Immerse yourself in a journey through time along the majestic Route des Châteaux de la Loire. This emblematic region of France, where splendid châteaux stand along the river and its tributaries like guardians of the past, really won us over. We were won over by these architectural gems and their stories! Passionate abouthistory,art and landscapes, from the magnificence of Château de Chambord to the grace of Chenonceau, you'll find that each building tells its own story.
In this article, we reveal our practical tips for exploring this mythical route and planning your road trip, as well as our photos to give you a taste of the wonder that awaits you.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Map of the Loire Châteaux Route
To help you find your way around, here's a map of the mythical Route des Châteaux de la Loire, with the main castles and towns:
When should you plan a road trip along the Loire Châteaux Route?
The best time to visit the Châteaux de la Loire is often in spring and autumn. Attendance is slightly lower than in summer. During these seasons, we enjoyed the gardens in full bloom, the longer days and the castles, some of which organize special events. Autumn can also be beautiful with its changing leaf colors! At this time of year, there are fewer crowds, so you can better appreciate the beauty and history of these iconic monuments.
In winter, only a few castles close their doors, but the larger ones remain open. Villages, towns and many museums also remain open all year round. The main Loire towns of Tours, Angers, Amboise, Saumur, Nantes, Blois and Orléans are also great places to visit in winter.
You can also choose to discover some of the Loire Valley Châteaux during the Christmas holidays. Experience the magic of chateau life and the enchantment of Christmas in December at the Châteaux de Chambord and Chenonceau - see the program and book here.
Where to start? Which way to go?
How to get there Need a car?
There are several options for reaching the Route des Châteaux de la Loire:
- By train: several train stations in the region's cities are served by train lines. Don't forget to book your tickets in advance, and find all the train stations in the Loire!
- By car: in our opinion, this is the most practical means of transport, giving you the freedom to explore as many corners of the region as possible. If you don't have your own vehicle, you can rent a car in various major cities such as Tours, Angers or Nantes.
- Organized tours: to make life easier during your trip and if you don't want to drive, you can also opt for organized excursions on the Loire Valley Castles Route from Paris, Tours or Amboise for example - see options
- By plane: depending on your city or country of origin, you can reach the Loire region via Nantes or Paris airports. You'll then need to hire a car, take the train or choose guided tours to get around the Route des Châteaux de la Loire. You can also read our tips on how to rent a car in Nantes and at Paris Orly or Roissy-CDG airports.
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.
Opt for a themed tour: Renaissance, gardens, villages, vineyards...
Architecture fans? We've got you covered! You can choose which castles to visit according to their style. For example, between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Renaissance in the Loire Valley embodied artistic blossoming. It was also a period of religious conflict and conflict between great powers. Castles became centers of power, but also of refinement. You'll notice that the defensive dimension in the architecture of castles like Azay-le-Rideau or Clos Lucé is set aside to make them spaces for living and contemplation.
The Château de Chenonceau, a Renaissance landmark, bears witness to the transition from the Italian to the French Renaissance style, with influences from Antiquity. Take time to observe the architectural details typical of this period at the Château Royal d'Amboise or the Château de Villandry.
The Loire also abounds in sublime gardens. Some estates boast several hectares of verdant parkland. French gardens with romantic landscapes, English gardens or parks with century-old trees... There's something for everyone! Plan your tour around the Loire's most beautiful gardens!
Let's continue with the charming villages along the Loire, some of which are located near architectural nuggets and well worth a visit! Castles, gardens, churches, stone houses, rivers... With its rich history and lush countryside, the Loire Valley is an ideal place to stroll through the narrow streets of these villages, each so different from the next. Why not make it the theme of your tour?
And last but not least, there are the vineyards. At the heart of French culture and history, embark on the Loire Wine Route. With its picturesque landscapes, renowned vineyards and rich architectural heritage, the Loire is one of the world's most emblematic wine-growing regions. For lovers of fine wines and wine tourism, certain châteaux such as Brissac boast magnificent vineyards on their estates, with tastings available. Let's get to work on this themed tour!
