3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary : the Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for a 3-day Loire Valley itinerary to visit the most beautiful châteaux? Want to know which Loire Valley châteaux are a must-see? Which tour should you choose to visit the Loire Valley châteaux in 3 days without spending too much time on the road?

Here is a tour that takes in the châteaux that are definitely worth seeing. This 3-day Loire Valley itinerary gives you a great overview of the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley, and you won’t get bored because they are all very different!

So here is my complete guide to organizing your 3-day Loire Valley itinerary! First, you’ll find the different stages of the itinerary, then at the end of the article, all my practical tips (travel times, reservations, good addresses, etc.) to help you plan your long weekend!

See also: 9 Unusual Things To Do in the Loire Valley

 

The Perfect Itinerary: 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary

 

3-DAY LOIRE VALLEY ITINERARY – PRACTICAL TIPS

 

• How to get to the Loire Valley?

By car: the main Loire Valley castles are located about 2.5 hours from Paris and 2.5 hours from Nantes. The suggested tour is optimized to minimize travel time between each castle!

Compare car rentals to find the best price in Blois

Without a car: all these châteaux are accessible without a car from Blois and Tours (1.5 hours and 1 hour 15 minutes from Paris by train, respectively). The Orléans-Tours and Tours-Chinon TER lines will take you to all the châteaux mentioned! Only Chambord and Cheverny are not accessible by train. Simply take the shuttle bus from Blois station.

 

   

• Where to stay in the Loire Valley? 

Here are my 3 favorite places to stay for your Loire Valley tour! You’ll also find other accommodation suggestions throughout the article, listed by town.

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation during your 3-day Loire Valley itinerary! But be warned, in high season, the best places are often snapped up!

The Loire Valley offers accommodation that will allow you to experience incredible moments! This is particularly true of the Relais de Chambord in Chambord, a small luxury gem that allows you (the ultimate privilege) to stay a stone’s throw from the castle and have the Chambord estate all to yourself. A unique moment, especially at nightfall when the castle is illuminated! The ideal setting for a romantic weekend!

You can also experience life in a castle by staying in some beautiful private castles!

 

3 recommended hotels for your 3-day Loire Valley itinerary

   

   

• Organize your time for this 3-day Loire Valley itinerary

To make the most of your 3-day Loire Valley itinerary, I recommend visiting no more than two castles per day. They are all different and magnificent, but if you are staying for several days, it is better to limit yourself to two so that you can enjoy them fully and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

You also need to factor in travel time, so the days will be quite busy on this tour!

As a guide, allow 3 hours for Chambord and Chenonceau, and around 2 hours for the other châteaux. I also recommend arriving when the châteaux open in the morning to avoid the crowds at the most popular ones (Chambord and Chenonceau in particular).

 

• What to bring back from the Loire Valley?

The region is also renowned for its local produce. Along the Loire, you will find wine estates producing everything from Chinon to sparkling Vouvray and Cour Cheverny. Enjoy a glass of Vouvray as an aperitif, accompanied by stuffed prunes from Tours. These are filled with apricot and are now only made by two confectioners!

Dried apples and pears are another local specialty. The fruit is cooked for several days, then dried and pounded before being packaged. Rehydrated, they are often served with meat dishes. On the savory side, you can bring home some rillettes and rillons. The region also produces delicious cheeses, such as Sainte Maure de Touraine and Selles-sur-Cher.

     

 

3-DAY LOIRE VALLEY ITINERARY – DAY 1 : BLOIS & CHAMBORD

 

• Château de Blois

– Château de Blois: open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter – admission: 14€50 (reduced rate: 11€, free for children under 6). More information on the castle website.

Book your ticket for the Château de Blois

 

 

– Où dormir à Blois ? 

I recommend the Demeure des Cordeliers, a magnificent bed and breakfast in the heart of Blois!

 

Let’s start this 3-day Loire Valley itinerary in Blois, the easternmost town on our route. The royal castle of Blois dominates the entire historic center of the town and the Loire Valley from its rocky promontory. It is particularly impressive if you arrive from the train station!

