The Loire Valley served as the epilogue to what was, at the time, my most comprehensive ever trip to France. After nearly three weeks exploring the rest of the country, I rode a TGV train from Gare Montparnasse to Saint-Pierre-dès-Corps, rented a car and began checking destinations off a list I put together before I even left the US.
Well, after a stop at a local supermarket for an energy drink—my travels had exhausted me—and a can of hairspray. The scene seemed surprisingly poor (I mean, wasn’t this the former stomping grounds of literal royalty?), but almost impossibly French, for lack of a better word.
Which is not to say you’re interested in such insights—this post is about Loire Valley castles, after all, not about the broader region—though I will sprinkle some more in in case you’re curious. For better and for worse, it was among the more surprising of the day trips from Paris I ended up taking.
How to Get to (and Around) the Loire Valley
Obviously, seeing the Loire Valley châteaux requires getting to the Valley in the first place. If you wish to do this on a self-guided basis, I recommend first taking a TGV train to Saint-Pierre-dès-Corps Station (in the city of Tours) and renting a car there. You could also first go by train (either a TGV to Tours, or an ordinary train to Blois) and rent an e-bike, though this becomes a more difficult proposition for a day trip due to the distances involved.
Don’t want to drive, or simply want a more mindless visit? In this case, some kind of day tour might be a better option. I usually use an online travel agency in this case—this tour is good if castles are your sole priority; this one includes wine tastings. You can also of course arrange a tour via your hotel in Paris, or in one of the Loire Valley cities or towns if you plan to stay the night here.
Where to Go in the Loire Valley
Chenonceau
I’m not sure I would go so far as to say that Château de Chenonceau is the “best” of the Loire Valley castles. However, it does have the most intact interior of all the castles I’ll be mentioning in this article; I also love its over-the-river setting, and its landscape garden.
Amboise
Another of the most important castles near Paris is in Amboise, specifically the Château Royal d’Amboise. This one is much grander than the one in Chenonceau, perched on a tall bluff overlooking the river. Amboise is also home to two smaller castles: Clos Lucé; and Gaillard.
Blois
Although there is a castle in Blois (the Château Royal de Blois), that’s not the primary reason I suggest stopping here. Rather, it’s a nice place to stop for lunch on your way from Chenonceau and Amboise as you continue heading eastward.
Chambord
Eastward to where, you might ask? Well of course to Chambord, where the Château de Chambord might just be the highlight of your Loire Valley day trip. Certainly, it’s supposedly what the castle in “Beauty and the Beast” was based on, so it might seem familiar to you for a reason that’s hard to pinpoint.
Villandry
Last but not least is Château de Villandry, which if we’re being honest is neither least (it’s just as great as the others on this list, in spite of requiring you to head all the way back west, even past Tours) nor last: There are more than 300 castles in the Loire Valley, meaning your opportunities for exploration are literally endless.
Loire Valley: Day Trip or Multi-Day Destination?
A few sections up, I mentioned the possibility that you might stay overnight in the Loire Valley. The advantage of this is obvious—there are over 300 castles in the valley, and having multiple days allows you to see as many as possible, and at your own pace to boot. The cities and towns here, although I previously described them as feeling “poor,” are also very authentic and charming, and are home to all kinds of accommodations.
On the other hand, there are so many places to see in France, particularly if you haven’t spent much time in the country, and especially if you’re only staying a week or do. In these instances, it makes more sense to take a Paris to Loire Valley day trip simply from a practical perspective. If you end up falling in love you can always stay, or you can plan to return in the future when you have more time.
Other FAQ About Visiting the Loire Valley Castles
What is the most famous castle in the Loire Valley?
The most famous Loire Valley castle is either Chambord (which is said to have inspired the castle in “Beauty and the Beast”) or Chenonceau. These castles are included in basically every organized Loire Valley tour, and are the ones that are most often depicted in articles (including this one!) spotlighting the Valley.
Can you do a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris?
You can absolutely do a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris! Some travelers will book an organized day tour through an online travel agency like Viator or GetYourGuide, while others will go independently—namely, by riding a high-speed TGV train to Saint-Pierre-dès-Corps, and renting a car there.
How many castles are in the Loire Valley?
There are over 300 castles in the Loire Valley, which means that as you explore the Valley, you’ll see them almost everywhere you go. With this being said, many castles are relatively humble, and some are off-limits to visitors. Your time and energy will necessarily be focused on famous castles such as the ones in Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise and Villandry.
The Bottom Line
Visiting the Loire Valley castles surprised me—and not just because of the châteaux themselves. For one, the region itself seemed much…poorer than I expected, given that it’s dotted with actual castles. I don’t say this as an insult; “poor” might not even be the right adjective. It felt…working-class, maybe, and certainly more authentic than you’d expect one of the top tourist destinations in France to be. Need personalized help putting your Loire Valley adventure together? Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach. I’ll not only help you chart the perfect course through this part of France, but will make sure it integrates seamlessly with the rest of your trip.
