Fancy a weekend getaway to the Châteaux de la Loire? Do you like themed holidays? That's good news for us too! We've put together a number of ideas for themed 2-day tours of these jewels of the region. Romantic, romantic, unusual, luxury, with the family or by bike, you're bound to find something to suit you here!
In this article, you'll find our 12 ideas for weekends in the Châteaux of the Loire, along with advice and photos to help you make your choice.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Weekends in the Loire Castles: our choices
A region with a rich historical, cultural and wine-growing heritage, the Loire is world-famous for its châteaux. We visited them in a variety of settings and associated them with a number of activities characteristic of the region: châteaux and vineyards, gastronomy, cycling châteaux, French gardens... Everyone can find something that inspires them.
We've chosen to present some of the region's typical experiences, which gave us a whole new perspective on the Châteaux de la Loire in just one weekend. We hope you find it inspiring.
1 - Romantic weekend in Touraine
Why spend a romantic weekend in Touraine?
Choosing Touraine for a romantic weekend means soaking up the serenity and charm of castles with sublime gardens. French-style with romantic landscapes, English-style with century-old trees, nestled along the banks of the Loire and its tributaries, these gardens offered us an enchanting spectacle. The picturesque landscapes, lush gardens and boat trips on the Loire also create a romantic atmosphere. Enjoy wine tastings in local vineyards, candlelit dinners in charming accommodations and floral walks such as Chédigny, a garden village with thousands of roses and hibiscus.
Things to do in Touraine - Romantic activities
- Visit the Château de Villandry and its formal gardens - see our article
- Explore Château d'Ussé, one of the Loire Valley's most enchanting castles, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty.
- Stroll through the village of Chédigny, nicknamed the "garden city", whose alleyways are adorned with thousands of roses - see our guide
- Discover the Château de Valmer and its dazzling green spaces, designated a Remarkable Garden.
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.
2 - A romantic weekend in Amboise
Why spend a romantic weekend in Amboise?
Experience an unforgettable getaway for 2 in Amboise, in the heart of the Loire Valley. We explored the magnificent Château Royal d'Amboise, with its breathtaking views over the Loire and its rich historical heritage. Hand in hand, take time to stroll through the picturesque streets of the town. We loved the intimacy of the historic center and its "cocoon" atmosphere. In and around Amboise, you'll also find hotels with poetic settings for a romantic getaway. Finally, take to the skies to see the Châteaux de la Loire from a hot-air balloon, with the sunset as your backdrop.
Things to do in Amboise - romantic activities
- Visit the Château Royal d'Amboise, set 40 m above the banks of the Loire - Book your ticket now!
- Spend a night in the former medieval monastery of the monks at the 5-star Hôtel Manoir des Minimes - see prices, photos and availability - and book.
- Admire the Châteaux of the Loire at sunset from a hot-air balloon - I'm in for a treat!
- Taste local wines and visit the Caves Ambacia - see details and make a reservation
- Our best addresses for a romantic getaway in Amboise here
3 - Gastronomic weekend around Chinon
Why spend a gastronomic weekend near Chinon?
Immerse yourself in the Chinon region, renowned for its fine wines and exquisite cuisine. We tasted Chinon's famous red wines in authentic cellars and met passionate winemakers. Nearby, join us for a stopover at Château du Rivau, where Renaissance and contemporary art meet. We had lunch at the château's restaurant and it was a unique gastronomic experience. Want to explore more of the region? Drive west to the famous Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and a charming bed & breakfast. So, are you ready to fill up on beautiful images and enchanting culinary flavours?
Things to do around Chinon - gastronomic activities
- Visit Château du Rivau, where Renaissance and contemporary art come together
- Lunch at Le Jardin secret restaurant in the Château du Rivau, with its creative and refined cuisine
- Wine and local produce tasting in Chinon - find out more
- Walk to theAbbaye Royale de Fontevraud and its Michelin-starred restaurant inside the estate
- See the best rated accommodations in Chinon
- Our best places to eat in Saumur here
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4 - Adventure weekend in Tours
Why spend an adventure weekend in Tours?
