The Ultimate 2-Day Loire Valley Itinerary: Chateaux & More

Are you visiting the Loire Valley for two days and wondering what to do? This two-day Loire Valley itinerary will give you lots of ideas and options!

When you think of going to France to see elegant chateaux, you’re probably thinking of visiting the Loire Valley. 

Long ago, French kings and nobility favored this beautiful region. There are fortified, defensive castles dating back to the 11th century, as well as spectacular family homes and impressive hunting lodges.

Many of the most famous chateaux were built during the French Rennaisance.

Located in central France, the Loire Valley stretches along the Loire River, the longest river in France. 

The landscape of the Loire valley features fields of crops like sunflowers, vineyards, and fruit orchards. 

More than anything else, the Loire Valley is famous for its spectacular chateaux: architectural marvels that reflect the styles of architecture popular when they were built and renovated. 

Many chateaux also have beautifully landscaped gardens. If you love flowers or formal gardens, you’ll love strolling through these works of art.

The central part of the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is noted for its incredible architectural heritage (both the charming historic towns and the stunning chateaux), the cultivation of the lands beside the Loire River, and the Loire River itself.

There’s so much to see and do in the Loire Valley. This post will help you customize and plan your two-day Loire Valley itinerary.

About this Loire Valley Two-Day Itinerary

Because most people visit the Loire Valley to see the famous chateaux, this 2-day Loire Valley itinerary focuses on which chateaux to see.

There are more than 300 castles of the Loire Valley! You definitely won’t see them all in two days! However, this 2-day Loire Valley itinerary will tell you the best castles to start with.

At each chateau, you can always opt for the self-guided tour, but I do recommend paying the extra cost to get the audio guide or a guided tour, because you’ll get a lot more information about the site. 

If this is your first visit to the Loire Valley, you’ll probably want to spend most of your time exploring the chateaux, so this itinerary will help you decide where to start. 

(And in case you don’t want to spend all day looking at chateaux, don’t worry—I have alternative Loire Valley activities listed, too. Just keep reading!)

How many chateaux should I see in a day? 

If you like to explore every detail of a building, plan to spend time in the gardens, or walking the grounds, you can limit yourself to one chateau a day. 

I recommend trying to see no more than two chateaux per day, so you have time to appreciate each one. This is especially true if you are visiting chateaux with teenagers or children. You’ll also need to allow travel time between the chateaux.

However, I have listed three chateaux per day, just in case you are ambitious!

But really, how many chateaux you see in a day is up to you.

Consider how much time you want to spend at each chateau, how much time you want to devote to the castle grounds and gardens, and if you want to visit other local attractions. 

Two-Day Loire Valley Itinerary

Day 1

Château de Chambord

The Chateau de Chambord is one of the most famous chateaux in the world and the largest chateau in the Loire Valley. The sheer size and scale of the Chateau Chambord is hard to fully appreciate until you’re there.  

Construction began on this Renaissance masterpiece in 1519.  It was meant to be a hunting lodge for King Francis I.

However, construction was halted several times, due to financial and political challenges, and it was not completed until the 17th century, long after Francis I had died. 

The chateau was rarely used as a hunting lodge. 

Leonardo da Vinci influenced the design of Chambord, including the amazing double helix staircase. At the time, da Vinci was living nearby, at the Château du Clos Lucé. 

You can visit the rooftop terraces at Chambord. The views of the vast Chambord estate are impressive, but so are the towers, turrets, and chimneys you can see up close from the rooftop vantage point. 

The Chateau de Chambord has 440 rooms, more than 80 staircases, and 365 fireplaces! And the Chambord estate is vast.

While visiting, you can explore Chambord’s formal gardens and landscaped paths, as well as walking trails and cycling routes through the forest. 

Book your ticket for a self-guided tour of Chambord, or opt for the two-hour guided tour.

Château de Chenonceau

The Chateau de Chenonceau is like no other. This lovely chateau is famous for its gallery, which spans the River Cher. 

Chenonceau is often referred to as the “Ladies’ Chateau,” because of its succession of royal wives, mistresses, and queens who owned the chateau.

