How To Visit The Best Of The Loire Valley: Chateaus, Towns & More

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Nestled within the coronary heart of France, the Loire Valley is a treasure trove of beautiful châteaus, picturesque landscapes, and delectable wines.

It’s a grand and fascinating area that is without doubt one of the largest UNESCO world heritage websites on the planet, composed of 800 sq. km.

It’s simple to go to from Paris, and crammed with fascinating experiences from canoeing below castles to bike using alongside the Loire River, the longest river in France.

The Loire Valley France was the final cease on our 4-week European journey. We’d simply come off an unbelievable 8 Day Danube River Cruise with Avalon Waterways and had been all wishing we had simply gone straight dwelling from there.

The Loire Valley was going to need to work laborious to spice up our morale. We didn’t have an amazing begin, because of Parisian site visitors (extra on that under) BUT as quickly as I jumped in that canoe to paddle below a fairy story fort, I used to be glad we went to that further effort to go to it.

There are memorable moments ready for you within the Loire Valley, and that will help you out, we now have ready an entire information to visiting Loire Valley so you may expertise memorable moments exploring the most effective chateaus within the area!

How To Get To The Loire Valley

Earlier than we get into what to see and so, let’s go over one of the best ways to get to Loire Valley. We make the errors so you may keep away from them!

Selecting up a rental automotive from Charles de Gaulle Airport and driving to the Loire Valley was one of many largest errors on our European journey. 

It made complete sense once we booked it. As a substitute of flying to Munich, Berlin, or Amsterdam from Hungary after our river cruise, we determined to cut back our flight prices and time spent in a number of airports and simply fly again to Paris (the place our return flight again to Raleigh was).

We figured we might then simply drive all the way down to the Loire Valley from Charles de Gaulle, Paris, for the reason that distance is simply 213.3 km and is predicted to take 2 hours (in keeping with Google Maps). We deliberate to remain for 3 nights after which drive again to the airport when it was time to fly dwelling. 

It in all probability would have been faster and cheaper to drive from Munich, as a result of the site visitors in Paris is an absolute NIGHTMARE! It took us two hours simply to get via the ring highway in Paris and there’s no various route. 

It additionally meant we needed to return again to Paris sooner than we had deliberate to permit for the site visitors chaos (it ended up being a straight run via however we didn’t wish to threat lacking our flight dwelling).

Alternate options to driving from Paris

You do want a automotive to get round Loire Valley, and a Loire Valley highway journey is without doubt one of the most scenic methods to see the vineyards and tapestries of fields as you get from A to B, so you’ll want to rent a automotive and drive, however you simply wish to keep away from driving in Paris.

So we suggest you go from Charles de Galle, get the practice all the way down to Montparnasse and lease a automotive from there.

You’ll skip the insane Paris site visitors because it’s under the ring highway and may get out of the town fairly simply. You will get a rental automotive from any location south of the ring highway. 

You can additionally get a practice all the way down to Excursions after which lease a automotive from there. Use Trainline to ebook practice tickets and Uncover Vehicles to rent a automotive. A automotive is probably the most versatile possibility for exploring the castles of the Loire Valley.

How lengthy do you have to go to the Loire Valley for?

It’s price spending at the least 2-3 days within the Loire Valley area. I’d have preferred to have performed some bike using and wine tasting experiences (however we drank rather a lot on our European river cruise and had been all wined out!) and presumably seen a couple of extra castles. 

We loved visiting three of the most effective castles within the Loire Valley so we didn’t get overwhelmed. It felt like a really stress-free two days within the Loire Valley. 

We centered our journey on one area of the Loire Valley – Excursions, which is sort of central, and near lots of the chateaus.

Some individuals go to the Loire Valley only for the day on excursions leaving from Paris. That is an possibility should you simply wish to go to a couple of castles, though it will be a giant day and I’d be nervous about site visitors consuming lots of it. However, if that’s all you have got time for, listed here are a couple of excursions to select from. 

Greatest Time to Go to Loire Valley

The perfect time to go to can be in Spring time. The climate in April and Could is heat however not too scorching, and also you additionally beat the summer season crowds.

The climate can also be fairly good in September and October, however simply ensure you go to after the colleges have returned in September so you may keep away from the push of vacationers from Europe.

Issues To Add To Your Loire Valley Itinerary

Now you understand how to get there and the way a lot time to spend, it’s time to map out your Loire Valley itinerary. Make certain to take a look at the next sights and highlights!

1. Go to Three of the Greatest Chateaus within the Loire Valley

I do know you wish to take advantage of your time and go to each single fort within the Loire Valley. Nicely, there are over 300 of them in order that’s an train in burnout.

