trip loire valley

How to Plan the Perfect Loire Valley Itinerary

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

About the Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley is the region around the Loire River’s middle stretch in Central France. Comprising about 800 km2, this is France’s most extensive area ever to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful destinations in France, a delicate blend of nature, history, and French elegant art-de-vivre . Here, you can enjoy vibrant medieval towns, fairytale castles, stunning gardens, delicious food, and some of France’s best wines.

There is such a variety of stunning places to see in the Loire Valley that it is difficult to choose only a few of them!

Do you plan on visiting the Loire Valley, France? This Loire Valley Trip Planner is here to help you plan the perfect Loire Valley itinerary. Read what to do in the Loire Valley, the best time to go, itinerary suggestions, and our best tips.

Is Loire Valley worth visiting? The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful regions of France, which perfectly combines nature, history, and French art-de-vivre.

Table of Contents:

• Best Time to Visit the Loire Valley
• How Many Days in the Loire Valley?

How to Visit Loire Valley

Defining the perfect loire valley itinerary, best cities in the loire valley.

• Stay in One of the Château hotels in the Loire Valley

Best Châteaux of the Loire Valley to Visit

Best medieval towns in the loire valley.

• Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley
• Other Fun Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Best Time to Visit Loire Valley

The Loire Valley sits right in the center of France, dividing north and south, so it gets relatively hot in summer (around 25°C in July) and cold in winter (around 7°C in January).

The best time to visit Loire Valley to have good weather is from April to October. Spring is a great time to visit the chateaux’s gardens, all in full bloom.

The best seasons for outdoor activities are spring and autumn. The shoulder seasons in the Loire Valley are perfect for walking and cycling.

The months of July and August see the crowds in the Loire Valley, especially around the main sites. For the best accommodation and prices, it will be key to book well in advance. Also, we recommend buying skip-the-line tickets online in advance for the main Châteaux of the Loire Valley.

The season to avoid for a Loire Valley trip is winter. The winter months see rain and cooler temperatures, and some châteaux may be closed.

How Many Days in Loire Valley

The Loire Valley has so many things to see and do that you could spend all your French holiday in this region.

To get the most out of the Loire Valley, we recommend a minimum of 3 full days, but ideally 5-to 6 days. If you spend 5 to 6 days in the Loire Valley, you will have time to visit a couple of towns and cities, explore some of the best Châteaux of the Loire Valley, wine tasting and shopping, and perhaps a relaxing boat trip.

Loire Valley tours from Paris are also popular amongst people with tight schedules and they are perfectly planned to see a bit of everything.

1. Loire Valley Tour from Paris

Thanks to its proximity to the French capital, the Loire Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Paris .

There are many Loire Valley tours with an expert guide worth considering, but you can also book a customized Loire Valley day tour with the places you like.

Most of the Loire Valley tours are focused around the main Châteaux and towns. If you are more interested in vineyards than stones, check out this Loire Valley wine tour from Paris .

Have a look at this article on how to plan a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris (self-guided or with a guided tour) and get the most out of your day in the Loire Valley!

2. Take a Loire Valley Road Trip

For extended trips to the Loire Valley, we recommend taking a road trip. A French self-drive holiday will allow you to visit the main sites and also other stunning châteaux and medieval towns, which are more difficult to reach by public transportation.

If you need some inspiration to craft your itinerary, have a look at this 5-day Loire Valley road trip . You will also find this road trip in our France by Car e-book , complete with the best places to eat and sleep for each day and our recommendations on customizing this driving holiday for shorter or longer trips.

If you don’t have a car in France, we recommend booking one with  Discover Cars . This site is great because it takes all major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, and more, and compares prices for you. If this is your first time driving in France, check out our best  tips for renting a car in France .

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

If you plan to visit Paris before heading to the Loire Valley, you can take a train from Paris to Tours, Blois, or Orléans and then pick up your rental car in one of these cities.

• Rent a car in Orléans
• Rent your Car in Tours
• Rent your Car in Blois

3. Loire Valley by Train

Cities and towns like Tours, Beaugency, Orléans, Blois, and Amboise are easy to reach by train. Here’s a list of train distances and times from Paris for reference:

• Train Paris – Tours : 1h 12 min (fast train)
• Train Paris – Orléans : 1h 52 min (fast train)
• Train Paris – Blois : 1,5-2hrs (direct or via Orléans)
• Train Paris – Amboise : 2-2,5hrs (direct or via Orléans)

Thanks to the Train Loire à Vélo (Train Loire by Bike) system, you can board trains on the Interloire line with your bicycle, from mid-June to mid-September. The service is free and has dedicated personnel to take care of your bike from the moment you board to when you get it back when you get off.

This train is great for La Loire à Vélo and the Itinéraire Vélocéan bike routes and allows you to easily skip stages or return to your point of departure.

The Loire Valley is more than fairytale castles. The region is also known for its vibrant cities, medieval towns, and natural wonders, so the perfect itinerary Loire Valley combines a little bit of all these things.

If you visit the Loire Valley for the first time, you may want to stick to the main sites. However, the most memorable Loire Valley trip usually begins when you leave the beaten path.

So what should include the perfect Loire Valley itinerary?

• One of the Loire Valley’s main cities
• One or two of the Loire Valley’s medieval towns
• Two of the most popular Châteaux of the Loire Valley
• One of the Châteaux off the main tourist track
• A stay in one of the stunning château-hotels in the Loire Valley
• A Loire Valley wine tour with tastings
• One or two outdoor activities

The list of things to do in the Loire Valley can be longer or shorter depending on the duration of your holiday. For example, for a Loire Valley 3-day itinerary , stay in one of the cities mentioned below. From there, visit a medieval village, one or two top castles, and take a wine tour. For a Loire Valley 5-day itinerary or longer, add at least one night in one of the stunning château-hotels nearby.

The Loire Valley’s main cities are a good place to put down your suitcases for a couple of days. Enjoy the city’s atmosphere and main sights and explore the rest of the Loire Valley on day trips. Here are the cities in the Loire Valle not to miss:

1. Orléans

Orléans is the capital of the Centre-Val-de Loire region . Orléans is famous as the city of  Jeanne d’Arc , a French heroine who, on the 8th of May 1429, played a decisive role in the town’s liberation from the occupying English.  

Over recent years, this dynamic city has engaged in major conservation projects to reveal all its former splendor. Orléans is a good base to explore the medieval towns of Beaugency, Meung-sur-Loire, and the castles of Chambord and Cheverny.

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 visiting the  Château de Blois , the Loire’s finest in-town château and home to seven French Kings!

Blois is a good base to explore the medieval town of Beaugency, the city of Amboise with its Royal Castle and the Clos de Lucé, and the castles of Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont sur Loire, and Chenonceau.

Tours is a historic city with a rich heritage. Tours was the capital of the French kingdom, even if for a short time. It is also a student city, with a lively city center populated by many restaurants and bars that pop up their terraces outside as soon as the beautiful days arrive. 

Tours is an excellent base to explore the medieval towns of Chinon, and Langeais, the city of Amboise with its Royal Castle and the Clos de Lucé, and the castles of Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry.

Sitting on the River Loire banks, in the region of Pays-de-la-Loire, the city of  Saumur  has a pretty medieval Old Town to explore crowned by a fairytale medieval castle and plenty to see and do.

Saumur is a good base to explore the medieval towns of Chinon and Langeais, the city of Angers with its imposing medieval castle, the magnificent Abbey of Fontevraud – the burial place of the Plantagenets in France – and the castles of Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry.

Stay in One of the Château Hotels in the Loire Valley

For a total Loire Valley experience, stay a couple of nights in one of the wonderful château hotels in the Loire Valley.

Many Châteaux of the Loire Valley have found new lives as château hotels and now offer accommodation with discerning five-star service that will treat you like a royal, if only just for the night. Explore the best Castles of the Loire Valley during the day, and choose your particular château to rest your head at night.

Click here for the best chateau-hotels in the Loire Valley . Other château hotels in the Loire Valley worth considering are:

• Château de Noizay , near Amboise
• Domaine des Hauts de Loire , near Chaumont-sur-Loire
• Château d’Artigny  near Tours
• Château de Beauvois , near Villandry
• Château de Chissay , near Château de Chenonceau
• Château de la Menaudière , near Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Gizeux , near Tours
• Château de Marçay , near Chinon
• Château de Troussail , in Cheverny
• Château Belmont , in Tours
• Les Sources de Cheverny , in Cheverny
• Château de Perreux , near Amboise
• Château des Arpentis , near Amboise
• Château de Rochecotte , near Villandry, Rigny-Ussé and Chinon
• Château de Pray , near Amboise

In the Loire Valley, you will find some of the most beautiful French castles to visit . Most of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley were built during the Renaissance, so they are very different from the Château de Versailles and other  castles near Paris .

As there are several hundred châteaux in the Loire Valley, with about 100 open to the public, it’s quite difficult to choose only a few for your itinerary!

If you don’t know what castles to visit, this list of the best Châteaux of the Loire Valley may help. For a perfect Loire Valley itinerary, we recommend visiting only 2-3 castles a day and completing the rest of the days with other activities.

If you plan on visiting the Loire Valley during the high season, we recommend buying skip-the-line tickets to the most popular castles online. Below we list the Loire Castles you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• Château de Chambord
• Château de Blois
• Château d’Amboise
• Château du Clos de Lucé (in Amboise)
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Château de Villandry
• Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Chaumont sur Loire
• Royal Fortress of Chinon

If you want to visit more than two Châteaux during your Loire Valley trip, consider one of the following Châteaux de la Loire Passes with skip-the-line access to save time and money:

• Leonardo da Vinci Loire Valley Pass – Château du Clos Lucé + Royal Château d’Amboise + Château de Chambord
• Loire Valley Châteaux Pass – Château de Chambord + Château de Chenonceau + Château de Blois (or Château d’Amboise, or Château du Clos Lucé)
• Touraine Château Pass – Château de Villandry + Château d’Azay-le-Rideau + Royal Fortress of Chinon

The Loire Valley is dotted with some of the most beautiful medieval towns in France and other picturesque villages accredited with labels like “Plus beaux villages de France” (Most beautiful villages in France) or “Petites Cités de Caractère” (Small towns of character). You will certainly be charmed by their tuffeau stone houses, flower-filled streets, and medieval remains!

Here’s the list of the best small towns and villages in the Loire Valley:

Along the banks of the Loire River

• Meung-sur-Loire

Along the banks of the Vienne and Indre Rivers

Along the banks of the Cher River

• Montrichard

Other Loire Valley Villages Worth Exploring

• St-Florent-le-Vieil
• Yèvre-le-Châte
• Candes-Saint-Martin
• Crissay-sur-Manse
• Trentemoult

Taste the Wines of the Loire Valley

If you like French wine , we recommend visiting one or two wineries in the Loire Valley Wine Region , where you’ll learn about the history of the land and get to taste several local wines, sometimes paired with delicious cheeses. 

The Loire Valley is one of the largest wine regions in France. If you are looking for lighter wines, the wines of Loire Valley are right up your alley. There are great selections of lighter red wines, delicate, fruity white wines, sweet roses, and a large production of sparkling wines (named Crémants de Loire).

The Loire Valley Wine Region has different production zones. The production area closest to the main Châteaux of the Loire Valley is Touraine , located around the city of Tours.

East of Tours, the production is focused on white wines from Chenin grape variety (e.g. AOC Vouvray). West of Tours, is the land of red wines from Cabernet Franc grape variety (e.g. AOC Chinon, AOC Borgueil). The AOC Touraine produces light wines in three colors (white, red, rosé).

All these Loire Valley wineries offer top-rated tours and tastings in French and English. A visit to these wineries is also a great opportunity to buy excellent wines directly from the producers. Book your visit online in advance.

• Domaine Thierry Cosme  – AOC Vouvray
• Domaine Les Pièrres d’Aurèle  – AOC Touraine
• Domaine Cahterine et Michel Langlois  – AOC Pouilly Fumé
• Domaine Jean-Marc et Mathieu Crochet  – AOC Sancerre

If you don’t have a car, here are some suggestions for wine day tours in the Loire Valley:

• Loire Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Driver (departs from Tours and Amboise)
• Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis (departs from Tours)
• Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting (in Amboise, no transportation)

Other Fun Things to Do in the Loire Valley, France

Of course, the Loire Valley offers much more than sightseeing. If you are visiting the Loire Valley for more than two or three days, consider one of these fun activities for adventure lovers:

1. See the Loire Valley Castles from Other Points of View

A visit to the interior of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley is a must, but it’s worth viewing the Castles from other perspectives for more magnificent views.

Take a boat trip to see the Château de Chenonceau from the water . The Canoë Company  offers different boat tours that are guided or self-guided, with different itineraries.

You can also admire the Châteaux de Chenonceau (and the Loire Valley) from a hot-air balloon with  France Montgolfières . Our trip with them over Fontainebleau was an incredible experience that we recommend. You can check our review  here .

Another unique way to explore the Châteaux of the Loire Valley is a micro flight with a professional pilot . Flights last from 30 min to 1,5 hrs, depending on the chosen option. The departure point is 40km from Tours, and you will be able to admire the Châteaux de Chenonceau, Loches, Chaumont, and Amboise.

2. La Loire à Vélo (The Loire Valley by Bike)

Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Loire Valley by following part of the famous Loire Valley bike route . We have covered different sections already, and it’s always a fun experience!

3. Taste the Regional Food

France is well-known for its great food, and the Loire Valley region is no exception. Here’s a list of some delicious specialties from the Loire Valley:

• Game Meat  – Wild boar (sanglier), deer (cerf), duck (canard), quail (caille), pigeon and rabbit (lapin)
• Fish  – Commonly served fish in this region include pike perch/zander (sandre), bream (brème), and eels (anguilles). They are usually served with a butter sauce (beurre blanc)
• Goat Cheese  (chèvre) such as Saint Maure, Pouligny-St-Pierre, Selles-sur-Cher and Crottin de Chavignol
• Rillettes  – usually made using pork, it’s a textured pâté and served spread on bread
• Touraine Rillons  (Rillons de Touraine) – slow-cooked pork belly cubes
• Caramelized Apple pie  (Tarte Tatin) – this famous dessert comes from this region, and more specifically from Sologne

4. Shopping

Most of the Châteaux open to visitors have impressive souvenir shops with interesting history books and medieval-related merchandise.