A dynamic city anchored in the Loire Valley, Tours offered us a pleasant stay where nature in the city has its rightful place. The banks of the Loire and surrounding rivers are perfect places to try out activities such as canoeing, kayaking and cycling! At the same time, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of castles and natural landscapes. We cycled around the area on the many signposted trails, through vineyards and along waterways. Take a stroll through the English-style park of Château d'Azay-Le-Rideau, with its 2 water mirrors and numerous exotic trees (sequoia, cedar, ginkgo, bald cypress...), planted since 1850.
Things to do in Tours - adventure activities
- Embark on a 1-day canoe and bike adventure - see details and book
- Stroll through the Château d'Azay-Le-Rideau - book your guided tour ticket
- Try a dramatized, immersive tour of Tours' historic center - see prices and availability
- Our other ideas for visiting the dynamic city of Tours here
- Go on a "treasure hunt" of private mansions in Tours, such as Hôtel Gouïn or Hôytel Torterue.
5 - Renaissance weekend at Chenonceau
Why spend a Renaissance-themed weekend at Chenonceau?
Immerse yourself in the elegance and history of one of the Loire's most beautiful Châteaux for a Renaissance-themed weekend. We're talking, of course, about the Château de Chenonceau! An architectural marvel overlooking the Cher river, stroll through its sumptuous galleries and admire the works of art and period decorations. Did you know that the château organizes workshops in floral art, calligraphy and French Renaissance entertaining? Soak up the codes and experience this historic period to the full. Italian-style gardens are a must for us! Finally, add a visit to the Château du Clos Lucé to your weekend list, with its Renaissance-style architecture, decoration and furnishings. Are you ready?
Things to do around Chenonceau - Renaissance themed activities
- Marvel at Château de Chenonceau - book your visit
- Taste Chenonceaux wines in the Caves des Dômes - see our tips here
- Discover the Château du Clos Lucé, home of Leonardo da Vinci - book your guided tour ticket
- Pedal to Chenonceau and picnic with local wines and cheeses - see program and reserve
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6 - Cycling weekend in Angers
Why spend a weekend cycling in Angers?
Fancy a weekend cycling in the Loire Valley? Head for Angers to discover the beauty of Anjou, its vineyards and terroir. Ride the picturesque bike paths along the river for a day or 2. Visit some of the finest châteaux in the area, such as Brissac. We rediscovered Angers' rich historical heritage, with its imposing castle and medieval half-timbered houses. Take gourmet breaks in charming villages and sample local specialities. A green city, Angers will seduce you with the place it gives to nature in the city and to 2-wheelers, making it a city where life is good. The capital of Anjou is also an important stop on the Loire wine route.
Things to do in Angers - cycling activities
- Cycling tour from Angers with wine tasting - see prices and availability
- Visit Château de Brissac and its vineyards, a giant of the Loire - our guide here
- Cycle to the Château d'Angers, its hanging gardens and unique panorama of Angers
- Château de Serrant's immense park and luxurious interiors - our article here
- Sail inland from Angers to visit the surrounding castles - see here
- Discover the capital of Anjou by bike and our complete city guide
- Spend a bucolic holiday in this green city on the move - see where to sleep
- See the best rated accommodations in Angers
7 - Family weekend at Cheverny
Why spend a family weekend at Cheverny?
Bring the whole family to the Domaine de Cheverny! The château and its sumptuous interiors, the several-hectare wooded park with its 157 Atlas cedars, and the interactive exhibitions on the cartoon character Tintin will captivate young and old alike. Add an outdoor walk and a picnic. Did you know that you can eat and stay on the estate? Handy if you have young children with you, to avoid having to travel all over the region. There's plenty to do on site. Your little ones will also be curious to discover the activities of the Chenyver donkey while sipping grape juice during your wine tasting in the estate house. If you're looking for a change of scene, head to Château de la Selles-sur-Cher for a moment full of surprises in the Dinosaur Park. Let's go for an unforgettable family weekend in one of the most beautiful Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Great memories guaranteed for young and old!
Things to do in Cheverny - family activities
- Discover the Château de Cheverny, which inspired the Château de Moulinsart in the Tintin comics.
- Opt for a cellar tasting at the Maison des vins de Cheverny with games for children, a Chenyver donkey and grape juice.
- Sleep at the Domaine de Cheverny for an experience in a verdant park - book an exceptional room
- Explore the Dinosaur Park at the medieval Château de Selles-sur-Cher, one of the best Loire Valley Châteaux to visit with children (30min drive).
