Although I’ve visited Paris many times, I hadn’t taken many day trips from the city. This changed when I discovered the possibility of visiting the Loire Valley chateaux. The enchanting landscapes and majestic castles beckoned me to escape the summer crowds of Paris, so I eagerly signed up for a tour!

In this guide, I will share the details of my chosen Loire Valley day trip, the places we visited during our thirteen-hour tour, and some helpful tips to make the most out of your experience if you choose the same excursion.

Note: I paid in full for my Loire Valley day trip from Paris and remained anonymous as a blogger, ensuring an unbiased review.

My Loire Valley Tour from Paris

I spent considerable time comparing various Loire Valley day trips from Paris before finalizing my tour. I prioritized tours with excellent reviews, a convenient meeting point in Paris, and sufficient free time to explore the sites at my own pace.

Many Loire Valley tours share similar names; hence, I will link the exact tour I took:

Loire Valley Castles Day Trip With Wine Tasting (Get Your Guide)

Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Complementary Wine (Viator)

While most other tours lasted only nine hours, I appreciated the thirteen-hour duration of this one. This extra time allowed for a more leisurely exploration of each chateau, not to mention a complimentary wine tasting!

Loire Valley Tour Meeting Point

A huge advantage of this specific day trip was the convenient departure point in front of the Catacombs of Paris, just a short metro or bus ride from my hotel in the Latin Quarter, Hotel Korner Sorbonne.

The catacombs are located just outside Exit #1 of the Denfert-Rochereau metro station, accessible via Line 4 (near Montmartre and Le Marais) and Line 6 (near the Eiffel Tower). Additionally, there’s an RER B train station at the same location.

The meeting square is called Place Denfert-Rochereau, which is currently under construction. If you arrive, you may find it a bit tricky to locate the Catacombs entrance, but just circle the square until you spot it across from Hotel du Lion with its prominent white sign.

Breakfast Before the Tour

Wondering if I’d find breakfast before the tour started at 7:15 am, I went to a Paris supermarket the night before and bought some snacks: a bottled café latte, a liter of water, a protein bar, a banana, and mixed nuts.

It turned out I didn’t need these since a Paul bakery right across from the catacombs opens at 6:30 am. Arriving at 6:45 am, I enjoyed a fresh almond croissant and cappuccino on their terrace while waiting for the tour to commence. Those pre-purchased snacks ended up being quite handy for the evening bus ride back to Paris!

The Bus to the Loire Valley

It’s essential to realize you’ll be traveling a distance of around 200 kilometers to reach the Loire Valley and another 200 kilometers back to Paris.

Many travelers opted to nap on the bus, but I chose to listen to music while gazing out the window. Our guide shared most relevant information 15-20 minutes before each stop, allowing you to snooze a bit and wake up just in time to gather the necessary insights for each destination.

The bus equipped with USB charging ports kept our phones powered, but I would recommend bringing a portable charger as well. During the stops, the bus is locked, so you can leave bigger items like a travel pillow, water bottle, book, or jacket on board, freeing you to explore unencumbered.

To ease any anxiety, I dropped a pin on Google Maps each time I exited and set an alarm on my phone twenty minutes before the bus was scheduled to leave, ensuring that I didn’t lose track of time amidst those massive castles.

First Stop: Château de Chambord

After about two and a half hours of driving, we arrived at our first stop, the magnificent Château de Chambord. This castle, commissioned by King François I during the Renaissance, drew inspiration from Italian palaces, but its design didn’t quite accommodate the French climate, rendering it challenging to inhabit for much of the year. Rumor has it that the Château de Chambord inspired the castle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

We had around two hours of free time at Château de Chambord to wander the gardens and castle at our leisure. Visitors have the option to rent a “histopad,” a tablet providing audio and visual commentary. However, I prefer engaging directly with the surroundings rather than staring at screens, so I chose to explore without it, as did others in my group.

During my exploration, I reveled in navigating the castle’s 600+ rooms and discovered the rooftop, which boasts stunning views of both the gardens and the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss the room on the rooftop terrace dedicated to a later historical era—there’s quite an intriguing story waiting for you there!

The Château de Chambord is also nestled within the largest walled park in Europe, offering 16 acres of beautifully manicured French gardens and a wild forest teeming with deer, wild boars, and even wild sheep!

Chateau de Chambord Wine Tasting

On my way back to the bus, I noticed a building called Maison des Vins and decided to venture inside since I had twenty minutes before departure. This cozy spot turned out to be a delightful surprise!

