Are you planning your trip and wondering where to stay in the Loire Valley to make the most of the region?
It’s true that it’s not easy to navigate the wide range of options available, especially when you want to minimize travel time between the castles! After all, it’s more than 100 kilometers from the gardens of Villandry to the towers of Chambord… And it would be a shame to miss out on the castles by spending all your time on the road!
The secret to a successful trip to the Loire Valley castles? Choose a strategically located place to stay based on the sites you want to visit. After exploring the most beautiful castles in this 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary, I’ve divided the valley into three key areas.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a charming bed-and-breakfast, or unique lodging, you’ll find my best practical tips and favorite spots in this guide to help you decide where to stay in the Loire Valley!
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WHERE TO STAY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY: HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT AREA (A COMPARISON)
It can be hard to choose among the castles and figure out where to stay in the Loire Valley! There are three main areas for the castles in Loir-et-Cher and Touraine, between Blois and Tours.
Here’s a summary table to help you decide where to stay based on what you’re looking for in the Loire Valley:
| Location | Atmosphere & Profile | Top Castles Nearby |
| Blois-Chambord | Royal, family-friendly and cycling | Chambord, Blois, Cheverny |
| Amboise-Chenonceau | Romantic, central et historic | Chenonceau, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Chaumont-sur-Loire |
| Tours | Gastronomy, gardens, and French art of living | Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Ussé, Chinon |
WHERE TO STAY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY NEAR BLOIS AND CHAMBORD?
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Loire Valley to be as close as possible to the Château de Chambord, here are my tried-and-tested recommendations!
My top 3 places in the Blois area
DEMEURE DES CORDELIERS
- In the center of Blois
- Sublime, private car park
- From €160
RELAIS DE CHAMBORD
- In from of Chambord
- A romantic, luxurious setting
- From €250
CHÂTEAU LA ROZELLE
- Between Chambord & Cheverny
- Very good value for money
- From €120
Practical advice on finding accommodation near Blois and Chambord
Blois is a charming and rather quiet town : a lovely place to stay! It’s the perfect combination if you want to stay in the centre without the hustle and bustle of a big city.
As it’s close to Chambord, you can also be among the first visitors there in the morning, before the coaches arrive…
Good to know:
If you’d rather leave your car behind or don’t have one, the ‘Châteaux’ shuttle bus from Blois railway station runs from April to November for just a few euros.
Please note: the Blois bridge is a real bottleneck at the end of the day. If your itinerary focuses on Chambord and Cheverny, opt for accommodation on the left bank (south) to avoid the 6 pm traffic jams!
Alternatively, you could stay in the midst of the vast forests surrounding Chambord, to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside! The region is magnificent…
AMBOISE AND CHENONCEAU : THE BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
Amboise is still my favourite area when people ask me where to stay in the Loire Valley for their first visit!
My top 3 places in the Amboise area
LE CLOS D’AMBOISE
- In the center of Amboise
- Beautiful + private car park
- From €140
CLOS MONY
- Very close to Chenonceau
- Calm and green setting
- From €110
AUBERGE DU BON LABOUREUR
- Close to Chenonceau
- Swimming pool
- From €150
Practical tips for choosing your accommodation in Amboise
If you’re wondering where to stay in the Loire Valley without having to change accommodation during your holiday, Amboise is definitely the place! It’s worth noting that the town is ideally situated halfway between Blois and Tours, and just a stone’s throw from the Château de Chenonceau!
Amboise is undoubtedly one of the most pleasant towns to stay in Touraine. With its pedestrianised town centre, good restaurants and châteaux, it makes for a lovely base for your trip to the Loire Valley châteaux!
Please note: parking there can be tricky and often involves a charge. It’s therefore best to choose accommodation that offers a private garage.
If you prefer a base in the countryside, the area around Chenonceaux (the village where Chenonceau Castle is located!) offers a much more rural and peaceful atmosphere, whilst remaining easily accessible as it is just as central as Amboise.
Being so close to the château means you can get there as soon as it opens, or, conversely, enjoy the golden light over the River Cher without the crowds, two hours before closing time…
Don’t forget to check out my guide How to visit Chenonceau Castle (to avoid the crowds!)
WHERE TO STAY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY NEAR TOURS?
The area around Tours is the perfect base from which to explore. Here’s my selection of the most beautiful châteaux to visit around Tours!
