Why the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley region in France is chateau country. Set about 2 and a half hours drive outside Paris it was the perfect location for the French elite to get away from it all and relax. Of course when the chateau’s were being built it was horse and carriage time so it felt a lot further away.

I love the history of the place, and this includes all of the scandals that took place. The mistress would spend time in the chateau renovating and planting new gardens, then the wife would come along and put her own stamp on it as well. And rather than wiping clean what the mistress had done, they left it there and put theirs next to it to boast, which is great for us.

The gardens are spectacular and never fail to make me want to rush home and plant box hedges. I should really highlight the word want, as I haven’t actually planted any yet despite several trips to France over the last 20 years.

If you’re a fan of architecture then you will love this region. The French aristocracy hired the finest architects and artisan builders from all over Europe to create their masterpieces and some of the designs are mind blowing.

Which Chateau should I visit?

This is really a personal question and depends quite a lot on what interests you. The last time we went I just made a list of some chateau’s in different categories, although many of them can cross over quite easily, and away we went. Here’s some of our favourites. If you click on the title it will open a new window which will take you to the official website.

Chateau de Chenonceau

We love this chateau. I originally selected it because of the magnificent water setting but we quickly discovered that it is much more. The name Catherine de Medici is all over this one and she sounds like a formidable woman. Her name is linked with several chateau in the region. She played a large part in the design and layout of Chenonceau and the result is magnificent.

The gardens involve the rivalry that I mentioned earlier and could really be visited just to see them. The chateau itself is not huge as far as stately homes go which means that you can really get a good overall picture of how it all works together.

Chateau de Cheverny

This place brings back childhood memories for me. No, I didn’t grow up in this kind of opulence. It’s just that if you remove the 2 outer buildings from this chateau then you have the sea captains house from Tin Tin. And I loved reading the Tin Tin series, still do actually. So this chateau provided the inspiration for that series and last time we were there they had a large exhibition of Tin Tin memorabilia there.

This also home to the hounds, lots of hounds, and feeding time is an absolute riot. If you’re not into traditional hunting then you may want to steer clear of this one, but if you want to see the background of mounted hunting then this is worth a look.

Chateau de Chambord

This is the big one. Most guides will tell you that it must be on your list, and I agree, however, it is huge and you probably want to start early. Don’t be thinking that you can see one chateau in the morning and then catch this one after lunch, you’ll just run yourself ragged trying to get it all done. It is definitely worth seeing however, the architecture and intricate details are amazing.

Chateau d’Amboise

Amboise is a special place. Not huge by chateau standards but just right so that you can really get to grips with it. The setting on the hill overlooking the Loire River is perfect. But the part for me that I found most exciting was in the backyard. A lovely little outbuilding just a few steps away from the main building. You step inside and find yourself standing next to the tomb of Leonado Da Vinci. This totally blew me away, that man, who has had such an impact on humanity would be so accessible.

Chateau de Villandry

The gardens. It’s the gardens. Not too sure that I can even remember anything from the inside of the chateau. Luckily I bought a guidebook, as I always do, so I can go back and have a look. But the gardens are mindbogglingly beautiful. There are not enough adjectives to describe them with any kind of justice. Best you just have a look mfor yourself.

So that’s just 5 out of about 80 chateau in the region. These 5 will get you started and hopefully help you understand what it is you want to see. While you’re there you can research some of the other Chateau and make a plan to go on. Most of the chateau can be seen in 2 or 3 hours so you can get to a couple each day, except the big ones.

Where should I stay

My choice is the city of Tours. This puts you in a fairly central location to catch a lot of the chateau’s with it really like an endurance event. It’s also a good stepping point if you’re planning to move on towards Bordeaux. You will need a car to get around, although I’m sure there are probably some tours. A car gives you a lot more flexibility.

If you are heading back towards Paris then it would be a shame to miss out on Disneyland Paris. You can check out my hotel guide for that here.

Hotels in the Loire Valley

So here’s my choice of a few hotels in Tours that I would be happy to stay at. As always I have 3 main criteria that I try to get with each hotel. There has to be parking. We got caught once in Paris at a hotel which advertised free parking, but what they meant was parking on the street is free, if you can find it. So I spend a bit more time looking at the parking these days.

I like to have a breakfast included, but if that’s not possible then I look for a way that I can make breakfast before we head out, like kitchen facilities. Lastly is laundry. I like to travel light so I need to do some washing every few days, but I don’t want to have roam the city looking for a laundromat.

Any, have look at these and see if they work for you. The hotel title is a link to that hotel on Booking.com and will open in a new window.

Cheers and happy travels

Séjours & Affaires Tours Léonard De Vinci

1 place Francois Truffaut, 37000 Tours, France

Tours, ‘the town with 30 markets’, will entice you with its friendliness and culinary reputation, the richness of its architectural history, the abundance of cultural activities, and the many antique shops.

In the heart of the city, Séjours & Affaires Tours Léonard De Vinci is close to the central train station and the Vinci International Convention Center. You will find a warm and dynamic environment at the Leonardo da Vinci Residence, a friendly atmosphere in the new cafeteria. You will also be able to organize professional meetings with your colleagues there.

Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection

57 Rue Groison, 37100 Tours, France

Château Belmont Tours is a 4-star hotel is set in a 2.5-hectare park near Tours city center. It features a heated swimming pool, a steam room and sauna as well as a fitness room. Château de Villandry is a 20-minute drive away.

The air-conditioned guest rooms are modern in style, and are located in the renovated 17th-century castle or in the residence. A TV, mini-bar and free WiFi access are provided in each room.

Every morning a breakfast buffet is served at Hôtel Château Belmont. In the evenings, guests can sample traditional French cuisine or enjoy a drink at the bar.

The Château Belmont Tours 4-star hotel is located in the heart of a green 2.5 hectare park with listed trees and an ornamental pond. The park is shared with a high-end residence for independent seniors.

Bicycle rental is also available on site. The hotel is 3.6 mi from the TGV train station of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps.

Aparthotel Adagio Access Tours

41 Rue Edouard Vaillant, 37000 Tours, France

The residence Aparthotel Adagio Access Tours is in the business center of Tours, between the TGV station and Palais des Congrès.

The residence offers 99 spacious apartments, modern and fully equipped and can accommodate up to 4 guests. Each apartment provides you with a comfortable and practical living space.

Just a few minutes by foot from shops and the city center, this location is ideal for your business trips and your family visit to the Loire Valley.

Oceania L’Univers Tours

5, boulevard Heurteloup, 37000 Tours, France

Located in Tours, 300 m from Vinci International Congress Center, Oceania L’Univers Tours features accommodations with a bar, private parking, a spa and wellness center and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a bistro-style restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has family rooms.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast.

At Oceania L’Univers Tours guests are welcome to take advantage of a Turkish bath and a hot tub.

A business center and vending machines with drinks and snacks are available on site at the accommodations.

Popular points of interest near Oceania L’Univers Tours include Basilica of Saint Martin, Hotel Goüin Museum and Les Halles de Tours Market. The nearest airport is Tours Val de Loire Airport, 3.1 mi from the hotel.

Best Western Central Hotel

21 Rue Berthelot, 37000 Tours, France

Located in the heart of historic Tours, near Place Plumereau, Tours Cathedral and the convention center, the charming Best Western Central Hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi access.

Enjoy relaxing in the Best Western Central Hotel’s pretty garden with its pleasant terrace.

The friendly and attentive staff at the Best Western Central Hotel will be happy to help you organize your stay in Tours 24 hours a day.

Accessible from highway A10 and only 202 m from Tours train station, the Best Western makes the perfect base for exploring the Indre-et-Loire region.