3 quai de la loire tours

Art Hotel Tours

rate per night

Photos of Art Hotel Tours

About Art Hotel Tours

• Hotel Room You’ll have a private room with all the hotel’s amenities
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi and Parking for free

Latest deals for Art Hotel Tours

Amenities at art hotel tours.

• Spa and wellness center
• Room service
• Tea/coffee maker
• Coffee machine
• Free parking
• Business center
• Wi-Fi available in all areas
• Fire extinguisher
• Free toiletries
• Smoke alarms
• Air-conditioned
• Towels/sheets (extra fee)

Services and conveniences

• Conference rooms
• Wake-up service
• Concierge service
• Safety deposit box
• Hammam (Turkish bath)
• Meeting/Banquet facilities
• Express check-out
• Bottle of water
• Private check-in/check-out
• 24hr front desk

Accessibility and suitability

• Entire unit located on ground floor
• Entire unit wheelchair accessible
• Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
• Increased accessibility
• Roll-in shower
• Shower chair
• Accessible by elevator
• Upper floors accessible by elevator
• Electric kettle
• Breakfast in the room
• Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
• Toilet paper
• Private bathroom
• Family rooms
• Seating area
• Soundproof rooms
• Storage available

Pool and spa

Parking and transportation

• EV charging station
• Airport shuttle
• Private parking

Media and entertainment

• Flat-screen TV
• Cable or satellite TV
• Terrace/Patio
• Fax/photocopying
• Laptop safe

Things to do

• Bicycle rental

Family friendly

• Babysitting or child care
• Cribs available
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Laundry facilities
• Laundry service
• Socket near the bed

Health and safety

• Daily housekeeping

Reviews of Art Hotel Tours

• We reserved a room in this hotel because of it hosts a Tesla Supercharger. in 4 reviews
• Comfortable room in the annexe with large well equipped en suite bathroom. in 8 reviews
• location was excellent for the motorway in 6 reviews
• Cost of very poor breakfast in 6 reviews
• Room décor was rather art deco. in 8 reviews

Show reviews that mention

The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information. See more

They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.

What are the unique amenities offered at Art Hotel Tours?

Art Hotel Tours offers unique amenities such as daily housekeeping, a hammam (Turkish bath), a Tesla car charging park, and a kid-friendly buffet.

How is the food quality at Art Hotel Tours?

Guests have mentioned that the breakfast was not fresh and the food was frozen and microwaved. However, the hotel offers a nice cold buffet for breakfast and has a bar/lounge on site.

What practical information should I know about staying at Art Hotel Tours?

It's important to note that the hotel does not have a restaurant for evening meals, and the staff leaves at 9 pm. Additionally, the hotel provides free parking and has Tesla superchargers available.

How is the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms at Art Hotel Tours?

Some guests have mentioned issues with cleanliness, such as a slight damp and musty smell in the room and a broken toilet seat lid. However, others have praised the modern and comfortable room design, as well as the helpful staff.

When is the best time to visit Art Hotel Tours?

The high season at Art Hotel Tours is in September, and it's worth noting that the hotel was about to close during a particular winter visit. Additionally, the hotel is located close to central Tours and provides easy access to autoroutes for visiting the chateaux of the Loire.

Opt for a Room in the Main Building

Some guests found the rooms in the main building more comfortable and practical compared to those in the annex, which had issues such as a damp smell and lack of natural light.

Consider Bringing Your Own Food

Several guests mentioned the absence of a restaurant on-site and limited dining options nearby, so bringing your own food or being prepared to travel for meals may be helpful.

Check Room Location

If you prefer a quiet room, consider requesting one with fewer neighbors or located in a single-story building to ensure a peaceful stay.

Be Mindful of Check-in Time

Check-in time is at 4 PM, so if you're arriving early, be prepared to wait or inquire about early check-in options to avoid any inconvenience.

Verify Room Amenities

Some guests experienced issues with amenities such as the TV remote and bathroom door, so it may be helpful to verify the functionality of these items upon check-in.