My top 3 places in the Tours area
LA HÉRAUDIÈRE
- In the center of Tours
- Charming B&B
- From €140
VILLA TRIANON & SPA
- Very close to Villandry
- Private villa in the forest
- From €250
AUBERGE RADIEUSE
- Very close to Azay
- Rated 9,8/10
- From €110
Why sleep in Tours ? My practical tips
Tours is the largest city in the area and the liveliest in the evenings! With its student vibe and great food scene, it brings a different kind of energy to your stay and offers a contrast to the historic days you’ll be spending! If that’s what you’re looking for, then it’s the perfect place to stay for your Loire Valley Itinerary !
It’s also convenient for those travelling from afar by train: there’s a TGV station and a TER station, and I also love how close it is to the Loire à Vélo cycle route!
There are plenty of other châteaux in the area too, but you’ll be a bit further away from Chambord, Cheverny and Blois.
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PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SLEEPING IN FRONT OF OR INSIDE A LOIRE VALLEY CHÂTEAU
3 stunning places to stay in a Loire Valley château
CHÂTEAU DU RIVAU
- The real ‘château’ life!
- Stunning interior
- From €280
CHÂTEAU GUÉRINET D’ORCHAISE
- Rated 9,8/10
- A haven of peace
- From €120
RELAIS DE CHAMBORD
- In front of Chambord
- Cosy romantic hotel
- From €270
My advice to make the most of this experience
Staying in a Loire Valley château is undoubtedly the ultimate experience the region has to offer. Even if you only spend one night there, the feeling of ‘living the château life’ is an unforgettable memory that will remain a highlight of your stay in the Loire Valley.
Bear in mind that there are two types of château to stay in: a château-hotel (run almost professionally, often with a top-quality restaurant) or a bed and breakfast in a château (hosted by the owners, simpler but no less authentic!).
If you’d like to stay in a Loire Valley château, I’d recommend the château du Rivau or the Guérinet d’Orchaise, both of which are privately owned; and if you’d prefer to stay opposite a château and have Chambord all to yourself in the evenings and mornings, head to the Relais de Chambord!
Having had the pleasure of trying it out myself, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to stay amongst the châteaux of the Loire Valley!
A few tips for a successful night in a château:
- Soundproofing: the old tuffeau stone walls are thick, but the floors often creak. That’s part of the charm of the place, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re a light sleeper.
- Dinner: many castles are isolated in the countryside. Check whether they offer a ‘table d’hôtes’ or if a restaurant is open in the evening. Otherwise, you’ll often have to drive a bit to find a restaurant.
- Budget: for a direct view ‘facing the château’ (as at the Relais de Chambord), the price rises quickly. Book a ‘Standard’ room if you just want to enjoy the grounds, but for the view, you’ll often need to opt for the ‘Superior’ or ‘Deluxe’ categories.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY ON A BUDGET?
3 places to stay offering excellent value for money in the Loire Valley châteaux
If you’re wondering where to stay in the Loire Valley on a tight budget, bearing in mind that there’s a really wide range of options to suit all budgets! And whilst prices can quickly soar in the region, fortunately there are some excellent alternatives for comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank!
My favorite places to stay offering excellent value for money
THE PEOPLE – TOURS
- In the center of Tours
- Welcoming and modern
- From €70
LE MOULIN HODOUX
- Close to Tours
- Charming+breakfast included
- From €80
JOLI COCON CALME A BLOIS
- Whole flat, in the center
- Very good value for money
- From €55
My tips for keeping costs down during your stay
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Loire Valley for less than €80 a night, here are a few tips to help you find great accommodation deals and keep your overall budget down!
- Room prices drop significantly as soon as you move 10 or 15 km away from the main attractions. For example, head for Mer or Beaugency to be close to Chambord (15 mins) with much more affordable rates than in central Blois. Or try Montlouis-sur-Loire, right next to Amboise, which is a great alternative for a peaceful stay in the vineyards without the ‘tourist’ prices of Amboise.
- A packed lunch is your best friend: opt for guesthouses or aparthotels with a kitchenette. Eating out for lunch and dinner can quickly eat into your budget, and you’ll save time at lunchtime to visit the châteaux!
- The Château Pass: Save money on your visits so you can spend a bit more on your accommodation. If you’re planning a grand tour, check out my 3-day Loire Valley itinerary to make the most of your travels.
Opt for the low season: March or October, and even December, to celebrate Christmas at the Châteaux of the Loire – are the best months for those on a tight budget. Prices are half what they are in July.
Finally, book your accommodation in advance! Most bookings can be cancelled right up until the last week, and you’ll save a fortune by booking early!
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE PLACES TO STAY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY: SLEEP IN A CAVE HOTEL OR ON THE WATER
Now that we’ve looked at the traditional areas, here are some places to stay in the Loire Valley to enjoy a more unusual experience! And for something even more original, I’ve listed and tried out 9 ideas for you on how to explore the Loire Valley castles in a different way:
My full guide with 9 Unusual Things To Do in the Loire Valley
3 unusual gems for staying overnight at the châteaux of the Loire Valley
CLOS DE L’HERMITAGE – TROGLO
- Cave B&B
- With a pool !