The castle courtyard is a little unusual as it is surrounded by four wings. These wings offer a fascinating insight into the history of France and its architectural evolution, as each one dates from a different period. They were built by the 17 kings and queens who succeeded one another between the 13th and 17th centuries.

 

You can then visit the royal apartments inside the Renaissance wing, including the king’s and queen’s bedrooms. They are spectacular! Colorful, bright, ornate… You won’t know where to look first! Decorated beams cover all the ceilings, and the painted or wood-paneled walls match the equally colorful tiles.

And if you want to discover more about the castle (especially its attic), don’t hesitate to book an “unusual tour,” which is truly fascinating!

 

     

• Château de Chambord

 

Pratical info : – Château de Chambord: open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in winter – admission: 19€ (free for visitors under 25). For more information, visit the castle’s website.

Book your ticket for Chambord

 

 

– Where to stay in Chambord: I recommend the superb Relais de Chambord, which is located right at the gates of the castle so you can enjoy it even in the evening!

 

The second stop on this “3-day Loire Valley itinerary” is the Château de Chambord. It is the largest and perhaps the most famous of the Loire Valley castles. The immensity and majesty of the place are striking upon arrival, no doubt thanks to the countless windows and chimneys of the castle’s 440 rooms!

The size of the estate is also impressive! Chambord is surrounded by 32 km of walls and before you reach the castle, you will first pass through the “Domaine de Chambord.” Chambord was once the king’s hunting lodge. You can explore the forest, vineyards, pond, and even the large moat by bike!

 

The interior of the castle is built around a splendid double spiral staircase! These are actually two staircases that intertwine and swirl up to the roofs of Chambord! The terrace is my favorite place in Chambord!

Here you can see the many fireplaces that are so characteristic of Chambord. Legend has it that there is one for every day of the year! You will also have a beautiful panoramic view of the gardens and park surrounding the castle.

 

With the exception of the royal apartments, the rooms are fairly sparsely decorated and furnished. Here, it is the grandeur of the building and its simplicity that strike you, especially when compared to other castles such as Blois. Symbols of Francis I—the F of his first name and the famous salamander—adorn the walls, ceilings, and windows throughout.

If you come to discover Chambord during the Christmas period, the castle is much more decorated, and the magic really works. I can therefore only recommend this period!

See also: A 2025 Local’s Guide to Loire Valley Christmas Markets in the Châteaux

 

   

• Possible alternative : château de Chaumont-sur-Loire 

 

 

Practical information:

– Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle: open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Admission: 21€ in high season (reduced rate: 13€, free for children under 6) – More information on the castle’s website.

Book your ticket for Chaumont-sur-Loire

 

– Where to stay near Chaumont? I recommend Le Relais des Landes in Ouchamps, a beautiful establishment surrounded by nature!

 

 

Famous for its garden festival, Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle is a castle unlike any other. It is classified as a center for arts and nature, and both the interior and exterior of the castle are the subject of an ongoing dialogue between nature and contemporary art.

The world-renowned garden festival takes place every year from April to early November. Many artists participate in this festival, making it a truly unique place on the Loire Valley castle circuit. The staging is always magnificent, and the theme changes every year!

 

You can also visit the interior of the castle, the stables, and the park all year round. Art is everywhere, and history blends with contemporary creation throughout the rooms and the park.

You can enjoy the park overlooking the Loire River and discover the permanent works of art on display there. Some are by famous land artists…

In short, this castle is a gem that is definitely worth a visit!

 

   

 

 

3-DAY LOIRE VALLEY ITINERARY – DAY 2 : CHEVERNY & CHENONCEAU

   

• Château de Cheverny

 

Practical information:

– Cheverny Castle: open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in winter – admission: 15€ (reduced rate: 11€, free for children under 7) – more information on the castle website.

 

– Where to stay in Cheverny? I recommend La Demalerie, a very pretty bed and breakfast near the village.

 

 

Famous for being the “castle of Tintin,” or rather the one that served as the model for Moulinsart, Cheverny is undoubtedly the best furnished of the Loire castles. Sober and classic on the outside, it has some beautiful surprises in store for you inside!

Still inhabited by the family that owns it, Cheverny amazes visitors with its meticulously decorated and beautifully staged rooms! Family portraits, period furniture, and rare objects adorn the walls and floors for our greatest pleasure!

