Discover the Loire Valley – a wonderful land with ancient castles and fine wines. So, how to visit loire valley, what to do in loire valley? Plan your trip to Loire in France with us through The SUPER Loire Valley guide: The Land of Castles and Wine below!
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Loire Valley, a poetic land of ancient castles and famous wines, will take you on an inspiring journey. This place not only has solid castles such as Château de Chambord or Château de Chenonceau, but is also a land of history, culture and beautiful natural colors. Immerse yourself in the romantic space, enjoy a glass of fine wine and discover the magical beauty of nature.
Let Living Nomads help you uncover the secrets of the Loire Valley – France, a destination not to be missed!
Loire Valley guide: Overview of Loire Valley
The Loire Valley, located between the Centre and Pays de la Loire regions of France, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 for its unique cultural and historical value. This is a land of magnificent castles, vast vineyards and many legendary historical stories. The Loire River, with its branches Cher, Indre and Vienne, flows through many famous cities such as Orléans, Tours and Angers, creating a perfect picture of the intersection between nature and cultural heritage.
The Loire Valley began to take shape in the Paleolithic period, and gradually reached its peak during the Renaissance when French kings such as Louis XI and Francis I chose this place as the center of power. Fortified châteaux such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise are not only majestic architectural works but also hold the stories of important historical figures, including Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years at Amboise château.
Today, the Loire Valley is an ideal destination for tourists who love culture, history and nature. Tourists can explore majestic châteaux, enjoy special wines and enjoy the peaceful natural scenery. With the perfect combination of historical relics and natural beauty, the Loire Valley is a gem that anyone who loves to travel cannot miss.
How to Get to the Loire Valley
To get to the Loire Valley, visitors from Vietnam need to fly to Paris – Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG). Vietnam Airlines and Air France currently operate direct flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Charles de Gaulle Airport, with a flight time of about 12-13 hours. Alternatively, you can also choose transit flights via Doha, Dubai or Istanbul of Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines… Ticket prices range from 11,000,000 to 17,000,000 VND depending on the season and time of booking.
Paris Car Rental with Driver: Versailles/Monet’s Garden/Mont St Michel
After arriving in Loire, you have the following transportation options:
Self-drive car rental: The driving journey to Loire departs from Paris or major cities such as Tours, Blois, or Orléans, taking only 1.5 to 2 hours. Self-drive vehicles allow you the freedom and flexibility to stop and visit any castle or village along the way.
Day tours from Paris: If you don’t have much time, book day tours departing from central Paris and taking you to famous attractions such as Chambord Castle, Chateau de Chenonceau.
Train: Express trains from Paris to cities in the Loire Valley such as Tours, Orléans, or Amboise only take 1 to 2 hours. This is a comfortable, pleasant way to travel and allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Bus: Buses are an economical option with routes from Paris to the Loire Valley region. Although the travel time may be a bit longer, this is still the means chosen by many tourists to explore this land without worrying about the budget.
Car rental with driver: If you want a comfortable trip and do not have to worry about driving, renting a car with driver is an ideal solution. You can book the service through Klook for prices from around 70-100 EUR/hour (about 2,051,490 – 2,930,700 VND).
Where to go: Places to Visit in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley – the sparkling jewel of France – is home to countless magnificent castles, exquisite flower gardens and ancient villages. With a beauty that seems to come out of a fairy tale, this land is an ideal destination for tourists who love history, art and wine. Here are 10 places not to be missed when exploring the Loire Valley.
Château de Chambord
Loire Valley: E-bike tour to Chambord Chateau de Villesavin
Located in the middle of a vast forest, Château de Chambord is a magnificent symbol of French royalty during the Renaissance. With 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases, this castle is the largest architectural work blending Gothic and Renaissance in the Loire region. In particular, the double spiral staircase is said to be inspired by the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci.
The castle is open all year round, except January 1, March 20 and December 25. Opening hours are from 9am to 5pm in the low season and until 6pm in the high season. The entrance fee to the castle and French garden is €19 (~556,833 VND). Children under 18 and EU citizens under 26 are free. From Paris, visitors can take the TGV to Tours, then transfer to the TER to Chambord station, and continue for about 2km to reach the castle.
Château de Chenonceau
Situated gracefully on the Cher River, Château de Chenonceau is like an architectural symphony between Gothic and Renaissance, reflecting the elegant beauty through each stone bridge spanning the water. Known as the “Chateau of the Ladies”, this was once the home of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, two powerful women who left a lasting mark on French history.
Loire Valley Chateaux Day Tour: Chenonceau, Chambord & Wine Tasting
Inside the castle, each room is delicately decorated with fresh flowers and antique furniture, opening a fascinating journey through time. Château de Chenonceau is open all year round, with operating hours changing according to the season. The entrance fee in 2024 is €17 for adults, €14 for seniors over 60 and €22 with audio guide. From Paris, the journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by TGV to Tours, then by bus or taxi.
