Between Nantes and Orléans in central France, a 300-kilometer stretch of countryside dotted with Renaissance castles, meandering rivers, rolling vineyards, and medieval villages makes up the Loire Valley. During spring and early summer, the region truly lives up to its nickname, “The Garden of France,” with soft pastel roses, vibrant wheat fields, and château gardens bursting into full bloom.
The main event here is château hopping among the region’s 300 castles. While most visitors come for the big names like Chambord and Chenonceau (both magnificent), there is so much more to discover than just the iconic châteaux.
From biking along vineyard trails to wandering through quiet riverside villages or tasting the local sparkling wine, these are the best things to do in the Loire Valley.
More Loire Valley Articles:
Best of the Loire Valley Quick List
Stay: La Maison Leonard; Le Manoir de Saint Thomas; Les Sources de Cheverny
Do: Château de Chenonceau; Explore the Towns; Visit Chédigny; Leonardo Da Vinci in France; Wine Tasting
Eat: Le Favori; Restaurant Christophe Hay; Auberge du XIIème Siècle
Top Tours: Loire Valley Wine Tour; Hot-Air Balloon Ride Loire Valley
Best Things to do in the Loire Valley
Visit the Region’s Famous Châteaux
Château de Villandry
The gardens at Château de Villandry are among the most spectacular in France. Sculpted hedges, checkerboard vegetable beds filled with lettuces, fountains, and tree-lined paths surround the estate.
Many people come here just to see the gardens, but I recommend getting the combined ticket to see both the gardens and the château. The interiors are tastefully decorated with pastel-colored wallpaper, floral fabrics, and lovely antiques.
For more information on opening hours and ticket prices, visit the official website.
Château de Chenonceau
Set across the Cher River in the most picturesque location, the 16th-century Château de Chenonceau is one of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. Inside, fresh flower arrangements fill the rooms, where walls are covered in tapestries and detailed paneling is painted with vibrant patterns.
The Long Gallery, which spans the river, is elegantly decorated with black and white checkerboard floors and a few wooden benches. What I appreciate most about Chenonceau is that it isn’t overdone. It feels classy while still holding onto its grandeur.
The gardens are well worth exploring, and the apothecary in the Orangery, designed by Catherine de’ Medici, is a must-see.
Château de Chambord
The Château de Chambord is the most famous castle in the Loire Valley and one of France’s great Renaissance landmarks, known for its whimsical rooftop filled with spires and chimneys.
While the interiors are mostly empty, the double-spiral staircase, often attributed to a genius design by Leonardo da Vinci, is reason enough to go inside, along with the beautiful rooftop views. If you don’t want to pay for a ticket, you can also walk around the exterior and explore the surrounding paths for free. You just have to pay the parking fee.
Château Royal d’Amboise
Once a favored residence of the French monarchy, the Château Royal d’Amboise offers some of the best views in the Loire Valley. The gardens overlook the charming town of Amboise and the Loire River, and inside, a few rooms are decorated with period furniture and tapestries that evoke Renaissance life.
Don’t miss the Saint-Hubert Chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried after spending his final years at nearby Clos Lucé.
Château de Blois
The Château de Blois is a fascinating mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Classical, and medieval styles, all combined in one striking complex. Once home to several kings and queens, including Catherine de’ Medici and François I, it gives you a vivid glimpse into French royal life.
Inside, you can wander through a few of the decorated royal apartments and check out the Museum of Fine Arts, which is filled with paintings and sculptures from across the centuries.
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
The Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is an idyllic 16th-century Renaissance castle set along the peaceful banks of the Indre River. It’s smaller than many of the Loire Valley’s grander châteaux, but its charming setting and the lovely surrounding village make it so worth a visit.
We loved wandering the grounds, exploring the cozy interiors, and stopping for afternoon tea at the on-site café.
Explore the Towns
Blois
A royal city and the principal seat of France’s monarchy during the 15th and 16th centuries, starting with King Louis XII, Blois is best known for the Château de Blois and the playful mechanical dragon clock just across from it.
The town itself is nice but not a must-see. You can walk up the colorful Denis Papin Staircase and browse a few shops, but you really don’t need too much time here.
Tours
The gateway to the Loire Valley, Tours is a university city with a young, lively energy. The old town is filled with half-timbered houses, pubs, and trendy cafés, making it a great place to kick off your trip.
We took the train from Paris and picked up a rental car right at the train station in Tours. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the region, but if it were up to me, I’d suggest staying in one of the smaller towns for a more charming, local feel.
Amboise
Amboise is a great starting point for your trip. It’s close to many of the Loire Valley’s main attractions, like Chenonceau and Chambord, and the town itself makes a convenient base.
