Itineraries for Your Trip to Loire Valley
2 Days in Loire Valley for First Timers
I experienced the Loire Valley as a child on holiday, exploring the fairy-tale landscapes, and on chateâu-hopping press trips that I took while writing about the region for a France guidebook. The Loire Valley has always held a special place in my heart, so much so that I made my home in Nantes, where the Loire River meets the sea.
You could—and should—spend weeks exploring all corners of the Loire Valley, but two days is enough time to get a taste of what makes it so special. This Loire Valley itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors and is packed with memorable moments, fairy-tale châteaus, and charming medieval towns.
Temperatures soar in summer, so plan outdoor activities and cycling tours for the cooler months of spring or fall.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a wine tasting at a Loire Valley château.
Start with a tour of the largest of all the Loire châteaus, the Château de Chambord. Set in 13,500 acres (5,440 hectares) of parklands, it’s a dramatic example of French Renaissance architecture, and you’ll need at least a couple of hours to take it all in. Sneak a peek at the double-helix staircase inside, said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
The historic town of Amboise is among the most beautiful in the Loire, brimming with medieval monuments and half-timbered buildings. Walk up to the cliff-top Amboise Castle, stop by the local market (Sunday only), or browse the shops for souvenirs. There are excellent restaurants and wineries in and around the town, where you can enjoy wine tasting and sample delicious Loire cuisine. Seeing it by Segway will save your legs for later.
The magnificent Château de Chenonceau is even more magical at night. For a truly unforgettable experience, soar overhead on a sunset hot-air balloon ride and enjoy an aerial view along the Loire and Cher rivers. After dark, attend the Nocturne à Chenonceau night event (June-August only), when the castle and gardens are lit up and classical music is played.
Make an early start and head to the Château of Villandry, where the highlight is the spectacular Renaissance gardens. A walking tour covers all the highlights, and you can marvel at the kitchen garden and medieval herb garden, stroll around the water garden and pretty ornamental gardens, and challenge yourself to make it through the maze.
In the afternoon, take your pick of nearby towns. Azay-Le-Rideau is home to another stunning château, while the medieval town of Chinon is surrounded by forests and vineyards. Sample some of the Loire Valley’s famous wines on a wine-tasting tour, enjoy a picnic lunch amid the vines or rent a bike and cycle along part of the renowned Loire à Vélo bike trail.
Spend your final night in Tours, the biggest city along the Loire. The atmospheric Old Quarter is the place to go after sundown—zip around in a sidecar, stopping to admire the medieval cathedral and Roman wall vestiges. Finish at Place Plumereau, where there’s a wide choice of bars, restaurants, and bistros to sample regional dishes and enjoy a glass of wine with the locals.
