Looking to plan your 7-day tour of the Loire Valley Castles and don't know where to start? Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, we'll try to help.
It's hard to choose between the countless magnificent castles along the royal river. In this article, we share our favorite itineraries for a week. With plenty of photos to help you make your own 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.
7-day Loire Valley Castles tour: what you need to know
Is 7 days enough?
With 7 days, you have time to discover a wide variety of châteaux along the Loire, as well as pretty villages and town centers. That's enough to get a good feel for the region (but not enough to see them all, as there are over 50 castles to visit!).
The itineraries below often include 2 castles per day, but you can choose one of them to lighten the program and relax in the beautiful countryside.
Where to stay to visit the Loire Valley Castles?
Here's a map of the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley:
The most beautiful châteaux are mainly located between Angers and Blois. Driving time between these two cities is 2 hours.
You can base yourself anywhere along this axis. Our favorite options 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 - Stay in a Loire château - see our suggestions
More suggestions in our article on the best towns to stay in along the Loire.
Getting around
Some castles are accessible by train or bus, but you'll be limited in how far you can travel.
You can also enjoy a bike tour along the banks of the Loire, but be aware that many of the châteaux are not exactly along the river, so you'll have to take a few detours.
The best way to see as many places as possible is by car!
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.
Day 1 - Chambord and Blois
Morning and noon: Château de Chambord
The most imposing and surely the most famous of the Loire Châteaux, Château de Chambord was commissioned by François I on his return from the victorious battle of Marignan to demonstrate the power of France.
Main points of interest:
- The double spiral staircase: This staircase allowed people to go up and down without ever passing each other, thanks to its two distinct spirals, and served the different floors of the château. It blends craftsmanship, finesse of decoration and a sense of pageantry, a typical Renaissance alliance. Some attribute this achievement to Leonardo da Vinci.
- The terraces: The castle's terraces offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding park and its forests, which for a long time were dedicated to hunting, but which (like us!) you can now safely explore by bike.
- Northwest tower chapel: This 16th-century chapel in the castle's northwest tower features Romanesque vaults and subtle 19th-century stained glass windows. We appreciated the calm and sobriety of the setting, amidst the hustle and bustle of this much-visited château.
- Read more in our article
Estimated visit duration: 4 to 6 hours
Open all year round.
Afternoon: town of Blois
We were really charmed by this town, with its rich historical heritage and human scale, on the banks of the Loire.
Main points of interest:
- The old town streets between the Château de Blois and the Cathedral: many half-timbered and timber-framed houses, as well as the Renaissance mansions in which the great families of the Blois region lived.
- Les jardins de l'évêché, located in the immediate vicinity of Blois Cathedral, offers visitors the chance to stroll through a vast 3300m2 rose garden and admire the city and the Loire River.
- The Pont Jacques Gabriel and the banks of the Loire offer a beautiful view of the city and a little nature break in the middle of your visits.
The Château de Blois is particularly rich and exciting, but also well worth a half-day visit. We can't seriously advise you to visit the castles of Chambord and Blois, but if you really want to... Buy your tickets.
Overnight stay in Blois or surrounding area (over 2 nights)
Among our favorite hotels:
- Fleur de Loire Spa Hotel (5 stars)
- see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel le Relais de Chambord with view of the castle
- see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Château des Basses Roches
- see prices, pictures and availability
Or see our article on the best hotels in Blois.
Dinner in Blois
For dinner we recommend
- Fleur de Loire hotel restaurants
The gastronomic in the heart of the hotel or the bistronomic, Restaurant L'Amour Blanc, set in an extension of the hotel with a breathtaking view of the hotel. Book now. - Restaurant The fishermen's rendezvous
The best the sea has to offer at this beautiful address with its bewitching atmosphere. Book now. - Restaurant Le Petit Honfleur
In a wooden-beamed house, we try a very Franco-French fusion of the best of Norman and Loire cuisine. Book now.
