Loire Valley Travelers Recommend

France’s Loire Valley is littered with fairy-tale châteaux, a legacy of the many noble families who settled here because of its strategic riverside setting and proximity to Paris. See below for the most show-stopping castles in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Loire Valley.

Chambord Castle (Château de Chambord)

Constructed by François I in the early 16th century on the site of a much more modest hunting lodge, this 440-room château is one of the biggest and most spectacular in France, offering curious visitors a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of French aristocrats of old. 

Blois Castle (Château de Blois)

This riverside castle showcases the progression of architectural trends through different epochs in its four distinct wings, which span the 13th to 17th centuries. Having played host to seven French kings, it has a storied history, as well as as an impressive on-site fine arts museum. 

Chenonceau Castle (Château de Chenonceau)

This iconic château is immediately recognizable by its arched bridge, which crosses the Cher River. Some of Europe’s most famous royal faces, including Diane de Poitiers, Mary Queen of Scots, and Catherine de Médici, have connections to the site. 

Cheverny Castle (Château de Cheverny)

While many Loire Valley châteaux have been dramatically altered and redecorated over the years, this elegant classical-style mansion has barely changed since its early 17th-century construction. The Hurault family, who have owned it for centuries, have preserved a sumptuous style of the interior, which still features original period furnishings.

Clos Lucé Castle (Château de Clos Lucé)

This 15th-century mansion is famous for having played host to Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, who resided here from 1516 until his death in 1519. See where da Vinci worked, ate, and slept, and examine models of his groundbreaking inventions.

Amboise Castle (Château d’Amboise)

Connected to Château de Clos Lucé by an underground tunnel, this royal retreat is said to house Leonardo da Vinci’s remains. Its elevated position affords wonderful views of the town and the river. 

Azay-le-Rideau Castle (Château d’Azay-le-Rideau)

Though it’s not the biggest or grandest in the valley, this Renaissance-style gray stone castle is certainly eye-catching, set on an island on the Indre River. From a distance, it almost appears to float on the water. A favorite of occasional guest Honoré de Balzac, it is also known for its grand central staircase and its collection of 16th- and 17th-century Flemish tapestries.

With three days to explore the Loire Valley, fill your itinerary with historic towns, magnificent châteaus, and unforgettable experiences. There’s time to see all the top attractions and visit the cities of the western Loire, but planning ahead is essential to ensure you fit it all in and minimize your travel time. Here are your options.

Day 1: Visit the Loire Castles

Kick off your Loire Valley sightseeing tour with a visit to the largest of all the Loire châteaus: Château de Chambord. The lavish former home of Francois I is renowned for its dramatic double-helix staircase, believed to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci, and its extravagant parks and gardens, which cover a vast 13,500 acres (5,440 hectares).

Not far from Chambord, the Château de Cheverny has two unusual claims to fame: The castle was the inspiration for one of Hergé’s famous Tintin stories, “The Treasure of Rackham the Red,” and is renowned for breeding hunting dogs. Be sure to check out the Tintin exhibition and visit the kennels during your visit.

Stop for dinner in the medieval town of Blois before visiting the final castle of the day, the Château de Chenonceau. Set along the Cher River, this fairy-tale castle is even more magical after dark, with both the château and its gardens beautifully illuminated.

Day 2: Views and Vineyards

The UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley afford some incredible photo opportunities, but the most spectacular views are from above. Take to the skies for a thrilling helicopter flight or float over the castles and vineyards on a romantic hot-air balloon flight.

After an unforgettable morning, enjoy a leisurely afternoon bike tour around the forests and vineyards of the Loire. Along the way, stop in riverside towns like Amboise, admire landmarks like the Château du Clos Lucé, and visit château wineries to sample the Loire’s famous wines.

In the evening, head to another of the Loire Valley’s most visited attractions—the Chateau of Villandry, which is known for its stunning Renaissance gardens. Time your visit for the summer “Nights of a Thousand Lights,” when the gardens are lit up by more than 2,000 candles and guided walking tours are followed by a dazzling fireworks display.

Day 3: Visit the cities of the Loire

Spend your final day exploring one of the less-visited cities of the Loire Valley. West of Chinon, the city of Saumur is the historic home of the French Cavalry and is renowned for its unique troglodyte dwellings. Admire its medieval castle, perched on the banks of the Loire River; stroll around the atmospheric old town; or watch a performance at the Cadre Noir, France’s most prestigious riding school.