You should have a much better time, should you deal with just some of probably the most lovely and discover them at a slower tempo whereas doing fascinating issues like wine tasting, horse-riding, and kayaking!

We don’t suppose you would get any higher than these French chateaux within the Valley of the Kings.

Château de Chambord: UNESCO Grandeur

I used to be involved that since we had spent a complete day on the Palace of Versailles – some would argue the most effective chateaux in France – I used to be nervous, I’d be ho-hum about these smaller castles within the Loire Valley.

However, no, I used to be fairly impressed by the magnificence of Château de Chambord, which is famend for its beautiful mix of French medieval and Italian Renaissance types.

There are numerous causes, Chambord is taken into account the most effective chateaus within the Loire Valley. 

It’s the most important of the castles, has UNESCO World Heritage Web site standing, its park is as huge as interior Paris, and is the most important enclosed park in Europe, and you’ll go to 60 of its 426 rooms! 

With its fairy tale-like turrets, grand facades, and beautiful landscapes it’s a photographer’s dream, so go away sufficient time to seize it from all of the angles! 

A lot of the fort’s Renaissance-style design has been attributed to the innovation and creativeness of Leonardo da Vinci. Essentially the most fascinating of which is the long-lasting double helix staircase within the heart of the fort, which was impressed by nature’s spiraling types. 

The within of the fort is sort of sparse with furnishings and decor which is supposed to precisely symbolize the way it was through the time it was occupied by the French Kings. It served as a royal resilience and looking lodge, notably for King Francois I.

I additionally cherished strolling across the rooftop terrace with its fairytale-like turrets, sky home windows, and towering chimneys, and panoramic vista of the park and gardens. 

There are numerous actions to get pleasure from on the fort’s grounds together with renting boats on the lake, using bikes across the property, or strolling alongside the numerous trails.

We grabbed a fast take-out lunch from a bakery (boulangerie) within the small city close to the Chateau earlier than arriving. Had I identified, there was a tiny village, Place Saint-Louis, below the fort that had a couple of eateries, and an ice cream store. I’d have eaten right here to additional absorb the regal vitality. They weren’t too badly priced.

In case you’re seeking to do some wine tasting within the Loire Valley, permit room in your itinerary to do it right here at Maison des Vins on the Place Saint-Louis in Chambord. 

As we had been wined out, we skipped it, which I remorse. Chambord wines are pure, produced utilizing natural eco-certified strategies, with no added sulfites or synthetic yeast. They’re harvested by hand. I did choose up a bottle of white to take dwelling as a present for our pet sitter! 

You too can keep at Relais de Chambord, a small luxurious lodge, proper close to this fort.

Château de Chenonceau

Okay, that is the stuff fairytale fort goals are product of. If there may be one factor within the Loire Valley you will need to not miss it, a scenic canoe journey beneath the arches of Château de Chenonceau, a fairytale fort straddling the Cher River.

It’s a fascinating and unforgettable expertise that lets you respect the château’s magnificence from a novel vantage level. It’s the most effective chateaux within the Loire Valley for {couples} in search of romance!

The château’s elegant façade and luxurious gardens create a picture-perfect scene, and the reflection within the water provides to its allure.

It was very troublesome for me to search out data on how to do that, so take into account studying this put up as part of your fortunate France journey planning day!

There are numerous canoe journeys obtainable starting from half-day paddles down the river to quick paddles departing from the rental location. 

We suggest doing this primary earlier than exploring the fort. You’ll beat the crowds and the warmth and also you couldn’t ask for a greater first impression.

We rented a 4-person Canadian canoe and opted for the quick paddle, which generally takes round 1-2 hours to return (4km) 

It’s a simple paddle and begins with solely views of the river banks. Quickly you’ll flip the nook and see the elegant facade of the “floating” chateau because it spans the Cher River. 

Then you may paddle up and below the bridge and across the fort’s moat having fun with the views from each doable angle. 

The one operator I discovered was Canoe Firm. Situated 2 km down the river from the fort. Their web site was complicated and I didn’t know what tour or expertise to ebook. I believe it’s a translation challenge on the web site, it looks like they name the canoe path a Stroll!!

So we simply confirmed up, arriving after breakfast, and hoped for the most effective. They’d loads of canoes obtainable for lease and a bunch guided tour was about to exit. I nonetheless don’t know what time they run and the way lengthy they go for. You too can lease bikes and kayaks from right here.

They’ve a terrine bar Bistrot Quai overlooking the Cher with tables within the backyard below our willow. It could be a pleasant spot for a chunk to eat after your canoe journey. 