Day 2 - Cheverny and Chaumont
Morning: Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
The Chaumont-sur-Loire estate is internationally known for itsgarden festival. Since 1992, it has brought together the best of contemporary creation in the field of gardens and landscape design in the world. The site is just incredible, with its 15th century castle that seems to turn its back on the Loire River to address nature. The historic park built at the end of the 19th century is in harmony with the landscape, while the 13 perennial gardens and the 24 propositions of the festival take you into a plant trance sprinkled with contemporary art.
Main points of interest:
- The remarkable trees of the landscaped park and its beautiful views of the Loire and the castle.
- The magnificent council chamber in the castle with the so-called Majolica tiles, dating from the 17th century, and the Hanging of the Planets and Days, woven in Brussels in 1570.
- The permanent gardens created by one of the greatest French landscape designers of the moment, Louis Benech, who takes us on a true tour of the world of plants.
- Read more in our article
Allow 2-4 hours, depending on your interest in the gardens.
The castle is open all year round, but the garden festival only runs from mid-April to early November.
Afternoon: Château de Cheverny
The castle of Cheverny was built in the 17th century, but it became part of the history of the Loire castles when Hergé was inspired to make the famous castle of Moulinsart in which Tintin is held prisoner, before becoming the property of the volcanic Captain Haddock. In addition to a museum dedicated to these paper characters, Claire was delighted by the château's vast park, which can be visited by electric buggy and boat, and its remarkable trees.
Main points of interest:
- The body of the castle of Cheverny itself which inspired the castle of Moulinsart, there is only to remove the two side pavilions and you will recognize it! Hergé was also inspired by the decor and interior furnishings for his plates.
- In the park, let yourself be tempted by a visit in a cart and then in a boat that will allow you to admire the many remarkable species, especially the157 Atlas cedars, but alsothe bald cypresses of Louisiana (we missed their beautiful red colors by a few days...).
- You can't miss the permanent exhibition,"The Secrets of Moulinsart" which offers a life-size reconstruction of the rooms of the castle of Moulinsart (in Chevenry, do you follow?)? A great opportunity to revise your Tintin. At the end of the tour, you will see how the people of Chevenery inspired the famous Belgian cartoonist!
- Read more about our article (coming soon)
Allow 3 to 4 hours.
Open all year round.
2nd night in Blois
Day 3 - Chenonceau
Morning and noon at Chenonceau
After a 45-minute return journey, you are approaching the famous "Château de la Loire on the river"Chenonceau, which elegantly spans the Cher River. It is also regularly baptized as "Ladies' castle"It owes its layout to the great female figures of French history: Diane de Poitiers (favorite of Henri II), Cathérine de Médicis and Louise de Lorraine.
Main points of interest:
- The gallery: 60 meters long, this ballroom seems to float above the river Cher. Take the time to admire the view from the 18 bays that give it its incomparable light. Magic!
- The Diane de Poitiers garden: in addition to the interest of this Italian-style garden, it offers one of the finest views, in our opinion, of the château and the 5 arches spanning the river.
- The Queen's apothecary: unique in the Loire castles, we owe it to Catherine de Médicis, who never travelled without her physicians and perfumers. The wooden ensemble is beautiful and even enchanting.
- Learn more in our article.
But to keep the article short, we've limited ourselves to just 3 outstanding features. The château's architecture, furnishings and works of art, not to mention its gardens, are truly exceptional!
Tour duration: 2h30 to 4h.
Open all year round
Afternoon in the village of Montrésor
After our favorite château, what could be more logical than to follow it up with our favorite Loire village, Montrésor. Situated 30 minutes from Chenonceau, it offers a full range of what makes the soul of a Loire village.
Main points of interest:
- Its castle, though modest, is truly charming and offers a fine condensation of history: from the medieval fortress to the Second Empire furniture, not forgetting the unmissable Renaissance dwelling.
- Its bucolic walk along the river Iroise: a little moment in suspension, for this beautiful walk along the little river Iroise, with a beautiful view of the castle and the village.
- Its stone houses and narrow streets give structure and charm to the village.
Take time for a gourmet break at Boulangerie Beaugrand, reputed to be one of the best in Touraine.
If you're not visiting the château, you might prefer to spend some time in the village of Chedigny, in a very different style, known as the garden village.
