If there’s one area in France that feels lifted straight from a storybook, it’s the Loire Valley. Rolling vineyards, fairytale châteaux, and sleepy stone villages line the banks of the Loire River — and one way or the other, it nonetheless flies underneath the radar in comparison with Paris or Provence. That’s precisely why it belongs in your record.
Three days is the candy spot for exploring the Loire Valley with out feeling rushed. It’s sufficient time to go to the area’s iconic châteaux, wander just a few postcard-perfect cities, sip your method by means of a winery or two, and nonetheless go away room for lengthy, lazy lunches. Right here’s precisely easy methods to spend it.
Publish up to date July 2026.
The place is the Loire Valley?
I’ll begin by stating the plain, which is to say that the Loire Valley is in France. In the event you didn’t already know that, no drawback! Nows an excellent a time as any to start out studying concerning the Loire Valley, as a result of by the tip of this text you’ll in all probability be planning a visit of your individual!
The reality is, the most effective of France is outdoors of Paris. Don’t get me unsuitable – I like Paris with my complete being and might by no means go to France with out stopping over. However with a purpose to absolutely immerse your self in French tradition and a slower, extra pleasing tempo of residing, you could get out of the French capital and discover different components of France.
For me previously, this has regarded just like the Alsace area (a quintessential mixture of French and German structure, meals and tradition). My explorations in France have additionally taken me additional south to the likes of Cannes and the world-famous Côte d’Azur. And maybe my favorite of all, travelling by means of Provence and Burgundy, two of my favorite areas to decelerate and go to a plethora of small cities, absorbing the regional produce alongside the way in which.
However as for the Loire Valley, till this journey, I actually had no concept what I used to be lacking out on.
What’s the Loire Valley Identified for?
The Loire Valley is among the most well-known areas to discover outdoors of Paris, which is partially due to its shut proximity to Paris. Certainly, the formidable amongst us may journey to this a part of France on a day journey, or equally as formidable in a brief weekend keep. However to see the entire treasures dotted all through the Loire Valley, you’ll want a couple of week to do it justice (belief me, there’s a lot to see and do – you gained’t remorse the additional time!)
However what’s the Loire Valley identified for particularly? I’m so glad you requested!
Like wherever in France, the Loire Valley is thought for its delicacies and gastronomy. And particularly, it has a status for producing unbelievable goat’s cheese (my private favorite of the French cheeses). Additionally just like different areas in France, it’s identified for its wines – notably of the dry white varieties akin to Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Chenin Blanc. So in case you’re a wine lover and/or a foodie, you’re in the appropriate location to have an unbelievable journey!
The Loire Valley can be well-known for its chateaus – of which there are numerous to discover. Most of the chateaus are open for public guests, with a few of them privately owned by rich households and others owned by the state. In the event you’re contemplating which chateaus are price visiting and which may very well be given a miss, learn on! I visited the preferred chateaus throughout my go to and have some firsthand experiences which may affect your journey.
Which chateaus are the most effective to go to within the Loire Valley?
As with every well-known monuments around the globe, declaring which chateaus are the most effective is de facto subjective and within the eye of the beholder. However for me, there have been some clear standouts and a few others I wouldn’t advocate taking the time to go to.
Château Chambord – We’ll begin with probably the most well-known of the chateaus and certainly, probably the most grand. This chateau is owned by the French state, which maybe explains why you should pay for parking (€6) in addition to entrance to the citadel. This was surprisingly my least favorite citadel to go to, principally due to the sheer measurement and crowds (even in winter!) It’s definitely probably the most grand to see from outdoors, nevertheless contained in the citadel feels a little bit lifeless. Subsequently you may want to go to the grounds of the citadel solely and skip the inside.
Château Chenonceau – This was my favorite chateau within the Loire Valley and it additionally occurs to be dubbed the ‘Women Fort’ due to its historical past of feminine house owners. This well-known chateau is very recognisable as a consequence of its arched bridge, making it one of the vital photographed chateaus within the area. Inside, the chateau stays largely in tact and you will get a fantastic historical past with a guided tour.
Château Cheverny – This is among the few chateaus in Loire Valley that isn’t solely family-owned, however the household nonetheless lives completely contained in the chateau as their residence. The gardens are a spotlight, plus the Orangerie when it’s open throughout the summer time months. There are additionally little boats that make their method across the lake, which is a beautiful solution to lap up the summer time solar!
Château de Villandry – Château de Villandry is thought for its gardens, which spring to life within the hotter months and make this specific chateau price going out of your method for (it’s farther from Paris).
Château Sully-sur-Loire – Château de Sully-sur-Loire is a citadel of grand proportions and nonetheless to at the present time, feels as in case you have stepped inside a fairytale.
Royal Château de Amboise – If you end up visiting Amboise, it makes good sense so as to add the Château Royal d’Amboise to your itinerary as it’s situated within the coronary heart of town. I had the pleasure of visiting just a few years in the past on a whirlwind weekend from Paris, which is what sparked my need to return for an extended journey years down the road!
The very best cities and cities in Loire Valley to go to
However there’s a lot extra to the Loire Valley than racing round ticking off your chateau bucket record (although there may be nothing unsuitable with doing that, too!) Nevertheless the small cities and charming cities alongside the Loire River are nicely price a go to too, so remember to contemplate these stopover cities and cities all through your journey. It might probably additionally assist to interrupt up the regality of chateaus and produce again right down to earth!
Orléans
From Paris, it ought to take you round 2 hours to achieve town of Orléans. Or at the least, that’s what I used to be advised when departing Paris Charles de Gaulle airport! However the reality is you may run into site visitors delays getting out of Paris and for me, there have been fairly just a few delays getting by means of the Paris morning site visitors. It nearly took me double the time!
However once I did lastly attain Orléans, it was well worth the wait. It is a nice first port of name to make in Loire Valley – particularly in case you’re trying to make a pit cease for lunch. There are a bunch of nice cafes and eating places round city, which is finest explored on foot. Afterwards you may take a ship journey on the Loire River (climate allowing) or lease a bicycle to find the paths out of town.
Keep the night time: Escale Oceania Orléans
Blois
I discovered myself in Blois by probability and I’m oh so glad I did! In the event you ask me, that is probably the most charming metropolis within the Loire Valley. The town is constructed steeply on a hill overlooking the Loire River, that means you will have nice views from excessive up and might watch the solar setting in peace. I additionally had an opportunity to go to the native farmer’s market on Saturday (extremely advocate), in addition to dine at Petit Honfleur for a scrumptious meal of seasonal and native produce.
Keep the night time: La Perluette Mattress and Breakfast
Excursions
Excursions is a college city, that means you’ll certainly discover loads of liveliness on the weekends (and even on some weekdays after darkish!) It’s a lovely metropolis to wander round, particularly when you uncover Vieux Excursions, the medieval a part of city.
Keep the night time: Ferdinand Resort Excursions
Particulars to e-book
For rooms at La Perluette B&B, room charges begin at €134 per room, per night time.
For rooms at Les Sources de Cheverny, room charges begin at €224 per room, per night time.
For rooms at Chateau du Rivau, room charges begin at €220 per room, per night time.
Tickets for the chateaus may be bought upon arrival, however in the summertime months you might solution to pre-order tickets to keep away from pointless queuing.
I flew to France with Singapore Airways, flying from Brisbane – Singapore – Paris. From there, I rented a automobile at Charles de Gaulle airport for my three nights and 4 days within the Loire Valley.
