Loire Valley Travel Guide: Châteaux, Vineyards and Where to Stay
The Loire Valley is a long, flat river plain with several hundred châteaux scattered along it, and the main problem visitors face is choosing. Chambord and Chenonceau take the crowds; the smaller houses take the afternoon light. You can do it from Paris in a day, though the valley is better slowly — by bike along the river, or with two nights in Amboise and no fixed plan. These are the guides, grouped by the decision you are making.
Start here
- The 10 Most Beautiful Châteaux You Actually Need to See
- The Ultimate Loire Valley Road Trip Route
- The Best Time to Visit (And When to Avoid the Crowds)
Plan and book your Loire Valley trip
Compare château hotels, guided tours, car hire and flights in one place.
Visiting from Paris
- Is a Day Trip from Paris Worth It? The Honest Answer
- Paris to the Loire: Train, Car and Day Tour Options
Tours and experiences
- The Châteaux by Hot Air Balloon: Worth the Splurge?
- Chambord by Candlelight: Is the Night Tour Worth It?
- Wine Tours: Vineyards Beyond Sancerre and Chinon
- Kayaking the Loire: A Slow Way to See the Châteaux