... Or for a tour along the Loire River
If you prefer to follow the course of the river, you can organize your tour between certain towns to enjoy the surrounding area. We strongly advise you to rent a car if you choose this option. Depending on the length of your stay, you can go along the Loire:
- from Nantes to Orléans (approx. 335km): stop off in towns and villages, and choose castles of different periods and styles, such as the Château des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes, Brissac near Angers or Cheverny further up the Loire.
- Angers to Blois (approx. 195km of road): concentrate on the stretch of the Loire where you'll find the finest châteaux, such as Chambord, Chenonceau, Saumur and Villandry. Then take time to visit other nearby attractions.
Route des Châteaux de la Loire: our practical advice
The Loire's heritage is so rich! Finding your way around and selecting places for your trip can seem complex. Don't panic, here are our practical tips to help you plan your ideal Loire Valley Châteaux Route tour:
- Mode of transport: first choose your means of transport on site, as this will determine the number of stops and the places you can visit. For example, if you have your own car, you'll have more freedom of movement and schedule. By train, on the other hand, you'll have access to the major cities, but you'll have to make your own arrangements if you want to reach castles or villages.
- Density of the program: there's so much to see, we understand because we wanted to see it all too! Depending on the length of your stay, remember not to overload your program. We advise you to visit no more than 2 castles a day, and to opt for the larger ones in the morning, such as Chambord or Chenonceau.
- Crowds: exploring the castles in the morning at opening time and on weekdays will help you avoid the crowds. Note that these architectural gems are visited all year round, as very few close in winter. Each season will be a different experience, but always a magical one! On the other hand, the number of visitors increases in summer.
- Advance planning: book as soon as possible after you have locked in your travel dates. It's a region popular with tourists from all over the world. If you want to benefit from attractive rates, we recommend that you don't wait to make your reservations (hotels, cars, castle entrances).
- Choose a strategic location as a base: to make your planning easier, you can choose 1 to 3 strategic locations as a base for your stay. You can program each day according to your location. For Châteaux, the most convenient cities are Angers, Saumur, Tours, Amboise and Blois.
- Parking: if you're driving, check in advance whether the places you've added to your list have parking facilities.
- Weather: in the Loire, the weather is relatively fine all year round. Temperatures are cooler in winter. In spring, you can expect rain. Autumn is sweet with beautiful colors! Finally, the hottest periods are late spring and summer. Check the weather forecast before you leave, and make sure you have the right clothes for a pleasant day out!
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
Plan your tour: 3, 4, 5-day and 1-week itineraries
How much time should I allow?
It all depends on what you're looking for and how much time you have. The region is rich in beautiful things to see. More than 50 châteaux can be visited in the Loire Valley. Weeks wouldn't be enough! To catch a glimpse of the landmarks, plan a weekend or 3 days. To visit the various attractions on the Châteaux de la Loire route, book a week.
And finally, to immerse yourself in the region, its heritage, its richness and its terroir, we recommend 2 to 3 weeks. We've put together a number of itineraries for visiting the Châteaux de la Loire, which you'll find in the next section.
Route des Châteaux de la Loire: our favourite itineraries
You want to plan your Loire Valley Châteaux tour but don't know where to start? We've designed these itineraries to help you plan your stay.
It's hard to choose between the countless magnificent castles along the royal river. Here we share with you our favorite itineraries for different lengths of trip, depending on your wishes:
- Châteaux of the Loire in 7 days - our favourite itinerary
- Châteaux de la Loire en 5 jours - our favourite itinerary
- Châteaux de la Loire en 4 jours - our favourite itinerary
- Châteaux de la Loire en 3 jours - our favourite itinerary
- Unusual weekends in the Loire Valley - see article
- Weekends in the Châteaux of the Loire Valley - article coming soon
Must-sees on the road
Our Top 5 Loire Castles
- Le Château de Chenonceautowering above the Cher river, is an emblematic monument of the Loire Valley. Its medieval origins, but above all its Renaissance architecture, have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. It houses a rich collection of paintings and rare 16th-century Flanders tapestries. That's not all! The estate is visited by almost 900,000 people every year, and includes gardens and many other places to discover. Book your ticket now!