Alternatively, Nantes is the westernmost city of the Loire and home to the grand Château de Ducs de Bretagne. A mix of historic and modern, the city’s star attraction is Les Machines de l’île, an open-air theme park of mechanical creatures based on the fantasy books of local author Jules Verne. Take a ride on a life-size mechanical elephant, ride the Marine Worlds Carousel, or go behind the scenes and see how the innovative creations are made at the Galerie.

With two days in the Loire Valley you’ll have time to admire the magnificent UNESCO-listed landscapes, visit famed châteaus, and sample fine wines. Opting for a guided tour will ensure that you make the most of your time, but even if you prefer to go it alone, prebooking skip-the-line tickets is essential. Here are a few ideas.

Day 1: Castles of the Loire

**Morning:**Start with a tour of the largest of all the Loire châteaus, the Château de Chambord, which is set in 13,500 acres (5,440 hectares) of parklands. This opulent example of French Renaissance architecture is famous for its double-helix staircase, said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

**Afternoon:**The historic town of Amboise is among the most beautiful in the Loire, full of medieval monuments and half-timbered buildings. Perhaps visit the cliff-top Amboise Castle, stop by the local market (Sunday only), or browse the shops for souvenirs. There are also some excellent restaurants and wineries in and around the town, where you can enjoy wine tasting and sample delicious Loire cuisine.

**Night:**The magnificent Château de Chenonceau is even more magical at night. For a truly unforgettable experience, soar overhead on a sunset hot-air balloon ride, then attend the Nocturne à Chenonceau (June-August only), when the castle and gardens are lit up and classical music is played.

Day 2: Gardens and Gastronomy

**Morning:**Make an early start and head to the Château of Villandry, where the highlight is the spectacular Renaissance gardens. A walking tour covers all the highlights, including the kitchen garden, water garden, ornamental gardens, medieval herb garden, and the maze—do not forget your camera!

**Afternoon:**Nearby Azay-Le-Rideau is home to another stunning château, but for a change of pace, head to the medieval town of Chinon. Surrounded by forests and vineyards, it’s the ideal starting point for an afternoon cycling tour and provides an idyllic setting for a picnic lunch or wine tasting at a château winery.

**Night:**Spend your final night in Tours, the biggest city along the Loire. The atmospheric Old Quarter is the place to go after sundown, and the area around Place Plumereau offers a large selection of bars, restaurants, and bistros, where you can enjoy regional dishes and drink a beer with the locals.

With its picturesque landscapes, fairy-tale castles, and fine wines, the Loire Valley is a popular choice for a day trip from Paris or other French cities. With just one day to explore, there’s no time to spare, so prebook skip-the-line tickets or opt for a tour that takes in all the highlights. Here are your options.

Morning: Visit the Loire Castles

The Loire Valley is home to more than 300 châteaus—most of which date back to the French Renaissance era—and they are dotted throughout the forests, river valleys, and vineyards of the region. With limited time, joining a tour is the best way to explore, and if you prebook skip-the-line tickets, it’s possible to visit two or three castles in a day.

Start your day with a guided tour of the Château de Chambord, the largest of all the Loire châteaus. The masterpiece of Francois I is set amid 13,500 acres (5,440 hectares) of parklands; it’s a majestic sight and the lavish interiors include a magnificent double-helix staircase, said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Afternoon: Explore the Vineyards

Another must-see castle is the Château de Chenonceau, and the journey to this castle from Château de Chambord is all part of the experience, as you pass lush vineyards, riverside castles, and fields of sunflowers in summer. Along the way, stop to sample Loire Valley wines at one of the many château wineries around Vouvray, known for its sweet white and sparkling wines.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at Chenonceau castle, nicknamed the “Château des Dames” (the Ladies’ Castle) after the many noblewomen who resided there over the centuries, including Diane of Poitiers, Catherine de Medicis, and Catherine Briçonnet. One of the most photographed châteaus of the Loire, it’s a vision of gleaming white stone, fairy-tale turrets, and formal gardens, set right on the banks of the Cher River.

Night: A Taste of the Loire

The town of Amboise is one of the most beautiful in the Loire, with its dramatic cliff-top castle and medieval half-timbered buildings. Stroll around the atmospheric Old Town, browse the shops for souvenirs, and head down to the riverside after dark for a stunning view of the illuminated castle.

End your day with dinner at one of the many restaurants in town, or for an extra special experience, book a table at one of the Michelin-starred establishments nearby: the 2-star Domaine des Hauts de Loire or 1-star Les Hautes Roches are both excellent choices.