If you take a wine tour, don’t miss the opportunity to buy a couple of your favorite bottles. Prices are always cheaper than in the wine shops in the city.

Look for the local markets for regional produce, cheese, rillettes, and local sweets.

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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 Perfect Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris

Published on September 25, 2023

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

The Loire Valley is a beautiful area of France, with numerous magnificent châteaux dotting the vineyard-filled countryside lining the calm Loire River that’s perfect for kayaking. But you don’t have to spend a week in the Loire to enjoy it; to get a feel for the area, you can have a great Loire Valley day trip from Paris to get out of the city and into the real France.

By train, bus or car, you can visit a château, taste the crisp white wine the area is known for and spend time in one of the most intriguing museums in France: da Vinci’s House. And you can do it all in just one day!

Table of Contents

How to Get from Paris to the Loire Valley

There are several ways to reach the Loire Valley from Paris, depending on how much freedom you want, who you want to travel with and whether you mind arranging your day out based on public transport schedules. Let’s look at a few options in detail.

By Organised Tour

If you want to take a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley but don’t want to organise everything yourself, or you’d like some company, there are some excellent Loire Valley tours.

On this full-day tour or this full-day tour you will be taken on a comfortable coach from central Paris to some of the highlights of the Loire, including the magical Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceaux, including wine tasting as well as a stop in the lovely town of Blois.

Or if you’re looking for a more intimate tour this small group tour or this guided tour will skip Blois and head to the famous Château and quaint town of Amboise where you can also visit the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. This way you can see some of the most iconic Loire Valley castles.

You can also organise a private tour if you prefer a more personalised tour.

It’s hard to fit all of the highlights into one day in the Loire Valley, but these tours do a good job and can be a great option instead of travelling alone.

There are several options to get to the Loire Valley from Paris by train, but by far the easiest is to the city of Tours.

This journey takes just over one hour, and there are trains leaving Paris Austerlitz and Montparnasse Stations approximately every half an hour throughout the day, so this is the best way to do your day trip from Paris by public transport.

There are also regular return journeys to Paris from Tours main station Gare De St-Pierre-Des-Corps, with the last train around 10.30 pm. You can view train schedules here.

Once you’ve arrived in Tours to start your day trip, you can take trains to most of the locations on our itinerary, however, taking local buses may be easier. Or, simply enjoy a day trip to Tours, as there’s plenty to see and do within the city.

If you do travel out of the city, you can head back to Paris from Amboise or Blois-Chambord via Orléans – although the last trains back are before 8 pm so try not to lose track of time.

The last stop on our itinerary is Chenonceaux, to get back to Paris, you’ll need to take the train back to Tours first, although this journey just takes 25 minutes.

Bus isn’t the most practical way to reach the Loire Valley from Paris as it can take from 3 to 3 and a half hours from Paris Bus Station to Tours. So if you want to make the most of a day trip to the Loire Valley, you’ll have to get up early and get back late so you don’t spend your whole day on the road.

However, travelling by bus is the cheapest option to reach the Loire, with tickets to Tours under 10 euros, and many buses making the journey each day at all hours, so you’re not stuck travelling at inconvenient times. You can view bus schedules here.

Bus rides to Blois are slightly more expensive, but it does cut your journey down to 2 and a half hours to save you a bit more time on your day trip.

Driving is the easiest way to spend one day in the Loire Valley as a day trip from Paris, as you have the freedom to travel on your own schedule. However, you’ll want to leave Paris relatively early and get back late if you’re travelling during weekdays, as the traffic around Paris can be a nightmare.

Most of the time it’s manageable, however, when there are roadworks – as are common outside of the holiday season in France – navigating the roads to leave the city can be a bit complicated.

Google Maps has live traffic information, so it can be more useful than your car sat-nav for avoiding traffic, as well as avoiding toll roads.

There are many toll roads in France, which explains why the roads are in excellent condition, however, if you want to keep the cost of your trip down and take the scenic routes, you should avoid the main routes out of Paris.

The easiest way to reach Tours from Paris for the start of your day trip to the Loire Valley is to head towards Orléans on the A71 and turn off to Tours on the A10. However, this is a toll road and can cost you up to €36.00.

The best way to avoid it is by taking the N20 through Châteaudun, followed by the N10 to Tours. You should also be aware that Paris has a low emissions zone to reduce pollution, so some cars will be given an extra charge for driving through. Bear this in mind before bringing your own car or renting one from Paris.

Usually, the journey takes around 2 and a half hours from Paris to Tours, and there are car parks all over the city. Parking Relais, for example, is located in the centre of Tours and is open 24 hours, so you don’t need to worry about rushing back to your car in the evening.

If you need to rent a car for your time in France, you can browse Rentalcars.com which compares prices across major companies.

Loire Valley Day Trip Itinerary

There’s plenty to see in the Loire Valley , so ideally you’d spend a week or more in the area rather than just have a day trip.

However, since it’s so close to Paris , if you want to nip down for a glimpse of a château and a sip of white wine, you can structure your day to make the most of a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris by sticking to one area – perhaps around the famed Chateau de Chambord.

If you have a car, the journey will be a lot easier as you can move around as you please, but it is possible to reach each location via train and bus.

Our Loire Valley day trip itinerary will take you from Tours to Chenonceaux, which is just a distance of 40 km, so you can easily drive there in a day, as well as take the train, bus, or even taxis to make the most of your time.

Arriving by train, bus or car into the centre of Tours, start your morning wandering around the old town. These beautiful city streets lined with colourful half-timbered houses make a wonderful backdrop for a morning stroll as well as a quick breakfast in a patisserie or little café.

Amble from the delightful Place Plumereau to the extravagant Basilica of Saint Martin via the Tours clocktower before heading for more sightseeing to see the wonderful architecture of the Tours Opéra and taking a stroll along the Loire River to see the 11th-century Château de Tours – one of the beautiful Loire castles.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Tuesday to Sunday, you can enjoy the large Tours street market where you can try the local speciality nougat and dried pears while perusing the fresh produce and seeing the locals go about their business.

One of the most important activities to do while in the Loire Valley, whether you’re there for a day trip or a week-long holiday, is wine tasting, and there’s nowhere more iconic than Vouvray. The town itself is rather small but is surrounded by vineyards, châteaux and caves where the locals have been making wine for centuries.

Take a bus, taxi, guided tour or drive to any of the fantastic vineyards for a great experience tasting the crisp whites and sparkling wines that Vouvray is famous for.

Visit the spectacular Musée de la Vigne et du Vin du Château de Moncontour, just 3 minutes driving from Vouvray centre for a wine experience like no other, tasting and learning about the local wines in the Château’s museum.

10 minutes north of Vouvray, you can have a more unique local experience, visiting the 26-hectare vineyard of Vigneau-Chevreau and exploring the troglodyte caves where the wine is aged and you can taste the local produce.

All wine-tasting experiences will provide a spittoon if you need one, or make sure you have a designated driver for the rest of your day trip.

Arriving in Amboise we approach lunchtime, so either pick up a sandwich in a bakery in the centre to keep moving quickly, or stop in one of the many excellent bistros, restaurants, brasseries and fine dining restaurants for a great experience of the Loire cuisine.

But Amboise is by no means just a food stop; it’s one of the many must-see places of the Loire Valley – and for good reason! Depending on how much time you have, you can choose from two spectacular sites in the town to visit: Amboise Château or Leonardo da Vinci’s House.

Built in the 11th century and turned over to the crown in the 15th, Amboise Château is an incredible sight to behold from the town centre as it sits on a hilltop, overseeing the land and watching out for approaching attackers.

Decorated in the Renaissance style, Amboise Château was once the royal residence of famous French kings, notably François I, who invited da Vinci to live and work for the remainder of his life in a beautiful home just 400m away.

Wander around the castle and its grounds, and make sure to stop over in the château’s chapel, where da Vinci was laid to rest 500 years ago.

Perhaps more exciting than the King’s residence, is that of the legendary Italian artist and creative Leonardo da Vinci.

Da Vinci lived in the Château du Clos Lucé for just 3 years, although these were perhaps some of his most active years as an inventor for the King, as he designed everything from bridges to water transportation devices and war machines.

Inside the house, you can see where the artist lived upstairs, while on the lower floor, you can see small recreations of da Vinci’s designs amongst his drawings and plans, and videos explaining how each creation worked.

The most exciting part of the da Vinci property is located in the grounds. As you walk around the large wooded grounds with a river flowing through, you’ll come across recreations of da Vinci’s paintings hidden away in the treetops, as well as life-size models of his inventions.

Walk across the bridges, step inside the wooden tank and play with the many other intriguing inventions that the creator was working on for the King of France.

You could easily spend a few hours here, but keep an eye on the time as there’s one more stop on your Loire Valley day trip itinerary.

Chenonceaux

Just a 20-minute drive south of Amboise is one of the most beautiful and iconic châteaux of the Loire Valley: the Château de Chenonceau.

The huge castle stretches out over several arches onto the Cher River and is as remarkable to look at as it is to learn about as you explore the interior rooms. You can  organise tickets here.

The Château de Chenonceau has changed hands many times in its nearly 600-year life, although almost always remaining in the hands of powerful women of France, from Diane de Poitiers to Catherine de Medici to Louise of Lorraine, each of whom made their own mark on the château.

Having fallen into disrepair in the 19th century, the castle became a military hospital before being restored and opened for visitors all across the world to explore and learn of the long history of the wives, mistresses and daughters-in-law of the Kings of France.

Wander through the great hall and large ornate rooms designed by Catherine de Medici, and stop by the dark, funerary chamber of Louise of Lorraine where she mourned her husband, before wandering around the incredible topiary in the castle gardens.

Depending on how much time you have left, you can stop by the town of Chenonceaux for dinner, or start to make your way back to Paris by train or bus via Tours or Blois, or drive back on the country roads to avoid the tolls near Orléans.

Where to Stay in Paris

La Planque Hotel – Mid-range visitors to the French capital will love this cosy hotel. Located in a great central area perfect for day trips, they have a number of lovely rooms to choose from along with breakfast available each morning. Click here to check availability

Hôtel Jardin de Cluny – Those after a luxury option in Paris will love this chic hotel in the Latin Quarter. Whether you’re looking for a great base in the city or a good jumping-off point for some day trips, they have plenty of plush amenities to enjoy. Click here to check availability

My Maison In Paris Montmartre – These apartments in Paris’ Montmartre neighbourhood are an excellent choice for those after a self-catering option in the French capital. There are a range of flats to choose from that come equipped with all you may need during your time in the city and its surroundings. Click here to check availability

The People Paris Marais – If you’re looking for a great hostel in Paris will love this centrally-located option. They have both private rooms and dorm beds available and there’s also breakfast on offer in the mornings. Click here to check availability

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

The Loire Valley is bursting with fun, historic and cultural activities, but fortunately, lots of the highlights are concentrated in a small area so you can have an excellent day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris, without spending too much time travelling.

Are you planning to visit the Loire Valley? Have any questions about this day trip? 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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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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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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Every weekend is an adventure

Loire valley: castles map and itinerary suggestions to optimise your trip.

• Post published: 21 October 2017
• Post category: Centre - Loire / Europe / France

When you see all the things to do in the Loire Valley, I know it can be overwhelming to create an itinerary. Especially if you only have a couple of days to experience it all. I’ve been in your position. This Loire Valley itinerary and the map of the Loire Valley castles at the end will help you make the best choices for your trip.

The Loire Valley is a jewel of France. I can’t believe it took me 30 years to visit this region that the French Royalty picked to build some of their best castles. From the Loire Valley castles to the wineries, we spent a lovely couple of days exploring the region on a detour from Bordeaux to Brittany .

What is the Loire Valley best known for?

The Loire Valley is mostly famous for three things: stunning castles (with a lovely mix of royal castles, fairy-tale castles and medieval castles), magnificent gardens and delectable white wines. It’s a perfect destination for a romantic getaway!

How many days do you need in the Loire Valley?

We spent three days in the Loire Valley and had time to visit a few castles and gardens, check out troglodyte homes and taste delicious dry white wines. However, our two-day itinerary in the Loire Valley was quite packed. Three days would be ideal for a more relaxing visit to the Loire Valley and to enjoy a bit more of the many things the region has to offer.

If you have more time, cycling holidays can be an original way to enjoy the flat region. And if you have a lot of time, you could make a loop from Paris by visiting the nearby Brittany and Normandy regions.

Tips to pick the best Loire Valley castles for your itinerary

How many castles are in the loire valley.

With more than 300 castles along the river, the Loire Valley has the densest collection of castles in France. Not all of them have the splendid Renaissance style when we first have in mind when thinking of the Loire Valley. Some fortified castles were built half a millennium earlier, in the 10th century. And most importantly for your Loire Valley itinerary, most of them are closed to visitors. Still, if you have a look at the Loire Valley map below, you’ll realise there are many castles in the Loire Valley that you can’t see them all in one visit, especially if you only stay for a couple of days in the region. There’s a group of 42 chateaux in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

My biggest tip is to always double-check if the castles you chose aren’t being renovated at the time of your visit to avoid disappointment. Apart from that, it’s hard to make a mistake when selecting a castle: they seem to all have their charms. Hence, selecting the best castles to visit in the Loire Valley is not an easy task, as it depends on what you want to experience.

Should you follow the crowd to the most popular castles? 

You could be surprised by how stunning the less famous castles can be ..

Some prefer going off the beaten track rather than following a typical Loire Valley itinerary and visiting less touristy castles. I had never heard of the Chateau of Sully-sur-Loire before receiving a photo from my mother as she was driving across the region. It looks beautiful, don’t you think?