For just €4, you receive a card loaded with credits for three wine tastings. Up the stairs to the glass mezzanine lined with automated wine dispensers, you can explore different wines on offer by scrolling through digital screens. When you find one you’d like to try, just tap your card, hold your glass under the dispenser, and enjoy a tasting-size serving.

After sampling all three, return your card, and you can take your glass home as a lovely souvenir! Mine now sits proudly in my kitchen cupboard alongside my Eiffel Tower souvenir cup. 😉

Bear in mind this tasting is separate from the guided wine tasting included later in the tour. It’s a fun, optional add-on if you have the time!

Second Stop: Blois

After exploring Château de Chambord, we hopped on the bus and journeyed for about twenty minutes to the charming medieval town of Blois, once home to French kings during the Renaissance, before they settled back in Paris at the Palace of Versailles.

In Blois, we were allotted two hours of free time to explore the quaint streets and enjoy lunch at our preferred restaurant. Our guide offered suggestions, but I had my own lunch plans in mind.

Among the main attractions in the historic center are the Royal Château of Blois, noted for hosting Joan of Arc and, it is said, comes with tales of Catherine de Medici’s cabinet of poisons. The other highlight is the Robert-Houdin House of Magic, a museum dedicated to Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin, the renowned French illusionist who inspired others in the field.

You can purchase a combined ticket to both sites for €22 if you’re keen—but be prepared to rush if you want to squeeze in lunch too! Alternatively, I was content to admire the grandeur from outside.

During my time in Blois, I made quick stops at St. Vincent de Paul Church and the Gardens of Aromas and Royal Flowers, both located conveniently close to our meeting point for the bus return.

Lunch in Blois

Although our guide provided various lunch options, as a vegetarian, I had scoped out a family-run restaurant called Le Castelet, which I was eager to try. With limited time, I opted for a main course—summer vegetable tarte tatin with burrata cheese—while I would have preferred a three-course meal given more time.

In case of unavailability at Le Castelet, I had several back-up options: a crêperie called Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude and a quaint coffee and sandwich shop named Les Freres Toastés.

Third Stop: Château de Chenonceau

Château de Chenonceau, known as “The Ladies Palace,” boasts a rich history of influential women who resided there from its Renaissance origins to its role as a hospital during World War II. This stunning castle spans the Cher River, built on the foundations of a former mill. According to our guide, the castle’s tower served as inspiration for Rapunzel’s tower in Disney’s Tangled.

Upon arrival in the late afternoon, the castle proved bustling with visitors. Though staff requested that groups enter together, I lagged a bit behind to use the facilities and was graciously allowed in solo to explore for about an hour before wandering through the enchanting gardens.

While the crowds made navigation a bit tricky, helpful pamphlets at the entrance outline a recommended route by numbered rooms. You will enter through the guard’s room, explore the royal quarters and servants’ areas, zig-zagging through stairs and narrow hallways—ideal for those with decent mobility.

Chateau de Chenonceau Gardens

For me, the gardens at Château de Chenonceau were the highlight of our visit. I counted at least six distinct garden areas, including vibrant vegetable and flower gardens. There was also a hedge maze, an orangery, and beautifully manicured gardens designed in the style favored by the palace’s former residents, like Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.

Wine Tasting at Château de Chenonceau

Included in our Loire Valley tour was a delightful wine tasting at Château de Chenonceau. We ventured into the castle’s sixteenth-century wine cellars to sample three wines hailing from the nearby AOC Touraine Chenonceaux region—a rosé, a white, and a red. The Loire Valley is famed for its Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc varietals, which we appreciated, guided by one of the cellar experts.

The tasting lasted around half an hour, and although others bought bottles to take home, I opted out as my luggage was already teetering on the weight limit!

Is a Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris Worth It?

In my opinion, a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris is absolutely worth it! If you’ve already taken in Paris’s highlights or have extra time in your itinerary, this trip offers a fantastic experience. Even if your time is limited and you have an interest in castles or Renaissance history, you’ll find this full-day tour to be enriching.

However, if it’s your first time in Paris and you have four days or less, I suggest prioritizing a closer château like Fontainebleau, which, in my experience, is a much more manageable excursion than Versailles with far fewer crowds.

FAQ

How long does the trip to the Loire Valley from Paris take?

The bus trip typically takes about two and a half hours each way, making it a full day excursion.

What chateaux can I visit on a day trip to the Loire Valley?

Common stops include the Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and the historic town of Blois.

Is lunch included in the day trip?

Lunch is usually on your own, giving you the opportunity to explore local restaurants at your leisure.

Are wine tastings included in the tour?

Most tours include at least one wine tasting, particularly at Château de Chenonceau or Chambord.