The Perfect 3-Day Loire Valley Castles Road Trip

Centre - Val de Loire is a picturesque region located in the heart of France, renowned for its breathtaking castles ("chateaux" in french). This area possesses a rich historical heritage that dates back to the Renaissance, when many of its magnificent castles were constructed. There are more than 300 castles spread across the region! The reason for there being so many castles is that during the French Renaissance, many kings and nobles moved their courts to the Loire region because of its mild climate, fertile land, and proximity to Paris.

Centre - Val de Loire is also known for its peaceful countryside, making it great for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and wine tasting.

Château de Chaumont

Sunflower fields in the Centre - Val de Loire region

Traveling from Paris

For your three day trip, you may want to consider staying in Blois, Tours, or Orléans. We chose Tours because it is centrally located and generally more affordable than larger cities such as Orléans, but any of these can be a great base depending on which city appeals to you most.

You can, of course, rent a car directly from Paris, though prices are often higher there. What we did instead was take a FlixBus from Paris to Tours and rent a car once we arrived, which turned out to be a more budget friendly option.

When to visit

The best time to visit the castles is probably from May to September. We took this trip in August, and while the weather was quite hot, it was also a great time to enjoy the beautiful gardens in full bloom. If you visit in spring, you may get even more vibrant gardens and better temperatures as well. Just keep in mind that during the summer months, the castles tend to be more crowded.

How much does it cost

Prices can vary quite a lot depending on the type of accommodation you choose, where you rent your car, and how many castles you decide to visit. We rented our car through Ada, but unfortunately had a very bad experience, so I would not personally recommend them. As for the castles themselves, entrance fees are usually between 10€ and 20€ per person per castle, which can add up quickly. To be honest, I do not think every castle is worth paying to visit inside, as sometimes simply admiring them from the outside is enough. That was notably the case for Chenonceau, which can already be beautifully appreciated from the surrounding grounds.

On top of that, you should also budget for accomodation, gas, parking fees and meals. We personally like staying at Appart’City hotels, as they are often more affordable than Airbnbs and come with a kitchen, which makes it easy to cook your own meals and avoid eating out all the time.

If you are traveling on a budget, I think 600€ to 700€ for a couple should be enough for a comfortable trip.

The itinerary

With so many castles scattered across the region, it can be difficult to decide which ones are truly worth visiting. I have selected the six castles I liked the most, so you can experience the best of the Loire Valley without ending your trip feeling overwhelmed by so many castles. We built the itinerary so that on most days you will probably drive 2-3 hours, which is quite manageable in my opinion, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the castles.

Day 1

On day one you will be visiting three castles: Château de Villandry, Château d'Ussé and Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.

Château de Villandry stands out from the other castles because of its gardens, which are often considered among the most beautiful in Europe.

Château de Villandry

You'll then visit Château d'Ussé, which is one of my personal favorites. It is said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty by Charles Perrault, who is believed to have visited the castle in the 17th century.

Château d'Ussé

Finally, you'll visit château d’Azay-le-Rideau which is built on a small island in the Indre River. It's usually less crowded than the other castles in the region and it is incredibly photogenic.

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Day 2

On day two, I suggest you visit Château de Chambord, which is probably the largest and most well-known French castle after Versailles. It really is a must-visit.

Château de Chambord

After Chambord, I suggest you visit Château de Chaumont. Château de Chaumont is a hilltop castle overlooking the Loire River and has beautiful outdoor spaces where you can sit and relax while taking in the view.

Château de Chaumont

Beautiful park around Château de Chaumont

Day 3

On your third and final day, I would suggest you visit Château de Chenonceau, which is one of the most beautiful and iconic castles in the Loire Valley, famous for its unique design built directly over the River Cher.

Château de Chenonceau

You’ll also have the opportunity to walk along the riverbanks, with beautiful views over the Cher River. It’s the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a picnic.

Finally, if you have a bit of time left, there are several things to do in Tours. One of them is Tours Cathedral, which is definitely worth a visit and is quite beautiful.

Tours' Cathedral

I hope you found this guide useful. Don't hesitate to explore my blog for more travel ideas.