You only need about half a day to see the main sights. It’s home to the Château d’Amboise and to Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life.
Chinon
Chinon and the surrounding area is a popular wine-producing region, so it’s a must-visit if you’re a wine enthusiast. It’s extremely charming and would be a lovely place to stay, especially if you want to explore the western side of the valley and visit castles like Azay-le-Rideau and Château d’Ussé.
Angers
A historic city on the western edge of the Loire Valley, Angers is known for its impressive Château d’Angers, which houses the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry, one of the oldest and largest medieval tapestries in the world.
Angers is also a perfect introduction to the Anjou wine region, making it a great stop for anyone interested in local wine and history.
Saumur
Saumur lies on the banks of the Loire River and is known for its wine, especially sparkling Crémant de Loire, and troglodyte caves. In town, you can visit the Château de Saumur, Puygirault gardens, taste some wine, and stroll the streets.
Visit the Region’s Charming Villages
Chédigny
Known as “France’s Village of Roses,” Chédigny is the only village in the country awarded the prestigious Jardin Remarquable designation, an honor usually reserved for exceptional gardens.
With just one main street lined with pink, yellow, and red climbing roses, you only need about an hour here. If you’re visiting in May, check the dates for the Fête des Roses, an annual festival where growers from across the region come to showcase and sell their most exquisite blooms.
Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire
Just 10 minutes from Château de Chambord, this tiny village has a church, a vintage shop, and a couple of restaurants. Stroll along the riverfront walkway, pause in the main square, and admire the weathered stone buildings draped in ivy and flowers. It was one of my favorite towns we visited in the Loire.
Montrésor
Not far from Chenonceau, Montrésor is listed among France’s “Most Beautiful Villages.” Visit the 15th- and 16th-century château, then walk along the Balcons de l’Indrois for the best views of the village and its fairytale silhouette reflected in the river.
Loches & Beaulieu-lès-Loches
Once a royal city, the medieval town of Loches and its neighboring village, Beaulieu-lès-Loches, are perfect for an afternoon visit.
In Loches, visit the public garden for views over the Indre River, then walk from Loches through the Prairies du Roy to Beaulieu to explore.
Candes-Saint-Martin
At the meeting point of the Loire and Vienne rivers, Candes-Saint-Martin is another one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages.” Wander the narrow, flower-filled lanes lined with pale tuffeau stone houses. Visit the impressive collegiate church, then walk up to the viewpoint above town for beautiful views over the rivers and the surrounding countryside.
Discover more of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful villages here.
Biking in the Loire Valley
During our road trip through the Loire Valley, we saw a ton of people cycling through the region, whether just for the day or on multi-day bikepacking trip.
Biking here is considered one of the best ways to see the region. The main route is 900 kilometers long, running from the town of Nevers all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. It passes through major towns like Blois, Amboise, Tours, and Angers, with additional trails leading to châteaux and smaller villages along the way.
You can read more about the route, find bike rental information, and get additional tips on the Loire By Bike website.
Dine at a Michelin-Star Restaurant
As of 2025, there are 21 Michelin-starred restaurants in the Loire Valley region.
Le Favori, located at the sleek, design-forward hotel Les Sources de Cheverny, offers a refined, contemporary dining experience.
Restaurant Christophe Hay, the only two-star restaurant in the region, is in the center of Blois and serves artfully plated, locally sourced tasting menus (available in five or seven courses).
Auberge du XIIème Siècle, found in the quiet village of Saché, is an intimate spot that offers a warm, rustic experience and a more approachable price point without sacrificing creativity or quality.
For the complete list of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Loire Valley, visit the Michelin Guide website.
Go Wine Tasting
The Loire Valley is one of the top winemaking regions in the country, from Sauvignon Blancs in Sancerre to Cabernet Francs in Chinon and Saumur. You’ll also find Chenin Blanc wines in Vouvray, ranging from dry to sweet, and Crémant de Loire, a local favorite sparkling wine.
Vineyards line the river throughout the valley, making it easy (and fun) to stop in for a tasting as you explore. Here are a couple of tasting experiences to consider:
Hot Air Balloon Ride
For adventure seekers, one of the most memorable things to do in the Loire Valley is to take a hot air balloon ride over the countryside. From above, you’ll get a completely different perspective of the region, with open views of the patchwork vineyards, quiet villages, and winding rivers below.
Sunrise hot air balloon rides over Chenonceau castle are popular. Here are a couple of options to consider:
Leonardo Da Vinci in France
In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci was invited to France by King Francis I, who was deeply inspired by the Italian Renaissance and fascinated by Leonardo’s genius as an inventor and artist. Leonardo settled just outside of Amboise at Clos Lucé, where he spent the last three years of his life.
