The beautiful Loire Valley, sometimes known as “The Gardens of France,” is situated around 200 kilometers south of Paris. This region, which has over 1000 chateaux (castles) strewn throughout, has a fascinating mixture of big, impressive castles that are open to the public and little, private ones that are simply breathtaking.
The Loire Valley’s appeal is due to its variety of breathtaking landscapes that feature vineyards and castles straight out of a dream, as well as the area’s vibrant history. It is without a doubt a fantastic attraction that you should not miss!
This lush region is an essential stop for anybody looking to explore the best French châteaux. Even though it’s best to explore it for a few days, a one-day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley would still allow you to see its highlights.
We have put together the definitive guide covering the top tours, excursions, and itineraries for the Loire Valley to help you make the most of your trip. To ensure you have a flawless and enriching experience, we’ve also included some tips and information to know before you go.
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Paris To Loire Valley Day Trip
Transport Options from Paris to Loire Valley
The Loire Valley, one of France’s most beautiful areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site enchants tourists with its magnificent scenery, quaint towns, vineyards, and imposing castles. It is the perfect location for a day excursion because of its proximity to Paris. If you want to make this stunning destination a part of your French holiday, here are your transport options to get to Loire Valley from Paris.
By Train
With frequent services leaving from Gare Montparnasse to Tours, a city adjacent to the region, getting to the Loire Valley from Paris by train is simple. Booking in advance is recommended to get the cheapest prices. starting at around €30 one way.
Remember that this trip can take up to three hours one way, which may limit your opportunity to tour the intriguing castles along the way. There is also a faster rail option that reduces travel time to just one hour, but the price is higher—approximately €90 for the return trip.
Once in Tours, getting to the famous chateaux by public transportation may be difficult due to the infrequent services. Consider choices like hiring a bike, or a car, or enrolling in a local tour beginning in Tours to make the most of your vacation and enjoy the stunning chateaux.
By Car
In comparison to using the train, traveling by automobile in the Loire Valley has several benefits, including the flexibility to explore at your leisure and the ability to visit more castles in a single day. It enables you to make the most of your 24-hour visit and create a detailed itinerary.
However, if you are new to the area, be ready for the challenge of navigating the area and the possibility of getting lost, as well as having to get used to the local petrol stations and toll booths. If you have prior driving experience in France, these elements shouldn’t be a problem.
Traveling by car from Paris to Tours takes less than 3 hours. Car rentals start at around €50 per day and may go up depending on vehicle type and the season.
5 Things To Do In Loire Valley
Here are some must-see attractions and locations that are within a few hours from Paris if you’re thinking of taking a day trip to the Loire Valley. This will make it simple for you to move from one picturesque location to another throughout your day trip.
1. Château de Chenonceau
The Chateau de Chenonceau, known as the “grand dame” of Loire Valley castles, is a beautiful sight straight out of a fairy tale.
This chateau, which spans the Cher River, is known as the “ladies’ castle” because powerful women historically owned and helped with constructing parts of it like the arched bridge. It even functioned as a military hospital during World War I.
Don’t forget to stroll through the lovely grounds, and think about going on a riverboat trip or treating yourself to a delicious supper at one of the on-site restaurants. It’s the perfect romantic getaway for couples, and you may also join in a wine tasting for a more memorable trip.
2. Château de Chambord
Prepare to be astounded by the size of Château de Chambord’s grounds as you go along a street bordered with trees and pass by deer signs. This chateau, which Francis I had built in the French Renaissance style during the 16th century as a hunting lodge, has a rich past.
There are speculations that Leonardo da Vinci may have contributed to the design of some of its stunning spiral staircases. It was renovated in the 20th century after being abandoned for a while and now has spiral stairs, luxurious furnishings, and roaring fires.
The beauty of the castle is complemented nearby by a quaint town that includes a church and a Hôtel de Ville.
3. Château de Cheverny
Château de Cheverny is a wonderful chance for a day excursion and is situated in Loir-et-Cher, about 100 miles from Paris and close to the city of Blois. The Hurault family has resided in the castle since its founding in the 17th century and continues to do so today.
One of the most tastefully proportioned chateaux in the Loire Valley, it perfectly combines symmetry, geometry, and aesthetic order to represent French classical architecture.
Visitors can explore the interior’s numerous chambers and unique decor. The estate’s exterior features lovely grounds, including a tulip and vegetable garden, a ‘Garden of Love’ decorated with bronze sculptures, and an intriguing maze.
If you have the extra time, don’t pass up the chance to see over 100 dogs being fed in the castle’s kennels.
4. Explore the Rich Wine Heritage of the Loire Valley
One of France’s most renowned wine areas, the Loire Valley is famed for its superb Muscadet wine, which is praised for its crisp, fruity, fresh, and occasionally smokey characteristics. A trip to this picturesque valley provides many opportunities to learn about winemaking and enjoy local wines, such as those at Château de la Ragotière.
A guided Vouvray and Montlouis Wine Tour is an excellent option if you want to enjoy a comprehensive wine tour without the stress of driving.
This tour takes you to two excellent wineries and gives you an inside look at the cellars, tasting rooms, and production facilities. It’s a beautiful excursion through the top Loire Valley vineyards that usually lasts about 3 hours.
5. Discover the charming towns and cities of the Loire Valley
Along with its grand castles and world-famous wines, the Loire Valley is home to many charming and scenic towns. Tours, Orléans, and Amboise stand out among them as fascinating places to visit.