Overnight in or around Amboise (for 2 nights)
Among our favorite hotels:
- Hotel Château de Perreux, in a peaceful setting
- see prices, pictures and availability - Hôtel Le Manoir Saint-Thomas, charm in the city
- see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Spa Au Charme Rabelaisien, also in the city
- see prices, pictures and availability
Or see our article on the best hotels in Amboise.
Dinner in Amboise
- Our favorite: Restaurant La Brêche
A magnificent culinary voyage led by chef Jérôme Bertgelot and his daughter Justine, who takes care of the pastry-making. The cuisine is daring and creative, and the presentation of the dishes overwhelmed us. In short, we loved it! See the site - Restaurant Le Maître d'Art
Ideal for fresh, simple cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. And the desserts are really tasty... See the menu - Restaurant Les Arpents
In the historic center of Amboise, quality cuisine, perfectly mastered in an unpretentious atmosphere. See the site
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Day 4 - Amboise
Morning: Château Royal d'Amboise
Head for the royal Château d'Amboise overlooking the town. It was the birthplace and deathplace of Charles VIII, King of France. François I spent a large part of his childhood here, and Leonardo da Vinci was laid to rest here.
Main points of interest:
- Saint Hubert's chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci's remains are believed to be buried (we investigated Leonardo da Vinci's death in this article). The chapel is currently being restored, so don't hesitate to pick up a Histopad to enhance your visit.
- The descent through the interior of the Minimes and Heurtault towers was designed to allow riders and supplies to reach the château without setting foot on the ground. Impressive and unique in the Loire!
- The château's English gardens, a pleasant stroll through a garden dedicated to species from faraway lands, with a breathtaking view over the Loire and the town of Amboise. And if they're quiet, they may be lucky enough to spot some of the 90 species of birds that inhabit it.
- Learn more in our article.
Estimated visit duration: 1h30 to 2h
Open all year round.
Afternoon: Le Clos Lucé
The last home of Lénoard de Vinci, it has recently been completely renovated and, above all, completed with a real"mini-amusement park" to discover the creations of the Italian master. Enrich your children's curiosity and nurture their creativity.
Main points of interest:
- The château's grounds, where Leonardo da Vinci's avant-garde inventions, from the tank to the aerial screw and the double-span bridge, are displayed in full-scale, working condition.
- The reconstitution of the Italian master's studio, in the manor house of Lucé: a plunge into the daily life of the great man.
- The Leonardo da Vinci Gallery, offering an immersive digital journey through his artistic work. Fun and beautiful!
- Read more in our article
Estimated visit duration: 3 to 4 hours
Open all year round.
2nd night in or around Amboise
Day 5 - Romantic castles
Morning and noon: Château de Villandry
Villandry impressed us for its breathtaking gardens and their permanent dialogue with the rooms of the castle. The gardens were redesigned in the 20th century according to the rules of the Renaissance and adopt a tiered structure that corresponds to that of the castle. Just gorgeous!
Main points of interest:
- The different green rooms of the ornamental garden to be admired from thefirst floor of the castle of Villandry.
- Take a slow stroll through the vegetable garden to discover its extreme diversity and let yourself be charmed by its many colors.
- The Moorish wooden ceiling, a real puzzle of 3600 pieces, bought and reassembled by the owner of Villandry in 1905 during the dismantling of the palace of the Dukes of Maqueda in Toledo, Spain.
- Read more in our article
Allow 3 hours minimum.
Open in December and from February to mid-November.
Afternoon: Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
The castle of Azay-le-Rideau is certainly one of the most poetic and romantic of the Loire Valley. The Indre River, which irrigates its moat, offers a mirror of water in which its beautiful renaissance architecture shines. An exceptional work of refurnishing allows him today to present on the first floor atypical decoration of the XIXth century which will plunge you into the aristocratic universe of this tumultuous century.
Main points of interest:
- Of course the water mirror which gives the castle its charm and underlines the balance of its architecture typical of the first French renaissance. Although it is believed to have been there since the castle was built, the water mirror has only existed since 1950, when Bernard Vitry, chief architect of historical monuments, decided to widen the Indre branch. Great idea!