- Our best places to stay in Blois near Cheverny
- See top-rated accommodations in Blois (20min drive)
8 - Luxury & well-being weekend in Blois and Chambord
Why spend a luxury & well-being weekend in Blois and Chambord?
For a themed weekend in the Loire Valley, we couldn't miss the Château de Chambord. For us, it's the largest and most imposing in the region, with its revolutionary architecture. As the residence of illustrious figures and a building steeped in history, did you know that Chambord is home to a 4-star hotel and spa? After exploring this majestic château and its magnificent gardens by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, relax for a moment of well-being. Just a few minutes away by car, Blois' luxury hotel offer is just as high quality, with a few nuggets to choose from. In fact, our experience at the 5-star Fleur de Loire Hotel left a lasting impression on us. These establishments are home to gourmet and Michelin-starred restaurants to whet your culinary appetite. Let yourself be carried away by the gastronomic savoir-faire of top chefs like Christophe Hay, who sublimates the region's local produce and wines. In our opinion, relaxing, strolling and unwinding are synonymous with luxury, magnificence and serenity. You'll love it!
Things to do in Blois and Chambord - luxury and wellness activities
- Visit the sublime Château de Chambord and its grounds - book your guided tour ticket
- Discover this jewel of the Loire in a different way with a guided walking tour - see details and make a reservation
- Experience an idyllic and vibrant cycling epic at Chambord with wine tasting - see prices, photos and book
- Opt for a timeless stay at theHôtel Spa Fleur de Loire in Blois, with its 2 Michelin-starred restaurants run by chef Christophe Hay.
- Dazzle your taste buds in Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants in Blois or Montlivault
- Push open the doors of the Château Royal in Blois, home to the town's Musée des Beaux-Arts - book your ticket now!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
9 - Unusual weekend in Saumur
Why spend an unusual weekend in Saumur?
We were fascinated by the Saumur region in the Loire Valley, known for its troglodyte dwellings and structures. These houses were carved out of the region's soft limestone known as tuffeau, and have been inhabited for centuries. This made it easy for locals to dig houses and other structures out of the rock. Tuffeau is also a good insulator, making troglodytic houses cool in summer and warm in winter. We even spent the night in hotels with swimming pools and/or rooms in caves. Saumur is obviously an ideal starting point if you want to visit the Châteaux of the Loire.
Things to do in Saumur - unusual activities
- Push open the gates of the Château de Saumur
- Discover the region's many troglodyte activities - see our guide here
- Stay at Hôtel troglodyte Demeure de la Vignole - See prices, photos and availability - and make a reservation
- Tantalize your taste buds with a wine tasting at one of the region's top wineries, such as Caves Ackerman or Domaine Filliatreau.
- Explore the castles around Saumur, such as Montsoreau
- Sailing in an 18th-century boat - see the program and make a reservation
If you're looking for other ideas, check out our ideas for unusual weekends in the Loire Valley here.
10 - Cheap weekends in the surrounding villages
Why spend a cheap weekend in the villages around the Châteaux de la Loire?
It's possible to discover the authentic, tranquil charm of the region and the Châteaux de la Loire without breaking the bank. We enjoyed the serenity of the villages around the châteaux, where the range of hotels and activities is just as attractive. Stay in friendly B&Bs or picturesque accommodations at affordable rates. We enjoyed discovering the riches of lesser-known castles (often less expensive to visit) while avoiding the crowds. The terroir and variety of local products were also great discoveries to nourish our travel experience. Stroll through the local markets to sample regional produce at reasonable prices. Stroll or 2-wheel along the paths and waterways. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of vineyards and lush green landscapes that are well worth the detour.
Things to do in the villages - cheap activities
- Fall under the spell of the village of Montrésor
- Visit the most beautiful Loire villages around the châteaux
- Immerse yourself in the Royal Fortress of Chinon, one of France's most important medieval monuments.
- Discover the village of Candes-Saint-Martin and its castle where you can stay - our complete guide here
On the 1st Sunday of the month, access to certain French state-owned châteaux is free outside the tourist season, including Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Châteaudun, Château de Talcy and Château d'Angers.