But the most famous Loire Valley castles are popular for good reasons too.

For your first visit, I suggest selecting at least one castle on a river (like Chenonceau or Azay-le-Rideau) and one castle with beautiful gardens (like Villandry). You can use the Loire Valley castles map below to see where all the castles are and their category.

Chenonceau and Chambord are the most touristy Loire Valley castles. Hence, they’re not the best choices during the peak season if you want to avoid crowds or if you are on a budget. But it’s always a hard call to keep these off the list: they are good reasons why they are so often mentioned as the best castles in the Loire Valley.

I preferred admiring the castles from the outside to spending time inside, mainly because my time in the Loire Valley was limited. This can influence the ones you put on your list and also your Loire Valley itinerary. Those castles located in the town centres (like Amboise or Chinon) make great stops after hours when other castles are closed to visitors.

If you love History or antiques, you will want to go inside. Although it’s not what I’m most interested in, I still recommend entering at least one historical castle . Some will send you a few centuries back in time as you imagine the stories coming alive in these rooms with the old furniture and decorations. Again, Chenonceau is a safe option. But I’m sure most kids will prefer Usse.

Don’t want to make any efforts?  There are many tours that you can join to visit the Loire Valley. Viator* offers a selection of trips from Paris that you can book online . 

Two days in the Loire Valley: itinerary suggestion to see seven of the best castles in the Loire Valley

You can use the numbers to locate the place on the Loire Valley castle map at the end of this article. The map also shows all the other castles we did not include in our itinerary. The Loire Valley map divides the castles into three categories: castles with a river, castles with gardens, and castles with great History.

Amboise is known for being the best town to stay in Loire Valley. So we started our Loire Valley itinerary in Amboise. We arrived at the end of the day to sleep in a troglodyte home *. Our walk in the town with the illuminated castle was a great introduction to the Loire Valley. French luxury at its peak.

We were at Amboise castle outside visiting hours, so we could not check out the views the French kings had when they resided there from the 15th to the 19th century. The tomb of Leonard da Vinci is inside the castle.

If you’ve always dreamt of a royal experience sleeping in a Chateau, you may make your dream come true in Amboise.

The stunning Chateau des Arpentis* was built in 1400 and has been transformed into a very stylish hotel. The rooms offer views of the beautiful park where deer and horses can be spotted. Click here for more information*

We opted for a cheaper option – but still original: a troglodyte room . It’s quite unusual to sleep in a cosy cave! Click here to have a look at Le Clos de L’Hermitage*  for an example of troglodyte rooms.

We cooked our own dinner in Amboise. But if you’re looking for an original place where to eat local specialities, you may be interested in La Cave Aux Fouees *, a troglodyte restaurant named after the famous bread from the region of the Loire Valley. You can watch the baker cook the fouees (the bread) in the woodfire oven, and eating in a room carved into a cave adds to the special experience.

2. Chenonceau

Spanning over the river, Chenonceau is a gorgeous symbol of the Loire Valley and probably the most famous castle in the Loire Valley. I’ve heard before that Chenonceau is overrated, and I disagree . It’s massive, with lovely gardens and full of History. It’s kind of hard to beat, honestly, and for sure on the list of the best castles in the Loire Valley. Those who love Queen’s and King’s gossip will find it fascinating. As we were going from one room to another, each with its own story, I felt like being in a movie. The gardens and the maze are nice to visit too.

We went there as early as possible outside of peak season to avoid the crowd. If we had more time, I would have loved to paddle on the river to get different views of the massive and beautiful Chenonceau.

If you have more than two days in the Loire Valley, you may want to consider spending a night near Chenonceau, in the beautiful Chateau de Chissay *.

3. Azay-le-Rideau

Azay-le-Rideau taught me an important lesson for those planning a trip to the Loire Valley. Check if the castles you plan to visit are doing renovations.

Azay-le-Rideau was still open, so the trip was not for nothing, but it was not as lovely as in the photos I saw when planning our itinerary. Most of the castle was under a scaffold. If I had done my homework and found it was being renovated; I wouldn’t have included it in our Loire Valley itinerary.

The good news is that the castle is now renovated and will look perfect for your visit!

4. Villandry castle and its stunning gardens

The castle of Villandry looks great, but you actually visit it to spend time looking at the gardens. The part made of vegetables was colourful and original. It’s nice to walk around the garden, but don’t forget to do the short walk behind the castle . It will take you up on a hill so you can see the gardens from a very different angle!

5. Loire Valley wine tasting and original dinner in Chinon

I initially wanted to add wine regions to the map below, but I decided not to when I looked at  this vineyard map . They make wines almost everywhere along the entire Loire Valley region , which is known for being one of the best wine regions in France .

We weren’t sure when we’d have time to fit the wine tasting in our Loire Valley itinerary. This activity is always challenging during a road trip (unless you have a volunteer to drive), and we had already visited a few vineyards a few days before in Saint Emilion near Bordeaux . In the end, it’s not that special to be in a wine region when you travel around France, so we really wanted to focus on the castles.

Chinon ended up being our only stop for wine tasting in the Loire Valley for this trip. We visited  Le Domaine de Noire , which we chose almost randomly while driving to Chinon because of their original offer of organic wines and activities in wine tourism.

Our wine tasting ended up being a greater learning experience than a degustation – which we enjoyed a lot . The host shared his knowledge and explained the making and specificity of the region with great pleasure. That’s the benefit of choosing a vineyard with oenotourism activities.

We were lucky to try a new kind of wine they make in a giant amphora (instead of the usual barrel). Although it sounds very original (at least for France), it’s actually an ancient technique becoming trendy again. The Amphora was the wine we preferred. Unfortunately, they hadn’t bottled it yet, so we could only enjoy the degustation sips.

The two other wines we tried were surprising. Both coming from the same grapes and the same hill, they had very contrasting tastes. It came from the difference in the soil at the top of the hill compared to the middle.

We didn’t have time to visit Chinon castle , but we spent the evening in the lovely medieval town centre.

Our Airbnb host recommended having dinner at Dede La Boulange *. The owner is an original character that creates a unique atmosphere to taste local food and drinks. You can only experience something like this in Chinon: Dede la Boulange is unimitable .

View hotels in Chinon *

6. Usse, Sleeping Beauty’s castle

Once upon a time, there lived a good king and a queen. Long story short (but you can read more here if you wish), their girl was Sleeping Beauty. And I’m writing about her because Charles Perrault got inspired by the Castle of Usse when writing Sleeping Beauty. However, when you see it, perhaps you will think of Cinderella’s Disney castle instead, as I did.

I wonder where that fairy-tale appearance comes from. The black spiky roofs? The machicolations giving relief to the walls? The number of towers? Probably a mix of all this.

Usse was initially a fortress that many owners transformed over time into a charming residence. Although no King or Queen lived in Usse, many famous names are mentioned in the History of the castle.

The castle visit is mainly about Sleeping Beauty’s story. The experience is very different from the usual French royalty life and other Loire Valley Castles. As you walk up the dungeon, you can see wax characters representing the scenes of the fairy tale. I’m sure kids love this one, as well as all those grown-ups who are still dreaming of fairy tales. Others may find it superficial.

You can visit a few other rooms in the castle, highly reputed for their furniture. The gardens, created by Le Notre (who designed Versailles gardens), aren’t big but have some charms. The chapel is small, too but elegant and worth the short stroll. The rest of the castle remained private and close to visitors.

We had a quick lunch stop in Saumur while driving west to reach Brittany. I know it’s a great destination for wine and castle lovers.

Perched on its hill, we could see the castle from many kilometres away. It was tempting us… but we were running out of time to visit the place properly. Next time!

If you have more time than we had to visit Saumur and its region, you may be interested in going to the troglodyte villages of Rochemenier or Turquan. They are one of the best places in the Loire Valley to see troglodyte homes. There’s a great opportunity to sleep in a troglodyte room at Rocaminori Hotel * and Demeure de la Vignole *.

How about seeing the Loire Valley from the air ? If the views are already fantastic from the ground, I can only imagine how fantastic it is from the air… If you have the budget, there are a few options to get a bird’s view of the Loire Valley for a memorable experience, such as a hot-air balloon ride in Chenonceau* or a  helicopter flight over a few castles* .

What are your favourite castles to put on a Loire Valley itinerary? Share your experience in the comments below!

The loire valley castles map.

I create a Loire Valley map of the castles that I organised into categories:

• The numbers refer to the castles I wrote about in this article
• The orange pins are the castles with great history and architecture
• The blue pins are the castles with a river
• The green pins are the castles with gardens

I hope this Loire Valley map helps you to choose which castles to include in your Loire Valley itinerary.

If the Loire Valley castles map of France doesn’t show, click here to view it .

How to visit Loire Valley castles from Paris

France is not a big country: the distance from Paris to Loire Valley is around 200 kilometres. Even for a day trip, it’s worth going to the Loire Valley from Paris .

Options to go from Paris to the Loire Valley: by car or by train

Although it’s a different region, it takes only two to three hours to drive from Paris to the Loire Valley castles, depending on where you stop.

If you don’t have a car, there are a few options to catch a train to Tours (1h10), Blois (1.5 hours) or Amboise (1h40). The Loire Valley is one of the best day trips from Paris by train . This website provides detailed information on going from Paris to the Loire Valley castles. You can play with the SNCF website to find routes to go to the castles themselves by train. I have identified a few on the map, like from Tours to Azay-le-Rideau and Chinon. I also found buses, as a tour from Paris or by public transport from Blois.

Visit the Loire Valley as a day trip from Paris: I recommend joining a tour.

It will be a long day if you are planning this by yourself, but it’s totally feasible. However, I recommend joining a tour so your time will be maximized, and you can be more relaxed to enjoy the visit fully.

But you may want to allow a couple of days for your Loire Valley itinerary if you can, as there are many things to visit.

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This Post Has 25 Comments

Thanks for writing this! We are hoping to take this trip in the next couple years!

I’m glad I can help! It’s a fantastic trip, I’m sure you’ll love it 🙂

There are so many wonderful day trips out of Paris. This is one after my heart. Castles and wine, what more does a girl need? Thanks for sharing!

Mmmm… Kittens, maybe? 😉 I agree, Michelle. It’s a fantastic combo. And even better if you have a driver! 🙂

I have very limited experience in exploring castles and your photos makes me jealous. They are so beautiful. I’ll easily add this up to my dream destination ❤

Having so many impressive castles in such a small area seems unreal. I hope you’ll get the opportunity to visit it 🙂

I know that feeling.. I haven’t visited Loire Valley and I don’t really know why I haven’t until now :)) But for sure I’ll get there. Not only for the wines. Amazing photos!

Thank you, Ana. It’s so easily accessible and it won’t disappear soon, so I always had the feeling I could do it later. Until I moved 15,000km away from Paris… It’s really a fantastic region, so I’m glad I finally found time to check it out!

Thanks for this info. It’s on my list to spend some time here.

I’m glad it can help, Lynne. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time there, it’s a great region!

Wow these are gorgeous, especially a big fan of the gardens of Villandry. I do like a good castle on holiday but so far have only been to Versailles in France. Need to sort that out 😛

Well, Versailles isn’t a bad choice at all! 😉 The experience in the Loire Valley felt different. And although we visit many castles in only a couple of days, it didn’t feel too repetitive. The Gardens were for sure one of the highlights!

This is awesome! Definitely going to save this for my next trip to France! I missed out on the Loire Valley this time.

Thank you, Lindsey. The good news is that the Loire Valley is very easy to access from Paris and these castles won’t go away soon… So it shouldn’t be too hard to add it to your next trip 😀

Omg, as a wine lover I have to do this ! I had no idea that this was so close to Paris!

Hi, Mireille! Yes, there are many wine regions close to Paris! You may want to have a look at Reims too, it’s a good and easy day trip 😉

Oh wow! There are some epic castles on offer here. I feel like I need to return to France just to do a castle tour! They look so pretty!

Hi, Toni! Returning to France is always a good idea 😉 There is so much to see that it’s impossible to cover in one trip anyway.

Wow, I didn’t know there is so many gorgeous castles so close to each other. It’s definitely worth it to one take a train journey outside of Paris.

It’s incredible, isn’t it?! And although they’re close to each other, they have different styles so it’s not even boring to visit them all! 😉

Wow I need to go back to France! It’s so magical! And OMG I really want to the Sleeping Beauty Castle!

I know! I was super excited about this one too! But in the end, if I had to pick only one, I think Chenonceau ended up being my favourite. I loved the reflection on the water.

I had no idea Loire Valley was so close to Paris – I will definitely have to visit the next time I’m in France! The castles look like something out of a fairytale, they’re so pretty! Book marking your page for when I get to visit France again 🙂

Hi, Mae! The Loire Valley is definitely worth the detour. A bientot 😉

I just got back from Loire Valley and I wish I saw this list! I unfortunately only had 2 days and enough time to do castles around Amboise and Tours but I will save this for my next trip there! Thanks for such a detailed post on this lovely region!

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Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog

The best places to see on a 5 day loire valley road trip itinerary.

Getting to Loire Valley

Loire Valley Road Trip Map

Click on the image of the loire valley map below to open up an interactive version in google maps highlighting points of interest on our loire valley itinerary., loire valley itinerary day 1: drive from nantes to saumur.

Loire Valley Itinerary Day 2: Wine Tasting and Sleeping Beauty

Loire Valley Itinerary Day 3: From Saumur to Amboise

Loire Valley Itinerary Day 4: Châteaux Extravaganza

Loire Valley Itinerary Day 5: Amboise to Nantes via Angers

Loire Valley Wine

Where to Stay in Loire Valley

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Beautiful LOIRE VALLEY – The BEST 3 DAY Itinerary

• September 9, 2022
• Destinations

The Loire valley of France offers a decadent trip full of historic chateaux, traditional vineyards and gourmet outings. No wonder that the region as a whole was named a Unesco World Heritage site. Our 3 day itinerary shows you how to make the most out of your visit.

