Introduction: Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of France, where a myriad of historical landmarks awaits in the scenic Loire Valley. This guide unveils the map and route for an unforgettable road trip to the Castles of the Loire, allowing you to meticulously plan a vacation filled with history and charm.
Discovering the Loire Valley on Your Own: Exploring this region independently is an excellent choice at any time of the year, providing you the flexibility to discover the surroundings at your own pace and visit the sites that intrigue you the most. With over a hundred castles in the Loire Valley, a comprehensive visit to all might take an extended period. Here, we present a meticulously planned 4-day itinerary, unveiling nine of the most iconic locations with overnight stays in three charming towns.
Traveling from Spain to France: To access this central region of France, the optimal choice is to fly to one of the nearby French airports, such as Orly or Nantes. We propose a 4-day route starting from Orly, located south of Paris.
Day 1: Blois – Chambord – Cheverny: Commencing your journey from the city of Blois, the initial leg spans 65 kilometers, circling back to the same French city. Blois, with its intact old town untouched by the bombings of World War II, offers narrow streets adorned with small houses, a cathedral, and the Church of Saint Nicolas.
Chambord Castle: After exploring Blois, proceed to the first recommended castle, Chambord. Renowned for its grandeur, this castle features a staircase designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, a must-see architectural marvel. Explore the Renaissance castle’s rooftop and stroll through its picturesque gardens.
Cheverny Castle: Dating back to the 16th century, Cheverny showcases remnants of its initial construction, with the current castle built between 1624 and 1630. Notably, Cheverny has been continuously inhabited, providing visitors with well-preserved furniture reflecting the French lifestyle. The castle’s exterior invites you to wander through over 100 hectares of English-style gardens and the kennel, home to more than a hundred dogs.
Day 2: Blois – Chaumont-sur-Loire – Chenonceau – Loches – Amboise: Covering approximately 112 kilometers, this leg starts again from Blois, leading you to Chaumont-sur-Loire, a captivating town with a market on Rue Saint-Lubin every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle: Home to the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, this castle stands on the southern bank of the river, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. The castle’s stables are worth a visit, offering a glimpse into their historical significance.
Chenonceau Castle: Situated in the valley of the Cher River, Château de Chenonceau is one of the region’s most beautiful castles, its silhouette often featured in publications about the area. Explore charming historical rooms, making this visit an unforgettable experience.
Loches: Loches boasts a medieval fortress crowning the hill above the city, featuring small castle chambers that house the royal quarters. The impressive towers fortifying the site and the dungeons with torture chambers are notable highlights. Outside the castle, visit the Collegiate Church of St-Ours, where you’ll find the tomb of Carlos VIII’s mistress, Agnés de Sorel.
Conclude the second leg by heading to Amboise, where you can spend the night and rejuvenate after a day filled with historical exploration.
Day 3: Amboise – Langeais – Restigné: Covering a total of 80 kilometers, this stage begins in Amboise and concludes in the town of Restigné, providing a charming setting for the night.
Amboise: Amboise hosts Clos Lucé, a small castle where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his final three years. In the same town, you’ll find Château d’Amboise, perched on a cliff surrounded by gardens. Visit the Gothic chapel, which houses Leonardo Da Vinci’s tomb, chosen by the Italian genius as his eternal resting place.
Langeais: Langeais, a tranquil village with charming streets filled with cafes, features a medieval castle with dark-toned wooden interiors and tapestries adorned with the symbols of its residents, the fleur-de-lis, and the initials of Carlos VIII and Anne of Brittany. The castle witnessed their marriage, and one of its rooms showcases a recreation of the event.
Restigné: A charming village surrounded by vineyards, Restigné provides an ideal setting for a delightful dinner accompanied by excellent wine, offering a perfect conclusion to a day rich in history.
Day 4: Restigné – Chinon – Azay-le-Rideau – Tours – Restigné: The final leg of the journey covers 121 kilometers, starting and ending in Restigné.
Chinon: Chinon, dominated by the Chinon fortress, holds historical significance as the meeting place for Charles VII and Joan of Arc. The medieval lower town features half-timbered houses, gothic doorways, and labyrinthine streets ideal for exploration.
Azay-le-Rideau: Immerse yourself in the details of Azay-le-Rideau’s furniture, architecture, salons, and décor. Explore the exterior and marvel at its silhouette reflected in the lake upon which it was built.
Tours: A university city with a Parisian atmosphere, Tours is nestled between the banks of the Cher and Loire rivers, serving as the gateway to the Loire Valley. Discover numerous squares for a delightful coffee break, examples of Gothic architecture, and meticulously maintained gardens. Don’t miss the impressive cathedral, the old town, and pedestrian streets, providing a serene break at Place Plumereau.
The journey concludes back in Restigné, serving as the starting point for your return to Orly Airport, approximately 3 hours away (270 kilometers).
Conclusion: Embarking on this 4-day road trip through the enchanting Castles of the Loire promises an immersive historical and cultural experience. From the grandeur of Chambord to the charm of Restigné, each castle and town adds a unique chapter to your Loire Valley adventure. Replete with picturesque landscapes, rich history, and architectural wonders, this road trip offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation in one of France’s most captivating regions.