art exhibitions throughout the year.

The Château de Chambord became associated with art in part due to the château’s beauty, but also because it was used as a storage facility for prized artworks during WWII after the evacuation of Paris. You can organise tickets here and also there is the option to take a guided tour .

Although it’s an American brand, the liqueur Chambord originates from a black raspberry liqueur made in the Loire Valley near Chambord, so while you’re in the area, try to get a sample!

Where to Stay in the Loire Valley

Ferdinand Hotel – This hotel in the city of Tours is a great base for mid-range visitors exploring the Loire Valley. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and a fabulous breakfast available in the morning.

Château Belmont Tours – This luxe hotel in Tours is an excellent base for those looking for a more upmarket stay while in the Loire Valley . Offering a number of beautiful rooms, there are also countless other plush amenities to ensure guests have a wonderful stay.

The People – If you’re visiting the Loire Valley on a budget, then this highly-rated hostel is an excellent option. Located in the centre of Tours, it’s a great base for exploring the region and they have both dorms and private rooms available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Loire Valley hotels!

Seeing everything in the Loire Valley in 2 days is near impossible as the area is bursting with regal history, beautiful scenery and delicious wines, so if you’ve got the time, set aside as much as possible to explore the area!

Are you planning to visit the Loire Valley? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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A 3 Day Loire Valley Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 25th October 2023

Categories France , Itineraries

Last Updated on 25th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

The Loire Valley is a remarkable place punctuated by its historic châteaux, gushing rivers, and wooded valleys. Best visited over the course of few days so as to enjoy all of the impressive architecture, medieval towns, and fairytale châteaux, here’s the perfect 3 days in the Loire Valley itinerary .

The Loire Valley is best-known for its abundance of Châteaux. In total, there are over 300 Châteaux, and over 40 of them are open to the public, meaning it can be hard to narrow downs just which ones you should visit during your trip.

The most popular and famous of the Loire Valley Châteaux are Chambord (where Da Vinci is alleged to have had in its design), Amboise (within a town of the same name), and Chenonceau (surrounded by a moat and one of the most fairytale-looking of all castles in France ).

I’ve been to visit this gorgeous area of France a handful of times over the years, both with my friends, and with my husband. You can visit the Loire Valley as a day trip but ideally you’ll need several days in order to get a better feel for this special area of France.

Thanks to its charming towns and stunning vistas on long, open roads, it’s the perfect place for a road trip and is even a great option as a honeymoon destination if you’re searching for a French option.

Best time to visit the Loire Valley

Is 3 days enough time in the loire valley, amboise accommodation, tours accommodation, day 1: chartres and the châteaux, day 2: amboise, day 3: tours.

Winter in the Loire Valley can be a bit cold and bitter, and many of the trees and surrounding landscapes are barren, meaning that it’s not the best time to visit. I personally love to travel to travel to the Loire Valley during the springtime, when the blossom has come out and the sun is shining.

Summer is a popular time to visit the region, leading to elevated prices and more crowds. As such, I recommend visiting just before or just after peak season so as to ensure the best weather coupled with the best prices and slightly fewer crowds than during the high summer.

Yes, three days it the perfect amount of time to discover the Loire Valley. Over the course of a few days, you’ll have the chance to discover two of its most important towns and see some of the châteaux that the region is so famed for.

Where to stay in the Loire Valley

In this itinerary, you’ll want to spend the first two nights in Amboise and the third night in Tours. Those who want to stay a little longer to discover the region and visit a few more towns and châteaux can consider extending their trip by booking a few more nights in Tours. After all, its central location and great size means that it’s a great base from which to explore the wider region.

Hôtel Restaurant Le Clos d’Amboise : This four-star establishment is located in the heart of Amboise and is set against the backdrop of a 17th-century mansion house. Boasting amenities such as an outdoor pool and a sauna, this is true luxury in the Loire Valley.  Check prices and availability here.

Hôtel Le Manoir Les Minimes : For an über luxe stay in the Loire, the Hôtel Le Manoir Les Minimes is a five-star hotel which is less than a ten-minute walk from main town attractions like the Royal Château and the tourist office.  Check prices and availability here.

Budget:  One of the most affordable and yet cosy places to stay in Tours is The People. This chic hostel offers private rooms as well as mixed-gender and female-only dorms. There’s a bar onsite with a terrace.  Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range:  Those in search of an affordable luxury option when it comes to staying in Tours can check out this cosy little hotel. Amenities include air conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a fairly central location.  Check prices and availability here.

Luxury:  For the ultimate luxury experience during your time in Tours, consider booking yourself a stay at this four-star hotel. Highlights include a pool and spa, as well as a fitness centre.  Check prices and availability here.

Suggested 3 days in the Loire Valley itinerary

If you’re visiting the Loire Valley from Paris, then you’ll want to rent a car for your trip. Check car rental comparison prices here. Then, you’ll drive due south to reach the Loire Valley. Around an hour and a half from Paris, you’ll reach Chartres , which will be the first stop of your Loire Valley itinerary.

Chartres is most famous for its beautiful Gothic Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th-century and is widely regarded to be one of the best works of the 13th-century still in existence.

Other highlights of the town include timber-framed buildings and a number of other Gothic churches dating back to the Middle Ages. You’ll need a few hours to fully enjoy Chartres, wander its historic streets, and perhaps even have lunch here.

After exploring Chartres, it’s close to a two hour drive to reach the next stop of the day, Chambord. The drive takes almost two hours so bring along some snacks and put on a relaxing playlist.

So large is the domain of Château de Chambord that you end up driving along the tree-lined boulevard leading to the castle for at least ten minutes, passing many ‘beware of the deer signs on the way’ before the ornate turrets suddenly loom up above the horizon.

Built in the French Renaissance style in the first half of the 16th century and originally intended for use as a hunting lodge for Francis I, the castle has seen many changes during its history. It takes a few hours to see Chambord, depending on your pace, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet a lot!

It’s then just a twenty minute drive from Chambord to Cheverny, another Loire Valley Château which is open to the public for a fee. Whether or not you have time to see Cheverny depends on how early you left Chartres and how long you spent at Chambord.

If you don’t have time to see Cheverny, then don’t fret as there are several other châteaux included within this Loire Valley itinerary and you can always see Cheverny as a day trip from Tours on day 3 or 4 of your visit.

Featured in Tintin novels as Marlinspike Hall and famed for its beauty, Cheverney (pronounced sheeverney) was built in the mid-1600s by Henri Hurault, the military treasurer for Louis XIII. Six centuries later, one of his direct descendants is now the present day owner and the castle is open every day of the year.

If you want to see everything that Cheverny has to offer, then you’ll need around two and a half hours, though you can easily get a good overview of the Château in an hour. Afterwards, drive to Amboise, check into your hotel in Amboise and enjoy a restful night of sleep after your big travel day!

After a lot of driving on day one, the good news is that the entirety of day two will be spent exploring Amboise . Start the day by heading to the Château Royal d’Amboise.

Constructed by the French monarchy during the 15th-century, the historic building has seen plenty of events over the course of its lifetime. It takes a few hours to see the interior of the Château and enjoy its comprehensive gardens. Just don’t miss all of the amazing vistas around the castle grounds.

After touring the Château, head down into the town below. Truth be told, one of the greatest ways to explore Amboise is on your own two feet (many of the smaller roads in town are pedestrian only), and allowing the town to reveal itself to you.

While walking around Amboise, be sure not to miss the clock tower which dates back to the 15th-century and the church of Saint Florentin. Those who wish to learn more about the town can check out the free-to-visit museum at the Hôtel de Ville.

After spending a few hours indulging in some local French food and wandering the cobbled streets, it’s time to head to the second Château of the day. The place where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the three years leading up to his death was Château du Clos Lucé, just a short walk away from the town centre.

The château is sometimes referred to simply as Clos Lucé and was built in the latter half of the 15th-century. Today, the Château and beautiful gardens are accessible to the public for a fee. Due to its sheer size, it takes a few hours to fully enjoy Clos Lucé.

Afterwards, head back into the town centre where you can enjoy local food and drinks before packing up your things to head to Tours the next day. If you’re looking for traditional French fare in Amboise, check out The Master of Art and La Suite. Wherever you choose to go to for dinner, be sure to make a reservation as all the good places fill up fast.

On the third morning, check out of your hotel in Amboise and drive to Tours. The largest city in the Loire Valley has more than enough to occupy you for an entire day. You can also opt to stay in a hotel overnight here if you want to go on more day trips to the surrounding region.

Begin your day by taking a stroll around the largely pedestrianised old town. Full of timber-framed buildings, there’s a number of picturesque squares, historic towers, and churches. If you want to get a coffee, head to Place Plumereau, where you can sit on one of the little café terraces and people watch.

Afterwards, head to Tours Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours). This Gothic church boasts beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate carvings. It is located in the heart of the city and is free to visit.

Close by, you can discover the Fine Arts Museum. Known in French as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, the museum showcases works from the 14th century up to the present day. It includes works by famous artists such as Rubens, Delacroix, and Monet.

For dinner, sample the local cuisine. Tours is famed for its delicious food and wine scene, so make sure to try some of the local specialties such as goat cheese dishes, and Loire Valley wines.

End your day in Tours by heading to the river bank. You can go for a stroll and admire the Loire River. If you happen to be visiting during the summer, then you can head to the Guinguette (open air bar) and enjoy a drink in the heart of all the action.

Enjoyed reading this perfect Loire Valley itinerary? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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The 5 Best Loire Valley Tours From Paris [2024 Reviews]

Spanning a whopping 280 kilometres, the Loire Valley is a magestic UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates countless visitors every year.

While it is largely known for its delicious wines, its gorgeous gardens and charming villages make for a fantasy-like atmosphere worth visiting more than once.

No matter what your interests are, we’re sure you’ll find something to love about the area. If you’re in Paris, we highly recommend checking out one of the top Loire Valley tours that will show you all the best places to visit.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Loire Valley Day Trips From Paris

Quick answer: the 5 best rated loire valley day tours for 2024.

• Best Small Group Tour : Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip
• Best Private Tour : Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise
• Best Budget Tour : Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting
• Best Full Day Tour : Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris
• Best Tour With Lunch : Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

Loire Valley Tours From Paris Reviews

1. best small group tour: loire valley 3 best castles & wine tasting small-group day trip from paris.

• Duration: 12 hours
• Departure:  La Flamme, 6 Av. de Wagram, 75008 Paris
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes: Driver/guide, entrance tickets into Chambord Castle, entrance tickets into Chenonceau Castle, entrance tickets into Amboise Castle, fuel, parking fees, highway toll fees, transport by luxury van with air conditioning, wine tasting of 3 different French wines or 1 full glass of 1 French wine

Cracking things off, we bring you the Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip from Paris Tour . If you’re looking for a way to escape the city for a day and explore serene, fairytale-like scenery, you’re in for a real treat.

This tour provides all-day adventure where you’ll get to see everything from the largest chateau in the valley to the colorful gardens.

Ideal for small groups of 8 people of less, get ready for a day of personalized attention and seeing hidden gems larger groups aren’t able to. Lasting 12 hours long, the professional guides make sure everything goes on without a hitch.

You’ll meet at La Flamme in Paris at 7am and hope on board your private, luxury transportation. Your first stop will be at Chateau de Chambord, which is the largest in the entire Loire Valley.

With countless spires and a breathtaking double-helix staircase, you’re sure to enjoy walking around and taking some photos of this incredible architecture. Here, you’ll learn about Chambord and have time to walk around on your own.

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Chateau de Chenonceau or “the Ladies’ Chateau” as it’s called due to its history of being run by powerful women, offers a uniquely feminine touch.

Learn all about its unique history before heading to Chateau Royal d’Amboise – one of the oldest castles in the country. With magnificent views overlooking the wild Loire River, you’ll learn about its equally-wild history.

Head over to the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, where you’ll see the tomb of the legendary Italian artist, Leonardo Da Vinci. He actually spent the last years of his life serving the French King, and his architectural prowess was crucial to the Renaissance Chateau here.

Then, head down to the town of Amboise, with its charming homes and winding walkways. Here, take a break for a delicious lunch, with plenty of local restaurants and bakeries to enjoy.

After refueling, you’ll then see Place Michel Debre where you’ll visit a little wine vendor where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting of 3 different local wines.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other paris experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best private tour: loire valley castles vip private tour: chambord, chenonceaux, amboise.

• Duration: 13 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Includes: Private, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pick-up and drop-off, fees and taxes, local expert art historian guide

We know that the Loire Valley is impressive, no matter what kind of tour you take. However, a lot of the larger tours involve standing around or missing out on certain aspects due to the quantity of people in the group. If you want to make the most of your time there, we highly recommend checking out the Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise .

This tour is VIP in every way, starting out with a convenient hotel pickup bright and early in the morning. All you have to do is make sure you’re down in the lobby on time, and be ready to board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle!

Bring some nice walking shoes as you’ll be doing plenty of exploring of the grounds and inside the castles. Rather than a big coach, you’ll have a personal chauffeur in a car take you to each stop. Many of these stops aren’t possible in vans, so this is ideal!

The first stop of the day will be the Chateau Royal d’Amboise. This castle is most well-known for being the final resting place of da Vinci. However, many famous – if not notorious – French royals lived here throughout the 15 th through 19 th centuries.

With a local expert art historian to guide you, there’s no question you’ll learn all the ins and outs about this area throughout the centuries. Take a moment at Clos Lucé, known as the former official residence of da Vinci, and is a wonderful example of Renaissance art using brick and local tufa stone.

Next is the Chateau de Chenonceau, famous for bridging the Cher River. This chateau is the most famous in the valley, representing an architectural transition from Gothic to Renaissance.

It really looks like something out of a fairytale, with elaborate details and equally as detailed grounds. Chateau de Chambord is the next stop where you’ll take a tour of the grounds and inside, learning about the country’s 16 th -century architectural revolution.

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3. best budget tour: loire valley chambord & chenonceau castles day trip with wine tasting from paris.

• Departure: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
• Departure Time: 7:30 AM
• Includes: English-speaking tour guide, wine tasting in Château de Chenonceau, entrance ticket to Chambord and Chenonceau Castles, return transportation in an air-conditioned coach, free time in the town of Blois

Next, we bring you a slightly longer tour: the 13-hour Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting from Paris . If you love castles and stunning architecture, you’ll love this one as well.

Perfectly balancing tour time with free time, you’ll learn a lot but have the freedom to focus on what interests you most, as well. Your day will start off with you meeting your guide and the rest of your group outside the Paris Catacombs.

It’s time to take a day off from the hustle-and-bustle of the thriving capital and into the beautiful Loire Valley. You’ll board a private, air-conditioned coach with plenty of room and large windows for optimal viewing.

Your first stop will be Chateau de Chambord with this tour as well. Many will already feel familiar with the architecture, given that the turrets were the inspiration for the Beauty and the Beast Castle! Learn all about the architecture’s history, along with a staircase supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Now it’s time to head to Blois, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch in one of the many delicious restaurants around the fascinating Square Louis XII. We highly recommend checking out the Royal Castle of Blois, showing off various types of gorgeous architecture.

After refueling, head on over to the classy Chateau de Chenonceau, where you’ll be able to not only explore around the many rooms and stone carvings but enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting.

The area is known for its white wines, and you’ll get to enjoy these while checking out the main hall that spans the nearby river Cher.

If you’d like, you can elect to partake in an additional wine tasting down in the chateau’s vaulted wine cellar!

4. Best Full Day Tour: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris

• Duration: 12.5 hours
• Departure: 20 Pl. des Vins de France, 75012 Paris
• Departure Time: 7:00 am
• Includes:  Round trip by luxury coach from Paris with licensed guide (if option selected), round trip by luxury coach from Paris with audio guide (if option selected), entrance to 3 Loire Valley castles: Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny

One of the most stressful things about traveling is dealing with the crowds and waiting around. What if we told you that you could skip all of that and head straight to the good stuff? You can do just that with the Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris tour !

This 12.5-hour tour may last the entire day, but the way it’s planned out makes it perfect for the entire family – even kids! With round-trip transportation by a spacious, luxury coach, it’s very comfortable and easy to get around.