When to visit: The best time to visit the Loire valley is from April to October. However, be aware that in the months of July and August it can get very crowded because it’s the school’s summer holidays and families take time to travel. We went in the beginning of September and experienced very warm weather with occasional thunderstorms. Usually you can expect temperatures of around 22°C in September with 3-8 days of rain. With zero queues at major attractions and the chateau gardens in full bloom, we found late summer to be the perfect time to travel to the Loire valley.

How to arrive: You can easily fly to the Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) in Paris and then rent a car to drive down to the Loire valley. You could start your trip from Tours which you would reach in less than 3 hours (240km) from Paris. You could also take the train from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Tours and rent a car here. Since we are based in the Netherlands we started our road trip from the Netherlands and drove down to Tours.

Driving in France: We experienced the road etiquette in France to be very good, where rules and speed limits are generally followed (130kph on motorways, 80kph outside built up areas, 50kph main roads within built up areas ). Beware of cyclists sharing the roads with cars. For Paris, take the A86 instead of driving on the boulevard périphérique, the dual-carriageway ring road known for bad traffic. Finally, don’t be surprised when you see French drivers notoriously leaving their indicators on after an overtake when driving on the outer lanes of the motorway. It’s a habit that developed due to the high fines for not using any indicators.

Where to stay: The first part of our trip we have camped at Les Acacias , which is located 8km from the center of Tours and offers tent and motorhome pitches as well as lodge stays. You can find out more about the campsite below. The second part of our trip we spend in a luxurious chateau, namely the Chateau de la Rozelle in Cellettes, which is close to Chateau Chambord, arguably the most famous of the Loire chateaux. If you dream of sleeping in a historic chateau, enjoy some decadent French food in a picturesque French small town, then definitely Chateau de la Rozelle is for you.

For how long to visit: The Loire valley offers a lot. There are so many chateaux, vineyards, cute French towns like Amboise or bigger cities like Orléans or Tours to visit, that you could really expand your trip in order to see everything. However, we just wanted to enjoy a short weekend trip so we opted for 3 days, which offered a condensed form of everything that’s good about the Loire valley.

Day 1: Tours

Arrival & camping at les acacias.

The Loire valley is full of campsites. We have decided to stay at Les Acacias due to its close proximity to Tours. The facilities are a bit out-dated but clean. On the grounds you will find a playground, washers, dryers, a reception with a small shop and a pizza automaton with surprisingly good pizza. Beware that the Aldi marked on Google as the closest grocery store does not exist. The same way goes for Auchan, which is just a regional distribution warehouse and not a store. The closest supermarket, which does exist is E. Leclerc. Thank god for the pizza automaton!

Getting to Tours

Unfortunately, Camping Les Acacias no longer rents out bicycles. You have to go to Ride in Tours for that. A daily rental is around €15 or €35 if you want an electric bike. It will take you around 26 mins. to cycle from the campsite to the center of Tours. There is a also a bus stop close-by. Ask the reception for directions or check filbleu , the local bus company. Unfortunately, filbleu was on strike when we visited Tours and the bus schedule was reduced, so do check in advance for possible strikes before you come (they are very common in France).

Cycling to Château de Villandry

We took the bus to Tours and went straight to the tourist center. There we purchased a combi ticket for a bicycle hire and the entrance to the Villandry gardens for only €17 total. This is cheaper than purchasing both separately. It took us a little more than 1 hour to cycle to Villandry. The route was very scenic and with the downloaded app Loire à velo it was easy to find our way there. On the way back we stopped at À la soupette de mémère , a cute French food court right next to the Loire river where locals were enjoying organic ice-cream, crepes, coffee or beer while gazing at the Loire.

Château de Villandry

Château Villandry is famous for its magnificent gardens. You can spend 2 hours wandering the herb garden where exotic herbs like chocolate mint and purple basil are grown, adore the ornamental garden, try to spot all the vegetables grown in the vegetable garden, get lost in the labyrinth section and laze on a bench in the sun garden. The 10 gardeners that take care of the garden are roaming around ready to answer any questions you may have. Outside the château, there is a nice a café where you can have lunch before continuing your journey.

Château Gaudrelle

After the Chateau Villandry we cycled right to Chateau Gaudrelle (15 min. bikeride away from Tours), which is actually no chateau at all (turns out, chateau simply means ‘estate’ in France). Chateau Gaudrelle houses wine cellars carved in limestone, offers informative wine tastings and English-speaking tours of the vineyard and cellar (those must be booked in advance). The Loire valley region is mostly known for white wines and if you’re interested in learning about what the best wines are to bring back home, check out our Loire valley wine guide .

Old Town of Tours

In the afternoon we had some time to explore Tours. You should definitely check out the Cathedral that was build between 1170 and 1547 and showcases the evolution of Gothic art due to the long time it took to complete it. Les Halles , known as the ‘belly of Tours’, is an indoor market that offers fresh produce, charcuterie, cheeses, seafood, local specialties and luxury chocolate. The old town is located around Place Plumereau and boasts with historic renaissance buildings, in which you will find cute French shops, restaurants and bars.

Dinner at Guingette de Tours sur Loire

Guingette de Tours sur Loire is almost a cultural institution in Tours. This is where the locals gather in the evening to listen to live music, dance a round of Salsa, meet with friends under willow trees and string lights, enjoy exotic cocktails and local beer, eat a croquet (grilled sandwich) or a delicious 3 course dinner. The prices are affordable, the portions are big, the crowd is hip (Tours is a student city) and the setting directly next to the Loire river could not be better. Beware that dinner starts at 7:30pm and reservations are recommended.

Day 2: Amboise & Château Chenonceau

On the second day we drove to Amboise , which took half an hour. You could also cycle there and be in Amboise in around 90 minutes. We took the car, because rainfall was on the forecast for that day. Arriving in Amboise we were quite relieved for having done so, since it’s a bit more hilly than the other cities of the Loire valley. Besides being a cute little, medieval French town, Amboise is famous for the Chateau d’Amboise , the 15th century residence of King Charles VIII featuring Lenodardo da Vinci’s tomb and for Chateau du Clos Lucé .

Galettes at Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude Amboise

We arrived around lunch time in Amboise and headed straight to a galette/crepe restaurant Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude . There we had galette végétarienne and one galette with cheese and ham. Both service and the food were very good. We learned that a galette is made out of buckwheat flour and usually served with savory fillings while a crepe is made out of wheat flour and served sweet with jam or chestnut cream. If you haven’t tried crème de marrons yet, make sure you do that while in France. You can also check out our grocery guide featuring all the food to bring back from France.

Château du Clos Lucé

Chateau du Clos Lucé was Leonardo da Vinci’s home until his death in 1519. Today, it houses his inventions and designs. The ticket is quite expensive (€18) but the exhibitions and especially the park with working models of his ideas make it worth the price. If you BYOP (bring your own picnic), you can have a nice lunch on the sundeck chairs in the adjacent park with the view on da Vinci’s chateau and afterwards stroll down the same paths that da Vinci took 500 years ago.

Château de Chenonceau

Chateau de Chenonceau was build in the 16th century during the golden age of France. King Henry the 2nd gave it to his mistress. Chenonceau was owned by several women who transformed the chateau over the course of time. Out of the three chateaux we visited this one was the most picturesque. You can skip the gardens but make sure you get the audio guide. It offers a good narration of the history of the chateau. It will take you around 2 hours to see everything.

Wine Tasting at Caves du Père Auguste

We spend the end of the day at Caves du Père Auguste , a vineyard that is 5 min. away by car from Chateau du Chenonceau. If you would like to do a tour of the cellar and the vineyard you have to book in advance. For a simple wine tasting you can come in without a reservation. The owner speaks very limited English, so it’s handy if you know some French. If you’re a fan of wines with a lot of tannins, you will find the wines to your liking. We can recommend the Malbec which we picked up from here.

Day 3: Château de Chambord & Château Stay

French groceries.

One of my favorite things to do when I’m in a foreign country is to go to the local supermarket. With all the different brands, different products and so many new things to try, it remains one of my highlights of travelling no matter where I go. Traveling by car has the advantage that you can go full out with your shopping and bring lots of regional products back home. However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the big selection of products available in the hypermarchés. That’s why we created two guides for wine and French food shopping in the Loire valley.

Château de Chambord

The last castle we visited was Chateau de Chambord . This was definitely the grandest of all the chateaux. The ticket price is quite high (€14.50) and so is the audio guide (€6.50), which in our opinion was not really worth it. It was a huge tablet that you had to hold in your hand and offered too many features that distracted from the chateau itself. Since Chambord has 440 rooms, you will need to reserve at least 3 hours for this visit. Treat yourself to a nice lunch on the chateau grounds afterwards to feel like a proper aristocrat.

Wine Tasting at Christoph et Christelle Badin

After Chambord we went to the final vineyard which proved to be the best one, namely Christoph et Christelle Badin. The vineyard is very small and located in Cormeray. We truly enjoyed the Cheverny and the Cour-Chverny as well as the Pinot noir. The owner only spoke French but that did not hinder our experience at all. We also picked up some local organic honey with thyme and can definitely recommend a visit.

Château de la Rozelle

The final night of our Loire valley trip we spend in an authentic French chateau in Cellettes, the Chateau de la Rozelle . On the last evening we enjoyed an amazing 3 course French dinner with authentic foie gras, French pork medaillons and a delicious créme brulée. If you want to relax, escape the hustle and bustle of city life and feel like a proper French king or queen, then this is the best place to come to. It certainly was a very royal finish to our amazing Loire valley weekend trip!

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Your Ultimate Travel Guide to the Loire Valley

• By Sarah Green
• February 23, 2024

The Centre-Val de Loire is a wonderful region southwest of Paris in central France, and is easily accessible by train from the capital. The Loire River Valley surrounds the Loire River, and this area of France is known for its castles, vineyards, beautiful villages, rich architectural heritage, and cultural monuments. Strikingly, the entire Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the largest such area in France. The Loire is the perfect destination for everyone who wants to explore France on two wheels , or just get out of Paris for a day to visit the French countryside.

Attractions in the Loire Valley

The loire river.

The Loire River is the largest river located entirely in France, and its majestic waters carry fresh breezes in all seasons. The terrain surrounding the river can only be described as wild and natural; you may often find signs indicating goats are grazing nearby.

The biking paths found along La Loire are well-kept and accessible for both families with small children and more experienced bikers on longer journeys. La Loire à Velo is a 560-mile bike route that passes through untouched nature in the scenic valley, and if you are not up for the challenge of biking the entire route, even a couple miles along the path will be a pleasurable experience.

The river’s wild look is supported by folklore that claims the river Loire is the last river in Europe not to be canalized, although the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park says otherwise . Most of the well-known historic towns in the Pays de la Loire sit right on the river, including Orléans, Blois, Tour, Angers, and Nantes. Because of this, all of these towns and the beautiful villages nearby share the trait of being on a beautiful, wild river that is pleasant to walk along and which necessarily affects the vibe of the towns themselves.

Loire Valley Vineyards

When you hear Loire Valley, you might first think of wine. The region is known for its quality vineyards, and a visit to the area wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a winery. The region is also great for longer stays, and you could even participate in a work-for-housing exchange through WWOOF in the farms and vineyards of the Loire Region. Several castles in the region also produce wine on their grounds, and the option to do a wine tasting in a centuries-old castle offers you an unforgettable taste of French culture.

Chartres Cathedral

The first French cathedral to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, is regarded as the most well-preserved example of Gothic cathedral in France. The cathedral is an important religious site, and mass is held every day. For information on tours in English for both the cathedral and crypt, check out their website here . Before beginning your tour of the great Gothic cathedrals of France, which should start with the Chartres Cathedral, you can read Auguste Rodin’s book that pleads for the cessation of Gothic restoration.

Château de Chambord

The famed Château de Chambord celebrated its 500-year anniversary in 2019 and is the one of the prized châteaux of the Centre-Val de Loire. A previous hunting ground for French kings over the course of centuries, the surrounding land, castle included, is now a beloved cultural site for play and exploration for tourists and locals alike. The famous spiral staircase was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, and is a Renaissance masterpiece that you can still climb today. As with most beautiful châteaux, the castle grounds have gardens that have been transformed by brilliant landscape designers into a place of great beauty, to rival even the gardens of Versailles.

Where Can you stay in the Loire Valley?  

There are plenty of places to stay the night in the Pays de la Loire, and various types of accommodations to choose from. If you are staying in one of the larger towns, such as Orléans, Tour, or Blois, there are plenty of hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from.

Stay in a Castle

When visiting a region known for its magnificent châteaux, you may wish to stay in one yourself, such as this one in Chinon, part of the Touraine province. While you are near Chinon, you can visit “la boule de Chinon,” the nuclear reactor site-turned-history museum in 1986. Additionally, Chinon is known for its red wines, so we’d recommend a visit to the Domaine de Noiré for a riverboat gastronomic experience on the Loire, or an affordable wine tasting. A lot of the Centre-Val de Loire is composed of small towns with a strong rural identity and deep history. Exploring this unique side of French culture is a wonderful experience in the Loire Valley, and the plethora of unique Airbnb and hotel options in the area provides the perfect chance to do just that.

Just a few other castles in the region that double as hotels include the Chateau du Rivau , The Domaine de la Tortinière , Chateau Hotel de la Bourdaisière , Chateau de Pray , Chateau des Tertres , Chateau de la Grille , and the Chateau de Rochecotte .

Bed & Breakfasts and Hotels

Alternatively, you may be interested in a chambre d’hôtes experience in Chartres, or a boutique hotel in Orléans. The cities are lively, especially in the historic downtowns, and are full of small shops and visitors. Because of this, there are always several options for places to stay, but most of the hotels and bed and breakfasts are small, so it’s recommended to reserve them well ahead of time.