Thomas Bohier, Chamberlaine to King Charles VIII of France, purchased and tore down the original structure. Then, his wife, Katherine Briçonnet, oversaw the construction of an entirely new chateau. 

King Francis I of France seized the Chateau de Chenonceau from Brohier’s son for unpaid debts. After his death, Henri II gave Chenonceau to Diane de Poitiers, his mistress. (You’ll see interlinked D’s and H’s throughout the chateau.)

Diane expanded the estate’s agricultural production and built a bridge to link the chateau to the south bank of the River Cher. 

After Henri II’s death, his widow, Catherine de Medici, forced Diane to give up Chenonceau in exchange for Chaumont.  Catherine expanded the château by building a gallery on the bridge, added extensive gardens, and hosted lavish parties.

Catherine bequeathed the chateau to her daughter-in-law, Louise de Lorraine, wife of Henri III, who retreated there in mourning after the king’s assassination.

Louise’s niece, Francoise de Lorraine, then inherited Chateau Chenonceau.

Eventually, Claude Dupin, the tax collector, bought Chenonceau. His wife, Madame Louise Dupin, hosted intellectual salons and saved the chateau from destruction during the French Revolution. 

The Château de Chenonceau played an important role in both World Wars. In World War I, the gallery was used as a hospital ward. In World War II, the bridge served as a means of escape and communication from the Nazi-occipied zone to the free Vichy zone on the opposite bank. 

The Chateau de Chenonceau has a beautiful collection of artwork and Renaissance furniture. 

You can choose a self-guided tour of Chenonceau or book a guided tour of this special chateau.

Chateau de Blois

The Château de Blois is located in the city of Blois. The château has been the royal residence of several French kings (including King Louis XII and Francis I).

Chateau de Blois has witnessed many key historical events, intrigues of the French court, and the assassination of the Duke of Guise. 

The Chateau de Blos contains more than 560 rooms and 35,000 works of art. 

The château is famous for its four wings, each representing different architectural styles corresponding to different periods: Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical.

These wings are built around a central courtyard, providing a comprehensive overview of French architecture from the 13th to the 17th century.

The Renaissance wing, built under King Francis I, is adorned with fine sculptures and the iconic spiral staircase.

The Chateau’s terraces offer panoramic views of the city of Blois and the Loire River. 

Choose a private tour of Blois if you want to personalize a tour to your interests.

Day 2

Chateau de Villandry

The Chateau de Villandry dates back to 1536, making it one of the last large-scale castles built on the banks of the Loire River. 

The Chateau de Villandry is a stunning example of Renaissance symmetry and proportion. The rooms are decorated with period furniture, so you can see what life would have been like for French nobility during the Renaissance. 

However, the gardens are the most famous feature of Villandry. You absolutely must allow time to explore the beautiful gardens of Villandry!

The Ornamental Garden features the Love Garden and the Garden of the Crosses, as well as the Second Salon, designed to evoke music.

The Kitchen Garden is designed as a geometric, Renaissance-style garden, skillfully arranged by color. 

The Water Garden features an ornamental pond that reflects the sky and surrounding gardens.

The Herb Garden is a traditional garden of the Middle Ages. In this fragrant garden, you’ll find aromatic, culinary, and medicinal herbs.

The Maze is a labyrinth of hedges, perfect for a contemplative stroll. 

On the highest terrace, the Sun Garden overlooks the entire estate of Villandry.

You can visit the gardens after the chateau has closed, if you’re short on time. They are lovely in the evening light. 

Villandry is the perfect place to splurge on a private photography lesson with a prize-winning photographer, to learn how to capture the most incredible images of the chateau.

Château d’Ussé

Located at the edge of the Chinon forest, overlooking the Indre River, Château d’Ussé seamlessly blends Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, making it a charmingly picturesque chateau. 

With its turrets, dormers, and chimneys, the Château d’Ussé’s fairy-tale appearance has fueled its reputation as the inspiration for Charles Perrault’s “Sleeping Beauty” and has contributed to its nickname as the “Sleeping Beauty Castle.”

