One day exploring Loire Valley Castles #France

One day exploring Loire Valley Castles #France

How to spent One day in Loire Vally, France?

We recently concluded our trip covering all corners of France for 11 straight days. While #Paris is an extravaganza, but if like us, if you are in love with the quaint and green villages, charming roadside bakeries, adoring the French villas and Mansions, then you need to explore much beyond Paris. While our journey will be documented soon on our Travel blog, this post is about the tranquil and mystical Loire Valley, the valley of grapevines, wine tasting, and castles aka Château.

If you are visiting Paris, you must take out atleast one day to explore the beauty of Loire Valley, a valley close to Paris, very near the city of Tours is famous for its Royal and Historical Castles (Château) , Vineyards and Wines #Wine #winetasting #Château #Paris #LoireVally #Tours #France #Europe #Chambord

The Valley of Castles – Loire Valley

Could you imagine how many castles, aka Château are there in and around Loire Valley? Well, that’s the region of Château’s and there are as many as 300 Castles, most of which were built during the 15th-18th century. And that’s how you get to experience the royalty as soon as you step in these castles, straight out of fairy tales. When it boasts of these numbers, I’m sure every traveller is bound to be confused about which ones to explore, more so with just a day in hand for Loire Valley.

Paris to Loire Valley:

Around 2 hours of beautiful drive from Paris, I must admit that one day is sheer injustice to this paradise. It calls for witnessing beautiful Vineyards, opt for some Wine tasting sessions and not to be missed “castles”. Dedicate at least a day to Loire Valley and explore these castles, if you’re in Paris. The city nearest to Loire Valley is Tours, which is perfect for any type of accommodation. We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb apartment, right on top of the terrace, with vineyards all across. One can simply drive from Tours to any of the nearby Château.

The best time to reach Loire Valley, aka the Château is by 9-9:30 am. Here, I’m sharing top Château of Loire Valley, Tours, which should be there on your list. Of the three recommended castles, the first two will take around 6 hours in totality. 

Mid-post reminder: Most of the Chateau’s get closed between -7pm (individual closing times mentioned below), so, plan your day accordingly.

Best Castles to visit while in Loire valley within a day :

1. Château de Chambord :

If you are visiting Paris, you must take out atleast one day to explore the beauty of Loire Valley, a valley close to Paris, very near the city of Tours is famous for its Royal and Historical Castles (Château) , Vineyards and Wines #Wine #winetasting #Château #Paris #LoireVally #Tours #France #Europe #Chambord

As soon as you enter the woody roads leading to the parking for the Castle, you get a glance of the Château peeping amidst the tree trails. What a picture-perfect capture it can be! Château de Chambord is the largest Castle of the Loire Valley and undoubtedly the most beautiful and scenic. Built-in the 15th century by François I, this architecture is a charming provincial ensemble of French Renaissance structure.

This September (2019), it celebrated its 500th Anniversary. This vast castle has in totality 440 rooms, out of which around 60 rooms are open for visitors to view the art and exhibitions. The center of attraction of Chambord is its Double helix staircase, which spirals to the three floors. This is a spectacular architecture to behold. The castle’s surroundings are done with the stunning gardens and instagrammable landscapes. 

When we reached Chambord, it started raining (showers though). With sunlight peeping from the trees, we spotted a beautiful rainbow across the chateau’s tower and its French gardens.  

Points to note :

  • You will need a minimum of 2-3 hours to explore the interiors as well as the surrounding French Gardens
  • It houses quite a few eateries, so you can have some time to buy your bread and relax surrounded by the stunning landscapes
  • Till Autumn (April – October), it opens from 9 am – 6 pm 
  • During winters, Chateau de Chambord closes by 5 pm. Do check out the holidays and more entry details at their official site 
  • The Entry Fee is 14,50 Euros for an individual, while it is free for children under 18years. 

Let the pictures do some justice now!

If you are visiting Paris, you must take out atleast one day to explore the beauty of Loire Valley, a valley close to Paris, very near the city of Tours is famous for its Royal and Historical Castles (Château) , Vineyards and Wines #Wine #winetasting #Château #Paris #LoireVally #Tours #France #Europe #Chambord

 

If you are visiting Paris, you must take out atleast one day to explore the beauty of Loire Valley, a valley close to Paris, very near the city of Tours is famous for its Royal and Historical Castles (Château) , Vineyards and Wines #Wine #winetasting #Château #Paris #LoireVally #Tours #France #Europe #Chambord

If you are visiting Paris, you must take out atleast one day to explore the beauty of Loire Valley, a valley close to Paris, very near the city of Tours is famous for its Royal and Historical Castles (Château) , Vineyards and Wines #Wine #winetasting #Château #Paris #LoireVally #Tours #France #Europe #Chambord

2. Château de Chenonceau :

This famous French Château over River Cher built during the 15th century, along with its exquisite gardens, will take your breath away. Quite rich in history, this Château has passed through the hands of Royal legacies until the 19th century. Right from the Royal Rooms and Furniture of Royal families to an exquisite collection of Paintings and Tapestries, Château de Chenonceau, comes out straight from the mystical storybooks.

