The Ultimate Loire Valley Châteaux Tour

Dreaming of fairytale castles, riverside strolls, and a week of French history, art, and wine? I lived in the Loire Valley for years and no matter how many times I visited them, the châteaux never lost their magic.  

This 7-day itinerary takes you on a sweeping tour of the most iconic, picturesque and unforgettable châteaux of the Loire Valley. 

Day 1: Château de Cheverny & Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Begin your tour with two contrasting gems. Château de Cheverny is still used as a private home by the Marquis and Marquise de Vibraye; their family have owned the estate for over six centuries. Don’t miss the permanent Tintin exhibition, and discover where creator Hergé drew his inspiration for the Château de Moulinsart, often featured in his comics. The château is home to over 100 hunting dogs and you can watch them being fed every morning at 11.30am (April to September). This is a popular spectacle and queues can be long, so make sure to arrive early.

After the intimacy of Cheverny, head to Château de Chaumont, just 30 minutes away. Queen Catherine de Medici bought the domaine in 1550 and, after her husband’s death in 1559, persuaded her former rival Diane de Poitiers to exchange it for Château de Chenonceau. Diane is often credited for creating the blend of medieval fortification and Renaissance refinement that remains today. While the Château is elegant, it’s the captivating gardens of the International Garden Festival that will impress you most. 

Day 2: Château de Talcy, Beaugency & Blois Son et Lumière 

Start your day at Château de Talcy. Though modest compared to the royal châteaux, this Renaissance gem has a quiet charm and fascinating history. Situated in the village of Talcy, enjoying the slower pace of French village life is part of its appeal.

In the afternoon, head to the picturesque town of Beaugency, which opens its château later in the day. The Château itself is a mélange of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Stroll through the cobbled streets and enjoy the riverside views as you cross the bridge once used by Joan of Arc.

In the evening, make your way to Blois for the Son et Lumière show at the Château Royal de Blois. The Château demonstrates the evolution of French architecture in the 4 distinct facades around the courtyard. The 45-minute show uses light projections and music to bring centuries of royal drama to life, a dazzling way to end your day.

Day 3: Château de Chambord

Make sure to dedicate a full day to Château de Chambord; it’s the largest and most extravagant château in the Loire Valley. Construction of Chambord began in 1519 as a royal hunting lodge for François I and was later completed by Louis XIV. Inside, you’ll find the famous double-helix staircase, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, where two people can ascend and descend without crossing paths. Just a few metres from the Château, don’t miss the live equestrian show, which takes you on a journey through Chambord’s emblematic history (April to September). After the show, head to Place Saint-Louis for lunch, then enjoy a leisurely 4km stroll along the canal for more stunning views.

Spanning over 13,500 acres, the estates’ grounds are home to diverse wildlife, including deer and wild boar, which you may spot in quieter corners. You can explore the grounds by bike (grab a map for cycle paths and walkways), electric buggy, or even rent a small electric boat.

Day 4: Château Royal d’Amboise & Clos Lucé 

Head to Amboise for a tale of two châteaux, both as intriguing as they are different. The Château d’Amboise is built above the river and provides a great view over the town. It played host to the French court during the Renaissance and Anne Boleyn spent 7 years here as a lady in waiting. Château d’Amboise is also the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci ; you can find his tomb in the sumptuously decorated chapel of Saint Hubert.  

Although buried at Château d’Amboise, da Vinci spent his final years at Clos Lucé, just a ten-minute walk through the town. Clos Lucé is now a museum representing his life and works. Take time to explore the house where he lived, wander through the gardens and open-air museum and then prepare to be astonished by the living workshops and a collection of his sketches. A visit here offers a vivid sense of da Vinci’s genius and will leave you in awe of a man that was supremely ahead of his time.

Day 5: Château de Chenonceau

There’s a reason Château de Chenonceau is one of the most photographed in France, the view of its arches spanning across the River Cher is picture perfect. Throughout its history Chenonceau has been shaped by a series of remarkable women, including Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers and Louise Dupin, each leaving their mark on its design and legacy. Inside, the Château is one of the most interesting in the Loire Valley; the beautifully preserved kitchens are a particular highlight. It’s also home to an exquisite collection of art including paintings by Rubens and Tintoretto. Don’t leave without seeing the château from the water. Head to nearby Chisseaux (just a 4-minute drive or 26-minute walk) for a boat tour. 

Day 6: Château d’Azay-le-Rideau & Château de Chinon

Start your day at the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, built on a small island in the River Indre, its elegant structure reflected in the “water mirror” is an iconic image of the Loire Valley. Inside the Château, the first-floor rooms reflect the 19th-century tastes for Renaissance art. A walk through the bridges and footpaths of the landscaped gardens add to the romantic appeal of this fairytale Château.  

Then continue to the Royal Fortress of Chinon, just a 20 minute drive away, to see one of the few medieval château in the Loire Valley. Perched high above the town, it offers panoramic views over the River Vienne. The Royal Fortress played a key role in the Middle Ages and welcomed important historical figures, including Eleanor of Aquitaine. Most famously, it was here in 1429 that Joan of Arc met Charles VII in a significant moment in the Hundred Years’ War. 

Day 7: Château de Saumur

Saumur’s white-stone castle has a rich, varied and important history. Used as a prison between the 17th and 18th century, under the reign of Louis XIV, the Chateau significantly deteriorated during this time. Napoleon I turned it into a state prison to prevent it from being demolished. You can visit the gardens, explore the lower courtyard and appreciate the panoramic views of the picturesque town of Saumur free of charge. After which, consider heading to the Musée des Blindés, a fascinating tank museum, followed by wine tasting at some of the best wine houses the Loire Valley has to offer for a relaxed way to end your week. 

This 7-day guide gives you a structured way to explore the very best of the Châteaux from the Loire Valley. Whether you visit just a few or try to see them all, each château adds its own allure to the journey. However you choose to spend your time, the Loire Valley will make it easy to see why so many people fall in love with France.