The Château d’Ussé dates back to the 11th century, with significant renovations and expansions occurring over the centuries.

The fortress was initially constructed as a stronghold to defend the region from attacks. Over the centuries, successive owners added Renaissance architectural elements, new wings, and ornate decorations. 

The terraced gardens descend to the edge of the Indre River. André Le Nôtre, who designed these gardens in the French formal style, was also the landscape architect for the gardens of Versailles.

Inside the castle, you’ll find some remarkable furniture, Flemish tapestries, and exhibits about the story of Sleeping Beauty. 

Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau

Built on an island in the Indre River, the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is known for its picturesque setting.

The Château d’Azay-le-Rideau features French Renaissance architecture, plus Italian influences. You’ll find elaborate sculptures, ornate windows, and a symmetrical layout.

The château’s reflection in the waters of the Indre River creates a stunning visual effect. Inside, beautifully furnished rooms, full of tapestries, furniture, and artworks, have been restored to reflect the Renaissance period.

Tranquil English-style gardens, redesigned in the 19th century, surround the chateau. 

Book your self-guided tour before you visit.

More Chateaux to visit in the Loire Valley

Looking for more chateaus to visit? 

You might need more than two days in the Loire Valley, but if you have time, add these Loire Valley chateaux to your list:

• Château de Cheverny—the inspiration for Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin comics
• Château de Loches—a former royal residence, this royal château has the best preserved medieval military architecture in France
• Clos Lucé—the home of Leonardo da Vinci during his final years
• Château d’Amboise—a formal royal castle with spectacular views of the Loire River and the city of Amboise
• Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire—the host of the International Garden Festival, this chateau is a must-see for anyone who loves gardens

One of my favorite things about driving through the Loire Valley is driving by small chateaux with signs announcing their opening hours.

Don’t hesitate to visit these smaller sites. Often they’re family owned and quite charming. Plus, they’ll have free parking and smaller entrance fees. 

Unique Things to do in the Loire Valley

There are so many interesting things to do in the Loire Valley besides just touring chateaux in the traditional way, or even besides touring chateaux at all.

Here are some of my favorite unique ways to see Loire Valley chateaux—plus Loire Valley activities that aren’t about visiting chateaus!

Hot Air Balloon Tour

The Loire Valley is the perfect place for a hot air balloon tour, and this three-hour tour will not disappoint! 

You’ll love the aerial view of famous chateaux, like Chenonceau or Villandry, and the landscapes of the Loire valley.

Upon your landing, you’ll toast to your amazing experience with a glass of sparkling wine or grape juice!

Hotel pickup and drop-off included, or meet at meeting point.

Loire Valley Vineyard Tour

The Loire Valley is famous for its wines, so if you enjoy wine, make time for a wine tasting.  

The morning Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis vineyards will give you insight into the different varietals produced in the Loire Valley.

You’ll visit Domaine Le Capitaine and Maison Laudacius. You’ll taste a variety of wines, paired with meats and cheeses.

This tour will teach you so much about Loire Valley wines!

Cycling & Wine Tour

Take a full day to explore the Loire Valley by bike, with stops at local vineyards, on this guided tour.

The Vineyard Cycle Tour in and around Chinon will take you to visit local winemakers—by bicycle! This tour is the perfect way to see the French countryside at a relaxed pace.

You’ll enjoy wine and charcuterie pairings, as well as a picnic lunch, in this small group experience!

Chateau, Wine & Cycling

If you want to combine a day of cycling with a visit to a chateau, the Chambord, Wine & Cycling Tour from Blois is for you!

The tour includes a bottle of wine to enjoy along the way or at your destination.

From Blois, you’ll ride along the Loire River to Saint-Dye-sur-Lyon, to Chateau de Chambord, then to Huisseau-sur-Cosson, before returning to Blois.

This tour does not include a guide, so you’ll travel at your own pace. The route is on greenways and cycle paths, and is well marked.

Cycling & Wine Tour in Saumur

Looking to go off the beaten path to explore the Loire Valley?

The Cycling and Wine in Saumur Tour is the one for you!

