Is it a good idea to visit the châteaux and the Loire Valley in fall?
Absolutely. In our article we share information on visiting conditions, openings, attractions and weather. Everything to help you plan your trip.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The Loire Valley in the fall: useful information
Is this a good time to visit?
The Loire Valley is a great destination to visit in autumn, when the weather is pleasant and less crowded than at the height of the summer season.
You can still enjoy beautiful sunny days, but the weather cools down and becomes rainier, especially in November.
However, it's not the French region with the most autumn-colored leaves.
Are the castles open in autumn?
Most of the major châteaux remain open all year round, including the more popular Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry and Amboise. However, it's always a good idea to check opening hours in advance, as some smaller castles may have reduced opening times out of season.
Normally, in September and October, almost everything stays open.
In November, some châteaux close.
Which Loire châteaux offer autumn foliage?
For a few weeks in October/November, some leaves change color.
However, the Loire Valley is not the best region in France for autumn foliage. You won't have many opportunities to see a combination of trees and castles.
Your best chances are at Chambord (surrounded by forest) and Cheverny.
Practical tips for visiting the Loire Valley in fall
- Plan and book your accommodation in advance, as this is still a very popular season.
- Find out about special autumn events and exhibitions at the castles you plan to visit.
- Bring layers of clothing, as the weather can be variable in autumn: a light under-layer, a sweater for warmth and a jacket for rain.
- Make the most of the harvest season, which in the Loire runs from September to mid-November.
Where to stay?
Whether in autumn or any other season, our recommendations are the same. Please note, however, that some hotels close in November:
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Château de Chambord in autumn
Château de Chambord remains open throughout the autumn season.
Certainly the most impressive château on the Loire. Its massive architecture leaves no one indifferent. The double-helix staircase by Leonardo da Vinci, which combines technical excellence and ornament, is the embodiment of the know-how of the wildly creative Renaissance.
But above all, Chambord is surrounded by an immense 5440-hectare forest park. You can explore it on foot or by bike, with 15 kilometers of bike paths and numerous trails to discover the flora and fauna of the estate. Some trees change color, but not all.
>> Book your tickets / More photos and tips in our article
Château de Chenonceau in autumn
Château de Chenonceau remains open throughout the autumn season.
For us, the most beautiful castle de Loire. The Château de Chenonceau majestically spans the Cher, its magnificent Renaissance architecture reflected in the river. The gardens and interior are also exceptional, and we came away intoxicated by so much beauty.
Some of the trees around the river take on ochre and orange hues in the depths of autumn, but not all.
>> Book your tickets / More photos and tips in our article
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Château de Cheverny in autumn
Château de Cheverny remains open throughout the autumn season.
Château de Cheverny was built in the 17th century, but became part of the history of Loire castles when Hergé used it as inspiration for the famous Château de Moulinsart. in which Tintin is held prisoner, before becoming the property of the volcanic Captain Haddock. There's a museum dedicated to these characters.
In addition to the château and the museum, there's the vast château park, which can be visited by buggy or electric boat, and features some remarkable trees.
During the boat tour (extra charge), you'll discover the elephant-foot trees.
The colors were starting to change. Unfortunately, we were there 1 week too early, because apparently for a week in autumn these trees turn a brilliant red!
>> More photos and tips in our article
Château du Rivau in autumn
Château du Rivau remains open for most of the autumn season.
Château du Rivau is a magical castle that tells the story of life in these farming regions in the Middle Ages. We loved it! The owners take us on a perpetual journey back and forth between renaissance and contemporary art, but also between nature and architecture. This is the château's other (very) strong point, its 15 remarkable gardens with their resolutely dreamlike universes.
In autumn, color is brought to life by the decorations of pumpkins, gourds and squash all over the castle courtyard.
You can also enjoy a special day with the Autumn Flower Festival, in the second half of October.
>> More photos and tips in our article
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire in autumn
Château de Chaumont remains open for most of the autumn season.
If this medieval castle is today a must-see in the Loire Valley, it is for its gardens! The estate has become the French, if not international, benchmark for contemporary gardens. It offers 13 permanent gardens that preserve the horticultural heritage and 24 ephemeral gardens created around an annual theme. It's in this enchanting setting that the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire rises.
As at Château du Rivau, cucurbits are invading the park, bringing oranges, reds and browns to the gardens. Some of the trees in the magnificent park are taking on autumnal hues.
>> Book your ticket / More photos and tips in our article
Château de Villandry in autumn
Château de Chaumont remains open during the autumn season (with reduced opening hours).
Villandry impressed us for its breathtaking gardens and their constant dialogue with the château's rooms. The gardens were redesigned in the 20th century according to Renaissance rules, with a tiered structure in keeping with that of the château. Just gorgeous!
Here, too, you'll discover squash, pumpkin and gourd decorations in the gardens.
>> Book your tickets / More photos and tips in our article
Other Loire castles to see in autumn
And of course, many other Loire châteaux remain open, at least until the end of October.
For more ideas, see:
- our selection of the 12 most beautiful Loire castles
- our list of over 100 châteaux in the Loire Valley
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Loire villages in autumn
In autumn, you can also continue discovering the charming villages of the Loire Valley. Here and there, you'll find trees with autumn colors that can make your photos even more unforgettable.
Our favourite villages are:
- Montrésor with its castle, charming little streets and river
- Béhuart, surrounded by two river arms
- Chédigny, the garden village (but prettier in spring)
- Lavardin, a journey through time
See our list of the best villages in the Loire Valley.
Loire vineyards in autumn
The vineyards of the Loire Valley offer an enchanting spectacle in autumn, when the leaves of the vines take on flamboyant colors. This is a particularly good time to discover this wine-growing region, as it's harvest time, adding a special vibrancy to the wineries.
There are lots of ways to enjoy the vineyards:
- Cellar tours and guided tastings
- Vineyard tours
- Cycle routes through the vineyards of the various appellations
- Hiking through the vineyards
Find out more about Loire wines and our tips for visiting the vineyards.
Halloween in the Loire Valley
In general, several Loire castles offer activities or shows around Halloween. These may vary from year to year, but we advise you to visit the websites of these castles to see their programs:
- Castle of Meung-sur-Loire
- Beaugency Castle
- Château de Sullu-sur-Loire
- Castle of Villesavin
- Château du Rivau (castle and gardens)
- Château de Gizeux and the "Samhain" festival
- Château d'Azay-le-Ferron
- Castle of Serrant
- Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Nantes
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
