It takes less than two hours to drive from Paris to Orlean and only a little longer to reach the first Loire Valley castles — so you can easily get a taste of the destination in a single day. But to experience the region fully, plan a week or more. Below, we list the best hotels, towns, and castles as our itinerary suggestion to make it a great trip.
If you don’t own a car, consider renting via Discover Cars, which lets you compare offers from all major rental companies. And meanwhile, this is part three of our road trips in France series. Don’t miss our recommendations for authentic Normandy and our guide for a great road trip in Provence.
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Loire Valley has so much to offer, and it’s hard to decide which parts to see, let alone where to stay. But the region has some wonderful hotels — and they are another reason to do a Loire Valley road trip.
If you drive from Paris, Les Sources de Cheverny can be an excellent first stop. Les Sources is a rural estate surrounded by forests and fields, perfectly positioned as a tranquil place to relax and unwind after sightseeing. The hotel experience centers around excellent food, wine, and wellness, with a spa in the large manor house. The property offers luxury chalets (one of which we stayed in), constructed as modern luxury abodes — in contrast to the traditional castle rooms in the manor.
What to see in the area: the nearby Château de Cheverny, Château de Chambord, Blois and Château Royal de Blois, Fougères-sur-Bièvre Castle. Scroll down for more details about these sites.
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 3 nights.
Read the review from our stay: Les Sources de Cheverny, Loire Valley, France
Alternatively, book Les Sources de Cheverny via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Les Sources de Cheverny, Cheverny, France. Photos © TravelPlusStyle
Now, you wouldn’t expect a tree house hotel in the heart of the chateau region of France, would you? But the surprise is integral to the experience of Loire Valley Lodges. It’s a unique place that blends nature, art, and the feeling of tranquil isolation — and all in a hotel comprising literal treehouses.
The hotel’s eighteen lodges are raised on stilts, set in a forest. Each lodge is decorated by a different artist, with pop-culture motifs, mid-century furniture, and original artworks for a deeply personal style. The place couldn’t be further from the archetype of the centuries-old castle hotels, with enfilade rooms, musty decor, and old paintings. Loire Valley Lodges stands in the region’s heart, in a rural area south of Tours.
What to see in the area: Loire Valley Lodges is a destination on its own, but it can also be a nice base camp from which to explore the city of Tours and the nearby Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. See more details about these sites below.
Recommended length of stay: 2 nights.
Read more in the review from our stay: Loire Valley Lodges, France
Alternatively, book Loire Valley Lodges via
Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Loire Valley Lodges – Hotel, Esvres, France. Photos © TravelPlusStyle
Le Manoir Les Minimes is a charming boutique hotel housed in a restored 18th-century manor house in the historic town of Amboise.
The hotel offers 16 elegantly decorated rooms and suites, each with character and charm, featuring exposed beams and fireplaces and some with views towards the nearby Château Royal d’Amboise. The hotel’s restaurant, La Table du Manoir, was a particular highlight for us — thanks to its gourmet French cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and breakfasts, which were a real treat.
What to see in the area: the town of Amboise and its Château Royal d’Amboise. The iconic Château de Chenonceau is not far from the town. See more details about these sites below.
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights.
Alternatively, book Le Manoir Les Minimes via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Le Manoir Les Minimes, Amboise, France. Photos © TravelPlusStyle
How often do you have the chance to stay at a medieval abbey? This is what Fontevraud once was — for hundreds of years. The abbey was founded in the early 12th century and was later converted into a prison. Today, Fontevraud is a hotel, a museum, and a cultural center.
Much of the medieval abbey’s original architecture has been well preserved. The cloister, chapel, and refectory are still here, giving the place historical magic and ambiance. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations, and its amenities include a spa, a fabulous restaurant, and a bar. The center has a rich cultural program, with regular art exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.
What to see in the area: Château de Saumur, Château de Montreuil-Bellay, the old town of Angers, and Château d’Angers.
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights.
Alternatively, book Fontevraud L’Ermitage via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Fontevraud L’Hôtel, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, France. Photos © TravelPlusStyle
Discover the top boutique hotels in the City of Lights
The below shortlist makes a worthy companion to the main list.
There’s something special about exploring the countryside and small towns of the Loire Valley, especially by car. The scenery is breathtaking — with the rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. And the Loire Valley is home to some of France’s most magnificent chateaux and cathedrals. More than 100 of them! If your time is limited, consider visiting the top ones listed below.
One of the must-see castles in Loire Valley is the extremely picturesque Château de Chenonceau. Located on the banks of the River Cher, this Renaissance masterpiece is celebrated for its elegant architecture, beautiful gardens, and iconic setting spanning the river. The chateau has a fascinating history, as it was owned by several powerful women over the centuries, including Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers.
Another highlight of the Loire Valley is the Château de Chambord. This magnificent castle, with its distinctive double helix staircase, is one of the largest and most impressive in the region. It was built by King Francis I in the 16th century and is surrounded by a vast forest and parkland, making it a great place for a stroll.