Start out first-thing in the morning by meeting your guide, and you’re off to the first stop on the tour! Thanks to the skip-the-line tickets, once you get to Chateau de Chambord, you’ll all head straight inside without the wait.

Your guide will offer an educational commentary on the royals that lived there, French aristocracy gossip, and the fascinating architecture. You’ll have plenty of time to roam around on your own, as well, taking photos and videos of one of the most famous castles in the world.

While the castle’s façade and estate are certainly impressive, when you come across the infamous double-helix staircase at the Domaine National de Chambord, you’ll become enamored like everyone else. It makes sense, then, that Leonardo da Vinci is rumored to be the brains behind the design!

The Chateau de Chenonceau is another favorite – known as the “ladies’ castle” due to the heavy female influence of those who lived and ruled here. Constructed in the early 1500s, it was the sight of many royal scandals, festivities, and in the 19 th -century, converted into a military hospital.

Learn about and enjoy some fine wine and French royal history before heading to Chateau de Cheverny.

This grandiose estate has been in the same family for over an impressive 6 centuries, originally buit by the Hurault family in the early 1600s. Learn all about the Cheverny wines, and try their delicious reds and whites.

5. Best Tour With Lunch: Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure Time: n/a
• Includes:  Lunch, driver/guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan, snacks

Last but certainly not least, we bring you the Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle ! If the other tours on our guide look enticing but you want something slightly shorter, check this one out.

Clocking in at 9 hours, it gives you plenty of time to learn and explore this picturesque area. There are two pickup spots available to make it easy to access, no matter where you are located in Paris.

However, the guides are very understanding and try to make things as easy as possible for everyone. You’ll board your air-conditioned coach with your guide/driver who will offer interesting commentary as you cruise through the beautiful valley.

Your first stop along the way will be to the Chateau de Chenonceau, which you’ve learned quite a bit about already!

The Renaissance architecture is captivating, no matter who you are. Sitting right over the Cher river, it’s unlike any other castle we’ve seen and is no wonder why it’s the most photographed in all of France.

Your guide will ensure you see the little nooks-and-crannies – the best views from spots most tourists don’t get to see. This guide is definitely one to remember, offering funny stories and vast knowledge of the area.

Make a stop in town to enjoy a relaxing lunch. You can go off on your own or stay with your group to chat about what you’ve seen so far before heading over to Chateau de Villesavin. This family-owned chateau also gives you the option of a traditional French lunch so the group can decide.

Don’t forget the Chateau de Chambord, where you’ll notice the clear influence of King Louis XIV, drawing many parallels to the Palace of Versailles.

You’ll be taken on a journey by a passionate local guide who will paint a picture – or movie, really – of what took place here. Then, follow it up with a tasty French aperitif.

Your Guide For Day Trips to the Loire Valley From Paris

Five must see destinations in the loire valley.

• Château de Chambord : This fairy-tale like castle is a must see for anyone visiting the Loire Valley. It was built for King Francis I, Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of design and engineering that has over 400 rooms. It has a double helix staircase with a stunning rooftop terrace that has panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
• Clos Lucé : Step inside the home of the genius Leonardo da Vinci where he lived and worked during his final years. This 15th-century chateau is a glimpse into the life and work of one of world’s greatest inventors and artists. Explore the gardens and visit the museum which houses a collection of models and drawings of da Vinci’s inventions.
• Chenonceau : Known as the “Château des Dames” for its association with a series of powerful women who owned and inhabited it over the centuries. Chenonceau is one of the most stunning chateaux in the region. Built on a bridge over the River Cher it boasts a unique and elegant design, beautiful gardens plus an impressive art collection.
• Villandry : With its magnificent gardens and beautifully restored Renaissance architecture, Villandry is a true gem of the Loire Valley. The chateau’s extensive gardens are a true feast for the senses that features terraces, fountains and an array of colorful flowers and plants arranged in intricate patterns.
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau : This charming castle, set on the banks of the Indre River is a perfect example of French Renaissance architecture. Its graceful design and tranquil setting make it a peaceful retreat.

One Day Itinerary For the Loire Valley From Paris

It can be challenging if you’re coming from Paris. We would recommend you spend the night in Amboise and start your journey in the heart of the region. The Loire Valley is two hours southwest of Paris by car so it will take some planning to see the highlights in one day.

A guided tour will take you from Paris to some of the Loire Valley’s most popular destinations. Most tour companies have day trips that include stops at several chateaux, such as Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise, as well as some of the region’s picturesque towns and villages. We highlight our favorites above!

If you want go on your own here is a sample itinerary that takes you to some of the area’s most beautiful and significant sites.

9:00am : Start your day in the picturesque town of Amboise where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the many charming cafes lining the streets. Be sure to try some of the local pastries such as croissants or pain au chocolate for an authentic taste of France.

10:00am : Head to the nearby Château Royal d’Amboise which is a stunning castle that was once the home of French kings. Walk through the castle and admire the incredible views of the Loire River from its terrace.

11:30am : From Amboise, take a short drive to the Château de Chenonceau that is one of the most beautiful and iconic chateaux in the region. With its unique location spanning across the River Cher, this chateau is a true architectural masterpiece.

1:00pm : It’s time for lunch! Check out one of the many restaurants in the area for a traditional French meal. Be sure to try some of the region’s famous wines such as Sancerre or Chinon to accompany your meal.

2:30pm : After lunch, head to the Château de Villandry which is known for its impressive Renaissance gardens. Take a walk through the gardens that has fountains, terraces and a wide variety of colorful flowers. The chateau is worth exploring with its beautiful architecture and history.

4:00pm : Finally, head to the nearby town of Tours, known for its charming streets and vibrant cultural scene. Take a walk through the historic center of the town, and explore the many shops, galleries and cafes that line the streets. Don’t forget to see the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Gatien which is a beautiful Gothic cathedral that is a true masterpiece of French architecture.

6:00pm : Head back to Amboise for dinner at one of the many restaurants. Enjoy some of the local specialties such as seafood or cheese from the nearby Loire Valley. Then head back to Paris to rest after an amazing whirlwind tour of the Loire Valley!

Tour Guides

The 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip is our Editors Choice for the best Loire Valley tour from Paris

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Loire Valley

Day trips from loire valley.

• Loire Valley to Amboise
• Loire Valley to Paris
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• Loire Valley to Chenonceaux
• Loire Valley to Cour-Cheverny
• Loire Valley to Muides sur Loire
• Loire Valley to Chinon
• Loire Valley to Tours
• Loire Valley to Chaumont-sur-Loire
• Loire Valley to Le Puy-Notre-Dame
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How To Organize Your Loire Valley Day Trip From Paris

Updated 23 August 2023 by Leyla Alyanak

Trying to see castles in the Loire when you're short on time is a challenge, but on a Loire Valley day trip from Paris, you can maximize your time and see much more than you would on your own, using public transportation.

If you've only got 24 hours to spare, can you still take a full day trip to Loire Valley from Paris?

Will you have time to experience the wonderful castles of the Loire you've heard so much about?

Absolutely! And it will be one of the best day trips from Paris you'll experience. I visit the Loire Valley about three times a year from my perch in eastern France, and I still haven't seen everything, so I keep going back.

I also know just how long it takes to go from one castle to the next, and the area is far less compact in reality than it seems on a map.

But if you have limited time, know that there are several ways to visit the Loire Valley in a day from Paris and that each has advantages and disadvantages.

Let me show you exactly how to organize your one-day visit to the Loire. This is, after all, one of the most popular day trips in France!

NOTE: Pages on this site may contain affiliate links, which bring in a small commission at no cost to you.

Why visit the Loire Valley, France?

1. Take a guided tour from Paris

• Recommended tours from Paris

2. Visit the Loire by train

• Sample train schedules to the Loire

3. Driving to the Loire Valley

• A one-day Loire road trip itinerary
• Map of the top chateaux

The best chateaux to visit

• Amboise and Clos Lucé

This article starts with a short explanation of why you should visit the Loire Valley chateaux, then tells you the best three ways to visit, and then looks at the best chateaux to visit. If you'd rather first read about the chateaux themselves, jump directly to that section .

Why visit the Loire Valley castles?

These castles of the Loire, which is considered the garden of France, are among the country's cultural and historical bastions: important French kings and queens lived here, crucial battles were fought here, Joan of Arc came through here, and the region just happens to be stunning to see, with its meandering rivers and more than 1000 sumptuous castles where people actually lived.

But that's only the beginning, because many of the chateaux have picturesque villages attached to them, not to mention vineyards with their excellent wines and gentle country roads that will show you some of the best French countryside.

Don't just take my word for it: the Loire Valley is so special it is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

But much as you would love to explore every nook, with only a day available, you'll have to make some difficult choices. Let me help you.

How to organize Loire Valley day trips from Paris

There are three main ways of organizing your one-day Loire Valley trip, and each has advantages and disadvantages:

1) Take a guided tour from Paris

2) Take the train

3) Rent a car

1. Here's what you can expect on a Loire castles guided tour from Paris

If you only have one day, taking a Loire Valley castles tour may be your best and easiest option.

There are plenty of excellent tours of the Loire Valley from Paris, including private tours, so you'll have to choose based on which chateaux you want to visit, how much time and money you want to spend, and what else you want to do once you get there (Lunch? Wine-tasting? Time to explore on your own?)

Advantages of a typical Loire Valley castles small-group tour

If you're a person for whom a one-day tour is just the right length, here are some of the benefits of jumping aboard:

• You can see more castles in a day tour than if you organize things yourself
• Your transportation is taken care of
• Many include either guided tours or an audio guide
• You won't waste time standing in line for tickets
• You can enjoy other activities, like wine-tasting or garden tours
• It's hassle-free and you don't have to worry about a thing
• After an early start and at the end of what promises to be a long day, you can simply sleep the exhaustion away on the ride back to Paris

Popular small group Loire Valley tours from Paris

These Loire Valley chateaux tours are among the most popular when it comes to value for money and what you actually get to see:

• Loire Valley wine and castle tours  (including Chambord and Chenonceau and lunch at Château de Nitray)
• Small-group Loire Valley castles  day trip (includes Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, plus wine tasting)
• Four Historic Castles  on the Loire in a day (bus-train combo)
• Hot-Air Balloon Ride (for something completely different, from Amboise or Chenonceau)
• Photography Tour of Clos-Lucé (includes class with an award-winning photographer)

NOTE: Not all castle tours in France offer guided commentary inside the castle: some may leave you to explore on your own, so be sure to check your tour's offering as you may prefer one over the other.

2. Here's what you can expect on a Paris to Loire Valley day trip by train

Please note: Schedules change with the seasons so be sure to check the actual schedule rather than take my word for it! You'll find train schedules and rates here .

If you truly dislike tours but don't want the hassle of driving, the train may be just the answer, although you will have to spend time figuring things out.  

Once you arrive by train to Blois (or possibly Tours), you can also use the Remi bus network to get around if there is no train to your destination. You'll find information on both the summer chateau shuttle and the regular bus lines on their website .

From Paris to Loire Valley by train

There are definite advantages to visiting the Loire Valley by train: 

• You'll have more freedom than you would on a tour and can change your mind about what to see
• Public transport in France is excellent and booking tickets is relatively simple
• Trains can be cost effective
• You can relax, as you would on a tour (which you could not do while driving)

Paris to Loire Valley train schedule examples

Sadly, not all Loire castles can be reached by train, so you'll have to limit your choices. But difficult does not mean impossible! There's plenty you can see by train.

Here are a few train-based day trips to the Loire chateaux you can organize yourself:

• Blois: the chateau is in the center of town, ten minutes downhill from the Blois train station. If you want to explore a single chateau in a leisurely manner, then Blois it is. There's enough history here to keep you busy for the day.
• Blois and Amboise: if you want to see two chateaux in a day, you can start with Blois early in the morning, then at lunchtime head for Amboise. The castle is a 15-minute walk from the train station in Amboise and the train journey is simple.
• Blois and Chambord: this is definitely a possibility but not quite all year-round. There is a shuttle bus from Blois train station ( here is the schedule ) to several castles, including Chambord, but it only runs during the spring and summer. If that fits in with your schedule, you'll be able to see quite a bit by using a combination of train and bus.
• Amboise and Clos Lucé: this is another, easier two-chateau alternative, with the advantage that you can see two castles in a single town. This can be a leisurely visit, with Amboise castle in the morning, a lovely lunch, and the Clos Lucé in the afternoon, getting you back to Paris at a decent hour in the early evening, in time for dinner.
• Blois, Amboise and Clos Lucé: this is a tight squeeze and you'll have to pore over your train schedule carefully, but again, it can be done. Start with Blois in the morning, then head for Amboise before lunch. Walk into the city, grab a sandwich to go, and head for Amboise Castle. After a couple of hours, walk 15 minutes to Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final three years.
• Chenonceau : there is a train station right next to the chateau so it's definitely achievable in a day. However, there are no other castles nearby so you'd have to limit yourself to the one. This could be a more leisurely day, as you can spend the morning on the train, have lunch in Chenonceaux (the village is spelled with an 'x' but not the chateau), and then start at the castle early in the afternoon.
• From Tours instead of Blois: you can also take the train (plus a 15-25min walk) to Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Loches and Langeais. This, however, makes for a longer day, as not all trains go into central Tours and you may have an additional connection. From Paris, Tours is also a little further than Blois, so adding all this together makes it a bit long for a single day by train.

Visiting the Loire Valley is definitely one of the more fun and rewarding Paris day trips by train, and as you can see, it can be done in one day. 

➽  Want to go beyond the Loire? Here are  22 Fabulous Day Trips from Paris by Train.

3. Here's what you can expect from visiting the Loire Valley chateaux by car 

No question, there are definite advantages to traveling Paris to Loire Valley by car:

• The freedom to be able to see what you want, leave when you want to and go at your own pace, with free time whenever you want it
• You can take full advantage of your 24 hours and plan your trip to see the maximum
• You can see more castles in a day than if you're on the train

However, it's not all roses, because if you don't know the region, you have to factor in the hassle of finding your way around and occasionally getting lost, not to mention getting used to gas pumps and toll payment booths. But if you've driven in France before , none of this will be an issue.

IF YOU NEED TO RENT A CAR IN FRANCE

Don't wait until the last minute, especially if you want one of the scarcer automatics.

🚗 Check availability at  Discover Cars  (it's what I use to compare prices).

Here's what your one-day Loire Valley itinerary for a road trip could look like

If you're driving, you'll have total freedom and can simply map where you want to go... and go.

Here is a suggested Loire Valley itinerary (1 day) for a Paris-Loire Valley day trip by car, just to give you an idea of what can be accomplished. (You can choose to structure yours through Amboise, or any other chateau, but this will give you an idea of what you could do in one – long – day.)

• Paris > Chambord > Cheverny > Chenonceau > Paris

Loire Valley trip from Paris: driving times

I've started your driving journey at the Hotel de Ville in Paris, to be a bit central, but of course the further south your starting point, the shorter your trip!

Here's a sampling of distances to popular chateaux using the autoroutes, or toll roads:

• Paris to Blois: 2 hrs 4 min
• Paris to Chambord: 2 hrs 7 min
• Paris to Chenonceau: 2 hrs 39 min
• Paris to Villandry: 2 hrs 47 min
• Paris to Azay-le-Rideau: 2 hrs 47 min
• Paris to Chinon: 3 hrs 6 min

Which chateaux can I see on a Loire day trip from Paris?

The three 'Cs' form a sort of triangle south of Blois, so what makes most sense is to start with either Chambord or Chenonceau, with Cheverny in the middle. If you think you have time, you can add Blois to the mix (it is perhaps less visited than the first two but oh so worth it!)

Which is best of the 3Cs? I prefer Chenonceau in the afternoon because the light is better, but it's also the furthest from Paris so if you're the kind of person who prefers to drive as far as needed and then work your way back, you'll want to start with Chenonceau, then Cheverny, and end with Chambord before you go home.

The map below should give you a better idea of the respective location of these three chateaux.