Glamping and Unconventional Stays

There are a number of unique and fascinating places to stay in the Loire Valley. Stay in a prehistoric cave-turned-B&B at the Amboise Troglodyte . Rock gently to sleep on a charming houseboat on the Loire River with La Batelière sur Loire . Wake up to serene lake views and picturesque water lilies from a floating cabin with Le Clos de la Loutre . You can even spend the night sleeping in a wine barrel at Vignoble Marchais . There are also numerous glamping options, including the fairytale-esque “Magic Cabin” with L’Escale des Châteaux de la Loire , charming log cabins accompanied by wine barrel saunas with Huttopia , and lakeside bubbles where you can stargaze all night at Bulles de Sologne .

Things to do in the Loire Valley

Visit the city of orléans.

Orléans, the namesake of New Orleans, Louisiana, is the perfect day trip for history lovers. Joan of Arc liberated Orléans from British invaders during the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. She was burned at the stake in Rouen in 1431, at the age of nineteen. Orléans continues to honor her legacy and spirit.

There is a massive statue of Joan of Arc in the main square, Place du Martoi, which depicts the young woman on a horse, sword in hand, but if you spend the day here, it is guaranteed not to be the only statue of her likeness that you encounter. Every spring the city puts on a Joan of Arc Festival , and the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc is a museum dedicated to her life.

Eat at a Michelin-starred Restaurant in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is home to 21 Michelin-starred restaurants, so there is no shortage of incredible food available if you know where to look. In Orléans, you can visit the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Lièvre Gourmand , which is located directly across from the Quai de la Loire. If in Blois, make a reservation for Fleur de Loire , which has two Michelin stars and a Michelin green star for sustainability. Or stop by Le Georges in Chartres, which has been in operation since 1900!

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Attend the Festival de Loire

In late September, Orléans is hosting its biennial Festival de Loire , from September 20-24, 2023. The festival celebrates the heritage of the Loire River, and the river navy. (Think of it as a French Fleet Week.) This year’s celebration will focus on the St. Lawrence River of Canada, and sailors of the Basque Country. This is a great chance to understand the importance of the Loire to the Centre-Val de Loire identity and culture.

Enjoy a Glass of Sancerre

If you are a fan of dry white wines, you have to head to the town of Sancerre in the Loire Valley. You may even want to follow this road trip to visit all the best wineries in the area. Sancerre is one of many French AOCs (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), so any Sancerre you drink in restaurants around the world is coming from this area southeast of Orléans. There are over 330 wine growers that comprise this appellation, and vineyards have been cultivated on the soil since ancient times. After enjoying a wine tour, Le Jardin de Marie is a beautiful garden only a few miles away where you can enjoy the diversity of flora with a nice wine buzz.

Enjoy a Bike Tour: Two-Day Itinerary

If you only have a weekend to explore and you’re interested in an active adventure to see some châteaux, we have just the itinerary for you. It will take you to great architectural monuments, includes two days of exploration and biking, and only one night in a hotel. If you leave Paris on Saturday morning, you can be back by Sunday evening.

Take the train from the Gare d’Austerlitz in Paris to Blois. In Blois, rent bikes at Détours de Loire , a five-minute walk from the Blois train station, and start exploring the Loire Valley on two wheels! You can start the journey by biking to the Château de Chambord, and you’re sure to enjoy the ride through the grounds, passing through the forest and by the garden. From there, bike to the beautiful village of Tour-en-Sologne, stay the night at the Hôtel du Château , and then spend the next day exploring the Château de Cheverny . Ride back to Blois, return your bikes, and explore the Château Royal de Blois in the centre-ville by foot before catching your train back to Paris in the evening. If you are in Blois one summer evening, be sure to catch the light show they host every night from April 8 to September 24, which brings to life the castle’s history through projected imagery.

Go to the Léonardo da Vinci Burial Site

Following the Loire River for an hour and a half on bike from Tours will take you to the Château d’Amboise . Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb is located in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, on the château grounds. The chapel is currently being renovated and is not currently accessible , but it is scheduled to open again to the public in the spring of 2024, so plan now for next year’s visit to France. The castle was once the residence of Anne de Bretagne, and while walking around this château, you can trace its presence throughout French history.

FAQ – Travel Guide to the Loire Valley, France

Is the loire valley worth visiting.

For lovers of wine and beautiful châteaux in France, the Loire Valley is a must visit. The region is especially worth visiting for anyone who wants to explore provincial France on bike.

How far is the Loire from Paris, France?

Many of the major towns of the Loire Valley are accessible in a little over an hour from Paris by train, and a couple hours by car if you decide to road trip.

BlaBlaCar is a nice rideshare option around the region if you don’t wish to rent a car. Given the region’s proximity to Paris, there are lots of people and cars moving between the city and countryside and for a small price, you can catch a ride.

Which château should I visit in the Loire Valley?

The Château de Chambord is a widely loved château in central France that is worth a visit for its majestic surrounding nature and historic staircase.

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Home > Side Trips from Paris > Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip – Things to Do & Travel Tips

Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip – Things to Do & Travel Tips

How to plan a loire valley day trip from paris.

The Loire Valley , in Central France, is a wonderful area to explore. Follow the Loire River whilst visiting pretty medieval towns, awesome Renaissance châteaux, and tasting great food and wine.

Although the Loire Valley is best explored on a weekend getaway from Paris or – even better – on a Loire Valley Road Trip , the Loire Valley is relatively close to the French capital, so it is possible to get a glimpse of this wonderful region on a Loire Valley day trip from Paris . Actually, a day trip from Paris to Loire Valley – self-guided or with a guided tour – is one of the most popular day trips from Paris!

The Loire Valley is one of the most visited places in France. Here are some things to know when planning a day trip to Loire Valley from Paris to make the trip a smooth and memorable one.

The Loire Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Click here for the list of best day trips from Paris

Best Castles to Visit on Your Day Trip to Loire Valley from Paris

In the Loire Valley, you will find some of the most beautiful French castles to visit . Most of the Châteaux de la Loire were built during the Renaissance, so they are very different from the castles near Paris like the Palace of Versailles , Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, or Château de Pierrefonds .

If you don’t know what castles to visit during your Loire Valley day trip, this list of Best Loire Valley Castles may be helpful. For a Paris to Loire Valley day trip, we recommend choosing only 1 or 2 castles.

If you want to visit the Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris, don’t waste your time waiting in line to buy the castle tickets. Below we list the Loire Castles you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• Château de Chambord
• Château de Blois
• Château d’Amboise
• Château du Clos de Lucé (in Amboise)
• Bundle Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Château de Villandry
• Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Chaumont sur Loire

TIP: Save money with the combo passes Leonardo da Vinci Loire Valley Pass (Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé + Château de Chambord) and Loire Valley Châteaux Pass (Château de Blois + Château de Chenonceau + Château de Chambord).

Best Towns to Visit on a Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip

Beaugency is a small town set along the Loire River in the Loiret department. It has a pretty medieval center and some interesting sites, such as the old bridge over the Loire River or the 15th-century Château de Dunois .

Situated on the edge of the Loire River in the Loir-et-Cher department, Blois was in the past home to the French Kings. Visit the Royal Château of Blois – a must of the Loire Valley – and explore the old town, with beautiful medieval architecture and interesting sights.

Amboise is a pretty small town in the Indre-et-Loire department. It is best known for the Royal Château d’Amboise , home to King Charles VIII, and for the Clos de Lucé , the residence where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. If you want to visit both sites, buy this convenient bundle Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé and save money.

Wine Regions to Visit on a Day Trip from Paris to Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is not only about Renaissance châteaux or medieval towns. A day trip to the Loire Valley can also be an opportunity to discover and taste some of France’s most prestigious wines, like Coteaux du Layon, Chinon, Sancerre, Saumur, Bourgueil, Fiefs Vendéens , or Vouvray .

If you are looking for lighter wines, the Loire Valley’s vineyards are right up your alley. There are great selections of lighter red wines, delicate, fruity white wines, sweet rosés, and a large production of sparkling wines.

If you are based in the French capital and looking to experience the wine culture of France, consider a Loire Valley wine tour from Paris , or just visit one of the many wineries in Loire Valley yourself on a self-guided wine tour.

Best Wineries to Visit in the Loire Valley

All these Loire Valley wineries offer top-rated tours and tastings in French and English. A visit to these wineries is also a great opportunity to buy excellent wines directly from the producers. Book your visit online in advance.

• Domaine Thierry Cosme – Vouvray
• Domaine Les Pièrres d’Aurèle – Touraine
• Domaine Cahterine et Michel Langlois – Pouilly Fumé
• Domaine Jean-Marc et Mathieu Crochet – Sancerre

Check out this map of the Loire Valley with the best wineries to visit pinpointed.

How to Get to Loire Valley from Paris

A day trip Paris to Loire Valley is possible. However, the options are very limited, especially if you want to travel to Loire Valley from Paris by public transportation. Here’s how to get to Loire Valley from Paris on a day trip.

1. Loire Valley Tours from Paris

Loire Valley tours from Paris are the most comfortable and effective way to visit the Loire Valley for a day. Sit on the van and enjoy the landscape without having to worry about directions, transfers, or train connections.

There is a good variety of Loire Valley tours of all sizes, mainly focused on the most famous Loire Valley Castles. Some of the tours only include transportation and entrance tickets whilst other tours also come with lunch and wine tastings.

>> This small-group tour by minibus is consistently rated 5/5 and covers Château de Chenonceau , Château d’Amboise , and Château de Chambord with a wine-tasting in Amboise. You and you cannot do better than this on your own! – Click here to book this Loire Valley small-group tour

>> Welcome Pickups offers customized day tours from Paris to Loire Valley . You can visit all the places from the suggested list or pick only the ones you like. During the stops, you can do whatever you want and as long as you want within the overall time limit of the trip.

>> If you are more interested in wineries than castles, check out this Loire Valley wine tour from Paris which explores the wine regions of Pouilly and Sancerre with wine tastings with a local expert guide.

2. Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip by Car (self-guided)

This is the best and most flexible option to visit the Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris, but if you don’t have your own car, it is not very interesting to rent a car only for this day trip.  

The Loire Valley by car is a good option to explore the towns or Loire Castles off the beaten path or the Loire Castles not well connected by public transportation.

Here are some driving distances and times to the best Loire Castles near Paris:

• Paris to Château de Chambord: 1h 48min
• Paris to Château de Blois: 1h 45min
• Paris to Château d’Amboise: 2h 09min
• Paris to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: 2h 39min
• Paris to Château de Villandry: 2h 30min
• Paris to Château de Chenonceau: 2h 26min
• Paris to Château de Chaumont sur Loire: 2h 04min

Usually, the Loire Valley Castles have their own car parks (paying or for free) near the castle entrance. Parking is definitely more complicated in towns or small cities like Amboise or Blois.

3. Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip by Public Transportation (self-guided)

If you want to travel from Paris to Loire Valley by train, your best bet is the areas around Amboise and Blois . Both places have a few direct train connections for Paris day-trippers, and with good planning, you can combine both with a bus trip from Blois to Chambord.

Here’s the list of train distances and times for reference:

• Train Paris – Blois : 1,5-2h one way (direct or via Orléans)
• Bus Blois – Château de Chambord: 30min one way ( check out the bus schedule )
• Train Paris – Amboise : 2-2,5h (direct or via Orléans)

Tips for Your Day Trip Paris to Loire Valley

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE LOIRE VALLEY

A day trip to Loire Valley during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) is ideal because there are fewer tourists, and the gardens are especially beautiful with the first blooms or under the fall colors.

In the summer , the best Loire Valley Castles see the crowds (skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended), and you may enjoy the visits less. However, summer is also the season of many beautiful festivals in the Loire Valley towns. Some of the Loire Castles also host music festivals, garden festivals, or sound and light night festivals.

Winter is the less interesting season to visit the Loire Valley, and some of the lesser-known Loire Castles may be closed to the public. However, in wintertime, skip-the-line tickets are not necessary, and you can enjoy the best Loire Valley Castles without the crowds.

LESS IS MORE

Choose only 1-2 Loire Castles to visit for your Loire Valley day trip from Paris. Consider an average of 1-2 hours of visit per castle but some of them have such beautiful grounds that you could easily spend the full day on it!

For the perfect day trip from Paris to Loire Valley, try to combine small towns, Loire Valley Castles, and food and wine tasting. Guided day tours are usually good at doing this.

TRAVEL LIGHT, WITH GOOD WALKING SHOES

Bring good walking shoes, you are going to walk a lot! And don’t forget your refillable bottle of water to keep you hydrated.

A camera is a must! Some châteaux, like Château de Chambord, don’t allow tripods in. You are warned!

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

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Beyond the Châteaux: New Escapes in France’s Loire Valley

Rethinking what the region’s travel should be has meant expanding the focus from fairy tale castle crawls to experiences anchored more firmly in nature, food and the arts.

By Lindsey Tramuta

On my last prepandemic trip to the Loire Valley, in 2018, I found myself in a familiar place.

Ten years after my first road trip on the region’s castle route, I was back at the 500-year-old Château de Chambord , joining a small group of European and American tourists on a guided tour. Within seconds of convening in the inner courtyard, we were craning our necks to marvel at the structure’s ornamental bell towers as our guide rattled off facts and dates about King Francis I and his former hunting lodge. When she ushered us up to the towers, chiding us for not listening, a feeling of deja-vu washed over me.

This was my third visit to the Loire Valley from my home in Paris and the whole fairy tale experience felt tired. Little beyond a nearby converted hotel had changed. Not the exasperated guide going through the motions, nor the throngs of tourists dropped off by the busload and herded through each room at a fast clip. The dumbfounding beauty stretching the length of the Loire River was the same too, which is ultimately what salvaged the trip.

A lack of change doesn’t have to be a bad thing: the UNESCO Heritage-protected region, which drew in 9 million yearly visitors to its cultural sites and 1 million cyclists before the pandemic, has been beloved for decades for its castles and the rolling vineyards that produce what oenophiles consider France’s most diverse selection of wine. But it has arguably leaned too heavily on that past, reliant on what appeared to be an endless stream of travelers interested only in château hopping and bicycling. With all of the Loire’s dramatic landscapes and rising culinary stars, was this the best it could offer?