Once again, if you are lucky enough to visit at Christmas time, the interior decorations are breathtaking!

See also: Christmas in the Loire Valley – the complete guide

 

You can stroll through the castle’s living quarters, as well as the bedrooms filled with toys and the chapel at the top of the castle. Outside, a beautiful park awaits you for a bucolic stroll along the water’s edge.

And don’t miss the hundred or so dogs in the kennel, who will give you a noisy welcome! Hunting is a tradition at Cheverny.

 

   

• Château de Chenonceau 

Practical information:

– Chenonceau Castle: open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (7:00 p.m. in summer) – check the opening hours, which vary depending on the month – admission €18 – more information on the castle website.

Book your ticket for Chenonceau

 

– Where to stay in Chenonceaux? I recommend Le Clos Mony, a very pretty bed and breakfast just a stone’s throw from the château.

Find more details for your visit to Chenonceau in my dedicated article: Visiting the Château de Chenonceau: my complete guide 

 

Let’s continue our 3-day Loire Valley itinerary further west to discover the sumptuous Château des Dames! Chenonceau is, in my opinion, the most beautiful castle in the Loire Valley… And even if it’s just my opinion, its charm is generally unanimous!

As soon as you enter through the old drawbridge, you will be enveloped in the unique atmosphere of Chenonceau. Delicately perched on the water, the rooms are more intimate than in other castles… Here, there are no large salons, but rather bedrooms and studies.

In fact, it is the gigantic gallery spanning the Cher that serves as the reception hall. Its checkerboard floor and simple decoration make the room truly majestic. It’s easy to imagine the parties and balls that must have been held here…

 

All around, the rooms are decorated with care and refinement. Don’t forget to go down to the basement to discover the magnificent kitchens, which open directly onto the river!

There is also plenty to discover outside! French gardens, a vegetable garden, outbuildings, a forest, and the banks of the Cher are ideal for a stroll. The view from the riverbanks pays tribute to this magnificent castle in the most beautiful way possible.

   

   

• Possible alternatives : Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé

 

 

Practical information:

– Amboise Castle: open every day – check opening times as they vary depending on the month – admission €16.90 (reduced rate: €10.80 for under 18s) – more information on the castle website.

Book your ticket for the Château d’Amboise

 

– Clos Lucé: open every day – check opening times as they vary depending on the month – admission €19.50 (reduced rate: €14 for students and under 18s) – more information on the château website.

Book your ticket for the Clos Lucé

 

– Where to stay in Amboise? I recommend the Clos de la Commanderie, a superb bed and breakfast with a restaurant and swimming pool.

 

 

 

Amboise has two châteaux, the royal château and the Clos-Lucé.

Former residence of the kings of France, the Château d’Amboise overlooks the Loire River and the town. It is a beautiful Gothic castle with stunning gardens. Don’t hesitate to cross the Loire to admire the magnificent view at sunset from the bucolic Île d’Or, a small green oasis in the middle of the Loire.

The Clos Lucé was the home of Leonardo da Vinci and features models and giant machines inspired by Leonardo’s drawings. It is actually a museum dedicated to the work and genius of the artist, architect, and visionary that he was. It is generally popular with children (and adults)!

 

 

   

3-DAY LOIRE VALLEY ITINERARY – DAY 3 : VILLANDRY & AZAY-LE-RIDEAU

   

• Château et jardins de Villandry

 

 

Practical information:

– Château de Villandry: open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. for the gardens) – check the opening hours as they vary depending on the month – admission €14 for the château and gardens (reduced rate: €8 for students under 26), €8.50 for the gardens (€5.50 reduced rate) – more information on the château website.

Book your ticket for Villandry

 

– Where to stay nearby? I recommend La Maucannière in Tours, a beautiful family home that has been tastefully renovated. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the garden is lovely, and the breakfast is homemade! A charming getaway just a stone’s throw from Tours and the châteaux!

 

 

For this third year of our 3-day Loire Valley itinerary, let’s visit Château de Villandry! The Château de Villandry is famous for its fabulous French gardens, which are among the most beautiful in France! If you’re short on time and have already visited other châteaux, I recommend just visiting the gardens.