You’ll cycle alongside the Loire River with a tour guide. Stops include visits to a very old pilgrim church, vineyards, and a family-owned chateau.

You’ll also have the chance to visit a troglodyte cave village, carved out of the soft tuffeau limestone.

Love the idea of biking through the Loire Valley? Check out these 13 unforgettable cycling tours!

Picnic in the Vines

Looking for a romantic Loire Valley tour?

The Picnic in the Vines Tour will include a tour and wine tasting at the Chateau du Petit Thouars, followed by a private romantic picnic lunch overlooking the Loire Valley.

You’ll also get to visit troglodyte caves where the wines are aged, and you’ll learn about the French wine vinification practices.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers who want a behind-the-scenes look at a French winery!

Troglodyte Cave Village

Are you curious about the Troglodyte cave dwellings?

Take a tour of the Cave Museum, Village Troglodyte de Rochemenier. The troglodyte cave house village has 250 underground rooms that were inhabited between the 13th and early 20th centuries.

These dwellings are a really interesting part of French history, and it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.

Visit the towns of the Loire Valley

If you’re driving through the Loire Valley, allow some extra time to explore the picturesque villages of the Loire Valley.

You might want to do some shopping in boutiques or local markets, or you may just want to explore the town centre.

You’ll find plenty of cafes and shops in any of the little towns of the Loire Valley. Stop by the tourist office for advice on what to see next!

For example, you could take a walking tour in the royal city of Loches.

What to eat in the Loire Valley

You’re almost guaranteed to have an incredible gastronomic experience in the Loire Valley. (Take note that restaurants sometimes close on Sundays and Mondays, and at holidays.)

Loire Valley specialties include:

• Several distinct varieties of goat cheese, like Crottin, Selles-sur-Cher, and Pouligny-Saint-Pierre
• Sausages—usually made with pork, seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices
• Rillettes de Tours—pork terrine
• Poached eggs au Chinon—poached eggs with a rich red wine sauce
• Dried pears—often eaten after being rehydrated with Loire wine
• Chinon peaches—very sweet, with white or yellow flesh

What to drink in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley region is known for its wine production–and it should be since winemaking has been happening here since the fifth century!

The varietals grown here include Sauvignon blanc and Chenin blanc, as well as Muscatel, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc. You’ll find excellent red and white wine to choose from. (We are partial to Mont Louis.)

If you enjoy good wines, I highly recommend touring Loire Valley vineyards and wine cellars to learn more about the history and wine-making process!

Where to stay in the Loire Valley

You might decide to stay in one location for the whole time you’re in the Loire Valley. You can use that one spot as a base for exploring.

Or you might decide to stay in two different places, so that you don’t have to double back after a day of driving. This choice is best if you’re taking a roadtrip through France and want to keep moving. 

Here are some convenient, great places to stay when visiting the Loire Valley for two days:

Hotels In & Near Chinon

Hotel Rive Sud

Located in Chinon, the Hotel Rive Sud features comfortable rooms, a lovely garden areas, and an incredible breakfast.

Fontevraud L’Ermitage

Stay in Fontevraud L’Ermitage, in the Saint Lazare Priory of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud (nine miles from Chinon). This absolutely stunning hotel features a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant (reservations required).

Demeure de la Vignole

Step back in time when you stay at the 17th century Demeure de la Vignole. Some rooms are in caves carved from the rocks. You’ll enjoy the pool and the buffet breakfast.

Hotels In Tours

Les Trésorières

When you stay at Les Trésorières, you’ll enjoy amenities like room service, a bar, and a concierge, as well as a fitness center, an indoor pool, sauna, and hammer. This beautiful, spacious hotel will be a perfect home base for your Loire Valley adventures.

Castel Fleuri

Centrally located in Tours, the Castel Fleuri hotel is a comfortable hotel in a quiet district. The hotel offers a delicious breakfast. It’s perfect for couples or for families, as it offers some family rooms.

Résidence Hôtelière Central Parc Tours

Get comfortable in your own apartment at the Résidence Hôtelière Central Parc Tours. Your modern accommodations will include a kitchen/dining area and a seating area.