Château de Villandry
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Château de Villandry is notable for its meticulously tended terraced gardens. Built in the 16th century by Jean Le Breton, the castle has a strong Renaissance influence with its elegant and harmonious architecture. Villandry’s highlight is its six unique gardens, from the heart-shaped love garden to the peaceful water garden, each a living work of art.
The castle is open from 8 February to 11 November and from 29 November to 4 January, while the gardens are open all year round, except 25 December. Admission is €13 for adults and €7.50 for teenagers. From Tours, it is a 20-minute drive or train ride to Villandry station, then a short walk.
Château d’Amboise
Chateau Royal d’Amboise Skip-the-Line Ticket in France
Located majestically on the banks of the Loire River, Château d’Amboise was once the favorite royal palace of King Charles VIII and François I – a symbol of the power of the Valois dynasty. Rebuilt in the 15th century on the foundation of an ancient fortress, the castle possesses an extremely sophisticated Gothic and Renaissance architecture, opening up a regal scene in the middle of peaceful nature.
A special stop is the Saint-Hubert Chapel – the resting place of the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci. Entrance fee is about 15.5 (~454,258 VND). From Tours, it takes only 25 minutes by train or car. Don’t forget to stroll through the flower gardens, admire the city from the limestone plateau and listen to the echoes of history in the windy sky of Amboise.
Clos Lucé Residence
Chateau du Clos Luce ticket in Amboise
Just a few steps away from Château d’Amboise is Clos Lucé – the enchanting little mansion where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last three years of his life at the invitation of King François I. Surrounded by an atmosphere of art and creativity, this castle not only houses dozens of da Vinci’s drawings, machine models and design models, but also takes visitors into his magnificent world of ideas.
The entrance fee is around €19 (~556,833 VND) including the Leonardo garden – an outdoor display of mechanical inventions. From Amboise station, it is just a 15-minute walk through the old town to the gate where the Italian genius once opened his heart to France. The space here brings a sense of intimacy and inspiration, like a whisper from Leonardo: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”.
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau Ticket in Loire Valley
Like a “sparkling jewel” on the Indre River, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is a perfect symbol of French Renaissance architecture. The calm water reflects the castle like a mirror, creating a romantic, picturesque scene. Built in the 16th century, the castle has a graceful and majestic appearance, from the spiral staircase to the elaborately carved ceiling.
The entrance fee is about €13 (~380,991 VND), open all year round, with interactive experiences and night illuminations during peak season. Traveling from Tours takes about 30 minutes by train or car. With its poetic scenery and top architectural value, Azay-le-Rideau is the perfect rendezvous for a romantic afternoon in the heart of the Loire.
Blois Town
Like stepping into a living history book, Blois possesses a classic French beauty with cobblestone slopes, pretty squares and a magnificent Royal castle in the heart of the city. Château Royal de Blois is a highlight not to be missed – once the residence of 7 kings and 10 queens, containing diverse architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque.
From Blois, you can easily connect to famous castles such as Chambord, Cheverny or Chaumont. In addition to history, Blois also fascinates visitors with a series of roadside cafes, artisan bakeries and spaces imbued with French culture. A poetic stop for visitors fascinated by the intersection of art and time.
Tours
Loire Valley Half Day Tour from Tours
Not only is it the largest city in the Centre-Val de Loire region, Tours is also known as the “city of art and history” – where the ancient past blends with the fresh modern life. Strolling through the old town with its rows of medieval half-timbered houses, you will feel an enchanting atmosphere. The Saint-Gatien Cathedral with its beautiful Gothic facade, the Tours Fine Arts Museum, and the Les Halles market filled with Loirean flavors are must-see places.
Tours is also a convenient transport hub to reach the castles of Chenonceau, Villandry or Amboise. With its vibrant life, rich cuisine and local hospitality, Tours is the ideal place to “set up” for a few days, exploring the Loire with a light and excited mind.
The Beautiful Town of Sancerre
On top of a gentle hill, Sancerre appears like a fairy tale with red-brown tiled roofs, endless vineyards and the scent of wine wafting in the wind. Famous worldwide for its refreshing Sauvignon Blanc white wine, this small town also captivates with its French charm.
Stroll through the cobblestoned old town, stop by a family-owned wine shop to try white or rosé wine, or sit at a cafe overlooking the Loire Valley from afar – Sancerre does not need noise to touch the hearts of travelers. From Tours or Orléans, you drive about 1.5-2 hours to Sancerre, suitable for a day of light rest in the middle of a journey of discovery.
The Peaceful City on the River Orléans
Loire Valley Castles Day Tour from Paris with Wine Tastings
With a long history associated with the national hero Jeanne d’Arc, Orléans is not only a large city on the Loire River but also a place where the past and the present beat together. The charming old town with the magnificent Sainte-Croix church – a place that preserves memories of the period of resistance against the British, cobblestone streets, sunny Jeanne d’Arc square…
From Paris, it only takes about 1 hour by train to reach the place that was once a symbol of courage and faith. Orléans is also an ideal starting point for a journey to explore the Loire Valley, with bus and train routes to Blois, Chambord or Tours. A city that is both historical and full of contemporary vitality.