11 - Weekend in a Loire château
Why spend a weekend at a Château de la Loire?
Immerse yourself in the history and elegance of the French Renaissance and experience the life of a château for a weekend. Staying here made us feel like kings and queens, surrounded by formal gardens and period furniture. Meals in vaulted rooms with meticulous decorative details, monumental architecture, verdant grounds covering several hectares... All the more reason to inspire our imaginations with the enchantment and magic of these architectural feats. From Angers to Blois, we'll tell you stories of our wonderful nights in castle hotels. The tranquility of the surroundings offered us a moment of escape that left a lasting impression. Like us, make your stay in these jewels of the Loire a memorable one, where you'll get a taste of the French art of living over 6 centuries ago.
Things to do and where to stay near the châteaux - activities in the Loire Valley
- Visit and sleep at the fairytale Château du Rivau
- Experience slow tourism at the Château des Forges near Angers
- Spend a night at Château de Chissay, a Renaissance marvel - See prices, photos and availability - and book
- Wake up to the Château de Chambord at the Hôtel Spa Relais Chambord - See prices, photos and availability - and make a reservation
- ...Or dream at the Domaine de Cheverny in one of its exceptional suites - see prices, photos and availability - and make a reservation
- Discover the most beautiful Châteaux of the Loire Valley - our complete guide here
All our tips for sleeping in a Château de la Loire here.
12 - Oenology weekend in the Loire Valley
Why spend a wine weekend in the Loire Valley?
With its picturesque landscapes, renowned vineyards and rich architectural heritage, the Loire is one of the world's most emblematic wine-growing regions. A weekend on the theme of Loire wines is sure to be added to your list! Sancerre, Chinon, Vouvray, Anjou... At the heart of France's culture and history, we took off on a sensory journey along the Loire wine route, combining wine tasting with châteaux visits. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine wines and wine tourism, or simply curious, you'll discover the secrets behind the benchmarks of this surprising region. Here we met passionate winemakers and tasted the delights of the region, sometimes in underground troglodytic cellars! Plan a 2-day journey through the prestigious vineyards, sublime châteaux and charming villages of this wine-growing region.
Things to do in the Loire Valley - wine activities
- Visit the troglodyte cellars in Amboise - See prices, photos and availability
- Cycling through the vineyards from Chinon to Saumur and wine tasting - see program and booking
- 1-day guided tour and picnic in the vineyards of Saumur - Find out more
- 2-day private wine tour departing from Saumur - See the program
- Wine tour of the Sancerre and Pouilly appellations with gourmet lunch and cellar visits - See the program and make a reservation
- Wine and cheese tasting in the vineyards of Vouvray - Find out more
- Private tour with Vouvray, Chinon and Bourgueil wine tasting - See the program
- Visit the troglodytic cellars at Domaine Filliatreau - our article here
- Discover the Caves Ackerman in Saumur - our article here
To find out more, you can also read our articles on the region's best wine cellars here and the best tastings we've experienced here.
Other weekend ideas in the Loire Castles
Depending on your tastes and budget, the Châteaux de la Loire region has a lot to offer, even for a weekend! Click here for more ideas for your weekend in the Châteaux de la Loire:
- 2-day all-inclusive private tour from Paris with castle visits - see program, photos and availability
- 2-day wine tour departing from Saumur - See the program
- 2-day tour from Paris visiting 6 castles (Chambord, Chenonceau, Blois, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Chaumont) - see details and book
But also..:
- Castles to visit first if you don't have much time on your hands
- must-do activities in the Loire Valley
- our list of Châteaux de la Loire here
- all our maps to help you find your way around the region here
For even more ideas, see our article on 2-day itineraries in the Châteaux de la Loire here, and our tips for organizing your trip along the Châteaux de la Loire route here.
So, are you ready for a weekend away?
DON'T MISS THE BEST CASTLES IN the Loire Valley
- The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
- The most beautiful gardens
- Where to stay in the Loire castles: unforgettable hotels!
- The best Loire castles to visit with your family
- Castles you can visit with a dog
- Chambord or Chenonceau: our comparison
- itineraries: weekend - 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
- Castles around Blois, around Amboise, around Saumur, around Tours, around Angers and around Nantes.
- or our list of over 100 Loire castles
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