Sample one-day Loire Valley driving trip from Paris

The following itinerary is extremely rough – and optimistic. It depends on each chateau's opening hours, which change by the season and day of the week.

Ideally, you want to arrive at your first chateau at opening time, and leave your last one when it closes.

As I mentioned above, you can start or end at any castle of your choice but in true French fashion, lunch is NOT a moveable feast and if you want to eat sitting down, you'll only have between noon and 2pm. Don't expect food outside those hours unless you opt for a sandwich stand or snack bar.

• Leave Paris and head for the A10 (towards Orléans) – use your GPS! Take Exit 16 towards Chambord and follow the signs (2-2.5hrs)
• Park in the lot and walk to the chateau (10min) and visit (1.5hrs)
• Have an early lunch at Chambord (1hr)
• From Chambord, follow the easy signs to Cheverny (20min)
• Visit Cheverny. The dogs are located at the opposite end of the grounds from the chateau, past the Tintin museum (1.5hrs)
• 45 min: drive from Cheverny to Chenonceau – use your map or GPS as there are several routes (45min)
• Visit Chenonceau + gardens (2hrs)
• Drive from Chenonceau to Paris (2hrs 45min)

➽   Do you want to stay longer than a day? Here are the top 10 multi-day Loire Valley tours

The best Chateaux to visit if you only have one day

Of all the beautiful chateaux in the Loire Valley, we must try to be realistic about what we can see. Depending on how you plan to visit, these are the most accessible from Paris. Let's take a quick look!

The Royal Château of Blois, built by four kings

The advantage of Blois (home of many kings and queens) is that it is right in the center of town, within walking distance of the train station. It is a fascinating chateau built in four different time periods, each wing in its own style, and with one of those delightful spiral staircases we often look for in these chateaux.

This is also the chateau in which the Archbishop of Reims gave his blessing to Joan of Arc as she went off to fight the English and drive them out of Orléans, and where Catherine de Medici often received her seer, Nostradamus. (Here's more of the backstory of Blois chateau , if you're interested.)

Château de Chambord, an over-the-top hunting lodge

It took several reigns to complete (Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire) but this jewel of the Renaissance is staggering in every way – 426 rooms, 77 staircases,  282 chimneys and Europe's largest fenced-in forest. Much of the building was undertaken by François I and he meant it as a hunting lodge.  In fact, he hardly ever stayed there (no wonder: it's huge, hard to heat and there's not much else around).

Still, the chateau de Chambord is astonishing in its design and you can get lost in its features and symbolism and not notice the time go by. (Click here for a deeper look into Chambord .)

If you choose to visit independently by train or car, don't forget to  buy skip the line tickets .

Castle of Chenonceau, the ladies' château of the Loire Valley

To get the inside story of the Château de Chenonceau and why it's called the Ladies' Castle, click here . But first, look at its beauty. It is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite of the many exquisite Loire chateaux, but there's something special about the way it shimmers over the Cher River (no, that's not actually the Loire but one of its tributaries). There are some interesting stories behind this castle and the River Cher too...

Amboise and Clos Lucé, Leonardo's legacy

Not many people realize Leonardo da Vinci lived his last years at the Clos Lucé. He did so at the request of François I (King Francis I), who lived down the road at the Château d'Amboise, another royal chateau along the banks of the Loire River. Amboise stands over the city, looking positively urban, yet go behind and a completely different castle unfurls.  Explore more of its history  here.  As for the Clos Lucé, it is a delightful manor house a ten-minute walk from Amboise.

If you visit independently, you can  buy a skip-the-line ticket  to Clos Lucé.

Cheverny, hunting dogs and Tintin memories

More Classical than Renaissance, Cheverny is a lovely chateau and one that is still very much lived in, not to mention lovingly cared for. Apart from the perfectly decorated rooms inside, this castle is a bit unusual. It has a pack of 150 hunting dogs (arrive at feeding time for some crazy moments) as well as a Tintin museum, if you're a fan. Legend has it that Cheverny inspired the creation of Tintin's fictional chateau de Moulinsart (Marlinspike in the English editions).

Loire Valley video

To give you an idea of what you might see on a day trip from Paris to Loire Valley castles, here's a video from the ever-popular Rick Steves to give you a taste!

FAQ Loire Valley day trip from Paris

What is the fastest way to get from Paris to chateaux of the Loire Valley?

Believe it or not, the fastest way is to take a Loire Valley castles tour from Paris. While the tour will keep you gone most of the day and will show you many sights, the fact that it is already organized means you will see more in the allotted time than you could any other way.

What is the cheapest way to get from Paris to chateaux of the Loire Valley?

The cheapest way to visit the Loire Valley chateaux from Paris would be by train, even if you factor in the cost of buying entrance tickets. You will see less than if you took a tour or drove yourself, but if you buy your train tickets well ahead of time ( see above ), the cost will be quite low.

What is the easiest way to get from Paris to chateaux of the Loire Valley?

The answer is a tour. A tour is easy because everything is taken care of for you. I would probably opt for a tour ( see above ) if you'd rather leave the hassles to someone else and simply enjoy the sights.

How far is it from Paris to chateaux of the Loire Valley?

The distance from Paris to Blois, your first suggested jumping off point, is 185 km/115 mi. By car, the trip should take around two hours

Can I catch a bus from Paris to visit the chateaux of the Loire Valley?

Yes you can, but only in summer. Services such as FlixBus travel to either Cheverny or Chambord (website in French).

Is Loire Valley worth visiting?

Absolutely! If you love culture and history and are curious about France's monarchy, a day trip to Loire Valley from Paris might just be the highlight of your trip, from the architectural wonders of centuries-old castles to the ornate furnishings that populate them. You'll leave with a strong sense of what France was like long ago.

What is the best time to visit Loire Valley?

There is no BAD time to visit – although if you come in February, wear warm clothing because remember, castles didn't have central heating, and warmth escapes quickly from those giant fireplaces. The best time to visit is outside the freezing winter or crushing summer: come in spring, early summer or fall.

What are the most popular Loire Valley tours?

There are so many! This tour to Chambord and Chenonceau includes a wine tasting, while this one includes lunch and a visit to Amboise. Both are among the most popular and sell out quickly.

How much do Loire Valley tours cost?

Expect the very cheapest to start at around USD 150, but a more realistic price would be from USD 250 upwards.

Where to stay when visiting Loire Valley? What is the best town to use as a home when visiting the Loire Valley?

I alternate between two towns, both excellent locations. From Blois, you can easily reach the chateaux of Blois (it's right downtown), Chambord, and Cheverny. From Tours, you can easily reach Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Le Clos Lucé, Langeais, Loches, or Villandry. Do note that we're not talking about major distances here – the two towns are 45 minutes from one another, both by car or train.

How far is Loire Valley from Paris?

From Paris to Blois, one of the main jumping off points in the Loire Valley, is 184 km / 114 mi, or about two hours by car, or 1.5 hours by train.

What is the closest Loire chateau to Paris?

Blois is the closest chateau to Paris: about two hours by train or driving.

Before you go...

The Renaissance, which is when most of these chateaux were built or enhanced, was a time wild artistic and intellectual ferment in France. All you have to do is look at Versailles under Louis XIV to see the extent to which some of these trends were taken...

Essential France travel resources

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS I use booking.com , because they include both hotels and holiday rentals like Airbnb or VRBO, so a wider choice and an easy cancellation policy.

DO YOU NEED A SIM CARD FOR FRANCE? If you haven't signed up for a roaming service back home and have an unlocked phone, consider getting an e-SIM for France. Here's the one I use  when I travel.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO READ UP ABOUT FRANCE Drop by my long list of books about France , written by French or foreign Francophile authors.

AND DON'T FORGET YOUR GUIDEBOOKS! ➽ Lonely Planet's  Best Road Trips France ➽ DK Witness  Road Trips France ➽ Any of the  Green Guides series ➽ And, while you're at it, why not a  map of France ?

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY France is as safe as any European country but you WILL find pickpockets in Paris and other major cities. I keep them at bay by using a comfy anti-theft purse or a Sholdit infinity scarf to hide my cards and money.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Don't leave home without it – your car rental insurance covers certain things but may not cover your health or accident needs, which you can  book here .

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Bonjour! I’m Leyla - I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. My days are spent exploring my country. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad as a journalist and diplomat - and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!

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Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris with Chambord & Chenonceau Castles and Wine Tasting

Viator Experiences Awards: Top 20 Experiences - Western Europe

• Castles, rolling hills, beautiful meals, and wine, are what comes to mind when you think of the French countryside and you will find them all in the Loire Valley ! Meet our enthusiastic English-speaking guide and private air-conditioned coach in the city center of Paris and join us on a journey to visit two castles and much more.
• Our first stop, Château de Chambord , sparks the imagination in all of us. Discover its rich history, including the staircase said to be built by Da Vinci and hear how it was the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Then, head for some free time to the beautiful town of Blois, home of the Château de Blois.
• Next we visit Château de Chenonceau with its beautiful gardens and original interiors. After the tour you can choose to join a delicious  wine tasting , because, after all, we are here to enjoy all that France has to offer!

Tour Description

What's included.

• Expert, English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance ticket and reservation fee for all sites visited
• All transfers in an air-conditioned coach
• Wine tasting
• Free time in Blois
• Entrance to Blois Castle
• Hotel pick up/drop off

Sites Visited

• Château de Chambord
• Château de Chenonceau
• Town of Blois

Discover Fairy-Tale Castles with our Loire Valley Tours

Explore the heart and soul of the French countryside on our Loire Valley Tours, taking you directly from Paris into this stunning region to explore fairy-tale castles, sample local foods and wines, and experience some of France’s most beautiful scenery.

Feel like Beauty at Château de Chambord

Our day trip from Paris starts at a central location, from where you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with your expert, English-speaking tour guide. We’ll travel out of the city and towards our first site – Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the valley. Disney fans will recognize this castle as the inspiration for ‘Beauty and the Beast’. You’ll hear about the strange history of this castle, once intended as a hunting lodge for a king, and climb the staircase that was supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. After your guided tour, you’ll have some free time to explore more of the castle yourself, climb to the roof for spectacular views among the turrets, or even take a stroll around the grounds, home to a huge population of wild deer.

Free Time for French Food and Blois Town

The next stop is the town of Blois – , home of the Château de Blois., one of most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France. where you’ll have two hours to enjoy some free time. With gorgeous gothic scenery that looks delightful whatever the weather, you’ll enjoy two hours two strolling stroll through the streets or sitting sit down for some delicious French food. Just in case two isn’t enough to satisfy your fairytale dreams, here you can visit the Royal castle of Blois on your own, notable for its unique mix of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Classical architecture. This Royal castle once was the home of kings Louis XII and François I and presents a tragic history, as the place where Joan of Arc went to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before departing with her army to drive the English from Orléans.

Wine Tasting at Château de Chenonceau

Last but not least, we’ll head to the Château de Chenonceau for wine tasting - discover a wide range of white and red wines, and even a sweet dessert wine, with tasting notes from a real expert. Following this, enjoy the chance to tour the so-called “Ladies’ Château,” Château de Chenonceau. This elegant 16th-century castle makes a lasting impression. The detailed, painted wooden door and smooth stone exterior are breathtaking. Inside, you'll be able to admire original stone carvings, large tapestries, and beautiful period features and visit the chapel and bedrooms, furnished as in times gone by. Take some time to go downstairs and see the magnificent vaultedmagnificent, vaulted kitchens, including a pantry, a butcher’s room and the staff dining room.

There is even a landing platform for the servants to bring supplies up the river. Admire the huge oven, copper pans and cooking implements, it’s easy to imagine these kitchens bustling with activity so many centuries ago! Don’t miss the spectacular and beautiful bridge that spans the river Cher. Originally used to hold balls and parties, it served as a hospital in WWI and was in use again in WWII, this time helping people escape from occupied France, crossing over the bridge and into free France on the other side.

The grounds, cultivated by the famous ladies who owned the home (hence its name), are just as beautiful as the Château itself. Enjoy the gardens of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, as well as the wonderful fruit and vegetable garden, planted to feed those living in the chateau. You now have a difficult but delightful choice: you can continue to tour the castle, orcastle or indulge in a second wine tasting (three wines from the chateau’s vines) led by your guide in the Cave des Domes, a lovely, vaulted cellar full of wine barrels.

Three French castles, each uniquely beautiful, and two wine tastings… All amid the stunning scenery of the Loire Valley. This memorable day trip from Paris will delight all the senses! If you’re interested in wine tasting, check out our wide range of  Wine Tasting Tours in Paris .

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Important Notes

• Please note that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics from July 26th to August 11th, followed by the Paralympics from August 28th to September 8th. This may have an impact on our travel plans. While we are committed to minimizing any sort of inconvenience, please be aware that unforeseen issues may arise. We will make every effort to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth experience for you.
• We strongly recommend all clients who are traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of their child.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

Yes. The tour includes round trip transportation from and to Paris, so if you wish to stay at Loire you must inform your guide during the tour so they are aware you will not be coming back with the group. You will need to organise your own return transport to Paris.

On the regular tour, you will taste a Brut "Méthode traditionnelle”, Sauvignon Blanc sec; Rosé "Les Meuriers", Cabernet Rouge "Les Meuriers" and Le Côt, Chenin Blanc (Moelleux 2009).

Please note that the selection of wines may be different on the day of your visit depending on the vineyard’s availability.

On our Loire Valley Tour you will see two of the most visited castles – Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau. You will also have a short outside visit of a third castle where you will stop for lunch.

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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• All of our guides are experts in their field
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• We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make City Wonders so special

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Loire Valley Castles: Guided Visits and Sightseeing Tours

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Day trip on your own to Loire castles with transportation from Paris

Take a day Trip to the Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris. Visit at your own pace the majestic Chateaux de Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord. Discover the Renaissance art and the lovely Loire region.

All day trip audioguided tour of Loire castles with transportation from Paris

Enjoy a real unforgettable day in the Loire Valley with an accompanist to go on a tour in total peace. You will immerse yourself into an enchanting universe that offers the majestic Loire Valley Castles. Enjoy a nice audio guided tour of the chateau de Chambord, the chateau de Chenonceau and the chateau de Cheverny.

All day trip guided tour of the Loire Valley Castles with transportation from Paris

During this excursion, you will visit majestic castles of the Loire Valley, masterpieces of the Renaissance, theaters of great scenes of French history. You will discover the charming castle of Chenonceau on the Cher river: a remarkable building by its architecture and its history and surrounded by beautiful gardens. You will also discover the castle of Cheverny, a seigniorial property belonging to the same family for over six centuries. Then the castle of Chambord, a grandiose creation of King François I with its famous double revolution staircase.

2 Day Guided Trip to Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris, with transport

Two days for a guided tour of the Mont Saint-Michel and its abbey, including a sight-seeing tour of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley: Langeais and Chenonceau. Accommodation included, transport by bus from Paris.

3 Day Guided Trip to Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris, with transport

Enjoy a three-day guided French tour of discovery. Visit the legendary Mont-Saint-Michel, the landing beaches of Normandy, and the typically local towns of Rouen, Honfleur and Saint Malo. Immerse yourself in royal history with a visit to the Loire Castles of Langeais, Chambord and Chenonceau. 

Discover the most beautiful castles in France

Paris City Vision tours allow you, from your hotel or place of residence in Paris, to leave by bus with a guide interpreter to discover the most beautiful castles. Children and adults will be seduced among other treasures by the famous castles of Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord or the castle of Tour, Cheverny, the gardens of Villandry, the Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, the estate of Chaumont, a jewel of the Renaissance, or that of Fougères-sur-Bièvre.

Monuments with unique architecture

The castles of the Loire Valley each have their own history and are distinguished above all by the uniqueness of their architecture. Chambord Castle, fashioned according to the wishes of Francis I between the 16th and 17th centuries, has an admirable geometric architecture mixing French and Italian influences. Francis I did not have the opportunity to enjoy the completed Chambord Castle, as its construction was not completed until several years after the date of his death. But his involvement made him the emblematic figure of the castle, in which we find many tributes to the king. However, the latter will see the castle of Azay-le-Rideau built under his reign, a true masterpiece of 16th century architecture. As for the Chaumont-sur-Loire castle, it received the first prize in the lighting competition awarded by the SERCE for the specificities of its architectural lighting. Its lighting allows for a precise vision of its details seen up close, while a more powerful cold light highlights the building and makes it easy to discern in the distance.