We stopped at a creperie within the small village of Chenonceaux simply exterior the doorway to the fort, which we had been exploring subsequent!

Whereas Chambord was grand and spectacular, Chenonceau was heat, inviting, and stylish. You can inform that this Loire Valley fort had a female contact. 

It’s also known as the “Girls’ Château” as a consequence of its affiliation with distinguished ladies all through historical past together with Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers, who added their very own touches to the château’s design and gardens.

The château’s picturesque setting, with its reflection within the river and charming gardens, creates a romantic ambiance that captivates.

As quickly as you stroll down the lengthy avenue of timber, you are feeling the magic of this place. Forest and gardens crammed with mazes and flowers, and secret walled gardens with draping willows line both aspect of the avenue. 

Your timed entry ticket to tour the palace will decide whether or not you discover these earlier than or after. 

Tour the lavishly embellished rooms, together with the Inexperienced Examine, the chapel, the Catherine de’ Medici Gallery, the underground kitchens, and the Royal Chamber. Every room is a testomony to the château’s wealthy historical past and opulence.

A lot of the rooms supply nice views of the river and gardens and all of the boaters, kayakers, and canoeists paddling down the river. 

I significantly preferred strolling via the Gallery which is throughout the arched bridge river that we canoed below.

You may stroll out to the forested banks on the opposite aspect for extra nice views of the fort. It’s wonderful how completely different this fort appears to be like from all of the completely different viewpoints.

Spend so long as you want strolling via the fantastically landscaped gardens, having fun with the flowers, fountains, and tranquil pathways. I preferred the gardens much more right here than at Chambord (like Versailles, I discovered them underwhelming)

We did try to do some wine tasting within the Domes Wine Cellar, however one was already in progress, and there was nobody attending the desk to provide us data on how we might be a part of the following one or when it was. We ended up leaving as the women had been drained.

Château du Clos Lucé: The Home of Innovation  

Wow! That’s all I can say in regards to the surprising magnificence and uniqueness of Château du Clos Lucé.

It’s a extra softly-spoken magnificence than the opposite Loire Valley castles. Whereas I cherished the grandeur and magnificence of the opposite castles, the modest pink brick stone chateau was the one I might think about myself dwelling in, particularly with its serene wooded gardens.

Don’t simply take my phrase for it although. Comply with the footsteps of one of many biggest minds of all time – Leonardo Da Vinci.

What makes this Loire Valley chateau distinctive – and unmissable – is that it’s the place Leonardo da Vinci spent the ultimate three years of his life. He arrived upon invitation from Francis I, the place he might dwell freely to work, suppose, and dream.

He purchased with him the Mona Lisa, the Virgin and Youngster with Saint Anne, Saint John the Baptist, and all his manuscripts. That is how these masterpieces ended up on show within the Louvre.

Leonardo was raised within the hills of Tuscany and had a deep connection to nature which impressed lots of his drawings and innovations. The gardens on the property had been an essential place for him to spend time. Gigantic-sized recreations of his work and drawings cling from the timber and are immersed within the forests and wetlands of the gardens.

There’s additionally a enjoyable and academic stroll alongside a landscaped path that showcases his main innovations. It’s fairly intelligent how they’ve created these life-size interactive machines primarily based on his imaginings and drawings.

Even higher, youthful kids will love accumulating a scavenger hunt booklet upon getting into the chateau grounds, which is able to assist them have interaction along with his completely different innovations and be taught extra about them.

Chateau du Clos Luce is particularly priceless to go to with children, particularly should you homeschool. It’s the immersive studying expertise all mother and father seek for.

 After we visited, there was additionally a particular exhibition that took you thru his anatomical investigations, together with a room arrange with 3D fashions to mirror the dissection of useless our bodies he incessantly did to study – and create detailed sketches of – the human physique.

A lot smaller than the opposite French chateaux, there are just a few rooms to go to within the fifteenth Century Clos Luce, which have been restored to mirror Da Vinci’s time within the fort.

You may tour the bed room the place he lived and took his final breath and the workshop the place he imagined and created.

There may be additionally an entrance to an underground passage, which legend says results in the Royal Citadel of Amboise that Francis I’d use to go to Da Vinci every day.

Chateau du Clos Luce is the most effective fort within the Loire Valley for many who love science, invention, nature, and creativeness.

Different Loire Valley Chateaus to Go to

Keep in mind to decide on your castles fastidiously, to keep away from AFC overwhelm. Select one thing distinctive and fascinating to do in every one, so it’s not simply wandering the halls of one other opulent chateau questioning how they bought away with main such prosperous lives when so many had been ravenous.