- From €120
LA BATELIÈRE SUR LOIRE & SPA
- Sleep on the water
- … or in a tree!
- From €150
LODGE DU RELAIS DES LANDES
- Green setting
- Restaurant & pool
- From €150
If you’d like to get off the beaten track, the Loire Valley region is brimming with unusual accommodation options.
- Cave hotels: carved directly out of tuffeau stone, these properties maintain a constant temperature of 18°C all year round. It’s a unique sensory experience (but be warned, the humidity is quite high)!
- Les Toues Cabanées: these traditional Loire boats retain all their charm. Some have been converted into unusual guest rooms. Just imagine: drifting with the current through the night, and waking up with your feet in the water, with a front-row seat to watch the birds of the Loire at dawn!
- Cabins amongst the vines: ideal for wine lovers who want to wake up amongst the vineyards of Chinon or Vouvray!
- Unusual accommodation such as lodges or treehouses! There’s a wide variety of options for staying in the châteaux of the Loire Valley!
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LOIRE VALLEY STAY?
If you don’t know where to start, read my ultimate 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary!
To make your stay at the châteaux of the Loire Valley a memorable trip, here are a few tips:
The best way to go about your visit: start with the castles furthest from your accommodation in the morning, so that you’re closer to your base by the afternoon.
- Buying tickets: don’t queue! Buy your combined tickets online or at tourist information centres. This will save you precious hours, usually for the same price as at the ticket office!
Booking restaurants: to ensure you have a choice during the peak season and to avoid the lowest-rated restaurants, I’d advise you to book your tables at the same time as your accommodation.
The weather: in summer, the outdoor areas and gardens at Villandry and Chaumont can be sweltering. Plan to visit the interiors of the châteaux (which stay cool thanks to their very thick walls) between 12 noon and 3 pm. In winter, however, you won’t notice much difference between the inside and outside of the châteaux!
FAQ ABOUT WHERE TO STAY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
This FAQ section brings together the most common questions about organising your stay in the Loire Valley.
What is the best ‘base’ from which to visit the châteaux of the Loire Valley?
If you’re only staying for 2 or 3 days, Amboise is the number one strategic choice. Its central location between Tours and Blois means you can easily reach Chenonceau, Chambord and Chaumont in under 45 minutes by car.
Where should you stay to visit the Loire Valley castles without a car?
It’s essential to choose a town with a working SNCF railway station. Blois is the most convenient: a dedicated shuttle bus serves Chambord, Cheverny and Beauregard. Amboise and Tours are also excellent options for getting around by train.
When should you book your accommodation for a trip to the Loire Valley castles?
Choosing the right place to stay in the Loire Valley is one thing, but knowing when to book is quite another… As most websites offer free cancellation up to a few days before your stay, my answer is simple: book as early as possible, especially in peak season! Out of season, you’ll still have plenty of choice even a few weeks beforehand, but if you’re visiting the most famous Loire Valley châteaux, you absolutely must book as early as possible!
Should you book tickets for the châteaux in advance?
YES! It usually saves you precious time. I always book in advance, at no extra cost, to avoid long queues, particularly during peak season. This means you can make the most of the castles, rather than spending your time queuing! And if you’re travelling with children, it also makes the visits much easier!
Is it better to stay in Tours or Blois?
It all depends on the atmosphere you’re looking for. Blois is more picturesque, quieter and right next to the major ‘royal’ châteaux. Tours is a livelier city, ideal for those who enjoy going out and fine dining.
What is the best time of year to visit the Châteaux of the Loire?
Personally, I really like spring, as it’s quieter and the weather is still quite mild. But do avoid the long weekends in May, of course! On another note, my favourite time of year to visit the Loire Valley châteaux is Christmas! Winter is a magical time, especially with the ‘Noël aux Châteaux de la Loire’ event, when the châteaux are decked out in a sea of lights.
Is it possible to stay in a château without breaking the bank?
Yes, it is! Many owners of small private châteaux offer bed and breakfast accommodation at prices comparable to those of a 3- or 4-star hotel in town. Less well-known country manor houses are excellent options for those on a reasonable budget.
Where should you stay to see the Sound and Light show?
The Sound and Light show in Blois is very popular, and for good reason! By staying in Blois town centre, you can watch the evening projection in the castle courtyard and walk back in just 5 minutes. To find out more, check out my article 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary : the Ultimate Guide