Experience Loire Cuisine
Loire cuisine is a delicate combination of fertile land, long-standing traditions and liberal artistic inspiration. Here, each meal is an emotional journey, leading the taste buds to stroll through fruitful vineyards, green meadows and the Loire River flowing past ancient castles.
Indispensable in the feast of taste are three famous representatives of Loire wine: Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre with a lively, elegant flavor like the early summer wind; Chenin Blanc with a rich aroma from honey to white flowers; and Cabernet Franc – a soft red wine, full of fruit and a hint of wild herbs.
Loire Valley Half Day Wine Tour in Vouvray from Tours
Local cuisine is memorable with fatty, rustic rillettes; sweet plum tarts with a touch of sourness from summer fruits; fresh Loire fish such as sandre or bréme, cooked with a charming beurre blanc sauce; and Crottin de Chavignol or Valençay goat cheese, perfect with a glass of white wine. A Loire experience – is a complete enjoyment, both taste and soul.
When is the best season to travel to the Loire Valley?
The Loire Valley is located in the heart of France, where the temperate climate has a blend of the North and the South. Each season has its own charm, however, the ideal time to visit the Loire is from April to October – when nature awakens and the gentle weather invites.
Spring (March – May) brings blooming flowers, picturesque châteaux gardens, fresh air, ideal for cycling through ancient villages.
Summer (June – August) is bright yellow sunshine, temperatures around 25°C, suitable for outdoor activities and traditional festivals, but often quite crowded.
Autumn (September – October) is romantic with orange-yellow leaves, grape harvest season and the opportunity to enjoy premium wine in the garden.
Winter (November – February) is chilly, temperatures can drop below 7°C, some castles are closed. The tranquil scenery is suitable for those looking for peaceful, quiet beauty.
Suggested Itinerary for Visiting the Loire Valley
Known as the “Garden of Eden of France”, the Loire Valley makes many travelers’ hearts flutter with its peaceful, ancient and inspiring beauty. With an ideal 5-day itinerary, you will immerse yourself in a fairy-tale world with majestic castles, charming ancient villages and endless vineyards.
Day 1: Depart from Paris – Discover Blois
Starting from Paris, the car rolls south, taking you to the city of Blois – the first poetic stop. The charm of the old town along the Loire River and the historic Blois castle are a gentle invitation to step into the story of the Renaissance.
Day 2: Chambord Castle & Cheverny Castle
The journey continues with Chambord Castle – a magnificent symbol of French architecture with its famous double spiral staircase. In the afternoon, Cheverny Castle brings a more intimate feeling, imbued with classical nobility.
Day 3: Chenonceau Castle & Loire Vineyards
The next day, we arrive at Chenonceau, the castle of love reflecting on the Cher River, as soft as a poem. In the afternoon, don’t miss the wine tasting experience at the vineyards – where the Loire flavor is imbued in every drop of ripe grapes.
Day 4: Ancient City of Tours & Azay-le-Rideau Castle
On the fourth day, the group visits Tours, a dynamic university city with a medieval soul. From here, explore Azay-le-Rideau, a quiet gem reflecting on the lake as if coming out of a painting.
Day 5: Villandry Castle – Return to Paris
Finally, visit the famous Villandry Castle with its beautiful terraced gardens, before gently ending the journey and returning to Paris, carrying the lingering fairytale feeling in your soul.
Loire Valley FAQs
When is the ideal time to travel to Loire?
April to October is the ideal time, especially spring and early autumn when the weather is pleasant, the scenery is brilliant and the castles are fully open.
How many castles can you visit in 1 day?
It is usually possible to explore 2 to 3 castles per day, depending on the distance and the time spent at each place.
How to move between places?
The best way is to rent a car to explore freely; there are also package tours departing from Paris or train and taxi for places near the center.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
It is advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid queues and ensure access to famous castles such as Chambord or Chenonceau.
What wines are featured in the Loire region?
The Loire region is famous for its white wines Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Rosé d’Anjou, which are refreshing, easy to drink and very suitable for the local climate and cuisine.
The Loire Valley is a beautiful symphony of history, architecture and nature. Not only is it famous for more than 300 castles of different magnificent styles, this land also fascinates visitors with its sprawling vineyards, exquisite wine and peaceful ancient towns. The journey here is like stepping into a fairy tale in the heart of France.
Get ready to start your dreamy journey to the Loire Valley today!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Paris you can refer to
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Are you looking for more top things to do in Paris: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Paris travel blog — The fullest Paris travel guide blog for a great budget trip to Paris for the first-timers. And let’s check it out more here.