A family visit to the Loire castles

These extraordinary buildings lend themselves perfectly to family tourism: children and adults alike appreciate the beauty and enchantment of the places, but also the secrets they hold and the history they tell. Everyone takes as much pleasure in admiring the different exterior facades as in discovering the different details inside each room. Summer, spring, autumn or winter, each period has its advantages: the forests of Sologne or Loir-et-Cher are for example magnificent in autumn and highlight the parks and residences. The tours we offer are also an opportunity to get a breath of fresh air, each park offering a real green setting.

Your tickets will allow you to access the different sites freely and to visit the castles with priority access, without having to face the inevitable queues of these tourist sites which welcome more than five million visitors each year.

Discover our multi-day tour offerings

Multi-day tours will allow you to visit a wider variety of sites south of Paris and appreciate the specificities of each castle, both architecturally and in terms of context: hunting park, landscaped gardens, banks of the Cher River... A Loire Valley sightseeing tour is also the ideal way to optimize your travels, while ensuring a restful night in a comfortable 3-star hotel. This type of tour is especially recommended if you are traveling with your children. To taste all the aspects of the region, why not take advantage of your visit to do a Loire wine tasting? Play the card of originality! You can even book your tickets at the best rate on the dates of your choice, for small groups or privatize the tour combining the wine discovery and the guided tours of the castles of Chenonceau and Chambord.

Find all our excursions from Paris

Finally, if the length of your stay allows it, don't hesitate to check out the Paris City Vision offers to take a 2, 3 or 4-day tour from Paris, and go on a discovery of both the most beautiful Loire Castles , but also of Normandy, the cities of Rouen, Saint Malo and Honfleur, the D-Day landing beaches and the Mont-Saint-Michel , another curiosity accessible in a short time from Paris, famous for its green coast and its abbey. Book your dates now and get the best price for your ticket!

Sightseeing tour in the Loire: visiting the must-see

Find a list of some of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley and enjoy an exceptional stay that promises a real trip back in time to the era of the French royal court. We particularly recommend the following visits:

• Chambord Castle
• Cheverny Castle
• Chenonceau Castle
• Castle of Villandry
• Clos Lucé
• Amboise Castle

Prepare your visit

Really Easy Day Trips By Train Around The Loire Valley From Tours, France

by Sarah Wilson | Jan 21, 2023 | Europe , France , Travel | 2 comments

Last Updated on: 8th August 2023, 08:41 am

Tours 

Thanks to its central location and excellent train connections to the nearby towns, Tours makes an ideal base to explore the Loire Valley and discover the chateaux of Loire. 

But not only is it a great base, the town of Tours itself is also beautiful to explore. 

And with so many bars and restaurants, it’s a lovely place to return to in the evening for a great meal after a long day of exploring. 

Place Plumereau

The Place Plumereau, surrounded by gorgeous 15th-century half-timbered houses, is located in the heart of the historic centre of Tours. It’s a popular place to sit and watch the world go by!

And off the square are all sorts of wonderful cobbled stone streets with wonderfully quirky shops and cafes to discover. 

Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Tours Cathedral is dedicated to the first bishop of Tours – Saint Gatianus. The gothic style cathedral was built between 1170 and 1547. 

The cathedral has some beautiful stained glass windows. 

The tombs of Anne de Bretagne and Charles VII’s children are inside the cathedral. 

And a chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc, who met with Charles VII in Tours.

Recommended Restaurants In Tours 

You are spoilt for choice in Tours, and unlike many French towns, there are plenty of options if you don’t fancy French food. The Lebanese restaurant Restaurant Le Beyrouth was really good. 

Here are a few of my favourites:

Le Turon 

Au Martin Bleu 

Le Marche Gourmand

Restaurant Le Beyrouth 

Easy Day Trips From Tours By Train

Amboise .

The town of Amboise is gorgeous. If you only plan to visit one town in the Loire Valley, go here. 

Enjoy the view of Amboise from Île d’Or. 

Walking from the train station into Amboise, you will cross the Pont du Maréchal Leclerc Bridge and the L’Île d’Or (Gold Island).

From the bridge and the island, you get really lovely views of the Château Royal d’Amboise and the town. 

The island has a few bars and cafes and is a nice neighbourhood to wander around. 

Walk around Amboise town. 

As with all medieval towns, the best part is just leisurely wandering around. Step away from the main streets and explore the back roads. Enjoy a coffee or something stronger at one of the many street-side cafes. 

Tour de l’Horloge (The Clock Tower) 

One of the most distinctive buildings in Amboise, apart from the chateaus, is the 15th-century clock tower. It’s a nice photo stop as you explore the town. 

It is possible to climb the tower, but the views are better from the Château Royal d’Amboise. 

Château Royal d’Amboise

The impressive Château Royal d’Amboise presiding high over the town of Amboise is the town’s number one attraction. 

Leonardo Da Vinci is buried here in the Chapel of Saint Hubert. The chapel, however, is currently being renovated. 

The château is well worth a visit, as are the beautiful formal gardens. 

Allow yourself a couple of hours to explore here. 

Opening Hours 

Opening hours vary throughout the year. Check here for up-to-date information about visiting Château Royal d’Amboise . 

Château du Clos Lucé

I highly recommend visiting Château du Clos Lucé; it was really interesting. This château is where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last three years of his life. 

There’s also an exhibition here of Da Vinci’s inventions which was fascinating. 

The château and the gardens are beautiful to explore, so do set aside a couple of hours for this one. 

Buy your entrance ticket in advance to save time at the ticket office. 

Opening hours vary throughout the year. Check here for up-to-date information about visiting Château du Clos Lucé. 

Château Gaillard 

If you haven’t had your fill of chateaus yet, there is one more in town – Château Gaillard. This one is just a few minutes’ walk away from Clos Lucé. It was built at the end of the 15th century as a Royal residence for Charles VIII.

I have to confess; I only got as far as the entrance and then thought, I’ve seen enough chateaus today; I’m off for a glass of wine. 

However the grounds looked beautiful from the outside, but the castle was hidden, so if you visit, do let me know what I missed out on in the comments. 

Opening hours vary throughout the year. Check here for up-to-date information about visiting Château Gaillard. 

Caves Ambacia

Loire Valley is famous for its wines. And a great place to sample some local wines is at the Caves Ambacia in Amboise. 

Caves Ambacia is about a fifteen-minute walk from the town centre. Do note that this winery is where wine is stored; it does not have a vineyard. 

The wine cellars are over 500 years old and were hand carved directly from the cliff face.

You can do a self-guided visit for free or for €18 per person enjoy a tour and wine tasting. The wine-tasting tour is 75 minutes. 

Recommended Restaurant In Amboise 

Recommended lunch spot in Amboise – Le Parvis. 

Love Amboise And Want To Stay Longer? 

Check out these hotel deals. 

I have to admit I think I preferred Amboise to Tours, so why did I continue to stay in Tours? Because I was house-sitting in Tours and was looking after a gorgeously cute cat. 

How To Get To Amboise By Train From Tours 

The train from Tours to Amboise takes around 15-20 minutes and can be bought in advance through SNCF . 

From the train station, it’s a twenty-minute walk into Amboise. It’s well signposted, just head towards the Loire River. Once you’ve crossed the river, you’re there. 

Blois is another picturesque small city with medieval cobblestone streets, a magnificent castle, half-timbered burghers’ houses, and an impressive Gothic cathedral!

The Tourist Office close to the chateau is very helpful and will provide maps (I love paper maps) and give suggestions on what to see and do in the city. 

Walking around the Old Town

Even though it was raining, which meant an awful lot of coffee stops when I was there, Blois, with its many picturesque cobbled stone alleys and narrow streets, is a delight to explore. 

Château Royal de Blois

The Château Royal de Blois was built between the 13th and 17th centuries. The chateau was once home to the powerful Counts of Blois before becoming a royal residence during the reign of Louis XII in the 15th century. During the following centuries, seven kings and ten queens of France lived here, each adding their own style to the architecture of the building.

Allow around an hour and a half to explore the château. 

Opening hours vary throughout the year. Check here for up-to-date information about visiting Château Royal de Blois.  

House of Magic (Maison de la Magie)

Opposite the Château Royal is the Maison de la Magie , a unique museum devoted entirely to magic. 

Much of the exhibition is dedicated to Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, a famous French magician born in Blois. Harry Houdini based his stage name on this magician.

Escalier Denis Papin

The best way to reach the Cathedral of Saint-Louis is via the stairway of Denis Papin. 

Since the 19th century, this iconic stairway has connected the upper and lower part of the town. At its top is a statue of Denis Papin , a famous inventor from Blois.

Every year since 2013, the 120 steps of the staircase have been decorated in giant artwork, the theme depending on what’s happening in town, although have no idea what this painting is about!

Cathedral of Saint-Louis

Built in 1697, the late Gothic-style Cathedral of Saint-Louis (Cathédrale Saint-Louis) is the seat of the bishop of Blois. Built over a 10th-century church dedicated to Saint Solenne, it’s still possible to see the remains of the older church in the crypt.

Recommended Restaurant In Blois 

Recommended lunch spot in Blois – Le Petit Honfleur

Love Blois And Decided To Stay Longer? 

How to get to blois by train from tours .

Trains from Tours take around 45 minutes to Blois-Chambord Station. Then it’s a ten-minute walk into town. Train tickets can be booked in advance through SNCF.  

From April through to November, a shuttle bus runs from the station to Chateau Chambord, one of the most famous chateaus in the Loire Valley. 

I was in Blois on a rainy December day, so I didn’t make it there on this occasion.

Chateau de Chenonceau 

The Chateau de Chenonceau is just stunning. If you only see one château during your time in the Loire Valley, make it this one. 

Also known as ‘the ladies’ chateau’ as throughout its history, it has been the ladies who have most influenced its design. 

It’s the second most-visited castle in France after Versailles. So, do get there early to avoid the crowds. 

The setting across the river is just so picturesque. So give yourself plenty of time to take photos. 

To avoid the queues at the entrance, I highly recommend buying your ticket in advance. 

Apart from the chateau and the gardens, there is not that much else to see in the immediate vicinity. The village of Chenonceaux is just on the other side of the train track, but there seems only to be a few fancy restaurants and the tourist office there. 

Opening Hours

Opening hours vary throughout the year. Check here for up-to-date information about visiting Château de Chenonceau.

Recommended Restaurant In Chenonceaux 

Recommended lunch spot in Blois – Auberge du Bon Laboureu r, a fancy Michelin-star restaurant. 

It looked terrific but, sadly, way over my budget. Instead, I opted for a simple Croque monsieur from the local bakery. But if I had a tad more money, I would have gone. 

Chenonceau or Chenonceaux ? 

The chateau is Chenonceau, and the village is Chenonceaux. 

Love Chenonceaux and decided to stay longer? 

How to get to chateau de chenonceau by train from tours .

The train from Tours to Chenonceaux takes around 30 minutes. On arrival, you will need to cross the train track, and the chateau is just a short walk away. 

Train tickets can be booked in advance through SNCF.  

How To Get To Loire Valley From Paris By Train 

The best way to get to the Loire Valley by train is to take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to St Pierre des Corps. The journey time takes around one hour. 

From St Pierre des Corps to Tours, regular trains take just five minutes to get to Tours. Or take a local bus from just outside the station. 

If you don’t have much luggage, it’s a pleasant 25-minute stroll into Tours. 

Train tickets from Paris to Tours can be booked in advance through SNCF. 

Easy As ABC 

So as you see, exploring Amboise, Boise and Chenonceau as day trips from Tours by train is easy. 

Short On Time? It’s Possible To Visit The Loire Valley As A Day Trip From Paris. 

If time is short, it’s possible to visit the chateaus of the Loire Valley as a day trip from Paris. 

Check out these highly-rated tours. 

Loire Castles Day Trip by Coach With Wine Tasting

From Paris: Full-Day Loire Valley Chateaux Tour

Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

For More Posts On France, Check These Out 

• Cruising the Canal du Midi  
• Best Things to do in Beziers                  
• Beautiful Mont Saint Michel Photos
• A Feast of Oysters in Cancale, France                                  
• Things to do in Lyon 
• A Day Trip to Giverney from Paris 
• Explore Paris Like A Local With Paris Greeters 
• Visiting The Paris Catacombs
• Pere La Chaise Cemetery 
• A Secret Food Tour In Paris  
• Bayonne 
• An Afternoon in Angouleme
• The Incredible Frescoes of Beziers
• A Luxury Barge Cruise On The Burgundy Canal
• Best Things To Do In Bordeaux
• Saint Emilion: Day Trip From Bordeaux or Stay Overnight?

Disclaimer :  Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links”, meaning that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost. This helps me to keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for using the links on my website.

Solo traveller, exploring the world one adventure at a time. Enthusiastic about trying new cuisines and uncovering hidden gems. Animal lover, often found house-sitting and making furry friends. Based in Malta, but always daydreaming about moving to Italy. Join me as I wander and discover the beauty of our world.

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Loire is so beautiful! Those castles dreamy and nature stunning. Thanks for the inspiration!

It was very long ago but I have great memories of touring around the Loire Valley. And it has been on my travel wish list for a return visit. I like the idea of finding a base like Tours to day trip from. I would certainly head out to see the chateaux in the area. But the small towns look charming too.

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The Ultimate Itinerary for Visiting France’s Loire Valley

Planning a vacation in France’s Loire Valley? This is the ultimate guide to taking a one week road trip in the Loire Valley.

I give you must know tips for visiting the Loire. If you have extra time in France, I also give you tips for extending your stay in France’s Brittany or Normandy regions.

Studded with beautiful chateaux, the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley is full of aristocratic pomp and architectural grandeur.

Gliding gently east to west, the Loire River cuts through a valley carpeted with verdant fields, vineyards, and rolling hills. Aside from Chartres, the gateway to the Loire, the Loire towns aren’t much of a draw.

No, it’s the enchanting and centuries old fairytale castles that are the dazzling must see attractions and landmarks in the Loire Valley.

These stunning chateaux come complete with extravagant facades, opulent interiors, and splendid gardens. The best way to see these beauties is on a Loire Valley road trip.

The Loire Valley is an easy journey from Paris. This one week in Loire Valley itinerary assumes you arrive in Paris. You could also fly into Nantes and reverse the order of this itinerary.

If you want to spend some time in Paris first (a sensible choice), here’s my 2 day itinerary for Paris , 3 day itinerary for Paris , 5 day itinerary for Paris .

Overview Of Loire Valley Itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll see with this Loire Valley road trip itinerary:

• Day 1 : Depart from Paris, stop in Chartres en route to Blois
• Day 2 : Visit Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Cheverny from Blois
• Day 3 : Drive to Amboise and visit Chateau d’Amboise and Chateau du Clos Luce
• Day 4 : Visit Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chaumont
• Day 5 : Drive to Chinon, stop at Chateau de Villandry and Chateau d’Usse
• Day 6 : Visit Chateau de Langeais and Chateau Azay-le-Rideau
• Day 7 : Visit Royal Abbey Fontevraud and Chateau d’Angers
• Extra time? Head to Brittany or Normandy

For this 7 day Loire Valley itinerary, you’ll have three bases: Blois (2 nights), Amboise (2 nights), and Chinon (3 nights).

You could also opt to stay for 4 nights in either Blois or Amboise instead of moving your base. If you’re more of a city person, you can also base yourself in Orleans (eastern Loire) and Tours (western Loire).

I give you some pointers on where to stay in the tips section below.

On this one week itinerary, you’ll see up to 20 of France’s most beautiful chateaux. These are some of the most famous and unmissable landmarks in France .

This Loire Valley itinerary is perfectly adjustable. You can shorten it or lengthen it.

If you don’t have time for one week in the Loire, you can opt to see just the major attractions (the four “Cs”) listed on days 2-4 of the itinerary. This itinerary is simply more leisurely and allows you to experience some of the hidden gems of the Loire Valley.