It’s a question that local chefs, hoteliers, entrepreneurs and regional leaders were asking themselves even before the coronavirus hit, setting their sights on the area’s reinvention. By the time I returned in October 2021 to meet some of them, the region’s evolving identity was palpable.

“Our cycle route and châteaux have always been popular but the fairy tale needed updating,” said François Bonneau, president of the Centre-Val de Loire, the regional council overseeing the Loire Valley. “The French traveler has long associated it with field trips they took as school children, while the foreign traveler has a plethora of other destinations in the country to choose from. We needed to better express the region’s identity in its entirety.”

The pandemic, he continued, only reinforced the need to promote the region differently as visits to the valley’s major sites dropped by 43 percent in 2020 and 32 percent in 2021 — unsettling numbers for a region where tourism makes up 5 percent of the local GDP, or around 3.4 billion euros. Rethinking what Loire Valley travel should be for the future has meant shifting the focus from fairy tale castle crawls to experiences anchored more firmly in nature, food and the arts, all while continuing to celebrate the region’s unique terroir.

That was evident from one of my first stops, at the 15th-century Château de Rivau . Patricia Laigneau, a co-owner, has been actively working to attract a broader audience for the storybook castle and sought-after wedding venue through food, devoting the last few years to the produce grown and cooked on-site.

Her two organic kitchen gardens were half-moon-shaped and overflowing with forgotten or nearly extinct varieties of regional vegetables such as Berry sucrine, violet celery and more than 43 varieties of colorful gourds. It is considered an official conservatory for Loire Valley produce by the Pôle BioDom’Centre, a regional center for preserving local biodiversity.

The homegrown produce, in addition to a host of herbs and edible flowers, have been used for years in Rivau’s no-frills café. But now they are the foundation of the menu at Jardin Secret , Ms. Laigneau’s new 20-seat fine dining restaurant set up beneath a glass canopy and surrounded by rose bushes. She brought on the chef Nicolas Gaulandeau , native to the region, to highlight the local bounty through dishes ranging from squash served with pickles and smoked paprika to roasted rack of lamb with vegetables from the garden.

“Not only were our guests asking for something more, I saw the restaurant as an opportunity to show that the châteaux of the Loire can be champions of French gastronomy,” Ms. Laigneau said.

Celebrating the land and its food is central to other new properties in the region.

In July 2020, Anne-Caroline Frey opened Loire Valley Lodges on 750 acres of private forestland in Touraine.

“Things have been very slow to change here so of course the idea seemed wild,” said the former art dealer. “But we were fully booked almost instantly.”

A believer in the therapeutic benefits of trees and an avid collector of modern art, Ms. Frey developed the property to offer guests a forest-bathing experience — or shinrin-yoku, a Japanese wellness ritual that involves spending time in nature as a means of slowing down and reducing stress. The 18 tree houses — on stilts — are spread out throughout the forest and each, decorated by a different artist, have floor-to-ceiling windows, a private deck with a Jacuzzi and with a noticeable absence of Wi-Fi, a stillness of their surroundings. As I perched with a book on my deck one afternoon, the only thing I heard was the faint sound of a pair of wild boars ruffling through fallen leaves.

A unique draw is the guided forest-bathing walk, led by a local nature specialist. Guests can also view outdoor sculptures and paintings that pop up throughout the property (helpful markers, I discovered, as I returned to my lodge in near-complete darkness after dinner); cycle the grounds or to the nearby village of Esvres; take a dip in the pool surrounded by larger-than-life art installations; have a bento-box picnic in solitude, or dine in the restaurant — if and when they’re ready to rejoin the company of others.

The treehouse concept isn’t the only departure from the sleep-in-a-castle tradition.

“There have always been a lot of B & Bs, but the limited hotel offerings has only added to the region’s old-fashioned image,” said Alice Tourbier, the co-owner of the Les Sources de Cheverny spa and hotel, which opened in September 2020.

The estate, which she owns with her husband, includes a restored 18th-century manor house as well as outbuildings spanning 110 acres of farmland, fields and vines. Some rooms are in stone houses surrounding an orchard, others are in a converted barn. Suites are available in a hamlet of wooden cabins overlooking a lake.

Ms. Tourbier, who also co-runs Les Sources de Caudalie , a spa-hotel in the Bordeaux countryside, said she hoped to incite Loire Valley travelers to make more than a quick stopover. Traditionally, the instinct has been to race to see as many castles as possible, a narrow approach to travel I’ve been guilty of taking in the past.

“People will still want to see the castles and we’re close — 10 minutes by bike to the Château de Cheverny and 45 minutes from the Château de Chambord,” Ms. Tourbier said. “But those visits can be extended and paired with gastronomy and wellness, too.”

Activities are plentiful, from yoga and horseback riding to kayaking and wine-infused spa treatments, but the Tourbiers were also intent on turning the property into a culinary destination. Les Sources de Cheverny has two restaurants: L’Auberge , a country bistro serving hearty traditional dishes, and Le Favori , the property’s fine dining restaurant, which won its first Michelin star in March for the chef Frédéric Calmels’s modern cooking.

For those looking for a more informal — yet unique — inn experience, the Château de la Haute Borde is a two-year-old small guesthouse that doubles as an artist residency.

As Céline Barrère, a co-founder and photographer, explains, she and the two other owners wanted to create a secluded, creative environment where artists and travelers could interact: Four out of the nine guest rooms are reserved for artists in residence, who stay anywhere from a week to a month.

“We see it as a retreat that brings together nature and contemporary art,” Ms. Barrère said.

Visitors can explore the property’s 27 acres covered in 100-year-old oak trees, linger in the heated pool, or take part in foraging workshops, but they will also share communal meals with in-residence artists and view works by Hiroshi Harada, Danh Võ and other artists. Conveniently, art lovers can seek out more in a five-minute drive down the road at the Domaine de Chaumont-Sur-Loire , renowned for its garden festival and contemporary art center.

But perhaps the grandest addition to the region is the one that locals have been awaiting most. Fleur de Loire , a new five-star hotel from the double Michelin-starred chef Christophe Hay, opens in Blois in mid-June. Occupying a former hospice from the 17th century, the building overlooking the Loire River will house two restaurants, a pastry bar, shop, spa, and 44 rooms and suites. But for the chef, known for his revival of cooking with local river fish, the real ambition is going beyond culinary experiences and upscale lodging to preserve the region’s greatest gift: its land.

“I want people to see how much we can grow ourselves here and how important that is to cooking and eating well,” said Mr. Hay, adding that his 2.5-acre kitchen garden using permaculture techniques, a system of self-sustaining agriculture, and sizable greenhouse will be open to the public. “That’s a big part of what makes the Loire Valley so special.”

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

2-Day Loire Valley Itinerary Without a Car

Planning your loire valley itinerary.

I recently spent a couple days exploring this charming region of France and definitely recommend a visit here. The Loire Valley is overflowing with impressive chateaus and beautiful towns.

While you could easily spend a week or more making your way through them all, I was able to see a fair amount within a couple days – enough to start to get a feel for the area. 

So, if you’re short on time but eager to visit the Loire Valley then this 2-day Loire Valley itinerary is for you. It covers how to get to Loire Valley, things to do without a car, where to stay and when to visit. Read on!

Planning a trip? Use  my favorite resources:

• Accommodations:  booking.com
• Travel Insurance:  SafetyWing
• Tours & Excursions:  Viator
• Flights:  Skyscanner
• City Pass:  Go City
• eSim:   Airalo

 Two Day Loire Valley Itinerary: Quick View

Here is the high-level itinerary, based on my own experience. I’ve also included additional things to do, below, so you can swap out activities based on your preferences:

Day 1: Château du Clos Lucé, Lunch, Château Royal d’Amboise or Wine Tasting

Day 2: day tour of chenonceau & chambord chateaus, drinks with a view, dinner.

Want to skip the planning? Book this private, 2-day, all inclusive tour from Paris to the Loire Valley for a curated experience with a dedicated guide. Accommodations, meals, transportation and admission tickets for all activities included!

Full Two Day Loire Valley Itinerary

Note that I arrived on “day 0” and departed on day 3. However, you could also arrive early morning on day 1 and depart at night on day 2. Personally, I was able to dedicate 2 full days.

In Amboise, where I recommend you stay, are two chateaus worth a visit:

Château du Clos Lucé 

Start your morning here, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last several years of his life. After a long history, including serving as a summer house to various Kings of France, this estate became da Vinci’s home while he worked on projects for one such King. 

As an Italophile myself, visiting Château du Clos Lucé was at the top of my list of must-dos. And it was time well-spent. You’ll see da Vinci’s work spaces, tools, artwork and diaries. You’ll also see replicas of many of his inventions. 

It’s truly remarkable to see how diverse his inventions were, and how they set the foundation for many that we still use to this day. 

Along the way, there is a creperie bar and a Renaissance-inspired restaurant if you feel inclined to fuel up. 

After exploring the Château itself, you’ll find yourself in Leonardo’s sprawling park. There is plenty to see and overall, you could easily spend at least a couple hours if not longer exploring this Château.

I recommend starting your day early and arriving right at opening time. You can book your tickets in advance or once you arrive.

Get Tickets for Château du Clos Lucé 

Lunch at Master of Art

After exploring da Vinci’s French home, I was ready for lunch! I was lucky to stumble upon a lovely little place on the corner, very close by, called Master of Art. It had great reviews on Google maps, so I decided to check it out. 

I got there just in time. 

The restaurant isn’t very large at all, although it is clean and pretty. One side of it was completely taken up by a big family, enjoying brunch. As a solo traveler, I was sat at a table on the other side but shortly thereafter requested to move as another family came in and space was limited. 

It wasn’t ideal, but I didn’ mind. Especially when I saw that anyone else who tried to enter got turned away because just like that, they were at capacity! Several others came by while I was there, locals, to try to get a table and were told to return again later. 

I can understand why. I ordered the special of the day, which was chicken in a sauce of actual oranges. My mouth is actually watering as I write this and recount the experience. 

It was simple – a couple chicken legs in that delectable sauce, some greens and noodles. Simple, and incredible at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and then went happily on my way. 

If you can get in, highly recommend. 

Château Royal d’Amboise

Now, my plan was next to visit Château Royal d’Amboise. After all, it’s the main Château of the city. It’s on practically all the postcards of Amboise, a beautiful sight. And from what I hear, the views from high up within are really something. 

You could definitely spend a couple hours of your afternoon exploring the Château Royal d’Amboise, which remains open until six in the evening. 

I simply didn’t have it in me, because I had already been traveling for a week by this point in my trip. And because I knew I had two more vast chateaus to frolic through the next day. 

There’s only so much chateau-viewing I can do, but if you can stand it then I’ll bet this one is worthwhile to include in your itinerary, too. 

Wine Tasting

Alternatively, you can spend your afternoon wine tasting. Walk over to Caves Ambacia for a cellar tour, tasting and food pairings. English tours are offered at noon, 2pm and 4pm and you can book online . 

For around $20 USD, it’s an affordable way to get to know some of the regional wines and learn about their history. 

If you’re not able to make it to a formal wine tour, Caves Ambacia is still a great place to visit for a drink and a bite to eat. 

Book a Caves Ambacia Cellar Tour & Tasting

Alternatively, you can book a full-blown afternoon wine tour to vineyards and sample wines of the Tourraine region! 

Book an Afternoon Loire Valley Vineyards Tour

Prefer beer to wine? Check out the Art is an Ale Brewing Taproom instead!

It is common for visitors to rent a car to drive to various chateaus in the Loire Valley. If, like me, you prefer not to drive around a new city then you’ll love this day tour . It’s the one I went on, here’s how it went: 

Château de Chenonceau

I was picked up from the Amboise tourism office by a spacious minivan, complete with our driver / tour guide. I was the only one on this tour picked up in Amboise, and the rest were staying in Tours (more on where to stay and why, in a bit). 

Our first stop of the day was Château de Chenonceau, also known as the Ladies Castle because women largely influenced its design and architecture. Our guide took us to the best viewpoint, offered to take photos of each us and told us about the interesting history behind the property. 

Once inside, he continued to tour us around for a bit and share interesting stories and historical facts. Then, he gave us some guidance and let us explore on our own. We set a time to meet back at the van, and were set free. 

I LOVED this setup. 

As a 17 Steps on How to Plan a Solo Trip for First Timers (2024) " target="_blank" data-t="{"n":"destination","t":13,"b":1,"c.t":7}">solo-travel lover , I appreciated that this tour balanced guided portions with free time so I could go at my own pace. 

I spent my time exploring more of the chateau and a bit more of the gardens. Then, I went to the cafe on the property to grab a bite to eat. It was pricey and not very good, but it did the trick. 

I got a cappuccino to go and took a leisurely walk away from the chateau grounds, past the parking lot where our minivan was parked and into the tiny town beyond. 

After stopping at a recommended pastry shop to grab an eclair, I wandered a bit and sat on a bench to enjoy it. Then, I made my way back to the van feeling ready to rejoin the group and head to our next stop. 

Château de Chambord

Next, we went to Château de Chambord. Chenonceau and Chambord are two of the most popular chateaus in the Loire Valley, so I was glad this tour covered them both. 

The two chateaus are quite different, both on the exterior and interior. We learned why when our guide shared their differing histories, and reasons for being built.

Once again, he led us to the best photo spot before guiding us inside and giving helpful tips about how best to explore this chateau. Then, he set us free. 

I moved quickly through this chateau, prioritizing making it to the top to get up close and personal with great views and some of the more stunning architecture. I loved this chateau! 

Others in my group spent the entire time exploring this chateau in detail. 

I made my way to a creperie nearby to enjoy a coffee and snack while catching up on IG stories and texts from my family. Once again, I felt grateful for the space to go at my own pace. 

Then, we all gathered back in the minivan and I was dropped off first in Amboise before the rest of the group headed back to Tours. 

Drinks at Le Shaker

You’ll arrive back to Amboise, most likely, around 5pm. Make your way to Le Shaker for dinks with a view. 

This restaurant is located on the central island part, halfway across the bridge into Amboise. It directly faces the river, and the Château Royal d’Amboise across the way. 