Oh yeah, it’s known as the French Revolution – I’ll present you the cake! 

In case you have extra time, or insist on packing in additional of the Châteaux de la Loire, listed here are a couple of different notable chateaus we had on our doable listing.

• Château de Chaumont sur Loire dates again to the tenth century when it was initially constructed as a fortress strategically perched atop a hill overlooking the Loire River and the city of Chaumont. The château is famend for its beautiful gardens and the annual Worldwide Backyard Pageant, which attracts panorama designers from all over the world, who create modern and inventive backyard shows.
• Château de Cheverny is famed for its opulent interiors and its position as an inspiration for Captain Haddock’s Marlinspike Corridor within the Tintin comedian books. It stands as the only real family-occupied château accessible to the general public.
• Château de Villandry is known for having among the most lovely and meticulously maintained Renaissance gardens in France, together with beautiful parterres, water options, and vegetable gardens.
• Château du Rivau feels prefer it’s straight out of a storybook with its turrets, pointed roofs, and romantic gardens together with a surprising rose backyard with over 450 varieties, whimsical topiary sculptures, and vibrant flowerbeds.
• Château d’azay le Rideau is a small and quaint chateaux that’s renown for being the most effective examples of early French renaissance structure.
• Château d’Ussé a gorgeous fort that’s stated to be the inspiration for the story of Sleeping Magnificence.

2. Go to The Vibrant Place Plumereau

“How did we miss this?” Craig and I stated as we turned the nook and stumbled upon Place Plumereau.

The night earlier than discovered a cute small avenue crammed with worldwide eating places and a enjoyable environment. Nicely should you flip proper, you’ll come throughout Place Plumereau, which takes it to a different vibrancy degree. 

Even should you don’t keep in Excursions, I like to recommend spending at the least one night in Place Plumereau. 

Place Plumereau, also referred to as “Plumereau Sq.” or just “Plum,” is a picturesque and historic sq. surrounded by half-timbered homes, lots of which date again to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

It was as soon as used for executions through the Center Ages and has witnessed many essential occasions in Excursions’ historical past.

These fantastically preserved buildings give the sq. a novel and enchanting environment and attracts in locals and vacationers with its  multitude of full of life cafes, bars, and eating places on the sq. and the encompassing cobblestone streets. 

It’s a perfect spot to get pleasure from a leisurely meal, sip on a glass of native wine, or just people-watch.

On our final night, the women stayed within the lodge with takeout (their selection) and Craig and I went into Excursions, beginning with a pre-dinner Aperol Spritz, and ending with a wine in Plumereau Place. And in between we loved ….

3. Have A Scrumptious Prix Fixe Meal at Chez Tonton

We thought Place Plumereau was enjoyable simply by itself, however Excursions actually opened up for us as we began strolling the streets surrounding the sq.. 

It’s restaurant after restaurant alongside cute cobblestone streets, in between previous stone church buildings and towers, market squares, and out of doors theaters.

That’s the place we ended up, close to a small market and church watching individuals stream into the Ukraine fundraising live performance throughout from our terrace desk at Chez Tonton. 

The proprietor of this restaurant instructed us Excursions has extra eating places per capita than another place in Europe!! 

It truly is an unbelievable place for eating and the environment is buzzing so discover one to fit your fancy. We are able to’t suggest Chez Tonton sufficient; it was the place we had our greatest meal in France. 

What is quite common in Excursions are eating places that serve 2 or 3-course prix fixe menus.

Some are fairly expensive, however Chez Tonton was greater than affordable with two programs for less than €23 There’s no means you’d get related high quality of meals at that worth within the US for only one course! 

And the servings had been enormous. 

Because it was our final night time on our Europe journey we celebrated with an amazing bottle of native wine, and a two-course meal.

I had eggplant parmigiana (appetizer) and  Salmon with soy ginger sauce for the principle and Craig  and beef and potatoes with a creamy herb sauce

Loire Valley Cities to Go to

Together with your much less is extra method, you received’t have time to see each city, however there are two most important cities you shouldn’t skip off your Loire Valley itinerary.

Amboise

Solely streets away from Chateau du Clos Luce is Amboise, a picturesque village nestled alongside the banks of the Loire River. 

This magnificent Château Royal d’Amboise, dwelling of French Kings for 5 centuries, sits on a rocky cliff 40m above the city and river.

In case you’re as much as checking one other fort off your listing, this château is understood for its beautiful structure, lovely gardens, Loire Valley views, and historic significance.