- The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is one of our favorite Loire castles, with its poetic, romantic atmosphere. Modest in size, grandiose in decoration, surrounded by moats still filled with water and a beautiful English-style park, it's one of the jewels of the Loire. Did you know that this majestic building has inspired many artists (writer Honoré de Blazac, sculptor Auguste Rodin...)? We spontaneously thought of Lamartine's verse when we discovered the château. Its English-style park features 2 water mirrors and exotic trees (sequoia, cedar, ginkgo, bald cypress, etc.), planted since 1850. Don't forget to book your ticket!
- Le Château de Villandry is a must for all garden enthusiasts! In our opinion, the magic of Villandry is the balance between inside and outside. The architecture of the gardens matches that of the château, so that wherever you are, the view is exceptional! It's also worth a detour for its uncluttered architecture, which makes it unique in the region. As the last Renaissance château in the Loire Valley, history buffs will be delighted to see how it has evolved over the ages, and to discover the unusual decoration of some of its rooms.
- Visit the Château de Chambord is an essential activity to include in your schedule! World-famous for its revolutionary architecture (double staircases, decorative fireplaces...), it is also the largest of the Loire castles, built in the largest enclosed forest in France. Conceived by the young king François I as a symbol of power, this 16th-century edifice later housed other illustrious figures, such as Louis XIV. Book your ticket now!
- From its past as a seigniorial fortress, the Château du Rivau has retained its human scale. From the Renaissance, it has inherited a fairytale architecture. From its agricultural past, it has preserved some remarkable gardens. From its current owners, who live at the château, it creates a dialogue between Renaissance and contemporary art. Join us on a journey along the Vallée de la Veude, to discover the enchanting Château du Rivau: keys to understanding its architecture, a guide to its lush gardens, advice on how to make the most of your visit and, like us, succumb to its charm!
Would you like to add more magnificent castles to your itinerary? Read our article on the most beautiful Loire Châteaux in our eyes to find out more. The towns along the Loire are surrounded by majestic buildings. Depending on where you're stopping, discover the options:
- castles around Nantes - read article
- castles around Angers - read article
- castles around Saumur - read the article
- castles around Amboise - read article
- castles around Tours - read the article
- castles around Blois - read the article
Best villages and towns in Loire
From its source at Mont Gerbier de Jonc in the Auvergne, the Loire winds its way upstream through France, before turning west and flowing into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after Nantes. Along its 1,006-kilometre course, the river's many towns and cities welcome it and feed off its beauty. Along the way, take the time to stop here or make it your central base for your stay.
Castles, gardens, churches, stone houses, rivers... The Loire also abounds in charming villages that bear witness to the region's cultural, artistic, gastronomic and historical heritage. Enough to fuel your itinerary along the Route des Châteaux de la Loire!
Best vineyards and wine cellars
Between sun-drenched vineyards and cellars steeped in history, the Loire offered us an incomparable sensory journey! Whether you're a wine lover, a connoisseur or just curious, each winery promises an immersion in the world of Loire viticulture. Enjoy a wine experience you'll never forget! To help you choose, discover our article on the best wine tastings in the region, accompanied by visits to the finest vineyards.
Tables gourmandes: where to eat in the Loire?
Cheese, rillons and rillettes, wines, truffles, fresh produce from local farms... The Loire terroir is rich! Get ready to treat your taste buds. There's also a good choice of restaurants showcasing these products with all the savoir-faire of French gastronomy. Discover our selection of the finest restaurants in Angers, Amboise, Saumur, Nantes, Orléans and Tours to help you plan your gourmet getaways.
Where to stay in the Loire: in a château or in town?
Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley
Do you dream of living the life of a château for one or more nights in the Loire Valley? Immerse yourself in unique historic buildings steeped in history for a timeless interlude! We've tried out a number of unusual places to sleep in a château in the Loire Valley, and we have some excellent memories!
It's a truly unique moment to experience! The following châteaux welcomed us for an unforgettable experience:
- Our overnight stay at Château de Chissay: an authentic Renaissance château transformed into a hotel-restaurant - See prices, photos and availability - and book now!