Built relatively late compared to its neighbors in the Loire Valley, the castle itself is in a very simple French style. And its interior is just as surprising: it has a warm and friendly atmosphere, because you can still feel the spirit of the family who lived there.

The rooms are on a human scale, just like the castle, which remains above all a family home. On a piece of furniture, you will find a few photos taken in the privacy of the family home, as well as some of their personal belongings. But as in other castles, you will have access to all the rooms, from the kitchens to the bedrooms.

And don’t miss the oriental salon, a gem that comes from a Spanish palace and stands out from the rest of the décor!

 

From the windows on the upper floors, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the ornamental gardens. The play of colors and symmetry is even more beautiful when seen from above! Laid out in terraces, the gardens are all very different from each other, and it is this diversity that gives Villandry its strength and harmony.

You can stroll through the gardens of love, the water garden, the sun garden, and the herb garden. It’s a truly impressive blaze of color and a maze of greenery! Just imagine: 115,000 vegetable and flower plants are planted here every year!

 

 

 

• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

 

 

Practical information:

– Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (late opening in summer) – check the opening times as they vary depending on the month – admission €16 (€13 in low season, free for under 26s) – more information on the castle website.

Book your ticket for Azay-le-Rideau

 

– Where to stay nearby? I recommend La Maucannière in Tours, a beautiful family home that has been tastefully renovated. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the garden is lovely, and breakfast is homemade! A charming getaway just a stone’s throw from Tours and the châteaux!

Find out more about Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau in my article on the two châteaux around Tours that are not to be missed!

 

Less imposing than its neighbors, Azay-le-Rideau is an intimate castle, aptly nicknamed the “romantic pearl of the Loire Valley”!

The castle is actually nestled on an island naturally formed by the Indre River and surrounded by a beautiful, green, and bucolic park. In the middle of the water, the castle is reflected in the Indre, creating a beautiful setting.

 

The interior of the castle is largely furnished in 19th-century style. The rooms are richly decorated, cozy, and secretive. I found a charming English touch to the decor, and it almost feels like you’re in the castle of Downtown Abbey. There’s even a billiard room!

You can also visit the pretty kitchens, the Renaissance bedrooms, and even the attic of the castle! A beautiful monumental staircase will take you there…

And right next to the castle, you can also discover Azay-le-Rideau’s little brother, the Château de l’Islette. They look like two peas in a pod!

 

   

• Possible alternativess : château d’Ussé et forteresse de Chinon 

 

Practical information

– Ussé castle : open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (summer, 6 p.m. in winter) –admission €14.50 (reduced rate: €7.50 for students and children under 18, free for children under 7) – more information on the castle website. 

– Chinon Fortress: open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (summer, 5:30 p.m. in winter) – admission €12.50 (reduced rate: €10.50 for students and children under 18) – more information on the castle website.

Book your ticket for Chinon

 

 

– Where to stay in Chinon? I highly recommend the Relais Saint Maurice, located in the pretty medieval area of Chinon, right on the waterfront!

 

The Château d’Ussé is the ultimate “fairytale castle,” like its cousin, the Château de Pierrefonds, in the Oise. Intimate and now privately owned, it is said to have inspired the castle in Sleeping Beauty… Every year, a new exhibition of period costumes brings the castle to life.

Chinon is the only royal medieval fortress in the Loire Valley. Its bird’s-eye view of the Vienne River and its majestic walls are sure to charm you… The tour is punctuated by modern and interactive displays, contrasting with the fortress’ centuries of history.

 

See also:

9 Unusual Things To Do in the Loire Valley

A 2025 Local’s Guide to Loire Valley Christmas Markets in the Châteaux

 

   

WHICH SEASON FOR THIS 3-DAY LOIRE VALLEY ITINERARY?

 

The Loire Valley châteaux are among the most visited sites in France. They are therefore very busy during school holidays and weekends, such as the May bank holidays! I recommend visiting the Loire Valley castles during the Christmas season: there are fewer people and the castles are decorated in a magical way! Read my guide to Christmas in the Loire Valley for more information!

 

   

Coming soon on La Marinière en Voyage…

 

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