Surrounded by gardens and continuing to work on new ideas until his death in the spring of 1519, he left a lasting mark on French art and architecture.
You can visit the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo lived and worked. The château is beautifully preserved and furnished with Renaissance-era pieces. You can explore Leonardo’s bedroom and his various workshops, including the spaces where he painted, sculpted, and sketched.
Stroll around the gardens, which have a café, a restaurant, picnic tables, and tree-lined paths where you can also see many of Da Vinci’s life-size models.
You can also visit Leonardo’s burial site at the Chapel of Saint-Hubert at the Château d’Amboise.
Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire
Every year from spring to fall, the Domaine Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts the International Garden Festival.
During the festival, landscape designers and artists from around the world are invited to create gardens based on a chosen theme. Each space becomes its own creative universe, using plants, sculptures, and unexpected materials to bring the theme to life.
If you love gardens, art, or simply spending a day outdoors surrounded by imaginative design, the Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire is a must-see during a trip to the Loire Valley.
For more information, visit the festival’s official website.
How Many Days in the Loire Valley?
I recommend spending at least three days in the Loire Valley. I mapped out all the places I wanted to visit ahead of time, and while we managed to see most of our top château picks, we didn’t get to nearly all the towns and villages on our list. You could easily spend a full week here and still not see it all.
I’ll admit, after three days of château-hopping, I started to feel a bit burnt out. As magical as they are, there’s a point where you find yourself craving something different. If I had more time, I would add on one more day to see a few more towns.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Loire Valley?
We visited the Loire Valley during the second to last weekend in May, and it was the perfect time to go. The roses were in full bloom, and the château gardens were absolutely stunning.
Late April and early May would also be beautiful, especially if you want to see wisteria and other early spring flowers. The weather is usually mild, though you may get some rain.
Summer and early fall are also great times to visit. You’ll have longer days, plenty of sunshine, and most gardens in full bloom. Just keep in mind that June and July are peak tourist months, so things can get a bit busier.
Where to Stay in the Loire Valley
We chose to stay in the same hotel for two nights during our trip, and I would recommend doing the same. It simplifies things, no need to pack up and check in and out each day.
We stayed in the town of Bléré, which is close to Chenonceau and not too far from Amboise. It’s also pretty central, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. I would recommend staying somewhere in this area or near Amboise.
While you could stay in larger cities like Tours or Blois, I don’t recommend it. The Loire Valley countryside is incredibly charming, and staying in a small town or village is the best way to experience it.
Where we stayed: La Maison Leonard in Bléré is a characterful hotel run by Fabrice and his partner. This 5-bedroom guesthouse was cozy and the homemade breakfast was a highlight. The location couldn’t have been better, we were minutes from Chenonceau, an hour from Chambord, and 30 minutes from Villandry.
Other hotel recommendations:
- Amboise: Le Manoir de Saint Thomas
- Chambord: Chateau des Grotteaux Près Chambord
- Cheverny: Les Sources de Cheverny
- Azay-le-Rideau: Hôtel Grand Monarque
How to Get Around the Loire Valley
The best way to get around the Loire Valley is by car. Unless you book a guided tour, it is nearly impossible to visit all the places on this itinerary using public transportation in the same amount of time.
Parking is free at most châteaux and easy to find in the towns. The region is spread out and fairly rural, so traffic is light and the drives are scenic.
Where to rent a car?
We visited the Loire Valley on a weekend trip to Paris. We took the train to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station just outside of Tours and rented a car from Sixt through Discover Cars.
Tours is 30-60 minutes from most of the Loire Valley’s main sights, so if you’re arriving from Paris, I recommend doing the same thing we did.
You can also rent a car in Paris, Nantes, Orléans, or Angers, depending on your trip itinerary.
How to Get to the Loire Valley
Arriving by Train: If you are arriving by train, I recommend taking the train to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station in Tours. From there, you can easily pick up a rental car and start your trip. It is the most centrally located station for exploring the Loire Valley.
You can also take the train to Angers or Orléans and rent a car from those cities, depending on where you plan to begin your itinerary. All three options are well connected to Paris and other major cities in France.
Arriving by Plane: Nantes Atlantique Airport is the closest major airport to the Loire Valley. It is about a two-hour drive from Nantes to Villandry, making it a convenient starting point if you plan to rent a car and begin your trip right away.
The major airports in Paris are your next best option. From Paris, you can either rent a car and drive to the Loire Valley or take a train to a nearby station such as Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Angers, or Orléans and pick up a rental car from there.