A mesmerizing fusion of history and beauty can be found in Tours, which is located in the center of the Loire Valley.
Tours entice visitors to meander around the dynamic Place Plumereau, a lively square decorated with lovely cafes and restaurants, which was formerly popular with 15th-century merchants, with its magnificent cathedrals, medieval architecture, and cobbled stone streets.
The charming ancient town of Orléans, meanwhile, graces the banks of the Loire River and is home to numerous antique Renaissance structures. Among the city’s treasures are the Sainte Croix Cathedral, the Le Musee des Beaux-Arts art gallery, and the Parc Floral de la Source botanical garden.
Wander through quaint alleys dotted with welcoming cafes and stores in the picturesque village of Amboise, which is located along the Loire River. Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Leonardo da Vinci’s former residence, the Château du Clos Lucé.
Guided Tours to Loire Valley
The most convenient way to see the beautiful Loire Valley within a day is to book a day tour package. Leave any worries about directions, transfers, or rail connections behind as you unwind in the comfort of a well-equipped van while you travel through beautiful landscapes.
You may easily enjoy a trip in the Loire Valley that meets your preferences thanks to the wide variety of options available. Some trips include both transportation and admission to the attractions, guaranteeing a hassle-free trip.
There are also extensive trips that include luxuries like delicious lunches and wine tastings in addition to transportation and entrance fees.
1. From Paris to Loire Valley: Small-Group Full-Day Tour
Set out from Paris on an exciting guided day excursion to see the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. Visit the renowned Châteaux de Chenonceau, Château de Chambord, and Château d’Amboise in comfort aboard an air-conditioned minibus. Discover Chenonceau’s fascinating history while strolling through its beautiful floral gardens.
Admire the majestic architecture of Chambord and its magnificent spiral staircase. You can pay respects to Leonardo Da Vinci’s final resting place at Château d’Amboise in the lovely village of Amboise where the day comes to an end.
This guided day tour offers an exciting adventure filled with enthralling tales and architectural treasures with professional guiding and flawless transfers.
To book this tour click here.
2. Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip by Coach With Wine Tasting
Discover famous castles including Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau on this day tour by bus from Paris to the Loire Valley.
Learn about its fascinating history before taking a self-guided tour of Château de Chambord, marveling at its towers that are known for being the inspiration for “Beauty and the Beast.” Take in the views from the roof while looking for deer in the area.
Along the way, you’ll stop in Blois, a quaint town, and enjoy some free time before heading to the beautiful Château de Chenonceau, which is still furnished with antiques.
Visit the chapel, bedrooms, and domed kitchens, and pay special attention to the main hall with its stunning view of the Cher River. Learn about the castle’s illustrious previous occupants, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, who gave it the nickname “the Ladies’ Château.”
You might choose to end your day with a wine tasting in the cellar vaults of the castle. Your tour guide will provide fascinating facts and tales about the surrounding area’s illustrious past as you travel.
To book this tour click here.
3. Paris to Loire Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch
On this full-day tour, you will discover the ideal fusion of Renaissance castles and fine Loire Valley wines. Travel through verdant vineyards and take in the sun-drenched scenery of Touraine, Vouvray, and Montlouis-Sur-Loire, where Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc grapes flourish.
After a delicious gourmet lunch at a delightful winery or restaurant, your guide will take you to a Loire wine tasting. Learn about the distinctive aromas of the local wines and have additional wonderful red and white wine tastings at a family-run winery. Savor an authentic experience of Loire Valley wines that is rarely encountered elsewhere.
This tour allows you to take in the splendor of Renaissance-era castles and the pleasures of world-class wines while creating priceless memories in the alluring Loire Valley.
To book this tour click here.
Practical Tips
- The Loire Valley has ideal weather from April through October, while spring is a great time to visit to see the gardens of the châteaux in full bloom. The best seasons for outdoor activities are spring and fall, so these shoulder seasons are great for cycling and strolling.
- We advise a road trip to see more of the Loire Valley in a single day. You’ll get to visit the beautiful châteaux and historic towns, which could be more difficult to get by public transit.
- Numerous castles that are open to tourists include spectacular gift shops with a wide selection of fascinating history books, novels, and medieval-related items. Meanwhile, if you are joining a wine tour, take advantage of the chance to buy your favorite bottles from the vineyard at a lower cost than at city wine shops.
- There’s a lot to see and do in Loire Valley in a day, so wear shoes that are comfortable and can take you from sprawling castles to lush vineyards. Bring a refillable water bottle with you on your trips to stay hydrated.
- Try to mix trips to little villages, Loire Valley castles, and exquisite food and wine tastings for the ideal day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley. Itineraries for guided day excursions are typically very good at including all of these activities.
Loire Valley Castles Visitor Information
Château de Chenonceau
37150 Chenonceaux, France
- Open Hours: Daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (low season)
- Daily from 9 am to 7:30 pm (July and August)
Château de Chambord
Château, 41250 Chambord, France
- Open Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (low season), 9 am to 6 pm (high season), and 9 am to 4 pm on December 24 and 31.
- Closed on January 1, November 30, and December 25
Château de Cheverny
Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny, France
- Open Hours: from 9:15 am to 6 pm on Tuesday and Friday; from 9:15 am to 6:30 pm on other days of the week.
- Daily feeding time for the hounds is 5 pm
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.