- Theloggia staircase with its finely decorated ceilings, presenting the portraits of all the kings and queens of France as well as plant words.
- The many remarkable trees in the park of Azay-le-Rideau are the work of Charles de Biencourt, a botanical enthusiast, and his son, who had many exotic species planted in the 19th century.
- Read more in our article
Allow 2h30 to 3h.
Open all year round.
Overnight stay in or around Saumur (for 3 nights)
Among our favorite hotels:
- Hôtel Saint Pierre, charm in the heart of the city
- see prices, pictures and availability - Hôtel Anne d'Anjou, traditional and elegant
- see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Demeure de la Vignole, for a unique troglodyte experience
- see prices, pictures and availability
Or see our article on the best hotels in Saumur.
Where to dine in Saumur
- Restaurant L'essentiel
In the courtyard of the Hôtel Anne d'Anjou, this restaurant offers creative, high-quality cuisine at moderate prices. See the website. - Restaurant L'escargot
A family atmosphere in this restaurant offering the best of French cuisine, including their signature dish, escargots. View menu - The exotic: Masama
A couple of Colombian restaurateurs trained in France have opened this small, friendly restaurant offering fusion cuisine with a Latin and French influence. Visit their website.
Day 6 - Saumur
Morning: City and Château of Saumur
For us, it is the most traditional of the large cities along the Loire. Under the benevolent protection of its castle, it lets the royal river flow majestically through its heart, licking the buildings of the cavalry school that still trains the officers of the French army's armored units.
It's a pleasure to stroll through the small, pedestrian-only town center and walk up to the castle.
Saumur's main points of interest
- The Château de Saumur: a castle with a turbulent but fascinating history. We recommend you climb up to its belvedere, where you can enjoy a 30-kilometre panoramic view.
- Le cadre noir de Saumur: immerse yourself in the elite of French equitation with the most famous of French schools, whose history is intrinsically linked to the military life of Saumur.
- Crémant de Loire wineries: Saumur is also known for its crémants, which use Champagne methods to produce high-quality sparkling wines. Several houses have developed cultural offerings to complement their tastings, including a trip to the center of bubbles offered by Ackerman in its former troglodytic cellars. A truly beautiful moment full of freshness!
See our article on Saumur's top attractions.
Afternoon option 1: Château du Rivau
If you want to continue in the château mood, continue with Château du Rivau.
Take a temporary break from the Loire to discover one of our favorites, the Chateau du Rivau. Initially built around the farming of the surrounding land, it has retained its botanical vocation, which the new owners have sublimated. A truly enchanted interlude in your stay.
Main points of interest:
- The owner's 15 fairytale-themed gardens, including the magnificent Fairy Alley, combine grasses and perennials with the château in the background.
- The interior of the château: passionate about contemporary art, the owners have decided to create a dialogue between the Renaissance and the 21st century around a new theme every year. It's quirky, sometimes disturbing, but really stimulating!
- Harmony: we found the whole thing truly enchanting, well-dimensioned, sophisticated yet respectful of the historic and natural setting. All the more so as we slept and ate there, for total immersion... We'll tell you all about it right afterwards.
- Learn more in our article.
Tour duration: 2h30 to 3h
The castle is open from the beginning of April to mid-November.
Afternoon option 2: Fontevraud Abbey
Or for a change of pace, while staying in the beautiful buildings: the abbey. Founded in 1101, this abbey went down in history as the necropolis of the Plantagenet royal family, who ruled Jerusalem, England and western France from Anjou. This historic landmark was also an important place of worship, before becoming a prison and finally being fully restored in 1975.
Main points of interest:
- The chapter house, with its beautifully restored murals, vaulted ceilings and richly sculpted entrance. It was in this room that the major decisions concerning the life of the abbey were taken.
- The recumbent figures of Fontevraud Abbey: in the abbey church you'll find 4 prestigious recumbent figures from the Plantagenet dynasty: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, Richard the Lionheart and Isabella of Angouleme.
