We will arrive in Paris on a Sunday, and drive straight to Chartres. I don't think we'll have the energy to tour the Cathedral on Sunday, so I've planned that for Monday morning.

After Chartres, drive to Amboise, where we will spend Monday and Tuesday night. Leave Tuesday for La Rochelle.

I don't know how much we can fit into our few days. Please help.

Here's my first stab at an itinerary.

Monday afternoon after leaving Chartres, drive to Chenonceaux and tour chateau. Then check in at hotel in Amboise and have dinner.

Tuesday- Tour Chambord and Cheverny, and visit Blois and Amboise. Dinner at hotel.

Wednesday- Tour Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry. Visit Chinon. Then drive to La Rochelle.

Thoughts? annieladd

Yes, I think you have too much ambition per day..
I think you need 1.5-2 hours minimum at each chateau plus the driving time in between. Amboise has the chateau and the Clos de Luce - you should see both.

Hi Annieladd,

I agree with Travelnut - seems like too much moving and not enough time to enjoy. Maybe only two chateaus each day?

Chartres and Chenonceaux in one day seems good. Especially if you have a relaxing Sunday evening and start at Chartres Cathedral in the AM.

We had toured three (not on the same day!) before seeing Chambord. For some reason, it left us "cold" - stark interiors. In contrast, Chenonceaux has such a spectacular setting. Maybe Chambord is one to skip?

Also agree that Amboise deserves time - it's a lovely town. You will want to walk along its streets and the river quays. We tood a picnic lunch for our visit to Blois and stopped at riverside to eat.

Finally, keep Villandry on your list. Its gardens are very special and we spent more than half a day wandering through them taking photos.

Have fun on your trip!

Hi Annie,

I did almost your same trip a few years ago, driving solo. I stayed in Chateau de Chissay, right next to Chenonceau. I found that 2 chateux a day were all I could manage - and I'm an ambitious sightseer.

Amboise is a wonderful little town, be sure to go up and see Leonardo da Vinci's house and visit his tomb at the Amboise chateau.

I enjoyed all the places you are planning, except I didn't make it to Chinon. Chambord is awesome just for it's size, inside is stripped. The best part is the roof with all the chimneys so spend your time there.

bon voyage

Chambord doesn't have much furnishings. The main 'attractions' are the double-spiral staircase and all those 'chimneys' - makes an impressive photo. Otherwise it is quite austere but on very extensive grounds.

Cheverny is more like a manor house, and is very nicely and fully furnished with period pieces, as if someone is living there. You can see all the hunting hounds in their kennel, and the grounds are nice and park-like.

Chenonceau is absolutely the one to see, whatever you decide about the above two. Haven't seen Blois as yet.

Azay-le-Rideau is lovely, with the swans in the 'moat' and it is also furnished. Haven't seen Villandry as yet.

Spent 2 nights in Amboise and 2 nights in Chinon. Chinon is very charming (be advised it's pretty well shut-down by Sunday afternoon). The promenade along the river is nice (w/brocante marche on Sunday morning) and the chateau ruins are on the bluff overlooking the town. Lots of medieval buildings and small streets to meander through. We ate dinner at La Maison Rouge, 38 rue Voltaire tel 0247984365.

I think Chambord is a must see...one of the most impressive entrances thru the forrest driving down a single road viewing the castle at end of road. It is true not much furniture but impressive still to see...and also twice while visiting (with newbies) I have seen the excellent Equestrian Show at Chambord. Excellent! Beautifully trained horses, and riders in medieval costumes in small ring in front of just a few spectators seated under tents. Quite a pageant and worth the time and money,

I agree that two chateaux a day is enough. Chambord was never furnished according to the tour guide we heard quite a few years ago. It was meant to be a royal hunting castle (in spite of its enormous size), and the furniture came with the hunting party and left with it. It overall aspect is very impressive, but so is the double spiral staircase.

If you are only going to be in the Loire Valley once in your life, try to do as much as possible. You can always rest when you get home.

You can easily visit Chambord, Cheverny, and Amboise in one day. I agree with some of the other posters that Clos de Luce is definitely worth the visit. I would suggest going there and skipping Blois.

If possible, start your morning at Chateau Amboise; be there as soon as it opens. It is self-guided but does close mid-day. Clos de Luce is open all-day; it is also self-guided.

After leaving Clos de Luce, drive to Cheverny. It is one of my favorite chateaus. There is a picnic area on the grounds of the chateau. On the way to Cheverny, you should pass many supermarche (we really like Champion). You can pop in and buy food for lunch (including a nice bottle of wine) and then picnic at Cheverny. The chateau is gorgeous! The family still lives there, so most of the rooms have been modernized. The ground floor is still fairly orignal, the first floor is more modern, and the third floor is private. I really enjoy looking at the family photos on display. The hounds are fed in the afternoon but you can view them anytime. Parking is free and very near the chateau.

After visiting Chevrny, the route to Chambord is sign-posted; just follow the signs to Chambord. As others have said, the interior is not that great. We usually just park (near the hotel St. Michel; we have stayed there three times and recommend it), buy ice cream in the small village, and wander around. Parking is free, the grounds are free; only the interior of the chateau and the toilets cost.

After the crowds clear out, Chambord's grounds are very relaxing and peaceful. If there is a sound and light show, you may want to stay for it. We travel in the off-season and have not had the opportunity to experience this.

You can then take the motorway (tollway) back to Amboise. It costs a few euros but will only take half an hour or so.

Have a great trip!

Villandry if you like formal gardens; Cheonceau is an easy drive from Amboise (the town can easily be done in less than a day; more time if you do the chateau).

If you have the time, inclination, and money, a truly unique view of Chenonceau is from one of the hot air balloons, especially in the early AM
www.franceballoons.com
We did it last July and it was worth every penny.

I agree that you'd be better off limiting yourselves to just two chateaux per day, for a more leisurely and enjoyable trip.
I don't think you can go wrong regardless of which chateaux you choose because they are all special. For example, while it's true that Chambord is empty inside, I was very impressed with its isolated setting and its architecture, and would not have wanted to miss it.

Forgot to comment on Azay le Rideau, Villandry, and Chinon. You will have time to do all three easily in one day. You have picked three very different types of chateaus.

Azay le Rideau is very elegant, historical, and gorgeous! It is one of my favorites also. The interior is quite historically significant and fascinating. The exterior is just exquisite. The town is very small. Parking (free) is available in the city center. If you get there when the chateau first opens, you will have no problems parking in the lot. We actually spent the night in the town two different times. The small hotel in the pedestrian area (it is a Logis de France member) is wonderful and inexpensive. The Best Western on the outskirts of town is more expensive but more sophisticated.

Villandry's gardens are amazing. If you want to skip the interior and focus on the gardens, you will not miss too much. The interior has been modernized, yet it is still fun to see how the wealthy live; also, you get a great view of the gardens from the tower within the house. There is a great picnic area near the chateau (the information center is also located there). Just outside of the entrance to Villandry is the most wonderful ice cream stand. They have exotic flavors such as violette (made from the flower).

Chateau Chinon does close for mid-day break. It is such a contrast to Azay le Rideau and Villandry. You will really appreciate its stark beauty and history.

You can also drive past a few chateaus on your way. Chateau Usse is worth the brief detour just to see the outside. Be sure to park in the huge free lot, walk across the bridge, and take photos.