Even if you decide not to grab a drink or a bite to eat here, it’s worth the short walk over for the view and some great photos. 

If you don’t end up eating at Le Shaker, there are plenty of other choices for dinner. While I didn’t end up making it to try these ones in person, I did carefully select and favorite them in my maps app with the intention to do so. 

Try La fourchette for tapas or Baalbeck for lebanese food, and please report back to let me know how it was if you do! 

Additional Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Have even more time in the Loire Valley? Or, want to swap out something from my itinerary to something that’s more your style? Consider these activities:

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Especially in warmer months, you’re sure to see majestic hot air balloons floating over the picturesque Loire Valley. Even in February, when I visited, we managed to see a couple floating by in the sky. 

Taking a hot air balloon ride is a popular Loire Valley experience, and one you don’t need a car for either. You’ll get picked up from your hotel and driven to the launch site in a 4×4. 

After a safety briefing, you’ll take to the skies for a gentle adventure. Enjoy a glass of champagne when you land, and receive a flight certification as a souvenir!

Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Loire Valley 

Another popular way to explore the Loire Valley is by bike. This e-bike tour to Chambord is great for those who want a more active way to get around. It includes a visit to Chambord, as well as an impressive family property. 

Or, stay closer to Amboise with this other e-bike tour that covers Amboise highlights, including a visit to Clos Lucé and a wine tasting.

Getting to the Loire Valley

You can easily arrive in the Loire Valley by train from Paris, or elsewhere, like I did. It’s an easy walk from the Amboise train station into town, and most likely to your accommodations. Or, see if you can arrange a pickup with your hotel or Airbnb host. 

When my time in the Loire Valley was done, I was able to take the train to Bordeaux as well. Overall, the train station is pretty well connected but you’ll likely have to make at least one transfer. 

Book Train Tickets to the Loire Valley

Where to Stay in the Loire Valley

I went back and forth on where to stay, as in which town to stay in. I’d found a lovely accommodation in Bloise that really called to me, but I ultimately realized that without a car it wouldn’t be the best base. 

Then, I considered the city of Tours. Ultimately, I landed on Amboise. Many tours depart from both Tours and Amboise, and as I wasn’t planning on having a car it was important to have easy access to such experiences. 

Tours is a slightly larger city, and might have more to do if you’re visiting in the off season. Amboise, however, is a charming small town with plenty to offer as well. Although, during off season it can feel a little too quiet at times. 

If you’re looking for a well-located place to stay within Amboise, consider Maison Hulotte or Chambres D’hôtes Les Ambaciales .

When to Visit the Loire Valley

The best time of year, from a pleasant-weather perspective, would be summer months. I’d also consider visiting in early fall. 

My own visit was in February. The benefit of visiting at this time of year was the availability of tours, affordable places to stay and little crowding. 

But, the weather was chilly of course. And in Amboise, sometimes it felt like there wasn’t much to do or a lot going on. 

FAQ: Visiting the Loire Valley

As you consider the details of your visit, keep in mind:

How many days do you need in Loire Valley?

You could easily plan out a longer itinerary, probably a week-plus, to explore the Loire Valley’s various towns and chateaus. But if you only have a couple days, like I did, you can still see plenty and get a good taste of what the region has to offer. 

What is the most picturesque town in the Loire Valley?

In my opinion and from what I’ve seen, Amboise is the most picturesque town in the Loire Valley. But if you have a different opinion, I’d love to learn more! 

Is it worth going to the Loire Valley?

Yes. The Loire Valley wasn’t on my radar until recently and that’s a shame. It’s a beautiful part of France with a lot of history and fairytale-like charm to offer. 

Is Tours a good base for the Loire Valley?

Absolutely. Tours is a bit of a bigger city, with plenty to do while also being well connected. Many guided tours pick up participants from this city, and you’d also be well-connected for train travel on your own. 

Final Thoughts: Loire Valley Itinerary

If you’re considering a visit to the Loire Valley, go. Worried about having enough time? Hopefully this 2-day Loire Valley itinerary helps you see that it’s definitely possible to cover a lot of ground there in even a short amount of time. Enjoy your visit to the Garden of France!

Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley Road Trip Itinerary

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Normandy and the Loire Valley are the perfect destinations in France for a road trip. This itinerary is great for first-time visitors to France as it is an easy itinerary and takes in some of the best sights in France.

Planning your road trip to France ? Below are some places to stay, things to do, and more.

• Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley
• Amboise: Caves Ambacia Visit and Wine Tasting
• Bayeux: American D-Day Sites in Normandy Full-Day Tour
• Paris: 1-Hour River Seine Cruise
• Hôtel Le Blason (Amboise, I stayed here and loved it)
• Chambre d’ Hôte (Near Mont St Michel, charming B&B)
• Hotel de Brunville (Bayeux, great hotel and location)
• Hotel des Carmes (Paris, great location)

Driving around France independently? Click here to check France rental car rates !

Combining the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Paris into one 8-day road trip may seem a little ambitious, but this France vacation ended up being one of my favourite trips. If you’re working on your budget for a trip to France, I’ve outlined my entire budget for this trip here . This is the best one-week road trip to explore France from Paris.

Table of Contents

Top 5 Experiences on a Normandy and Loire Valley Road trip

• Explore the fairy-tale-like castles of the Loire Valley .
• See Mont Saint Michel at low and high tide
• Visit the D-Day landing sites on the Normandy Coast
• Wander Monet’s gardens in Giverny
• Spend time seeing the highlights of Paris

Renting a Car in France

Driving in France was really quite straightforward as there are lots of highways. The Loire Valley and Normandy are both excellent places to have a car to explore all the castles and sights.

France is a fantastic destination if you are considering a European road trip. Doing this Normandy and Loire Valley itinerary as a road trip gave the freedom of exploring cute villages, having flexibility in adding on sights, and driving through the countryside.

I recommend and use Discover Cars to find a rental car. It compares local and international companies so you can get the best deal. Always compare rental company ratings as even though it can be tempting to go with the cheapest price it might not be the best experience.

I picked up and dropped off the rental car at the airport in Paris for this itinerary. Because you don’t need a car in Paris, just drop off the car before your time in Paris to save money.

France Road Trip Itinerary

This itinerary is best done by car. If you want to visit the Loire Valley and Normandy without a car, it will be more challenging, but it is possible.

For a shorter vacation, your best bet would be to join guided tours. One option I found was this two-day tour that takes in Mont Saint Michel and Loire Valley Chateaus. Or you could do a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley and another day trip to Mont Saint Michel . With more time, it would be possible to see most of these sights using a combination of trains and buses.

In this France itinerary, I have everything you need for a fantastic 8-day road trip to France. This was my second visit to France. You can check out my one-week itinerary that included Strasbourg and the Alsace here . If you are short on time, another great road trip is spending 5 days in the South of France .

Two Days in the Loire Valley

While I did this right after landing from an overnight flight, this doesn’t work for everyone. If you know you will be too drowsy to drive, start this itinerary in Paris instead of ending in Paris. Pick up your rental car and get ready for your road trip.

Start your week in France with the castles of the Loire Valley. The Loire Valley has to be one of the most romantic places in France you can visit. Drive to Amboise in the Loire Valley, it’s a fantastic place to base yourself to explore the area. Wondering where to stay in Amboise? I stayed at Hôtel Le Blason which was perfectly placed in Amboise to walk to the local sights. It’s a great budget hotel and I would stay there again.

Day One in Amboise: Explore the City

After checking in to your hotel (and taking a nap!), explore Amboise.

Amboise is a really beautiful town with the gorgeous Chateau d’Amboise sitting above the town. It’s a great place to walk around and watch the sunset over the Loire River.

There are also some good restaurants here to enjoy local cuisine:

• Via Roma – Great pizza and pasta. Not traditional French food but a solid choice.
• Anne de Bretagne – Crepe restaurant and has yummy savory and dessert crepes. Also a good place to have some wine or cider.
• L’Horlage – Is a fantastic bakery and serves up delicious quiches, pastries, and croissants. I also loved grabbing sandwiches from here for lunches.

Day Two in the Loire Valley: Visit Chateaux

After a good night’s sleep, start your day by picking up some breakfast from local boulangeries. Check out my guide to the Loire Valley chateaux for more information on these castles.

Chateau Chenonceau is the closest to Amboise and well worth a visit as it was probably my favourite. It was nice to explore Chenonceau and learn about its history.

I also visited Chateau Villandry for the stunning gardens, and Chateau d’Usse to see the chateau that inspired Sleeping Beauty’s castle. I highly recommend all three as they each offered a different experience and made for what felt like a perfect day.

After a great day exploring the Loire Valley, I finished up the day by having a crepe dinner in Amboise.

With More Time: Amboise is also close to Chateau Chambord which looks stunning as well as many vineyards. Leonardo da Vinci called Amboise home and his house, Chateau du Close Luce, is located in the town and open to visitors. I would have happily stayed another night or two in Amboise.

Four Days in Normandy and Brittany

Driving in Normandy is a pleasant experience. There are adorable villages to drive through and winding narrow roads through fields and forests. Mont Sainte Michel and the D-Day Beaches are what bring most tourists into Normandy, but it’s well worth it to make side trips to Brittany. Normandy is a great place to try some of its specialties, the three C’s: camembert, calvados, and cider .

Day Three: Drive to Normandy

The third day of this itinerary has a lot of driving. There’s no way around it, the Loire Valley and Normandy are pretty far apart. My goal today was to drive to Mont St Michel to see it at night.

Visit Chateau d’Angers Enjoy a final breakfast in Amboise and then head towards Mont St Michel. I stopped in Angers to break up the 3.5-hour drive. Chateau d’Angers is an impressive chateau with multiple towers, it’s absolutely huge. If you pay to go inside, you can view the impressive Apocolypse Tapestry which depicts scenes from the Book of Revelations.

Check in to Pontorson Continue your drive towards Mont St Michel and check in to your accommodation. I chose to stay in Pontorson as it was cheaper and only a short drive to Mont St. Michel. I stayed at a B&B in Pontorson, Chambre d’ Hôte . I loved that it was just 15 minutes drive to Mont St Michel and also convenient for visiting other locations like Dinan and Saint-Malo. The owner was friendly and the place was so quiet and peaceful. It was a great place to stay and affordable.

Visit Dinan Knowing this would be my only chance to visit Dinan, I made the half-hour drive for a quick visit. Dinan is a walled medieval town in Brittany and is a lot of fun to explore. It’s a great stop and with more time, I would stay overnight.

Visit Mont St Michel at Night After visiting Dinan, I drove to Mont St Michel so I could see the sunset and see it at night and high tide. You can check tide tables in advance to see if you will be there at low or high tide. At the highest tides, Mont St Michel turns into an island and is temporarily inaccessible. I have a full guide to Mont Saint Michel here .

I loved visiting Mont St Michel and highly recommend going in the evening. The shuttle buses between the Mont and the visitors parking lot run late so it isn’t necessary to stay on the Mont to see it at nighttime.

Depending on your timing you can either eat dinner in Dinan or on Mont St Michel. Or if you’re me, you can forgo dinner because you’re too excited about seeing things and end up at the only available food place open. McDonald’s at 11 pm in Pontorson.

With More Time: Dinan would make a fantastic place to stay and I could have easily spent more time here. It would be a great base to explore more of Brittany.

Day Four: Explore Brittany and Mont Saint Michel

On my fourth day, I returned to Mont St Michel to see it at low tide and visit the Abbey. If you don’t want to visit again, you can easily spend more time in Saint-Malo or head to Bayeux earlier.

Visit Saint-Malo Start off your day by heading to Saint-Malo and exploring the walls and beach here. It’s a beautiful city to visit even if you only have a couple of hours. This coastal town makes for a great beach destination as they have a gorgeous long sandy beach. I grabbed a sandwich and some local pastries for lunch here.

Do A Coastal Drive After a visit to Saint-Malo, drive along the coast on the D201 highway towards Mont St Michel for scenic views. This takes about 2 hours depending on the number of stops. Pointe du Grouin was my favourite stop as it sits on the entrance to the bay of Mont St Michel and in clear weather, you can see Mont St Michel in the distance.

Visit Mont Saint-Michel After enjoying Brittany and the coast, visit Mont St. Michel. You need about 2 hours here to properly have time to visit and see the Abbey and town. It was an interesting experience to be able to contrast night and day as well as low tide and high tide.

When you’re done at Mont St Michel, drive to Bayeux and check into your hotel and have dinner. L’Insolite was a fantastic place to have crepes. I had the Popeye crepe here, it was filled with spinach and creme fraiche. Really delicious.

Wondering where to stay in Bayeux for two nights? I stayed at Hotel de Brunville . I loved how centrally located it was. It was only a few minutes to walk to the Cathedral and restaurants. It was also easy to access by car and there was plenty of cheap parking in the parking lots.

Day Five: Explore Bayeux and D-Day Sites

See the Bayeux Tapestry Bayeux is a very walkable town and can easily be explored in a morning. The top things to see in Bayeux are its impressive gothic Cathedral and the Bayeux Tapestry. The tapestry covers the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1070. Included with your admission to the Bayeux Tapestry is an audio guide that explains exactly what you are seeing in the tapestry.

Visit D-Day Sites After spending the morning in Bayeux, head out for an afternoon visiting D-Day sites. Bayeux is perfectly placed to explore D-Day sites as it was the first city liberated in WWII in the Battle of Normandy. While I had a car and decided to explore independently, there are some guided tours you can join from Bayeux if you prefer. There is this American D-Day sites tour and there’s also a Canadian D-Day sites tour .

I chose to visit Juno Beach and the museum there as it was the beach that Canadians landed at in the war. The beach itself had nothing to see but the museum was interesting. After seeing Juno Beach, I stopped at Arromanches-les-Bains . This site overlooks the harbour where you can see that an artificial port was installed right after D-Day. This port allowed goods to be delivered and the beach to be held.

