Itineraries for Your Trip to Loire Valley
3 Days in the Loire Valley for First Timers
Growing up with a holiday home in France and later making a career as a travel writer specializing in all things French, I’ve lost count of the number of trips I’ve taken in the country I now call home. There are some places that never lose their magic, no matter how many times you return, and the Loire Valley—with its majestic château and photogenic landscapes—is one of them.
Let’s start with a disclaimer: You can’t see everything there is to see in the Loire Valley in three days, and you will inevitably want to return (and you should). But to start off, this 3-day itinerary covers the bits that you really don’t want to miss.
Summer temperatures can peak at 104°F (40°C), so plan outdoor activities for early or late in the day.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Château de Chenonceau.
Given the hundreds of castles throughout the region, it’s hard to know where to start. Château de Chenonceau is one of the most visited. Tour the lavish interiors, once enjoyed by Louis XIV, Catherine de Medici, and other legendary royals. Then climb the towers for views and stroll the gardens along the Cher River.
The Château de Chambord is about a 1-hour drive via a scenic route that passes vineyards and the Loire River. The largest of all the Loire château is an architectural feast built by King François I in the 16th century. Take a tour to see both castles with ease.
Wake early for a hot air balloon flight and watch the sunrise over the Loire Valley. Afterward, join a wine-tasting tour of the Vouvray wine region, learn about the winemaking process on a guided walk through the vineyards, and sample a selection of red and white Loire Valley wines.
Another day, another château. Château de Villandry sits between Chinon and Tours along the Cher River and is known for its ornamental gardens. Climb to the belvedere for views. Then explore the maze, water garden, and kitchen gardens. In summer, stay late for Night of a Thousand Lights show.
On your last day, explore the cities of western Loire. From Chinon, it’s a 40-minute drive to Saumur, famous for its hilltop château, atmospheric medieval old town, and prestigious French equestrian academy, the Cadre Noir, with daily summer shows. The troglodyte villages outside the city are unique to the Loire.
The westernmost of the Loire cities, Nantes, is 1.5 hours further. Its foodie scene and nightlife draw visitors. Join a tour to see highlights, including Château des ducs de Bretagne, Passage de Pommeraye shopping arcade, and Les Machines de l'Île, with its 39-foot (12-meter) mechanical elephant that carries visitors around.