A Short History of the Loire Valley

The Lorie Valley is synonymous with French history and French royalty.

The Loire was a major artery during Ancient Rome. The Loire’s conquest began under Julius Caesar. Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, brought peace. The Romans even introduced the first grape vines.

The first chateaux in the Loire were doughty medieval fortresses, beginning in the 9th century. They were built to stave off marauding Vikings. Massive fortified walls and keeps were de rigeur.

During the 100 Years War, the interminable siege between France and England during the Middle Ages, the Loire Valley was a boundary between the warring forces.

In 1453, Charles VII regained his crown with the help of Joan of Arc. She led an army to the city of Orleans in the Loire and defeated the English troops.

After that, the Loire Valley became the center of courtly life and scandal. Kings installed their mistresses in swishy chateaux.

The bourgeoise elite all purchased homes in the Loire to demonstrate their wealth and influence.

Francois I built the first Renaissance castles in the Loire. A lover of Italian Renaissance art, the king even persuaded Leonardo da Vinci to move to France from Milan and join his court.

As a result of all that royal and aristocratic patronage, the Loire is jam packed with extravagant chateaux, with a rather astonishing architectural and artistic heritage.

The Best One Week Loire Valley Itinerary

Here’s my recommended 7 days in the Loire Valley driving tour, which covers all the best destinations, landmarks, and must visit attractions in the Loire Valley.

Day 1: Depart from Paris, Stop in Chartres en Route to Blois

Chartres has a rich history, charming streets, interesting medieval churches, and museums and galleries focusing on French art. It’s one of the most beautiful towns in northern France .

Chartres is famed for its massive 13th century Cathédrale Notre-Dame , designated a UNESCO site in 1979. Finished in 1220, the Gothic cathedral features 2 towering spires, flying buttresses, ornate sculptures, a 16th century astrological clock, relics, and elaborate rose windows — all you’d expect in an architectural wonder.

Interesting, however, the 2 steeples don’t match. One’s in the Gothic style and one’s in a Romanesque style. The cathedral’s south, west, and north entrances all boast ornate triple portals.

The cathedral’s most stunning feature is its dramatically hued stained glass. Chartres has one of the best medieval collections of stained glass in the world. It’s especially renowned for its “Chartes Blue” color tones.

The colorful windows survived the French Revolution and both world wars. During WWII, they were taken down and temporarily stored in the Church of Saint-Emilon. Scout out the Jesse Window, the Blue Virgin Window, the Noah Window, and the South Rose Window.

You can also climb 350 steps up the lacy north tower, known as Clocher Neuf. There, you can inspect the rooftop and the flying buttresses.

If you have time, visit Chartres’ Musee des Beaux-Arts . It’s a fine arts museum housed in the former home of Chartres’ bishops.

The museum is creaky and dusty, but there are treasures worth admiring. The collection includes works by Francisco de Zurbaran, Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin, Maurice Vlaminck, and Chaim Soutine.

• Time : Paris to Chartres 1:30
• Time : Chartres to Bloise 1:37
• Address for Chartres Cathedral : 16 Cloitre Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres France
• Hours : 10:00 am to 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm top 7:30 pm
• Entry fee : free, 3 € for the crypt, 7.50 € for the north tower

Day 2: Visit Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Cheverny

1. chateau de chambord.

The Chateau de Chambord is the big daddy of Loire Valley chateaus. Building started on this massive over-the-top Renaissance chateau in 1519.

Commissioned by Francois I, a lowly hunting lodge was boldly transformed into a ostentatious monument to royalty and royal sport. It’s rumored that Leonardo da Vinci, who relocated from Rome to France as a court artist, influenced some of the chateau’s architectural elements.

The chateau is laid out as a keep in the shape of a cross with four ornate towers, two wings, over 440 rooms, and 365 fireplaces.

At the center is a rectangular keep. The most interesting rooms are the queens chambers on the first floor.

The highlight is Chambord’s mind boggling double helix staircase. It whisks visitors from the ground floor to the rooftop and Lantern Tower.

Twin staircases intertwine without actually touching. The rooftop offers breathtaking views over the chateau gardens and valley. You can inspect the cityscape of exuberant sculpted chimneys and turrets.

Click here for a skip the line entrance ticket for Chateau Chambord. Click  here  to book a 2 hour guided tour to learn all the secrets of this magnificent chateau.

• Address : 41250 Chambord France
• Hours : 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, closes at 5:00 pm off season
• Entry fee : 16 €, parking 6 €
• Pro tip : There’s a 20 minute film that gives you an overview of the chateau on the ground floor.

2. Chateau de Cheverney

Built in 1625-34, the Chateau de Cheverny represents the zenith of French classical architecture. Designed by architect Jacques Hurault, it’s a perfectly proportioned tour de force of symmetry and aesthetic order.

The chateau is so orderly and stately that it’s not quite as appealing to me as some of the other more romantically styled chateaux. But the interiors are quite gorgeous.

Inside, the Chateau de Cheverny is sumptuously furnished with many works of art and tapestries. Murals in the formal dining room famously depict the story of Don Quixote. Other highlights are paintings by Raphael’s studio and Georges de la Tour.

Chateau de Cheverny inspired Moulinsart Hall in the TinTin comic books, which you may remember from your childhood.

In back of the chateau, you’ll find the 18th century Orangerie. During WWII, it housed and safeguarded famous paintings such as Leonardo’s Mona Lisa . Now, it’s a quaint tea room.

Cheverny is also home to 100 hunting dogs. They’re a special breed, or cross-breed, of English fox hounds and French Pointer dogs. Their daily feeding is at 11:30 am, if you want to see them lunge at their food on cue.

Click  here  to pre-book a ticket. Click  here  to book the iconic hot air balloon ride over Chenonceau.

• Address : 4170 Cheverny France
• Hours : 9:15 am to 6:30 pm, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm off season
• Entry fee : 13.50 €

3. Chateau de Beauregard

If you have a bit of extra time in your day, head to one of the Loire Valley’s hidden gems, Chateau de Beauregard . It’s just a 15 minute drive from Chateau Cheverny. Like Chambord, Beauregard was a favorite hunting lodge of Francoise I.

The chateau’s highlight is the 17th century Renaissance style Portrait Gallery. In it, you’ll find 327 paintings of European royalty. They include recognizable figures such as Cardinal Richelieu, Francis Drake, Henry VII, Ann Boleyn, and a score of French kings.

When you’re done examining The Who’s Who, escape to the landscaped park. Beauregard has one of the best rose gardens in the Loire Valley.

There’s also a Portrait Garden, with facts sheets and pictures hanging from trees. It’s the brainchild of landscape architect Gilles Clement.

• Address : 12 Chemin de la Fontaine 41120 Cellettes France
• Hours : 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee : 12.50 €

3. Royal Chateau de Blois

The Chateau Royal de Blois was the favorite residence (and architectural project) of 7 kings and 10 queens of France. With its various Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical facades, the chateau reflects all of France’s great architectural periods.

In 1429, Joan of Arc visited the castle to be blessed before doing battle with the English.

The Chateau de Blois was fully restored in the 19th century. It also houses the Blois Fine Arts Museum, with approximately 35,000 art works from the 16th and 17th century. It boasts masterpieces by Ingres, Rubens, and Boucher.

Other Chateau Blois highlights are: (1) loggia staircase, decorated with Francois I’s salamanders; (2) the Studiolo, where Catherine de Medici kept her stash of poisons; and (3) the king’s apartments.

It was in these apartments that Henry III murdered his arch rival Duke Henry I of Guise.

Click  here  to book a skip the line entrance ticket.

• Address : 6 Place du Château, 41000 Blois, France
• Tickets : 7 €
• Hours : 9:00 am to 6:30 pm

Day 3: Drive to Amboise. Visit Chateau d’Amboise and Chateau du Clos Luce

1. chateau d’amboise.

On day 3, head to the charming (if a bit touristy) town of Amboise. It’s just a 35 minute drive from Blois.

The Royal Chateau d’Amboise is a Renaissance jewel, with a taste of Italy and some medieval gargoyles thrown in for good measure. It features the Loire Valley’s iconic gray slate cone-shaped rooftops. Designed by Italian master masons, Chateau d’Amboise is known as the “First Italianate Palace in France.”

Chateau d’Amboise is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town of Amboise. The chateau was the childhood home of luminaries such as King Charles VIII, Francois I, and Mary Queen of Scots. Charles VIII was responsible for its Italianate remodeling, done in 1492.

At the invitation of Francois, Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci was a guest at the chateau. Leonardo brought some of his favorite paintings along with him to Amboise — Sainte Anne, and a special little piece called the Mona Lisa .

Da Vinci is buried in the chateau’s Chapelle St.-Hubert, also called, naturally, the da Vinci Chapel.

• Address : Montee de l’Emir Abd el Kader, 37400 Amboise France
• Hours : 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. On weekends, opens at 9:00 am
• Entry fee : 15 €

2. Chateau du Clos Luce

If you’re a fan of famed Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci, a visit to 15th century Chateau du Clos Luce is a must do.

A transplant from Italy , Leonardo lived and worked in this grand manor home the final 3 years of his life (1516-19). It was connected to Chateau Amboise by an underground tunnel.

On a visit to Clos Luce, you can walk in the footsteps of the famous Italian polymath artist.

READ : Guide To the Leonardo Trail in Milan

Leonardo didn’t paint in Amboise. Instead, he focused on his imaginative contraptions and masterminded elaborate court celebrations with special effects.

You can see Leonardo’s study, bedroom, and chapel. There are scale models and sketches of some of his fantastical inventions — automobiles, machine gun, assault chariots, and more. And a replica of the Mona Lisa , the original of which is in the Louvre .

Click here for a skip the line ticket to the chateau. Click here to book a guided tour of both Amboise and Chateau Clos Luce.

• Address : 2 Rue du Clos Luce 37400 Amboise France
• Hours : 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee : 18 €

Day 4: Visit Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateaux de Chaumont

1. chateau de chenonceau.

Built in the 16th century by Thomas Bohier, the elegant and art-filled Chateau de Chenonceau is the most famous and romantic of the Loire Valley chateaus. Inspired by palaces in Venice , the chateau spans the River Cher with picturesque palace arches for boats to glide under.

Chenonceau housed and was influenced by a succession of famous women over the centuries — Diane de Poitiers (mistress of Henry II), Catherine de’ Medici (wife of Henry II), and Louise Dupin. It’s nicknamed the “Ladies Chateau.”

Poitiers added the five arch bridge to span the River Cher. Medici transformed the Poitiers’ bridge into a two story promenade and ballroom gallery, which resembled the Ponte Vecchio in Florence Italy . Chenonceau was also the site of Francis II’s marriage to Mary Queen of Scots.

Highlights of the meticulously maintained chateau are the lavishly decorated ceilings, intricate tapestries, the ornate chapel, the ballroom, the bedrooms of Medici and Poitiers, and Medici’s Green Study.

A stunning long hallway, the Medici Gallery, is paved in black and white marble and flanks the Cher River. The gallery has an exhibition showing the roles that the queens and mistresses played in creating this beautiful castle.

In Medici’s Green Study, she governed France as regent for her son. There are paintings by Tintoretto, Van Dyck, Veronese, Correggio, and Poussin.

There are restaurants at Chenonceau to grab lunch — the Orangerie in the Green Garden and the Creperie near the main entrance. Chenonceau also has two stunning formal gardens, created by Poitiers and Medici. You could opt for a picnic lunch in the gardens.

Click here to pre-book a ticket. Click here to book the iconic hot air balloon ride over Chenonceau.

• Address : 37150 Chenonceau France
• Hours : 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, closing at 5:00 from October through March
• Entry fee : 15.50 €, 19.50 € with audio guide

2. Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Just a half hour from Chenonceau is the beautiful Chateau de Chaumont . The castle combines a medieval facade with 19th century furnishings inside.

Construction began around 1465 and continued until 1510. The chateau has elaborate gardens and hosts a “Festival International des Jardins” in high season.

Catherine de Medici purchased the chateau after her husband Henry II died. There, she entertained various astrologers, including Nostradamus.

READ : History of the Medici Dynasty

In 1559, however, Catherine kicked Diane de Poitiers, Henry II’s mistress, out of the Chateau de Chenonceau and gave her the fortress-like Chaumont instead. She also made Diane hand over the crown jewels Henry had given her.

In 1875, the heiress Princess de Broglie purchased and renovated the chateau. The most beautiful room is the Council Chamber. Rather high maintenance, she also had the entire village razed and rebuilt.

Be sure to inspect the Italian tiled floor in the Salle du Conseil, luxe period furniture from the 16th and 18th centuries, and the impressive stables built by the Prince de Broglie.

• Address : 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France
• Hours : 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Entry fee : 14 €

Day 5: Drive to Chinon, stop at Chateau de Villandry and Chateau de Usse

On day 5 of you’re one week in the Loire Valley, you’ll drive to your next base, the town of Chinon. It’s just a little over an hour drive from Amboise.

Chinon is renowned for its hilltop castle, medieval quarter, and fine red wines. Visit the Royal Fortress and then move on to Chateau Villandry and Chateau d’Usse.

1. Royal Fortress of Chinon

Chinon’s pride and joy is its doughty castle, the Chateau de Chinon , perched on a cliff on the edge of town. Dating from the 12th century, the castle was home to the court of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

It’s Clock Tower, the Tour de l’Horloge, showcases exhibits of the historic meeting between Joan of Arc and the future Charles VII.

A virgin warrior and French national heroine, Joan of Arc convinced King Charles VII to fight the English invasion in the 15th century.

There are splendid views across the Vienne River from the castle walls.

Click  here  to book an entrance ticket. Chinon is also the perfect place to go on a  guided wine tour .

• Address : 2 Rue du Château, 37500 Chinon, France
• Hours : 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
• Entry fee : 10.50 €

2. Chateau de Villandry

This lovely Renaissance chateau was completed in 1756, for its owner Jean le Breton. Chateau Villandry was the last large Renaissance chateau built in the Loire.

If you have a passion for gardens, this is the chateau for you. Depending on your time and interest, you may want to just visit the gardens and not go inside the chateau. Though the interior does feature a show Oriental Room, complete with a gilded Moorish ceiling.

Villandry is most renowned for its beautiful landscaped gardens. There are acres of manicured gardens, decorative ponds, arbors, a maze, fruity trees, vineyards, and themed gardens. The gardens are at their peak in mid-summer.

You get a bird’s eye view of the gardens from the chateau’s only medieval remnant, the donjon of the keep. The chateau now offers a virtual tour of its famed gardens and a virtual video tour of both the chateau and gardens on its website.

Click here to book a morning tour of the chateau and Chateau de L’Islette.

• Address : 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France
• Hours : 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
• Entry fee : 12.50 €, gardens only 7.50 €, audio guide 4 €

3. Chateau d’Usse

Chateau d’Usse is famous as the inspiration for Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty fairytale and Disneys famous Cinderella Castle. You can immediately see why. The charming chateau has a romantic turret-topped exterior.

Situated on the edge of Chinon forest, Chateau d’Usse was built for the Built family in the 15th century. The castle changed hands many times. In 1885, the Count de Blacas bought the chateau and his ancestors still live there today.

Inside it boasts dreamy spiral staircases, unusual frescos, and 17th century tapestries.

Take a stroll in the French gardens as well. They were designed by Le Notre of Versailles fame.

• Address : 37420 Rigny-Usse
• Hours : 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, closing at 6:00 pm off season
• Entry fee : 14 €, audio guide 3 €

Day 6: Visit Chateau Langeais and Chateau Azay-le-Rideau

1. chateau de langeais.

The Chateau de Langeais was founded in 992 by Foulques Nerra. He was an early count of Anjou and a celebrated builder of medieval castles.

The castle was destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was later rebuilt by King Louis XII in the mid-to-late 15th century.

It’s considered an excellent example of late medieval architecture — with crenellated battlements and pointy defensive towers.

Langeais is perfectly preserved both inside and out. Over 15 rooms, there’s original 15th century period furniture and scores of Flemish and Aubusson tapestries.