After, it was off to Longues-sur-Mer battery . For me, this was the most interesting D-Day site I visited. These German guns actually took part in shelling the nearby Omaha and Gold Beaches during D-Day.

Return to Bayeux for dinner.

Day Six: Honfleur and Giverny

Drive to Honfleur Enjoy your last morning in Bayeux and then do the short drive to Honfleur. It’s just over an hour between the two and a pleasant drive. Have Lunch in Honfleur Honfleur has a really cute harbour and is a fantastic place to have lunch, especially if you like seafood. The harbour is lined with cute buildings and lots of restaurants so you can sit and take in the view.

Explore Honfleur After lunch, walk around Honfleur and check out some of the shops and the historic area. A highlight for me was seeing the Church of St. Catherine. Uniquely, this church is made entirely of wood using the same techniques as for boat building. There are also lots of souvenir shops in Honfleur which makes it a great place to pick up some sea salt caramels or local liquor and candies.

Stop in Vernon After lunch, continue onwards towards Giverny. If you have time, make a quick stop at Vernon as it is on the way. Just on the edge of town, stop to see the old half-timbered mill of Vernon that sits over the Seine River.

Visit Monet’s Gardens Continue on towards Giverny and stop at Monet’s Gardens . I arrived around 4 pm and it was still quite busy but by the time I left, I was able to get shots of the garden without a swarm of people.

Monet’s gardens when I visited had bright pops of dahlias everywhere. The Japanese Garden that houses the famous green bridges and waterlilies was peaceful. I could easily have spent longer here as it is a relaxing place.

Drive to Paris Drive to Paris and return your rental car to the airport. Use the train to get into Paris and check in to your hotel. Being a large city, you should be able to find many food places open late or grocery stores like Monoprix for quick meals like sandwiches or salads.

Two Days in Paris

Now that the road trip portion of the itinerary is over, getting around Paris requires using the Metro system and walking. There is plenty to do, with lots of hidden gems in Paris , so you are really going to have to narrow down your Paris wishlist to avoid overpacking your itinerary. If you bought a pet along for this road trip, Paris with a dog is very doable as many places are pet-friendly.

Wondering where to stay in Paris for three nights? I stayed at Hotel des Carmes in the 5th arrondissement. I loved the location as it was 2 minutes to a Metro station. It was also 5 minutes to the Luxembourg Gardens, down the hill from the Pantheon, and 10 minutes to Notre Dame. The hotel room was basic but I didn’t spend much time in the room anyways. Paris has expensive accommodation so I highly recommend booking as soon as you purchase your flight.

Use your two full days in Paris to explore the following highlights:

• Eiffel Tower: A visit to the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero i s a must if it’s your first visit to Paris. It’s also in a great spot to explore the nearby streets. If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower, you should purchase your tickets in advance .
• Arc de Triomphe : Head to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees. The Arc de Triomphe is absolutely enormous, it’s hard to believe the size. If you have time, go up it, you may want to purchase your ticket in advance
• Notre Dame: It’s still closed but check out the gargoyles and architecture on the outside.
• Sainte Chapelle: This church has absolutely beautiful and unique stained glass that is worth a look.
• Louvre: In Paris you are spoiled for choice with museums. With only two days I would only schedule one museum in. You could also visit L’Orangerie and Musee d’Orsay instead of the Louvre. Buy your ticket in advance for the Louvre to avoid long lines. I timed my exit from the Louvre to be at sunset so I could see the Louvre Pyramid lit up at night.
• Luxembourg Gardens : These gardens are well worth a visit as they are quite beautiful and almost a mini Versaille. After a walk in the park, I explored the Latin Quarter for some shopping.

You can see my full guide to Paris here.

Day Nine: Flight Home

On your last day, grab any last-minute things from shops nearby and head to the airport. The airport is easy to access using the Metro and RER system but you should allow for 1-1.5 hours to get to the airport from Paris.

8 Days in France

The eight days will absolutely fly by. If you have more time, I would definitely add more time to the Loire Valley, perhaps staying in Angers, and more time in Normandy and Brittany, perhaps adding a night in Dinan and a night in Honfleur.

Overall, I felt this itinerary went well and was a great introduction to the top sights in the Loire Valley and Normandy. I would happily visit both again.

I hope this itinerary has inspired you to visit France. Leave questions or comments about your own experiences in France below!

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28 comments.

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This is a world wind road trip! I’ve done it and loved it. We try to do 2 weeks every year and have spent a lot of time in Loire Valley, Normandy and Brittany, besides Paris of course, cannot get enough of France! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

Thanks Andi! It definitely is a whirl-wind! France is also someplace I would love to return to. 2 weeks every year sounds fantastic!

What a fantastic road trip and brings back great memories for me, I spent my childhood summer holidays in France. I haven’t visited Amboise though (or Paris for that matter, not quite sure how that’s happened!), Chateau d’Usse looks so idyllic 🙂

Thanks Rachael, it really was a great road trip! I loved exploring France beyond Paris.

Wow! This sounds amazing. I was in Paris earlier this year and plan to return. Thank you so much for the recommendations and will follow and will follow them to explore outside of the city. The Popeye crepe sounds so delicious!

The popeye crepe was so yummy, I wish I could recreate it at home but I am hopeless at making crepes. Paris is a great city but it was so much fun to explore some of France’s countryside.

This looks like the perfect way to really explore France! I would love to take a road trip in this area, and this makes me feel like it’s totally doable. Monet’s Garden especially is so dreamy!

It’s a very doable road trip itinerary! I absolutely loved both the Loire Valley and Normandy. I could have spent a whole afternoon in Monet’s Garden, it was such a beautiful place.

I love the Mont Saint Michel, haven’t been in ages but will have to go back one day! I’m from Brittany and usually forget how beautiful it can be! Would love to do a road trip throughout the whole country.

I would love to explore more of Brittany, the little bit I did see was gorgeous! Road tripping all of France would be an amazing trip, there’s so much to see and do there!

What a wonderful post! This looks like an amazing road trip with so much helpful info. I’ve been to Paris twice but never ventured further and would love to take this route. Will save for when I get the chance to go back! ?

Thanks! It was a fantastic road trip. Hopefully you get a chance to explore beyond Paris, the countryside and smaller towns are beautiful.

France would be a beautiful place to do a road trip! Great itinerary!

It’s a fantastic country to road trip, I would love to do more in France.

This is a solid road trip! I love France and visit frequently with my husband who is French and I love so many of the places you included. I still have yet to visit Brittany and Monet’s Gardens so I’ll take some of your recommendations for those places. Two days in Paris is always tough but you can see a lot if you’ve got the stamina, haha!

Thanks, it felt like I got to see a ton of things in a short period of time. France is fantastic, it’s great that you get to visit often! I really would have loved to spend more time exploring Brittany as the little bit I saw was gorgeous.

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Fantastic trip! We are driving to Normandy and Loire this May, and visiting lots of the same places you did. Do you have any parking tips for the larger towns and cities? Was it always easy to find parking?

Hi Tim, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. In general, parking was not a problem. The hotels I stayed at either had parking or had a recommendation for public parking. Send your hotel an email to enquire about parking before your arrival. For large cities, I use Google Maps and search for parking and the city/town name so they show up on the map and I have a general idea before starting my day about where I can find parking.

I do have two pieces of advice on parking though. First, know how to parallel park in small spaces. You can maybe get away without knowing how to parallel park but if you can, it will be useful for visiting smaller places and for finding the best parking spots.

Secondly, just accept that you will pay for parking. Many towns do have free parking but you will save time by paying. I found that it really was worth just paying up as it generally is not that expensive and way better than wasting time circling looking for free parking. Every town did have some kind of paid parking lot and signs pointing you towards it. At the chateaus the parking is free and they are pretty huge dirt/gravel lots.

Hope you have a fantastic trip to Normandy and the Loire Valley!

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! Very helpful advice, we will be staying with some locals in their gíte so will certainly ask them for specific recommendations as well.

Brianna: well written informative article, like this style and appreciation of what you saw and did. Thanks v much, I am planning a UK driving trip in a favourite car and this itinerary looks great.Happy Travels.

Hi Stuart, I’m glad you enjoyed this article! I loved this itinerary, it fit in a lot in a short time. France is a fantastic country for a road trip, I hope you have a great time when you visit!

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Wow! You covered so much ground in so little time. Impressive! I’ll be bookmarking this. Thanks for the great recommendations!

Thanks Lori! It was a fantastic trip, glad this was useful for you.

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• Loire Valley

Browse the sample tours below for inspiration or contact us straight away for a tailor-made itinerary by a local travel designer.

Our favorite loire valley tours.

The Gorgeous Loire Valley by Bike

Flavors of the Loire Valley

A Short Luxury Break in the Loire Valley

Highlights of the Loire Valley

Luxury Trip to Paris, Normandy, and Loire Valley

Luxury Escape to the Loire Valley

Loire valley in depth.

Get to know the Loire Valley

The so-called Garden of France is located just a couple hours drive southwest of Paris. It was a battleground during the Hundred Years War before becoming a playground for French royalty in the 15th and 16th centuries. Seemingly countless castles span the valley from Orleans to Anger. Some are imposing fortresses, while others are flamboyant displays of wealth and power ( ch â teau can mean both castle and palace in French ). Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise are the first ch â teaux that most visitors see, but many, many others are worthwhile. The extensive gardens at Château de Villandry, the sound and light show at the Royal Ch â teau of Blois, and Le Clos Lucé, Leonardo Da Vinci’s former manor, are sure to delight.

Fantastic, diverse vineyards and enchanting villages also await visitors to the Loire. Amboise, Blois, Orléans, and Tours are lovely. The gently rolling hills of this UNESCO World Heritage-designated region are a pleasure to explore on an e-bike. But, the most romantic way to appreciate the Loire Valley may be from above, aboard a hot air balloon.

The Loire Valley is known as the garden of France, and the cuisine incorporates fantastic produce with local game and freshwater fish. Try the traditional fouace or fouée breads. You’ll find them stuffed, often with rillettes , a type of pork paté.

Tarte Tatin , an upside-down apple tart, is one of our very favorite French desserts.

When to go: May through June and September to October offer the ideal conditions to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and the gorgeous gardens at the various châteaux. The climate is favorable for much of the year, as the Loire River moderates the temperatures. The climate can be cool with a springtime frost and wine harvest months may see a lot of rain. Summers are hot however influences from the Atlantic moderate the temperature with welcome breezes. 

By Train: The TGV connects Paris to Tours in about 35 minutes and 1 1/2 hours to Blois.

By Car: It is a short 2 1/2-hour drive from Paris to Amboise or Tours.

By Plane: Most people will arrive via Paris. If you prefer to avoid flying into Paris, Nantes’s airport has connections to many European hubs. It is located just 2 ½  hours west of Tours by car.

What to eat and drink:

Cheese: The Loire’s fantastic goat cheeses include 5 AOP appellations: cylindrical Saint-Maure with a piece of straw in its center, Selles-sur-Cher , Crottin de Chavignol , and the pyramid-shaped Pouligny-Saint-Pierre and Valençay.

Wine: The Loire Valley is one of France’s most productive wine regions with diverse wines including reds, rosés, whites, sparkling, and so-called grey wines. That confusing-named vin gris is actually a pale rosé and perfect for a summer day. The great variety means that there is something for every taste. We enjoy the Rosé d’Anjou and the excellent Muscadet, Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre whites.

Experience the Loire Valley

Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord is a true Renaissance masterpiece. It is the biggest and most majestic of the Loire palaces. Created as a hunting lodge for King François I, it is a monumental work with more than 440 rooms. It sits on a 21-square mile walled property, equivalent in size to that of the entire city of Paris. The property features extensive royal gardens and unspoiled woods. Many elements, particularly the double-helix stairway, seem to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s work. The view from the top offers a gorgeous panorama of the roofs, towers, chimneys, and the surrounding estate. 

Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé

This palace was a residence for French Kings from the 15th until the 19th century. While the site was used as a fort since Roman times, the château seen today was rebuilt by King Charles VIII in a late Gothic Flamboyant style with Italian Renaissance influences. Famous he died here after hitting his head on one of its doorways shortly after the work was completed. Make the climb for the 130-foot (40-meter) Minimes Tower for impressive panoramas. 

Leonardo Da Vinci is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert on the chateau’s grounds. The legendary Renaissance man lived a ten-minute walk away in Le Clos Lucé. A visit to the manor is a unique opportunity to visit the genius’s workshop and see models of his inventions. 

Château de Chenonceau, the Lady’s Castle

The graceful Château de Chenonceau is one of France’s most memorable castles. The building itself is built on arches spanning the Cher River. It is nicknamed the Château des Dames thanks to the numerous noblewomen who left their mark on its history. It was originally built by Katherine Briçonnet in 1513. King Henry II later gifted it to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. However, after his death, the Queen, Catherine de Medicis, evicted Poitiers and took up residence herself at the palace. The influence of these powerful women is evident throughout the estate, from the lush interiors to the competing Poitiers and Medicis gardens.

Loire Valley Vineyards

The Loire River is France’s longest wine route, stretching for 600 miles (1,000 km) from the Atlantic Coast to Sancerre in central France. A wide range of micro-climates means that the area produces diverse wines from dry and sweet whites to rosés, reds, and crémant sparkling wines. Cabernet Franc , Chenin , Melon de Bourgogne , and Sauvignon are among the most popular varietals. Many wine cellars are in extensive troglodyte galleries, former quarries dug to supply building material for the valley’s châteaux. They make for a fascinating place to sample the region’s fine wine or cool off on a summer day. Among the dozens of Loire Valley AOCs, Vouvay and Chinon are two of the best-known.

Favorite Hotels

Chateau de Pray

Relais de Chambord

Hotel Pavillon des Lys

Château des Grotteaux

Le Manoir Les Minimes

Hotel Fleur De Loire

Les Tresorieres

Les Sources de Cheverny

Domaine de Primard

Related articles.

10 Essential Loire Valley Châteaux

A Fall Getaway to the Loire Valley

What to Do in the Loire Valley in 2023

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