In Blois

Fleur de Loire

You’ll love the Fleur de Loire. Enjoy the garden, two pools, a sauna and hot tub, and fitness center. Some rooms have views of the river, and you’ll be a few minutes walk from the Chateau de Blois.

La Perluette

Located in a historic building, La Perluette is a bed-and-breakfast known for its charming hosts, exceptional breakfasts, and tasteful renovations.

Au 16 Place Saint Louis

Located in a renovated 18th-century townhouse, Au 16 Place Saint Louis overlooks the Saint Louis Cathedral. You’ll love the central location and the delicious homemade breakfast.

Getting around the Loire Valley

Guided two-Day Loire Valley Tours

If the idea of driving in France or navigating multiple forms of transportation to explore the Loire Valley just sounds like a hassle, here’s your best option: take a guided two-day tour of the Loire Valley.

This Private Loire Valley Castles trip includes transportation and entrance to Chambord, Amboise, Clos Luce, Chenonceau, Chaumont, and Blois.

You’ll be in an air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, so you won’t have to worry about driving, parking, or finding your way.

You’ll also get a tour of a vineyard and have the opportunity to taste local wines.

Transportation to/from Paris, one night’s accommodation, and one breakfast is included.

By car

Other than by a guided tour with a driver, the best, most convenient way to get around the Loire Valley is by car.

You can rent a car in Paris (or wherever you’re driving from), and drive to the Loire Valley.

Or you can take a train to Tours, then rent a car in Tours (at the train station or downtown). 

Having a car will give you flexibility to visit chateaux at your own pace, stop to explore charming small towns you pass on the way, and enjoy the French countryside.

With a car you’ll be able to design a Loire Valley road trip to see as many chateaux as possible. (I like using Google Maps for planning my route and getting directions to the next stop.)

By Train and Bus

If you’d like to visit the Loire Valley from Paris without driving, you can certainly do so by taking the train or a bus, an occasional taxi, and a short walk or two. 

• You can take a train to Blois or Chenonceau. 
• A train and a bus will get you to Chambord, Cheverny, or the Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau. 
• You’ll need to combine public transportation with a taxi ride to get to Villandry or Château d’Ussé. 

Rome to Rio is incredibly helpful for planning an itinerary using public transportation. 

Best time to visit the Loire Valley

Summer days are lovely in the Loire valley. There’s more light and you’re more likely to have nice weather. However, there will also be more people during the high season. 

Spring and autumn are beautiful seasons to visit. There are fewer visitors, but the weather is still nice. 

In the winter, you’ll have smaller crowds, but you might be pretty cold, especially outside or in the larger chateaux. On the other hand, you’ll see some interesting Christmas displays. 

There is no one best time to visit the Loire Valley. However, I would recommend visiting in the spring or fall to avoid the crowds, if possible.

If you only have time for a two-day Loire Valley itinerary, you don’t want to waste any time due to lots of tourists.

Also, tickets for many chateaus do sell out. Book your tickets in advance year round, and especially during peak season!

Final Thoughts on a Two-day Loire Valley Itinerary

When visiting the Loire Valley, be prepared to be impressed. This 2-day Loire Valley itinerary will help you decide which of the most popular castles would be the best places for you to visit.

No matter which Loire castles you choose to see, you’ll learn so much about French history, architecture, and formal gardens. 

The Loire Valley packs a lot into a short visit. With famous castles, extensive gardens, and vineyards, the Loire Valley showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of France.

It’s easy to visit the Loire Valley from Paris, whether you’re renting a car, buying train tickets, or taking a guided tour.

The Loire Valley is a great place to learn about French history, sample local produce and regional wines, and explore the French countryside. 

If you only have two days, you’ll just scratch the surface of what the Loire Valley has to offer.

However, after two days, you’ll learn that the Loire Valley is a place worth revisiting. There’s always more to see and experience, making future trips just as exciting as the first.

Consider this two-day Loire Valley itinerary your introduction to all this region of France has to offer!