• Address : Place Pierre de Brosse, 37130 Langeais, France
• Entry fee : 9.80 €

2. Chateau Azay-le-Rideau

This petit chateau is one of France’s most romantic hidden gems. Situated on an island in the middle of the Indre River, the moat-ringed Chateau Azay-le-Rideau dazzles with fanciful turrets and decorative stonework.

Honoré de Balzac dubbed it a “multifaceted diamond set in the River Indre.”

The chateau’s most famous feature is its open loggia staircase. The staircase is Italianate in style and overlooks the central courtyard. And it’s decorated with salamanders and ermines, symbols of Francois I and Queen Claude.

Just along the river from Azay-le-Rideau castle is the hidden gem Chateau de l’Islette , where you can escape the crowds. Its privately owned, but open to the public. Far from Paris, during the 1890s, l’Islette was the secret love nest of two great French sculptors Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin .

Click here to book a ticket to the chateau. Click here to book a tour of the chateau with Villandry and a wine tasting.

• Address : Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France
• Hours : 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee : 12.20 €

Day 7: Visit Royal Abbey Fontevraud and Chateau d’Angers

1. abbey fontevraud.

A stone’s throw from Chinon is the UNESCO-listed Royal Abbey of Our Lady of Fontevraud . The abbey is the perfect balance of past and present. You can visit, dine, sleep, and even enjoy a permanent new art museum.

Found in 1101, Fontevraud is Europe’s largest monastic complex, founded in 1101. In its heyday, the abbey housed four priories and 800 nuns. Napoleon used three of the priories as a prison until 1963.

Perfectly restored, Fontevraud is a fascinating complex of religious buildings, cloisters, refectory, and dormitories. It’s a maze of stone.

You’ll also find the Plantagenet tombs of Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their son Richard the Lionheart in abbey nave.

• Address : 49590 Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, France
• Hours : 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Entry fee : Click here for different options

2. Chateau Angers

Chateau Angers was the fiefdom of the powerful dukes of Anjou and the Plantagenets. The formidable Chateau d’Angers is an impressive black and stone affair.

It’s ringed by battlements and 17 watch towers that stretch 500 meters. The “black” stone is actually blue schist.

The chateau houses one of France’s great treasures — the 14th century Apocalypse Tapestry, the Tenture de l’Apocalypse .

Louis I, Duke of Anjou, commissioned the set of tapestries from Hennequin de Bruges in 1375. The 300+ foot tapestry depicts the story of Judgment Day.

• Address : 2 Promenade du Bout du Monde 49100 Angers
• Hours : 10:00 am to 6:30 pm in high season, closing at 5:30 off season
• Entry fee : 9.50 €, which includes access to the gardens

3. Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay

If you have the time and energy to squeeze in one more chateau, head to the medieval Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay , about 10 miles south of the town of Saumur where you should have dinner.

There have been fortifications on this site from the 11th century. The current chateau was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It served a defensive purpose during the 100 Years War. When that war was over, the chateau received a Renaissance facelift and elegant additions.

The highlight of the chateau is the wine cellars. Legend holds that when the wine was made, the vintners would swear to a portrait of Rabelais: “When my glass if full, I empty it. When it is empty, I complain.”

• Address : Place des Ormeaux, 49260 Montreuil-Bellay, France
• Hours : Click here
• Entry fee : € 12.00

4. Dinner in Saumur

Saumur is a pretty town in the Loire, with a sophisticated but laid back vibe. It has a good culinary scene, so it’s a nice stop for dinner and Loire wine.

For wine tasting, head to the Maison du Vins . For dinner, try Le Pot de Lapin or the Michelin-starred La Gambetta and l’Aromate .

Saumur also has its own fairytale chateau, the Chateau de Saumur . The chateau was built in the 13th century by King Louis XI. In 2001, a chunk of the defensive fortifications collapsed and is now being restored.

Extra Time in France?

If you have more than one week in the Loire Valley, head to the adjacent Brittany or Normandy region.

1. Brittany Option

Brittany is a dramatic and wild region of northwest France. Brittany is deliciously varied. There’s spectacular scenery — heathland, marshes, a jagged coastline, stunning sand beaches, and azure waves.

Brittany is just stuffed with secret medieval villages where you can disappear down a cobbled lane into history. If you want to get off the beaten path and explore the secret towns of France , Brittany makes the perfect escape.

In Brittany, the Breton language is still proudly spoken. It’s actually closer to Welsh than to French. The further west you go, the wilder Brittany gets. If you want sun, be sure to visit between March and October.

Brittany is divided into four departments: Finistere in the west, Cotes-d’Armor in the north, Ille-et-Vilaine int northeast, and Morbihan in the south. Here’s my guide to the 20 most beautiful towns in Brittany .

From the Loire Valley, I’d drive straight to either Rennes or all the way to Brittany’s most famous landmark, Mont Saint-Michel.

READ : Complete Guide To Visiting Mont Saint-Michel

Alternatively, you could start your Brittany vacation in southern Brittany in Vannes and work your way to the west and north ending with Mont Saint-Michel. If you drove directly from your last chateau stop, Chateau d’Angers, the driving time from there to Vannes is just 2 hours.

Click here for a skip the line ticket to the Mont. Or click here for a walking tour of the town with optional ticket for the abbey.

• Time : Chinon to Rennes 2:40
• Time : Chinon to Mont Saint-Michel 3:20
• Time : Chinon to Vannes: 3:00

2. Normandy Option

Normandy is steeped in history. In Normandy, legendary figures like William the Conquerer and Joan of Arc changed the course of history.

Normandy’s landscapes inspired the Impressionist painters. D-Day beaches commemorate the horror of WWII. In Bayeux, a 1,000 year old tapestry tells the story of medieval warfare and sieges.

Handsome Normandy is crammed with appealingly diverse landscapes. From its picturesque pastures to its ancient fishing harbors, Normandy is a bucolic melange of medieval towns, sun-drenched seaside resorts, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

For some Normandy destination inspiration, here’s my guide to a one week road trip in Normandy and a guide to the most beautiful towns in Normandy .

If you plan on a visit to Normandy, you may want to reverse the order of this itinerary and start in Chinon and end in Blois. From Blois, it’s 2.5 hours to Giverny. Giverny is a perfect first stop in Normandy.

There, you’ll find the magnificent house and gardens of Claude Monet , the father of French Impressionism. Click here for a ticket and guided tour of the property.

Tips For Visiting the Loire Valley

Here are some must know tips for spending 7 days in the Loire Valley.

1. When To Go?

The Loire Valley has something to offer all year round. However, if you want to get the most out of your holiday and enjoy the chateaux’s beauty inside and out, the best time to visit the Loire Valley is in late spring and early summer.

During mid May and early June, the days get longer, the weather heats up, and the flowers start to bloom.

The crowds are also significantly smaller than in July and August, when you should expect crowds and long lines. But in summer, there will be more events, nighttime illuminations, and concerts.

2. How To Get There

You can rent a car from Paris and drive to Chartres. But the fastest way to get from Paris to the Loire Valley is by TGV train.

You could take the train to Chartres and pick up your rental car there. You can purchase train tickets in advance online on the official website . You should book well in advance to secure the cheapest price.

If you want to skip Chartres altogether to get right to chateaux hopping, direct trains from Paris’ Austerlitz train station leave daily. It takes approximately 1:30 to reach Blois.

3. How To Get Around

Renting a car is by far the most convenient way to see the Loire Valley chateaux. You can set your own itinerary and explore at your own pace. You’ll see more of the off the beaten path chateaux that you can’t reach by public transport.

Roads in the Loire Valley are well-paved and signs point you to the chateaux. With the exception of Chambord, the chateaux have free parking.

READ : Guide To Renting a Car and Driving in Europe

4. Chateaux Pass

There is no “pass” per se. You can buy package passes for some chateaux at the towns’ local tourists offices.

Basically, the more chateaux you visit, the more you’ll save. Click here for some information on passes and reduced rates.

But each chateau is under separate management. Some of the chateaux are privately owned (Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau), and do their own ticketing. Some don’t participate in a combination pass and only sell tickets at the gate.

5. Hot Air Ballooning

A number of hot air balloon tours depart from the regions of Chinon and Amboise. The early evening hot air balloon ride are the best. You’ll have beautiful views of the castles and cities.

This is a great option and was a highlight of my Loire Valley trip. Here are your two best options:

• hot air balloon ride from Amboise and Chenonceau
• 3. 5 hour balloon ride over Chenonceau

6. Where Two Stay In The Loire Valley

As I mentioned, you can stay in Blois, Amboise, and Chinon. If you want bigger town, try Orleans or Tours. The best hotel options by city are:

• Amboise : Chateau de Pray , Le Manoir Les Minimes , Le Manoir Saint Thomas
• Blois : Hotel Mercure , Castel de la Comtese
• Chinon : Citotel le Plantagenet , Les Destinees
• Tours : Les Tresorieres , Oceania L’Univers Tours , Riad Spa Les Portes
• Orleans : Empriente Hotel , Demeures de Campagne

If you want to splurge a magnificent hotel near Chateau Chambord and Blois, check out the stunning Relais de Chambord . Another beautiful hotel 20 minutes from both Blois and Amboise is the Domain des Hauts de Loire .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my itinerary for visiting the Loire Valley chateaux. You may enjoy these other travel guides and itineraries for France:

• Secret hidden towns in France
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• Famous landmarks in France
• Hidden gems in Paris
• Guide to Paris’ Latin Quarter
• Guide to Montmartre
• Guide to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny
• The Impressionism trail in Normandy
• 30+ beautiful towns in northern France
• 10 day itinerary for southern France
• Charming hidden gems in Provence

If you need a Loire Valley itinerary pin it for later.

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Last Updated on March 12, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

The only guide you need to plan a trip from Paris to Loire Valley

Things to do in Paris Day Trips from Paris Paris to Loire Valley Wine Tour Day Trip

If you fancy an extravagant getaway within France, Loire Valley is just a train ride away from Paris. The quaint stretch that is now nestled right between the crucial frontiers of Northern and Southern France was once best known for its strategic importance. Apart from its rich yesteryears, Loire Valley still attracts several visitors who wish to catch a first hand experience of culture, art and splendour in a single trip. Moreover, wine tasting in Loire Valley is quite the fad, and Loire Valley Wine Tours from Paris are immensely popular.

With meticulously planned hamlets and sprawling vineyards adding to the valley’s beauty, there is no surprise that the Loire Valley is on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites .

Quick Jumplinks to Navigate the Guide

• What Makes Loire Valley Special
• Loire Valley Wine Tours From Paris

What to See and Do in Loire Valley

Know before you go on a loire valley wine tour from paris.

• How to Get to Loire Valley From Paris

Tips For Your Loire Valley Wine Tours From Paris

Other day trips from paris, what makes loire valley special.

More than a mere stretch of land, Loire Valley is cluster of some of the most remarkable towns of France, that were once best known for their administrative stature. Many famous authors, poets, aristocrats, and kings once built their abodes on the banks of its river after being mesmerised by the pristine beauty of Loire Valley.

Blessed with abundant fertility, the river banks around Loire Valley play host to a number of towns that preserve the lavish cultural legacy even today. A day trip to Loire Valley will acquaint you with architectural marvels, verdant vineyards, and opulent chateaux. Sip on some world-renowned wines (courtesy, of course, the Loire Valley) as you cosy up with a book in one of their roadside cafes and take in the resplendent scenery.

Best Loire Valley Wine Tours From Paris

Loire valley castles - chambord, chenonceau, nitry & and wine tour from paris.

• See how the French royalty lived with a tour of Loire Valley’s majestic châteaux • Relish red and white wines as part of an optional activity at Chenonceau • Avail transport in an air-conditioned coach from Paris • Enjoy the company of a guide who is well-versed in English

Assemble at Les Catacombs in Paris, from where you will be whisked away to the charming Loire Valley in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach. Enjoy the sights across the valley before arriving at the Château de Chambord , an inspiration for the castle featured in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Move on to Château de Nitray where you can take a look at the workings of a vineyard. Enjoy your lunch with heady in-house wines before you take off for your final destination — The Château de Chenonceau .

Premium Tour From Paris to Loire Valley Castles: Chambord, Chenonceau, & Amboise + Wine Tasting

• Discover two amazing castles on this tour, paired with an excellent session of wine tasting. • Check out the fantastic Château de Chambord as you journey to the heart of French history. • Bask in the magnificence of the Château de Chenonceau. • You will have an experienced guide to show you around the two castles.

Board a plush bus and set off to your first French castles for the day, the Château de Chambord. Enjoy the lovey landscapes of the Loire Valley and see green fields all the way upto the horizon with the River Loire flowing through the picturesque countryside. Explore several rooms at Château de Chambord and finally climb the famous double helix staircase which leads to a lovely terrace. Enjoy a session of wine tasting in the castle for 45 minutes, followed by lunch.

While Loire Valley is all about wine tours, there's more to do here. Check out the complete list of things to do in Loire Valley.

Châteaux : It isn’t an exaggeration to say that Loire Valley is best known for its stellar castles. And while there are over 300 châteaux in Loire Valley, the Château de Chenonceau and the Château de Chambord are the most visited, as well as the most photographed, castles in France. Both Chambord and Chenonceau châteaux are well furnished with interiors dating back from the Renaissance period, and are home to several notable pieces of art from the 16th and 17th century. With their expansive courtyards and palace grounds, a visit to these castles can easily take up an entire day.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours : A museum dedicated to the wonders of fine art, Musée des Beaux-Arts was built in the 18th century. It holds an eclectic collection of notable artworks, sculptures, furniture, as well as paintings beginning from the 14th century onwards. Monet, Delacroix, and Degas are only some of the well-known artists whose artworks are displayed in this opulent museum. Apart from the art, the Musée des Beaux-Arts is also regarded as an iconic structure in Loire Valley because of its strikingly beautiful facade.

Cathedrals : Apart from being home to a number of stunning castles, Loire Valley is also blessed with some of the finest cathedrals in the world. These include the Bourges Cathedral and the Chartres Cathedral, which attract pilgrims as well as tourists from around the world. Famous for their intricate architecture and their artistic stained glass windows, these cathedrals portray excellent craftsmanship that is almost 800 years old as of today. In fact, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres (Chartres Cathedral), the 12th century cathedral, has also earned itself a place in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites because of its splendid Gothic architecture and its unique religious allure.

Wine tasting : Being France’s third largest wine producer, Loire Valley houses some of the most picturesque vineyards that produce a variety of wines. Making use of a myriad of grape varieties, Loire Valley creates some of the finest wines that you can try on your day trip. Each year, visitors from around the world visit during the harvesting period to enjoy a thorough, guided walk within Loire Valley’s vineyards. A typical visit begins with a brief look into the process, which is both educational and interactive, along with a fun wine-sipping experience to go along!

Before you decide to book tickets, here are a few aspects you should consider while opting for a day trip from Paris to Loire Valley:

• Timing : A three-hour drive away from Paris, Loire Valley has become one of the most sought after day tours in France. However, given how massive the area is, if you wish to cover the important attractions, you should try leaving early. Home to numerous châteaux and awe-inspiring sights, a day trip to Loire Valley begins early in the morning from Paris and takes up at least 13 hours of your day. During the tour, you will be allowed to spend a comfortable amount of time at every attraction, giving you the liberty to click pictures and wander as per your will.
• Season : Blessed with pleasant and cheerful climatic conditions all year round, planning a trip to Loire Valley may not be difficult. Although, if sunshine and a warmer climate is what you prefer, making a trip during the spring season is recommended. You may encounter off-season rain, but the climate tends to remain cool throughout these months. Summer season in France tends to attract a flock of crowd and is known for its long, dry spells — making it rather unfavourable for those looking to have a comfortable time out. The temperature in winter may drop down to 8 degrees, but those willing to tackle a little cold can find themselves enjoying the change.
• Cost : Between a self-guided tour and a guided-tour, a self-guided tour option will definitely seem economical. However, a guided-tour takes care of your comfort and safety, along with any external costs that may come along your way. A guided-tour takes you comfortably in a luxurious air-conditioned coach, providing you the company of a well-informed guide and several tourists just like yourself. This not only gives you a chance to socialise, but also provides you the security of a close-knit group, along with other perks and privileges.

