Dreaming of visiting the Loire Valley châteaux in 3 days but not sure where to start? From our holiday home in Cour-Cheverny, perfectly placed at the centre of château country, here is the itinerary we recommend to our guests to see the essentials without spending your days on the road.
The beauty of a central base is that you can branch out: you unpack once, and every château is a 10- to 45-minute drive away. Three days are enough to discover the highlights, as long as you group your visits by area. Here’s how we do it.
Day 1 — Cheverny and Chambord
Start close by. The Château de Cheverny is about a ten-minute walk or cycle from the house. Still lived in by the same family, beautifully furnished and framed by manicured gardens, it inspired Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin books. Allow half a day for the pack of hounds and the grounds.
In the afternoon, head to Chambord (20 minutes). The largest of the Loire châteaux impresses from the moment you arrive; don’t miss the famous double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, then climb to the rooftop terraces for the view over the estate. The vast park can also be explored by bike or rowing boat.
Day 2 — Blois and Chaumont-sur-Loire
Head west. The Royal Château of Blois (20 minutes) brings together four architectural styles around a single courtyard: a real open-air lesson in French history. The old town around it is worth a wander, and the sound-and-light show brings summer evenings to life.
Continue to Chaumont-sur-Loire (30 minutes), dramatically set above the river. From April to November, its International Garden Festival is worth the trip on its own: dozens of contemporary gardens created each year on a different theme.
Day 3 — Amboise, Clos Lucé (or Beauval with children)
For the last day, push on to Amboise (45 minutes): the royal château overlooks the Loire and holds the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. A few steps away, Clos Lucé was his final home; you can admire models of his machines and superb gardens. If time allows, the château of Chenonceau, elegantly set over the River Cher, rounds off the day perfectly.
Travelling with children? Swap this third day for Beauval Zoo (30 minutes), regularly ranked among the finest zoos in the world — giant pandas, white lions and a bird show that delights young and old.
Our practical tips
- Book your tickets online and arrive at opening time: the big sites (Chambord, Beauval) fill up fast by midday, especially in July and August.
- Group your visits by area rather than zigzagging: that’s the whole point of a central base.
- Give cycling a go: the region is crossed by the Loire à Vélo cycle route, and several châteaux can be reached by bike from Cour-Cheverny.
- Plan a vineyard stop: the wines of the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny appellations can be tasted at nearby estates.
Want to keep exploring? See also our pick of things to do near Cheverny and our advice on where to stay near Chambord.
Where to stay to explore the region?
Le Clos Amarante is a large 4-star character holiday home for 8 to 10 guests, in the heart of Cour-Cheverny — right at the centre of château country.