We determined to skip the fort and as a substitute cease in for lunch and a brief river stroll. We visited on a Sunday, so many of the shops had been closed, however Amboise had some cute pedestrian streets, shops, and patisseries you may additionally wish to discover. 

Many eating places line the small avenue beneath the fort. Stroll alongside till you discover one which fits your model. We selected a completely unsuitable dish – our sausage meal didn’t come out like we hoped – extra like scorching canines. Gross.

So select correctly and maybe strive some native dishes or among the area’s famed wines. 

A well-liked vacation spot for wine tasting, which was on my listing, is Caves Ambacia. You may tour the cellars and pattern quite a lot of wines, together with the native wines of the Loire Valley. See charges and availability right here.

In case you go to on the correct day, you may discover Amboise’s full of life markets, the place you may pattern contemporary native produce, cheeses, and artisanal merchandise.

Excursions

As talked about, we stayed in Excursions, and cherished having this as our base to return to and revel in night hours. 

Excursions boasts an extended and storied historical past, courting again to when it was a part of the Roman Empire as a consequence of its essential crossing level over the river Loire. It was additionally an essential heart through the Center Ages and the Renaissance.

We didn’t have time to go to any of the sights in Excursions, however you may go to a number of museums, together with the Musee des Beaux-Arts (Tremendous Arts Museum) and the Museum of Pure Historical past.

The beautiful gothic Cathedral of Saint Gatie is a masterpiece of Gothic structure, with its magnificent stained glass home windows and complicated sculptures.

The medieval Château de Excursions witnessed essential historic occasions equivalent to the wedding of Marie d’Anjou to future king Charles VII and Joan of Arc’s return after main the French to defeat the English military at Orléans. 

Top-of-the-line coffees we had on our Europe journey was at Le Petit Atelier in Excursions

The Loire River is especially lovely right here with small islands in the midst of it, and we noticed a number of individuals swimming within the river within the afternoon hours. 

 Excursions is also known as the “Backyard of France” as a consequence of its lush parks and gardens. Jardin des Prébendes d’Oé is a superb spot to chill out amidst lush greenery.

The place to Keep in Loire Valley: Excursions

We determined to remain within the student-centric city of Excursions. Excursions is nestled in an amazing central location with quick access to lots of the Loire Valley Chateaux. 

I heard such combined opinions about it that I used to be uncertain if it was a great choice. We had been debating over Excursions and the a lot smaller close by village of Amboise. 

We selected Excursions, as we discovered a Chateau in Excursions we might keep in utilizing our mileage factors. As a result of, when within the Loire Valley…. keep in a chateaux.

Be warned as quickly as we checked into Château Belmont The Crest Assortment, we realized it was kinda like lipstick on a pig factor. 

Firstly, it was fantastic and our room for a household of 4 was very spacious and beautiful. We additionally had entry to a small wellness spa with a sauna. However, our room was in a contemporary hotel-style wing that had been added to the property, not within the chateau.

The precise Chateau Belmont is sort of small, so to remain within the rooms throughout the chateau would have value much more cash. The chateau itself is fairly, the grounds beautiful and there’s a restaurant inside which had a stunning chateau really feel – though fairly expensive. 

The chateau is on a small hill behind gates, so it does really feel secluded. Nonetheless, it was additional out of Excursions than we thought – solely a ten minute drive and a thirty-minute stroll. We’d have cherished to have been nearer strolling distance to Previous City Excursions because it was fairly cool. See charges and availability for the Chateau Belmont right here.

We did go to Amboise on our final day of this itinerary, and whereas I preferred its small village allure, we’re glad we stayed in Excursions.

We discovered it a extra vibrant place extra suited to our personalities. See obtainable properties for Excursions, for Amboise, and for the Loire Valley. You too can use the map under that will help you discover the most effective Loire Valley lodge within the excellent location for you.

Ultimate Ideas on a Two Day Loire Valley Citadel Journey

With this information, you may map out the proper 2 day Loire Valley itinerary, which gives you a style of the Loire Valley’s exceptional châteaus, wealthy historical past, and gastronomic delights. Make certain to savor each second of your journey via this fascinating area.

In case you have a bit further time, select one other distinctive fort to go to, or take into account a enjoyable exercise like wine tasting, or bike using alongside the Loire Valley.

Whereas we had a drained and rocky begin, however we created some fantastic reminiscences as a household. The important thing was selecting a relaxed tempo and avoiding Chateau fatigue.

Group Tour of Loire Valley, France

In case you don’t wish to tour this area by yourself, and want to incorporate different locations in France, we extremely suggest Globus Excursions. They’re a long run companion of ours! You may see their Loire Valley excursions right here. And don’t neglect our particular low cost under.

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