How to get to Loire Valley From Paris

Getting to Loire Valley from Paris has now become easier than ever. A TGV ride from Paris will get you there in about 35 minutes. However, if you truly wish to enjoy the scenic route from Paris to Loire Valley, travelling by road is ideal for those interested in capturing the landscaping views into their camera. A journey by road takes three hours. You can even travel in a spacious air-conditioned coach as part of a day tour, making travel fun and convenient.

• There are several chateaux in and around Loire Valley, so plan beforehand, and visit the ones you really want to see, as it isn’t possible to explore every château.
• A Pass Châteaux is advisable for those willing to go castle-hopping through the day.
• Loire Valley is home to some of the finest wines, make sure you add a winery to your list!
• You can travel by road as Loire Valley has ample of free parking space around its chateaux.

Paris to Giverny

Escape the city life for a day, and hop aboard a luxury bus to visit the beautiful Giverny, located barely 2 hours away. Explore the gardens where Monet spent his time creating some of his most memorable paintings. Spend your day taking in remarkable sites around Giverny before you depart to the palace of Versailles. Skip the line at the Palace and take a tour around the grand hallways. Experience the life of the French Monarchs and get a quick glimpse into the life of the infamous King Louis XIV.

Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Giverny .

Paris to Reims

Explore Reims, and glance into its lavish history and royal traditions. Enjoy some of the best champagnes in the world during your tour, and get a brief history of the iconic monuments in Reims. The tour begins early and takes you through the Mumm Champagne house for a first hand experience of champagne making and tasting. Embark on a journey dominated by taste-buds as you explore Reims’ world-famous delicacies, including the White Pudding, during your tour.

Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Reims .

Paris to Champagne

The birthplace of the favorite bubbly drink, Champagne, the Champagne region is a must-visit from Paris, especially for those willing to engage in spirited champagne tasting sessions. Find all your favorite Champagne brands here: Moet and Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, GG Mumm, and Pierre Paillard, among others. Dedicated cellars and lush vineyards dot the scenery of the Champagne region, making it an idyllic day trip destination from Paris, one you must definitely take up!

Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Champagne .

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Manisha Choudhari

If there's one thing Manisha loves more than cake, it's travelling. While studying in London, she fell in love with the city, and decided that she wanted to combine her two interests - writing and travelling. Having made London her home, she now travels through Europe during summers, spends winters under ten blankets, and writes about her adventures in between.

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21 trips match your search criteria

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Loire Valley Wine Tour: Chinon & Bourgueil Vineyards & Tastings

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Learn more about loire valley, loire valley travel guide: fairytale châteaux, wine delights & hidden gems , escape to the loire valley, a unesco world heritage site brimming with majestic châteaux, rolling vineyards, and charming historic towns..

Where History Meets Wine

1. Loire Valley Châteaux:  Immerse yourself in the grandeur of iconic châteaux like Chambord, Chenonceau , and Clos Lucé, home to Leonardo da Vinci. Explore their lavish interiors and stunning gardens with our private or shared tours, all led by expert local guides.

2. Wine Regions Revealed:  Embark on a journey through the Loire Valley's renowned vineyards . From crisp Sancerre to robust Cabernet Franc, discover the region's diverse wines with our guided tastings.

3. Foodie Paradise:  Savor the flavors of the Loire Valley beyond wine. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming cafes, tantalize your taste buds with fresh, local cuisine on our food tours.

Unforgettable Experiences

1. Loire River Cruise:  Witness the beauty of the Loire Valley from a different perspective. Glide down the majestic Loire River, marveling at châteaux and vineyards lining the banks.

2. Medieval Towns:  Explore charming towns like Amboise and Chinon, steeped in history and architectural treasures. We offer captivating day trips from Tours and Amboise, allowing you to discover these hidden gems.

3. Hot Air Balloon Adventure:  Soar above the Loire Valley in a hot air balloon , capturing breathtaking panoramic views of the châteaux, vineyards, and rolling landscapes.

Plan Your Loire Valley Escape

The Loire Valley caters to every traveler's desire. Whether you're a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking a charming escape, our expertly-crafted tours ensure an unforgettable experience.

Contact us today and let us design the perfect Loire Valley itinerary for you!

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The 5 best road trips in the Loire Valley

May 21, 2023 • 8 min read

The Loire Valley by car: a match made in heaven Shutterstock/leoks

The scenery in the Loire Valley changes around every curve.

Honey-colored villages give way to lavish castles. Vine-draped fields back onto the lush banks of the Loire, France ’s longest river. And although trains serve each of the region's main destinations, the best way to explore is by car. It gives you better access to the area’s blissful natural surroundings.

Here are the five best road trips in the Loire Valley.

1. The Vineyard Road

Best road trip for wine and scenic landscapes.

Chinon-Bouchemaine; approx. 145km (90 miles); 2-3 days

Combining emblematic wines with picturesque landscapes, this road trip passes white tufa (limestone) villages overhanging the Loire and vineyards rolling out as far as the eye can see. Start in Chinon, a medieval city with half-timbered houses and dominating royal fortress, before heading for Saumur. The red grape vines that fill the surrounding landscape are used to produce Chinon wine.

Stop en route at Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, once Europe’s biggest monastic city, before staying overnight in Saumur and enjoying some winetasting. The troglodyte cellars of Bouvet-Ladubay and Ackerman both serve excellent Crémant (a sparkling white wine).

The next morning, cross the Pont du Cadre Noir and take the D952 along the banks of the Loire. The road offers a panorama no one gets tired of. Beige sandbanks contrast with the grey-blue water and in good weather, the river reflects the sky and the trail of clouds, with only a green line of trees to separate them. After 45 km, you'll arrive in Les Ponts-de-Cé, a southern suburb of Angers. From here connect with the sun-warmed hillsides of the Aubance valley, whose grapes produce sweet, liquor-like white wines like Bonnezeau. Taste a little at The Domaine de la Petite Croix .

In the afternoon, go deeper into the countryside to reach Rablay-sur-Layon village. Here, another dessert wine is produced, the coteaux-du-layon. With its half-timbered houses and stone mansions, the village appears frozen in time. However, the contemporary arts and crafts gallery says otherwise. The residents here have dubbed this a 'village of artists'with permanent artisan boutiques and rotating exhibitions. As the sun sets, head towards Chalonnes to drive through vineyards during the golden hour.

On day three, head to the hills between Chalonnes and Bouchemaine. Appreciate the river's proximity to sail on a toue (a traditional wooden boat) in La Possonnière . Then head to Savennières which is home to its namesake renowned white wine. Lunch at Le Chenin , a red-front restaurant facing the church, where the chef’s cuisine celebrates local produce and its cellar illustrates the variety of the terroir. Finish in Bouchemaine, an old fishermen’s village, and enjoy a quiet evening on the banks of the river.

Detour: Aubance Valley is home to the seven-story Château de Brissac , France’s tallest castle. The property also holds its own vineyard and produces fine rosé wines.

2. A journey through French literature

Best road trip for culture.

Tours-Montsoreau; 78 km (49 miles); 2 days

For centuries, the Loire Valley has provided inspiration for writers. Starting at La Riche, near Tours, this road trip follows in the footsteps of a number of French authors and poets. Begin at Prieuré Saint Cosme , the final home of Renaissance poet Pierre de Ronsard, whose poems were imbued with region’s nature and landscape. From here, drive through the valley’s vast flat plains until they suddenly give way to woodland near Saché to visit Château de Saché, a small castle-turned-museum that celebrates the novelist Honoré de Balzac, who would write here when not in Paris. His book, The Lily of the Valley , is set here.

Continue onto Chinon, where another Renaissance writer, François Rabelais, grew up. His best-known novel, Gargantua , recounts the life of a giant with Rabelais’ childhood home, La Devinière , used as Gargantua’s birthplace. Next, head to Montsoreau . Its castle was used as the setting for The Lady of Montsoreau by Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers . From the terrace, there are some great views of the rushing Loire River below.

Detour:  If you have an extra day, drive two hours to Nantes, the home city of the author Jules Verne. Les Machines de l’île acts as something of a homage to Verne’s fantastic, mechanical universe. 

3. Along the Loire

Best road trip for nature .

Tours-Saint Florent le Vieil; 170km (105 miles); 3 days

This road trip offers a deep connection with nature. It starts in Tours and then takes the D16 to Ussé, where the Loire passes before your very eyes. Stop in Ussé, whose otherworldly castle was the inspiration for Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty , before heading to Candes-Saint-Martin, the village at the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire. At sunset, the white stone houses of the former fishing port turn gold. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic.

The next morning, follow the curves of the Loire along the D952 as far as Bouchemaine. Stretch your legs on the trail connecting Quai de Noé and the former bargees' village of La Pointe. En route, look for a gray heron, the emblematic bird of the Loire. 

Afterward, get back in your car and climb the hills between Rochefort-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire on the D751. Follow the brown road signs that indicate La Corniche Angevine, a scenic road with plenty of turns. At La Haie-Longue, there are panoramic vistas for far as your eyes can see. Stay over in Chalonnes-sur-Loire.

On day three, take a short detour to drive the 14-kilometer-long island of Chalonnes, one of the few Loire islands you can explore via cat. Leave via the D210 and the René-Trottier bridge to see views of small villages stand out against the lush greenery and white sandbars bordering. You’re heading to your last stop Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, an oasis of narrow streets with vine-covered houses. Once here, head to Mont-Glonne esplanade for one last breathtaking panorama from the abbey that stands proudly above the Loire.

Detour: Consider stopping in Bouchemaine to take a canoe trip down the Loire in Bouchemaine for a moment of disconnection on the river. You can hire one at the Nautical base, quai de la Noé .

4. The castles of the Loire Valley

Best road trip for history and architecture.

Blois-Chinon; 108km (68 miles); 4 days

Want to go back in time? From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance period, kings, queens, and the nobility established their courts in the Loire Valley, leaving thousands of monuments as their legacy. Visiting them all is a challenge, but this drive takes you to the most exemplary examples. 

First up, Château Royal de Blois . This imposing castle is impossible to miss. Each facade carries a different era: medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and classical. Don’t miss the sound and light performance that lights each one at night from April to September.

On day two, head to Chambord , built by François I. An aura of delicateness emanates from its finely carved detail and dazzling whiteness. Inside, Leonardo da Vinci's double spiral staircase will make your head spin.

Head next to Chaumont-sur-Loire , where you can take a midday break along the Loire while admiring the castle. Catherine de Medicis, Henri II's wife, lived here before claiming Chenonceau – your next stop – from her husband's mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Wander the gardens before heading to Amboise , where you can spend the night. 

Spend day three discovering Amboise. Alleys edged by half-timbered houses lead to the impressive castle . The guards’ walkway offers the best viewpoint on the Loire. If you sneak around, you may find the secret gallery François I used to pay his visits to Leonardo da Vinci at the Clos Lucé. Afterward, stay the night in Tours, a city with animated nightlife.

On the next morning, head to discover the remarkable gardens of Château de Villandry or go straight to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau . Inspired by the architecture of the Italian Renaissance, this castle was built on an island, allowing the facade to reflect in the water. The immense parkland here is home to exotic trees like sequoias, cedars, and cypress. From here, drive to Chinon. On a rocky promontory, the 1000-year-old Royal Fortress dominates the town. This is where Joan of Arc met Charles VII during the Hundred Years' War.

5. The ultimate Loire Valley road trip

Best blockbuster road trip.

Sully-sur-Loire–Nantes; approx. 350km (217 miles); 10–15 days

The ultimate Loire Valley road trip takes around two weeks to complete but ticks off all the big sights. Crossing all five départements, it starts at the romantic castle in Sully-sur-Loire and ends down the river in Nantes, home of the Duke of Brittany’s castle . 

The trip gives travelers the perfect chance to taste all the local specialties of the Loire Valley too, like fouées (baked bread ball) in Saumur, rillauds (pork belly cooked in lard) near Angers, creamy Sainte-Maure cheese in Tours, and for dessert, gâteau Nantais (rum and almond cake).

There are plenty of opportunities to stop at castles like Chenonceau or Azay-le-Rideau while remaining on the main roads. Drive from Blois to Angers via the D952, a panoramic road that hugs the Loire. Then avoid the motorway to Nantes and follow the D751 instead. The beautiful countryside is punctuated by plenty of charming villages.

Detour: South of Chinon, check out Château de la Mothe Chandeniers . After losing its roof in a fire, the castle was neglected for years with vegetation allowed to grow inside. However, renovations since 2018 have brought it back to life.

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Loire Valley Road Trip – Itinerary & Map

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

The   Loire Valley  in  Central France  is a fantastic area to explore by car. Spanning some 270 kilometers that follow the Loire River, this beautiful region boasts stunning landscapes of vineyards, forests, and castles.

This  5-day Loire Valley road trip itinerary from Orléans to Chinon  will take you through some of the main sights this region has to offer. It will allow you a few days to unwind and enjoy good food, wine, and a slower pace of life. Read on for the description of this Loire Valley itinerary which comes with a Loire Valley map with all the stops and suggestions on where to stay in Loire Valley with a car.

This road trip Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful road trips in France . Read more about road tripping in France:

Loire Valley Itinerary Overview

• Start:  Orléans
• Finish:  Chinon
• Duration:  5 days
• Suggested Route:  Orléans – Blois – Amboise – Chinon
• Total distance:  240 km, 4 hours drive in total
• Regions covered:  Centre-Val-de-Loire
• Best for:  châteaux, medieval towns, food, and wine.

Check out our Loire Valley Trip Planner for the best time to travel to the Loire Valley and other tips. You can also extend this Loire Valley driving itinerary by adding more châteaux. Check out this list of the best Loire Valley Castles for inspiration.

If you fly to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you can pick up your rental car at the airport and start this Loire road trip from there. The drive from CDG Airport-Orléans takes less than 2 hours (200 km) – Click here to rent a car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport .

If you want to visit Paris first, take a direct train from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Orléans and then  pick up your rental car in Orléans . The journey from Paris to Orléans by train takes 1hr 7 min.

If this is your first trip to France, check out our tips for  hiring a car in France .

Road Trip Loire Valley Map

Click here to view this Road Trip Loire Valley Map on Google

5-Day Loire Valley Road Trip Itinerary

Day 0 | arrival in orléans.

The first stop of this Loire road trip is Orléans , where you will spend one night. For your stay in Orléans, we recommend  Hotel des Cedres , located just a 10-minute walk from Orléans’ historical center. This beautiful hotel offers well-equipped, spacious rooms and a flower garden where you can relax with your favorite drink.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel des Cedres

Day 1 | Orléans – Chambord

Morning in Orléans

Before hitting the road, spend the morning visiting  Orléans . Over recent years, this dynamic city has engaged in major conservation projects to reveal all its former splendor. 

Orléans is famous as the city of  Jeanne d’Arc , known as the ‘Maid of Orléans’ and a French heroine who, on the 8th of May 1429, played a decisive role in the town’s liberation from the occupying English. Jeanne d’Arc managed to lead the French troops victoriously against the English armies, lift the siege of Orléans, and lead King Charles VII to the coronation in Reims, thus helping to reverse the course of the Hundred Years War .

The list of interesting things to visit in Orléans includes:

• The Cathedral of Sainte-Croix
• The historical center
• The banks of the Loire River

Afternoon a t Château de Chambord

The next stop of this Loire Valley itinerary is the beautiful  Château de Chambord . Commissioned by King François I, this 16th-century château is one of the  top castles in France to explore . Château de Chambord is the most impressive castle in the Loire River and a jewel of French Renaissance architecture.