Its main 2 Gardens, Garden of Diane De Poitiers(flower and vegetable gardens) and Garden of Catherine de Medicis are an absolute refreshing treat to eyes and soul. Both the gardens are truly extensive and you can spend some calm and serene time exploring them. 

  • It opens from 9 am – 5 pm or 6 pm according to the seasons. 
  • During winters, Chateau de Chambord closes by 5 pm. Do check out the holidays and more entry details at their official site 
  • The Entry Fee is 14,50 Euros for an individual without an audio guide, while it is free for children under 7years. 

Here is the exclusive view for the readers:

If you are visiting Paris, you must take out atleast one day to explore the beauty of Loire Valley, a valley close to Paris, very near the city of Tours is famous for its Royal and Historical Castles (Château) , Vineyards and Wines #Wine #winetasting #Château #Paris #LoireVally #Tours #France #Europe #Chambord

If you are visiting Paris, you must take out atleast one day to explore the beauty of Loire Valley, a valley close to Paris, very near the city of Tours is famous for its Royal and Historical Castles (Château) , Vineyards and Wines #Wine #winetasting #Château #Paris #LoireVally #Tours #France #Europe #Chambord

If you are visiting Paris, you must take out atleast one day to explore the beauty of Loire Valley, a valley close to Paris, very near the city of Tours is famous for its Royal and Historical Castles (Château) , Vineyards and Wines #Wine #winetasting #Château #Paris #LoireVally #Tours #France #Europe #Chambord

Well, once you’re done with both these castles, you’ll be left with less time and energy to cover anything more. All you can do now is simply get some stunning clicks with Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire. 

3. Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire :

This comparatively smaller yet magnificent castle stands on River Loire. With the Chapel, stable, this museum also hosts the Garden festival during the Summer and Fall season. With just a day in hand, you should get some pictures clicked with this castle, which is beautified with the Loire river and dense tall trees surrounding it.

If you are visiting Paris, you must take out atleast one day to explore the beauty of Loire Valley, a valley close to Paris, very near the city of Tours is famous for its Royal and Historical Castles (Château) , Vineyards and Wines #Wine #winetasting #Château #Paris #LoireVally #Tours #France #Chaumont #Europe

These are the three Château’s we covered during our recent trip, as we too had just a day in hand to explore. You can even skip the last Castle and opt for some Wine tasting at Château de Minière, which is in the heart of Loire Valley or more such Wineries and Vineyards.

Notes:

  • We traveled as a family with a 5-year-old kid and there was no stopping for us.
  • Since the areas are quite open with ample greens around, you tend to feel cold, so do take woolen wear for kids and yourself
  • Treat yourself at the eateries available at the Castle ( they might be somewhat expensive though)
  • Photography without flash is allowed inside the Chateau’s, so do keep that in mind

If you believe in Magical Fairytales, don’t give them a miss!

Keep following us for updates on our France trip at our Instagram handles,

Hellomommyinme

Enthralling_Ventures

Much Love,

Jhilmil

Jhilmil

Quest to live the life surrounded with the charming little bundle's of joy. When they speak, I sing, When they smile, I rejoice , When they hug, I hold them never to lose, Such is my passion for these Gifts of God.This love urged me to navigate separately from my Travel Blog & establish an "All-In-One" Blog for budding mothers. Mum's have multi-tasked this world ,with all her professional commitments , she still makes an extra effort to be a loving, caring and be an intellectual mommy! Cheers, for me too come from the same fraternity, post having a superb academics & close to 8 years of professional experience and blessed with a little one "who has indeed changed my life from Autumn to Spring";)

This Post Has 11 Comments

  1. Ghazala Naseem

    Wow , would love to visit those castles , one can feel the Royal when there ? Heritage and history ?

  2. Asfa

    I’m mesmerized by the castle, they are looking straight out of fairy tale. Thank you for giving us a virtual tour

  3. Varsha Nitin

    This post is so beautiful took me back to Disney stories and castles. I’ve been a fan of castles since childhood 🙂 This was like a visual tour for me and loved the post a lot. Saved it if we plan France in the future.

  4. Jhilmil D Saha

    The places you have mentioned here are so fascinating and yes althiygh I have been to Paris, the nearby places still are on my to visit list.

  5. Khushboo

    Paris is a wonderful place to visit. This place looks amazing. I would love to visit here sometime

  6. Ishieta

    What lovely chateus…i hadn’t heard of them, but definitely worth a visit.
    Especially for those fairytale photos 🙂

  7. Dr Bushra

    This looks dreamy and magical place. Castle beauty take me back to my childhood

  8. Manisha Garg

    Feels like the castle from my mind took shape. Such a beautiful place would want to explore this once atleast in my lifetime.

  9. Mrinal Kiran

    Wow… I didn’t know Chateau means castle… This is so beautiful… So many castles… Such amazing places… I would love to visit too! Wow! ?❤️❤️❤️

  10. Amrit Kaur

    The castles around the world are so beautiful, specially in France. I am surely visiting the place next year as your post makes me visit soon and experience the beauty.

  11. Sajid Akhter

    Wow, these are some lovely pictures. It will be fun to be there and enjoy the old world charm of the place.

    Thanks for sharing it, have a good day.

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