- The Musée d'Art Moderne de Fontevraud: a lively cultural venue, the abbey is also home to a rich museum that has benefited from the exceptional bequest of 800 works by Martine and Léon Cligman. A dialogue between eras, continents and religions.
- Learn more in our article.
Visit time: 3 to 4 hours
Open all year round, except Tuesdays in low season.
2nd night in or around Saumur
Day 7 - Ussé and Chinon
Morning: Château d'Ussé
The castle of Ussé is so magical that it inspired Charles Perrault in the 17th century for his prose tale"Sleeping Beauty". Its harmonious architecture, its human size, its gardens overlooking the Indre, everything is an invitation to romantic reverie. Who knows, maybe you'll meet Prince Charming!
Main points of interest:
- The construction of the castle having spread over 3 centuries, thearchitecture mixes medieval and gothic inspiration with the renaissance style. A real patchwork of stones exciting to decipher.
- The large gallery of the castle, once open to the courtyard, now houses a fine collection of 18th-centuryBrussels tapestries based on the drawings of the prolific painter David Teniers, known as the Younger.
- The dungeon shelters at its top a wax doll reconstitution of the tale "Sleeping Beauty". An opportunity to dive back into this dreamlike universe that rocked our childhood.
- Read more in our article.
Open mid-February to mid-November
Allow 2 to 3 hours
3rd night in or around Saumur
Afternoon: Chinon fortress
On the borders of Anjou, Tourraine and Poitou, a beautiful medieval fortress made up of 3 separate but adjoining castles. Situated on a rocky spur, the fortress stretches for 300 meters and overlooks the Vienne River, which flows through the valley, and the town of Chinon.
Main points of interest:
- Views of the city and river from the fortress
- Its imposing architecture, with several buildings
- Its tablet option with augmented reality
- Explore the charming town around
- Read more in our article (coming soon)
Open all year round.
Allow 2 hours
Alternative day 7 in Angers
You can also choose to drive to Angers, if you like to discover historic works of art.
Château d'Angers: perhaps not the most beautiful, but one of the most impressive strongholds on the Loire, whose earliest constructions date back to the Neolithic period. Perhaps because of its defensive capabilities, it holds one of the world's most precious tapestries, listed by UNESCO.
Main points of interest:
- The overall architecture, with its 17 defensive towers and thick schist ramparts, gives it such a massive, protective appearance.
- The tapestry of the Apocalypse of Saint John, woven in the 14th century, is 120 meters long and offers both a religious and political reading at the height of the Hundred Years' War. We're impressed every time we visit this unique piece.
- The Galerie René d'Anjou features an unusually large glass surface for the period in which it was built (1435-1453). It was commissioned by the "good René d'Anjou", the last of the Dukes of Anjou, who, in the eyes of 19th-century romantics, embodied a fantasy of the Middle Ages, and was the object of a cult in the town of Angers.
And see our article on the best attractions in Angers (coming soon).
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:
A week around the Loire Valley Castles with children
Where to stay
We recommend staying around Tours or Amboise:
- Tours - see top rated accommodations
- Amboise - see best rated accommodations
Best castles to see with children
To find all the most suitable options with children, read our article here.
Here's an itinerary that's not too busy, with a mix of castles dedicated to children and more classic ones with options for kids.
Day 1 - Amboise
- Clos Lucé with the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci - Book your tickets
- Miniature castle park
Day 2
- Château de Chenonceau, because it's a must-see but not too big - Book your admission tickets
- The village of Montrésor
- or alternatively, for children: the Grand Aquarium de Touraine
Day 3
- Château de Cheverny with the Tintin museum
- Or drive a little further to visit Château de Freteval and its great fun and fitness trail for children.
Day 4
The Fortress of Chinon, a real medieval labyrinth (but lots of stairs, so to be avoided with baby carriages).
Day 5
The enchanting Château du Rivau.
The dreamlike world of fairy-tale gardens can be a source of motivation and interest. And contrary to popular belief, children are often very receptive to contemporary art.
Day 6
The Château d'Ussé, known as the Château de la Belle au bois dormant (Sleeping Beauty Castle) with its fairy-tale settings.
Day 7
Montbazon fortress with medieval crafts and games
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