- Our night at Château de Ternay: a historic building welcomes you to its 45-hectare park - See prices, photos and availability - and make a reservation
- Our night at Château du Perreux: a haven of peace 10min from Amboise, with a huge park and forest nearby - See prices, photos and availability - and make a reservation
- Our night Château des Forges: a small building with large rooms in the heart of a 6-hectare park. See prices, photos and availability s - and book
- Our night at Château du Rivau: tranquillity, poetry and remarkable gardens in this hotel opposite the estate's château - See prices, photos and availability - and make a reservation
Best places to stay in Loire
In our opinion, the best locations near many castles are..:
- Amboise, a charming little town near Chenonceau
see top-rated available accommodations
or see our selection of the best hotels - Saumur, a charming little town with troglodyte attractions
see top-rated available accommodations
or see our selection of the best hotels
But you'll also love Tours, Angers, Blois or Nantes!
If you want to get even closer to some of the castles, find out more:
- Best rated accommodations near Château de Chenonceau
- Best rated accommodations near Château de Chambord
- Best rated accommodations near Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
- the best rated accommodations near Forteresse Royale de Chinon
- Best rated accommodations near Château de Montrésor
More suggestions in our article on the best towns to stay in along the Loire and in our selection below:
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Alternative: Route des Châteaux de la Loire with children
Are you planning a road trip along the Route des Châteaux de la Loire with your children? In the Loire Valley, fairy tales come to life in the majestic châteaux that dot the landscape. Treasure hunts, tree houses and medieval games: some castles don't forget their young visitors!
Best castles to visit with children
Given the impressive number of châteaux in the Loire Valley, it's not easy to choose. Especially if you're traveling with children, they won't necessarily appreciate the architecture and furnishings. So we've taken stock for you, with our analysis of the most beautiful Châteaux de la Loire and how they can be enjoyed by children. Discover our article dedicated to the best Châteaux de la Loire to visit with children here.
Some are truly immersive and interactive, with trails or areas dedicated to children, such as Chinon's Royal Fortress, which we absolutely loved!
Family outing to the Parc des Mini-Châteaux in Amboise
Are you looking for a fun tour for your children on the Route des Châteaux de la Loire? Take a break at the Parc des Mini-Châteaux d'Amboise!
Set in lush greenery, this leisure center lets you stroll through the most beautiful Loire Valley castles, reproduced in scale models. An immersive and original way to discover the diversity of French architecture. Find out more in our dedicated article
Alternative: Route des Châteaux de la Loire by bike
Loire by bike: our practical tips
To help you plan your cycling trip along the Loire, read our detailed advice in our dedicated article here. Here's a summary we recommend you take stock of before you set off:
- Choose your point of departure: 1st step to get to the Loire Valley, the train stations from Paris or Nantes are Angers, Tours, Blois, Orléans, Nantes or Nevers. Book your train tickets now!
- Define the period: the landscapes are beautiful all year round, but for cycling, prefer April to October. In July and August, the trails are busier, especially near the castles. Our favorite months are June and September, which offer a good compromise. In October, autumn colors are superb, despite cooler temperatures.
- Anticipate your bookings: you'll benefit from a good choice of hotels along the Loire à vélo circuit. Some have the "Accueil Vélo" label. But the chateaux of the Loire Valley are popular, and the best hotels fill up fast. Book as early as possible on the Loire à vélo route in Amboise, Angers, Tours, Blois, Saumur, Nantes or Orléans.
- How long: you can go upriver for a few days or weeks. To enjoy the trip, we recommend a minimum of 5 days. For the whole trip: allow 40km of road per day, with 900km of lanes that's 22 days. But that's not counting the detours to visit the castles!
- How to plan: this will depend on your cycling ability, whether you have children with you and how many castles you want to visit. For beginners, covering 40 km a day seems to us to be a limit that should not be exceeded. To take full advantage of what the region has to offer, a journey of 25 to 35 km per day is ideal.
Best bike tours in the Loire Valley
Continue your tour of the Route des Châteaux de la Loire by bike with a guided bike tour. Here's a sneak preview selected by us:
- 1-day getaway from Blois to Chambord with wine tasting - Reserve your place
- Saumur vineyards from Chinon in 1 day - See prices, photos and availability
- Guided tour and picnic in the vineyards over 1 day. More
- 2 days departing from Saumur on the theme of wine - See program
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
