Want to visit the Loire Valley and its castles in March?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide to climate, travel conditions, crowds, prices, attractions and events.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Traveling to the Loire Valley in March: Quick Answers
Is the weather nice in the Loire Valley in March? Is this a good time to visit?
In March, we love the Loire Valley for its climate, which is just beginning to warm up after winter. The sky remains changeable, alternating between clear spells and cloudy periods, and temperatures are rising gradually, reaching around 12°C to 13°C during the day.
We especially appreciate the tranquility of this time of year: the summer crowds haven't yet taken over the castles, which lets us explore at our own pace. However, expect cool mornings and even the occasional frost, especially along the Loire River. The major castles are open, but the lesser-known ones are often still closed.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Traveling in the Loire Valley in March: A Summary of Conditions
Temperatures
In March, temperatures remain cool throughout the region. The temperature averages 12°C (54°F) to 13°C (55°F) during the day, while at night it frequently drops to between 3°C (37°F) and 5°C (41°F). The temperature differences between day and night are therefore pronounced, especially along the river, where the humidity makes it feel even colder in the early morning.
Crowds and prizes
March is part of the off-season in the Loire Valley. We have observed that the castles and towns remain quiet, except during school breaks in the relevant area, which may occasionally draw larger crowds of families. Accommodation rates remain reasonable, especially on weekdays. We recommend this time of year to those looking for a more intimate experience of the major monuments, away from the crowds of late spring and summer.
Opening conditions
Most of the iconic castles, such as Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise, remain open year-round, including in March. Some smaller or more remote sites are gradually reopening as spring approaches, though their hours may be limited at the beginning of the month. But many smaller sites are not yet open. Be sure to check before you go!
Length of day
The length of the day increases from about 11 hours and 30 minutes at the beginning of the month to more than 13 hours at the end of the month, due to the switch to daylight saving time, which takes place on the last Sunday in March. This gradually gives you more time to explore the gardens and the banks of the Loire River at the end of the day.
Top Attractions in the Loire Valley in March
In March, most of the region's major attractions remain open. For example, you can:
- Visit the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
- Stroll through the region's most beautiful villages
- Discover the most beautiful cities along the river
- Explore the cave cellars and taste the wines of the Loire Valley
- Take a stroll through Old Tours or Amboise, the town of Leonardo da Vinci
- Take the kids to one of the family-friendly castles
- See our article on the best attractions to visit in the Loire Valley.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
Castles Open in March
Among the most famous castles, here are the ones that are open in March (unless under renovation):
- Chenonceau Castle overlooking the river
Chambord Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece - Villandry Castle and Its Gardens
- Royal Castle of Amboise
- Castle of Azay-le-Rideau
- Château Royal de Blois
- Cheverny Castle (and its connection to Tintin)
- Serrant Castle
- Château d'Ussé
- ...
However, the following are not yet open:
- The Château du Rivau
- Brissac Castle
- Chaumont Castle is open, but the garden festival doesn't start until mid-April
- Valençay Castle usually opens in mid-March
Climate in the Loire Valley in March – Weather Forecast
The climate of the Loire Valley is a modified oceanic climate, halfway between Atlantic influences and the more continental characteristics of the Paris Basin. In March, the weather is changeable, alternating between brief showers and sunny spells. March showers remain frequent, as this month traditionally marks the transition from winter to spring.
Along the river, the humidity remains palpable at daybreak, sometimes accompanied by mist that clears as the morning progresses. We particularly enjoy this low late-winter light, which makes the tuffeau facades of the castles look even more stunning.
Temperatures in March in the Loire Valley
Temperatures vary little from one city to another in the region, but remain generally cool throughout the month. Here are the averages recorded for four iconic cities in the Loire Valley: Tours, Angers, Saumur, and Nantes.
Temperature in Tours
- Average daytime temperatures: 13°C (55°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Temperature in Angers
- Average daytime temperatures: 13°C (55°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Temperature in Saumur
- Average daytime temperatures: 13°C (55°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Temperature in Nantes
- Average daytime temperatures: 13°C (55°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 4°C (39°F)
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.
Rain and Wind
In March, rainfall remains moderate in the Loire Valley, with a mix of dry days and occasional heavy showers—the famous March showers. Sources do not always agree exactly on the volumes, but we can expect a fairly wide range depending on the city.
- Rainfall in Tours: between 70 and 80 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Rainfall in Angers: between 45 and 55 mm
(over 3 days on average) - Rainfall in Saumur: between 60 and 70 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Rainfall in Nantes: between 70 and 80 mm
(over 5 days on average)
Snow is rare in March in the Loire Valley. It is possible that a snowfall could occur in the region at the very beginning of the month, but the snow usually does not stay on the ground for more than a few hours. However, morning frosts are still possible, especially away from the river.
The wind blows mainly from the west to the southwest, bringing the oceanic disturbances that regularly pass through the region during this season. We find that the Loire River itself, with its wide riverbed and sandbars, sometimes channels the wind along its banks, which can make bike rides feel cooler. We recommend that you bring a windbreaker, especially if you plan to ride the bike paths along the river.
Sunshine
In March, the sun rises around 7:45 a.m. at the beginning of the month and around 7:15 a.m. after the switch to daylight saving time, while sunset occurs around 6:30 p.m. and then 8:15 p.m. at the end of the month.
Daily sunshine varies between 4 hours and 30 minutes and 6 hours depending on the city, with Angers generally receiving slightly more sunlight than Tours or Orléans. The sky will remain partly cloudy with some sunny spells, which will still allow you to enjoy the outdoors, especially around midday.
Crowds and other conditions
March marks the start of the shoulder season in the Loire Valley, but visitor numbers remain significantly lower than in late spring or summer. We enjoy this time of year for the tranquility it offers in the castle courtyards and along the trails by the river. School groups sometimes start showing up again toward the end of the month, especially at major sites like Chambord and Chenonceau. We recommend visiting on weekdays and early in the morning to enjoy the site in peace and quiet.
In addition, March marks the beginning of spring in the gardens. The lawns of large estates, such as those at Villandry and Chaumont-sur-Loire, are gradually regaining their color, with the first snowdrops and daffodils beginning to appear by mid-month.
Flowers in the Castle Gardens
Although the peak season for French gardens generally begins in April and May, March already holds great promise. In the gardens of the Loire Valley, daffodils, snowdrops, and the first narcissus flowers add a splash of color to the lawns. Magnolias are also beginning to bloom in some sheltered parks, particularly around Angers, a city historically renowned for its horticulture.
Events in March in the Loire Valley
In March, the region is gradually coming back to life with a few events worth noting:
- Bourgueil Wine Fair: At the end of the month, the appellation's winemakers open their cellars to introduce visitors to Bourgueil red wines, which are renowned throughout the Touraine region.
- Gradual reopening of the gardens: Several estates, including the Villandry Gardens, are resuming their spring maintenance schedule—an ideal time to watch the gardeners at work before the peak season begins.
March prices
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. The accommodations on offer are very diverse, ranging from bed-and-breakfasts to charming hotels housed in historic mansions. So it's hard to give you an average budget. However, in March, tourist traffic remains low, except during school vacation periods. Prices—particularly for accommodations—remain among the most affordable of the year.
Other months
When to Visit the Loire Valley: The Other Months…
- The Loire Valley in January
- The Loire Valley in February
- The Loire Valley in April
- The Loire Valley in May
- The Loire Valley in June
- The Loire Valley in July
- The Loire Valley in August
- The Loire Valley in September
- The Loire Valley in October
- The Loire Valley in November
- The Loire Valley in December
Or read our article: When to Visit the LoireValley.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