The Château Royal de Blois (in the town of Blois) is another important historic site in the region. This castle was the residence of several French kings, including Louis XII and Francois I. Its unique architecture reflects the popular styles during its long history, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical.
The Château de Cheverny is also worth a visit — especially if you book a stay at the nearby Les Sources de Cheverny (see above). This elegant 17th-century castle is known for its beautifully preserved interior and the stunning gardens that surround it. Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities on the estate, including a fascinating hunting museum and a kennel with more than 100 hunting dogs.
If you’re looking for a castle with a great view, head to the Château de Chaumont. This fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the Loire River, offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside. The castle is also impressive, with its imposing towers and medieval architecture.
For a more intimate chateau experience, consider visiting the Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre. This charming castle dates back to the 15th century and has a homely, lived-in feel, often lacking in more grandiose castles.
The Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is another gem in the Loire Valley. This castle has a real fairy-tale setting with its romantic turrets and reflecting pool. But make sure to take a guided tour of the interior as well. The rooms are beautifully restored to their 16th-century splendor.
The Château Royal d’Amboise is a must-visit for history buffs. This castle was once the home of French royalty, and it was where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. The Château du Clos Lucé, located just a short walk from the Château Royal d’Amboise, was Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence. Visitors can explore the artist’s former home and workshop, which has been preserved as a museum.
If you’re a fan of gardens, don’t miss the Château de Villandry. This castle is renowned for its magnificent formal gardens, laid out in intricate patterns and featuring a wide variety of plants and flowers. Visitors can also explore the castle’s many rooms, which are beautifully decorated and furnished.
Head to the Chateau de Saumur for a taste of French military history. The castle dates back to the 10th century, serving as a fortress, prison, and military academy.
Château d’Angers is a medieval castle located in Angers, France. It was built in the 9th century and expanded in the 13th century. The castle is known for its distinctive 17 towers and massive walls and for housing the famous Apocalypse Tapestry (the tapestry exhibition is excellent!)
While the castles are the main attraction of the Loire Valley, the region’s many charming towns and villages are also well worth exploring. Here are some of the best towns to include on your Loire Valley road trip.
Orleans is a lively city on the banks of the Loire River, famous for its connection to Joan of Arc. The historic old town is worth a stroll, with its narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and stunning Gothic cathedral. Orleans is also known for its lively markets and excellent restaurants, serving delicious local specialties.
Blois is another must-see town in the Loire Valley, with a rich history and plenty of tourist attractions. The town’s centerpiece is the Château Royal de Blois. Still, there are also plenty of other historic buildings to explore, including the Church of Saint Nicolas and the Maison de la Magie, a museum dedicated to the art of illusion.
Amboise is a picturesque town on the banks of the Loire River, with an old town and the beautiful Château Royal d’Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci is laid to rest.
Tours is a larger city with a great base for exploring the Loire Valley. The city has a beautiful cathedral, a historic old town, and excellent museums and galleries. Stroll along the banks of the Loire River or head out to nearby attractions like the Château de Villandry or the ZooParc de Beauval.
Montresor is a tiny village that tourists often overlook, but its charming streets are worth discovering. The village is known for its flower-lined streets and picturesque views, as well as the Château de Montresor, a medieval fortress that has been beautifully preserved.
The Royal City of Loches is another historic town with a fascinating past. The town’s centerpiece is the Château de Loches, a massive fortress once the residence of French kings. But the town has many other historic buildings, including the Church of Saint-Ours and the Porte Royale, a 13th-century gateway to the town.
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Saumur is a picturesque town on the banks of the Loire River, famous for its excellent wine and equestrian traditions. The Chateau de Saumur is a must-visit. It’s a medieval fortress housing the Museum of the Horse. The area is known for vineyards; visiting one for wine tasting is a great idea.
Angers is a larger city with a rich history and plenty of attractions. The town’s centerpiece is the Château d’Angers, a massive fortress that was once the seat of the Plantagenet dynasty. Other historic buildings in the town include the Cathedral of Saint-Maurice and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin.
Chinon is a charming town on the banks of the Vienne River, known for its connection to Joan of Arc. The medieval fortress of Chinon was once the home of Henry II of England. The town is also famous for its red wine, made from the Cabernet Franc grape, which gives the wine its rich, fruity flavor.
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The summer months, from June to August, are the busiest and most popular, with long days, warm weather, and plenty of festivals and events. However, this is also when everybody comes here, so be prepared for crowds. Hotel rates tend to be higher, too.
For those who prefer to avoid crowds, spring and fall shoulder seasons can be a great time to visit. In the spring, the gardens and parks are in full bloom, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. On the other hand, fall is a great time to visit for wine lovers, as the vineyards are in full harvest mode, and there are many wine festivals and tastings to attend.
Winter is the quietest time. It means lower prices, but some castles may be closed, and obviously, the weather can be cold and wet.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
All Photos © TravelPlusStyle
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 09/02/2024