Designed for the King’s hunting and pleasure trips, Château de Chambord also demonstrated his political and cultural power in Europe. The château has an original central double-spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci and beautiful French-style gardens to explore – Click here to book your tickets to Château de Chambord

TIP: Save time and money with the Loire Valley Châteaux Pass , a combo ticket to the top three châteaux of the Loire Valley: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Royal Château de Blois, all included in this Loire Valley road trip

Evening and night at Relais de Chambord

For a memorable night in the Loire Valley, book a room at  Relais de Chambord   on the castle grounds. Located in the heart of the Domaine National de Chambord , where King Francois I used to hunt, get ready to experience French  Art de Vivre  in this boutique hotel with a restaurant and wellness area. The well-equipped rooms are tastefully decorated and come with views of the Château, the Cosson River, Saint Louis Square, or the forest.

Click here to book your night at Relais de Chambord

Day 2 | Chambord – Blois

Morning in Chambord

With a beautiful hotel like this one, there’s no need to rush. After an excellent and leisurely French breakfast, take the time to explore the Domaine de Chambord . The grounds here have an area of 5,440 hectares, which is equivalent to the city of Paris!

The best way to explore the Domaine is by bike, and that’s what we recommend. With more than 20km of paths open to the public, you can also hike in the forest or explore the Cosson River that borders Chambord on a self-drive boat (no boating license required).

Afternoon in Blois

After exploring the Domaine de Chambord, drive to Blois, where you will spend the night. For your night in Blois, the Hotel Louise de Savoie is a good option with a central location, comfortable rooms furnished with traditional furniture, and optional private parking.

Click here to book your night at Hotel Louise de Savoie

Blois   is a beautiful city with remarkable architectural and cultural heritage. Its Old Town is very compact, and you can easily explore it on foot. In Blois, don’t miss to visit the  Château de Blois , the Loire’s finest in-town château and home to seven French Kings! The building has four wings built in four different architectural periods: Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical.

TIP: From April to September (and the days around the All Saints holiday), see the history of France come to life in a unique way with this sound and light show at the Château de Blois . The ticket to the show also includes entry to the Château de Blois.

Day 3 | Amboise

From Blois, head to Château de Perreux to spend the next two nights of this Loire Valley trip. The 18th-century Château de Perreux is one of the most beautiful chateau-hotels in the Loire Valley . Located in beautiful parkland just outside Amboise, it is a great base to explore Amboise and other beautiful châteaux nearby.

Click here to book your stay at Château de Perreux

The small town of Amboise is compact and easy to explore on foot. Amboise is best known for its 15th-century Royal Château , where King François I grew up. The château features magnificent royal chambers, underground passageways, and a beautiful garden with great views of the Loire River – Click here to buy your tickets to Château d’Amboise

Just outside Amboise, there’s Château du Clos Lucé , Leonardo da Vinci’s home in France until he died in 1519. Leonardo da Vinci came to live in Amboise in 1516, invited by King Francois I, who became his patron. The house has a small museum displaying working models of his designs. 

TIP: Buy this bundle Château d’Amboise + Château du Clos Lucé and save money! You can also discover Leonardo Da Vinci’s French connection with this convenient Leonardo Da Vinci Loire Valley pass , which includes skip-the-line tickets to Château de Chambord + Chateau d’Amboise + Château du Clos Lucé.

Fancy some wine tasting?  Les Caves Ambacia (56 Rue du Rocher des Violettes, Amboise) has suitable wine tours with tastings. Carved out by cave dwellers in the 16th century, the Caves Ambacia have hosted a wine merchant since 1874!

DID YOU KNOW?   In medieval times, the stone used for building the villages and castles in the area was mined from nearby mountains, creating a massive network of underground caves and galleries. Over the centuries, these caves were used for wine aging, mushroom farming, and shelter during the World Wars. Today, some of these underground caves are still used as restaurants, workshops, and wine cellars. Les Caves du Père Auguste is another beautiful example of underground caves-wine cellars. Located 10km from Amboise, it offers wine tours and tastings.

Day 4 | Château de Chenonceau

Spend the fourth day of this Loire Valley scenic route at Chenonceau – an easy drive from Amboise – to visit Château de Chenonceau and its grounds. Château de Chenonceau is one of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful castles, with a fairytale setting spanning the River Cher.

Diane de Poitiers , the mistress of King Henry II, created much of the castle and the wonderful “Garden of Diane.” Upon the King’s death, his widow Queen Cathérine de Médicis took the castle as her own and built the gallery over the River. The gallery now contains an exhibition that shows the roles that the Queens and mistresses of Kings had in this beautiful castle – Click here to book your tickets to Château de Chenonceau

Admire Château de Chenonceau from another point of view

A visit to the interior of the Château de Chenonceau is a must, but it’s worth viewing the château from other perspectives for more magnificent views.

Take a boat trip to see the château from the water. Canoë Company proposes different boat tours, guided or self-guided, with different itineraries.

You can also see the château (and the Loire Valley) at sunset from a hot-air balloon with France Mongolfières . We took a similar trip with them over Fontainebleau, and it was an incredible experience that we recommend! You can check our review  here .

Drive back to  Château de Perreaux  for dinner in the restaurant and a last drink in the garden.

What to do in Atlantic Loire Valley?

Inspiration

Atlantic Loire Valley Cycling Tourism Cultural Heritage Nature and Outdoor Activities

Reading time: 0 min Published on 20 July 2023, updated on 21 April 2024

Blue and green... If two colours were needed to describe and tell the story of the Pays de la Loire region, they would be these. Blue for the Atlantic Ocean, the 450 km of coastline dotted with bays, white beaches and secret coves, small ports and charming seaside resorts. Green for the Val de Loire, the beautiful countryside dotted with châteaux and remarkable abbeys, cycle paths and vineyards on the doorstep of towns renowned for their gentle way of life. These are just some of the possibilities for an original getaway in the Atlantic Loire Valley!

Not-to-be-missed tours in the Atlantic Loire Valley

On the Atlantic coast

La Baule North of the Loire estuary, the most famous seaside resort in the Pays de la Loire region is renowned for its grand hotels and thalassotherapy centres. Stretching out over 9km of perfectly rounded fine sandy beach, La Baule is also part of the very select [Most Beautiful Bays in the World] Club (https://www.france.fr/fr/actualite/liste/plus-belles-baies-france). Behind its seafront, Art Deco and Belle Epoque villas offer a delightful journey back in time, under century-old pine trees. La Baule is the gateway to the Brière Regional Nature Park and the Guérande salt marshes, just 3 hours from Paris by TGV.

Le Croisic and its ocearium Just a stone's throw from La Baule and Guérande, on a peninsula offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Côte Sauvage, Le Croisic is a small fishing port turned seaside resort. Popular for its beaches - Saint-Goustan, Port-Lin and Castouillet - and its water sports, Le Croisic is also famous for its starfish-shaped Océarium, home to the wonders of the seabed. Fun and educational, it's an ideal family visit.

Saint-Nazaire and Escal'Atlantic The birthplace of the prestigious Atlantic shipyards, Saint-Nazaire is a port town with a wide open outlook over the Loire Estuary. There are many seaside resorts along the coastal path, such as Monsieur Hulot's beach at Saint-Marc-sur-Mer, a reference to Jacques Tati's film. In Saint-Nazaire, you can also visit Escal'Atlantic, a unique attraction in Europe, set up in the former submarine base and dedicated to ocean liners. Multimedia displays, archive films and over 200 collector's items plunge visitors into the adventure of the great transatlantic crossings. Even if you stay on the quayside, you'll feel like you're there!

Pornic and the Côte de Jade (Jade Coast) From Saint-Brévin-les-Pins to Moutiers en Retz, via Pornic , the Côte de Jade is a collection of golden beaches and coves. As you follow the customs path, you'll come across cute little harbours, beautiful family houses and some very photogenic fisheries on stilts. With its perched castle, the castle of Gilles de Rais alias Barbe Bleue, dominating its marina, Pornic combines the charms of a medieval town with those of a lively family seaside resort all year round.

Noirmoutier and Île d'Yeu, pearls of the Vendée Off the coast of the Vendée, Yeu Island and Noirmoutier Island are two of the natural gems of the Pays de la Loire region. Wild landscapes, gourmet escapades, observation of the local flora and fauna, visits to workshops and art galleries, meetings with salt producers... Preserved natural areas and exceptional know-how are best discovered by bike or on foot. Escape guaranteed!

En savoir plus :

Visiter les Pays de la Loire Visiter la Loire-Atlantique Visiter l'Anjou (Maine-et-Loire) Visiter la Mayenne Visiter la Sarthe Visiter la Vendée

By Rédaction France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

Awaken your senses with creator Mathilde Cabanas in Nantes

Nantes' nuggets

Atlantic Loire Valley

48 hours of troglodyte style around Saumur

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A family cycling adventure on the Loire à Vélo

Discovering the most beautiful beaches of the Pays de la Loire, by Natigana

#ExploreFrance

5 good reasons to cycle together in the Loire Valley

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Rendez-vous at Île d'Yeu in Vendée

The Royal Abbey of Fontevrau, an "ideal city" for modern times.

Loire Valley Lodges review: sleep, feast and revive in treetop luxury

Forest hideaway offers chance to relax and reset in Michelin key-winning comfort

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The dawn chorus is an idyllic start to any day. But listening to it from the comfort of a bed in a treehouse as you soak up panoramic forest views – now that makes for a truly magical morning. 

And it's pretty much how every day starts for guests at Loire Valley Lodges, where both natural wonder and meticulous hospitality are abundant. Yet you'll find that, with 750 acres of private forest to explore, things only get better as the day goes on.

Land and lodges

This haven of tranquillity feels somewhat undersold by the word "hotel" – hideaway, oasis or sanctuary seem more apt. Guests are immersed in the woodland's scents and scenery from the moment they arrive. Every member of Loire Valley Lodges' impressive team doubles up as a forest guide, ready to show you the ropes – and routes – to help navigate your stay.

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An electric cart whisked myself, my sister and, thankfully, our luggage to our lodge. We became almost childlike along the way, our heads zipping around as we pointed out to each other the animals, flowers and artworks lining the paths. A double bass-playing cockerel of roughly my height stood proudly opposite our lodge – and for a moment, the striking sculpture managed to steal my attention away from the towering nest we would shortly be calling home.

The lodge quickly won me back. Designed by Isabelle Poulain, the hotel's sizeable suites are built on stilts, providing unique vantage points across the goings-on of the forest. Each treehouse has its own identity, from their location and orientation to the interior aesthetics. We stayed in number seven, better known as "Houppelandes" – a long, flowing garment shrouded in historic and cultural symbolism. Artist Elizabeth Riou's inspiration for the suite was brought to life through paintings, raw materials and a general aura of timelessness. That, and the two capes that were waiting to be donned too.

And when better to don them than before stepping out on to a private terrace, ready to enjoy a glass of local pétillant as the evening sun sets through the trees. Actually, I'd suggest slipping a cape on after a nighttime dip in the hot tub too. The lodges have their own private (and roof-covered) Jacuzzis, so guests can unwind while out in the wild, no matter the weather. Six also have individual saunas, for a complete in-room spa experience.

Step back inside and there are touches of luxury in every element of the accommodation. A walk-in waterfall shower, a coffee selection with the option to make your own tea bags from fresh botanicals, plush slippers and, yes, another set of robes – one for indoor and outdoor, of course.

The less expected features were some of our favourites. An ecological speaker carved from mango wood provided all the amplification needed for our stay's soundtrack (never has Taylor Swift been so sustainable). A walkie-talkie was provided, so we could call through to reception with any questions or requests. And a torch was a thoughtful addition too, meaning our phones could be left in the lodge while we took a twilight stroll unencumbered.

It's this attention to detail, the offering's uniqueness, and the accompanying impeccable service that has earned Loire Valley Lodges a Michelin key. The judge of all things excellence – also known as the Michelin Guide – announced its first such accolades for outstanding hotels in France earlier this month, and it's little surprise this boutique bolthole was among those recognised. Like Michelin stars, earning a key is no small feat – and one that speaks to just how remarkable a stay here is.

Revive and reset 

Loire Valley Lodges feels optimised for relaxation and rejuvenation. Each of the 18 lodges is Wi-Fi and TV free. That may sound heavenly to some, and strike fear in others – but as someone whose own screen time needs a serious detox, I can confidently say this is the most pleasurable way to start digitally disconnecting. There's also Wi-Fi back at the lounge bar and terrace, if you do need to log on.

You're unlikely to need online distractions, though – and whether you're looking to restore your energy or use it up, there's plenty to do. On the more active side, grab a map and a set of bikes to take a tour of the grounds. In typical French style, there are beautiful tree-lined tracks that extend beyond the eye's view, as well as smaller forest paths from which to spy a number of pieces of al fresco art. There's plenty of scenic spots with conveniently placed seating too, so you can pause and take in the peaceful surroundings. 

If you're after a more indulgent agenda, an in-lodge massage can't be topped. We enjoyed ours outside on the lodge terrace, as the birds and warm morning sun provided an idyllic sensory backdrop. On cooler days, the team sets up in the suites, so you needn't move a muscle.

An amble through the grounds and gardens is a must. There's the option to take a forest bathing session that's designed to attune the mind and senses to the natural surroundings. Sound baths, yoga classes and guided relaxations also feature on the extensive wellbeing menu, with the team ready to advise and accommodate depending on the kind of reset your mind and body might be craving.

And if the weather's warm, there's really nothing better than a refreshing dip at the pool. With changing rooms, loungers, a nordic bath to soak in, and the restaurant team close at hand, guests have all they need to spend a day making the most of the sun.

Wining and dining

For something more substantial than between-swim-snacks, dinner at Ardent is a real joy. The dining room is charming, overlooking the gardens, creative works adorning the walls, and decked with beautiful solid wood tables and furnishings. It's also one of the only places you're likely to see other guests, who we had almost forgotten existed thanks to the solitude of our treetop hideaway. 

Choose from a four-, six- or eight-course menu, with optional wine pairing, and prepare to be delighted. Head chef Thomas Besnault designs seasonal menus that are at once elegant and surprising, playful and punchy. Tuna tataki dotted with beetroot and sage berries, a deliciously fresh "rock around a pea", and veal with herbs picked fresh from the forest – each course was a delight. One of my favourites was a more understated but no less delicious fried mushroom, served on a mossy bed and accompanied by a local IPA. The birch-inspired dessert, paired with a pear cider, was a treat too. 

Well-fed and well-rested, and just when you think you might never need to eat again, the next morning brings breakfast served à la basket, delivered to the lodges via a pulley system on the terrace. Fresh bread, pastries, apple compote, cheese, gravlax, preserves, juices – it's quite a spread. In-lodge dinners are a feast too. Hampers packed with mason jars and casserole dishes brought soups, terrines, duck parmentier, celery risotto, mousses, candied pear. There's no compromising on quality if you opt for room service here, with the team arriving earlier in the day to lay out the table and set the scene for dinner in the woods.

If you can manage another meal, the "finger food" menu is served on the terrace or the cosy inner lounge during lunch hours. We opted for some of our favourite French staples, with baked Camembert and charcuterie – and of course, yet more bread. 

There's further culinary excitement for guests planning stays this summer, with news that guest chefs Gil Nogueira and Sayaka Sawaguchi will be taking the reins at Loire Valley Lodges' second restaurant, Asperatus. The Michelin green star awardees will bring their sustainable ethos to its outdoor kitchen, in a pop-up residency that promises to impress. 

Getting there

Loire Valley Lodges is less than a 30-minute drive from Tours and its airport, which is served by several flights a week from London Stansted. 

Or extend a stay in Paris with a reviving few days at the Lodges, which is a little over an hour from the capital by train (making it ideal for those who prefer to take the Eurostar too). 

Best to book sooner than later for stays this summer, with the Olympics likely to see more tourists seeking some green space after taking in the hubbub of the Games.

Julia O'Driscoll was a guest of Loire Valley Lodges, where nightly rates begin from €440, including breakfast; loirevalleylodges.com

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Julia O'Driscoll is the engagement editor. She covers UK and world news, as well as writing lifestyle and travel features. She regularly appears on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast, and hosted The Week's short-form documentary podcast, “The Overview”. Julia was previously the content and social media editor at sustainability consultancy Eco-Age, where she interviewed prominent voices in sustainable fashion and climate movements. She has a master's in liberal arts from Bristol University, and spent a year studying at Charles University in Prague.

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