Plan for Breakfast

Several guests mentioned issues with the breakfast, including freshness and availability. Consider confirming the breakfast options and pricing in advance to manage expectations.

Explore Nearby Dining Options

As the hotel lacks an on-site restaurant and limited dining options are available nearby, researching and planning for dining options in advance can enhance the overall experience.

Consider Transportation

While the hotel offers free parking and Tesla charging stations, it's advisable to plan for transportation, especially if you intend to explore nearby attractions or dine outside the hotel.

Be Mindful of Seasonal Closures

Some guests encountered limited services due to seasonal closures, so it's advisable to check for any potential closures or reduced amenities during your planned visit.

Communicate Preferences

If you have specific needs or preferences, such as a room with a view or specific accessibility requirements, consider communicating these to the hotel in advance to ensure a comfortable stay.

What's nearby

• Chateau Gaudrelle 0.3 mi

Essential information about Art Hotel Tours

When to book a room at art hotel tours, top tips for your stay at art hotel tours.

• If you’re after a cheap room at Art Hotel Tours, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in August and May.
• Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Art Hotel Tours, plan to stay on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The most expensive day is usually Saturday.
• The cheapest price a room at Art Hotel Tours was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $154, while the most expensive was $154.
• How long should you stay at Art Hotel Tours? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 1 day.

FAQs when booking at Art Hotel Tours

Where is art hotel tours located.

Art Hotel Tours is located at 19 Quai de la Loire, 0.8 miles from the center of Rochecorbon. Chateau Gaudrelle is the closest landmark to Art Hotel Tours.

When is check-in time and check-out time at Art Hotel Tours?

Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 PM at Art Hotel Tours.

Does Art Hotel Tours offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Art Hotel Tours offers free Wi-Fi.

Does Art Hotel Tours offer free parking?

Yes, Art Hotel Tours offers free parking.

How far is Art Hotel Tours from the airport?

Art Hotel Tours is 1.9 miles from Tours St Symphorien. Art Hotel Tours is 45.1 miles from Le Mans Arnage.

How does KAYAK find such great Art Hotel Tours hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Art Hotel Tours in Rochecorbon and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Art Hotel Tours and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Art Hotel Tours.

Nearby hotels and places to stay

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Toutes différentes, 28 chambres décorées de mobiliers inspirés des designers d’aujourd’hui… Classicisme et design se confondent parfaitement au luxe et à la légèreté du lieu. Que vous séjourniez en famille, en couple ou seul, nous avons la chambre parfaite pour chaque type séjour…

Chambre Confort Pavillon

Envie d'un séjour unique à un prix tout doux ? De 15 à 25m² les chambres Confort Pavillon sont situées en annexe du château et bénéficient du même confort que les autres. Parfaite pour les séjours d'affaires !

• 1 personne + 1 enfant dans 2 chambres de cette catégorie
• 1 lit Queen size (possibilité de deux lits séparés sur demande)
• Chambre climatisée
• Plateau d'accueil avec Nespresso
• Wifi gratuit
• TV à écran plat
• Chaînes de télévision françaises et étrangères
• Salle de bain avec douche
• Sèche-cheveux
• Chambre non fumeur
• 1 chambre équipée pour personnes à mobilité réduite

Chambre Confort Château

À la fois design et raffinées, les chambres Confort Château d’une superficie moyenne d’environ 20 m² se situent dans le château. Les hôtes de ces chambres ne manquent pas de profiter des vues imprenables sur la Loire ou sur les coteaux, dès qu’ils franchissent le seuil de la porte.

• 2 personnes
• 1 lit Queen size (Possibilité de deux lits séparés sur demande) Chambre climatisée.

Chambre Supérieure Château

Chacune des chambres Supérieures d’une superficie de 25 à 37 m² qui offrent de grands espaces propices au travail et à la détente. Elles sont agencées avec soin et disposent d’un bureau, d’un coin salon et d’une vaste salle de bain. La décoration y est unique.

• 2 personnes +1 enfant

Chambre Junior Suite

Des chambres d’exception d’une superficie de 35 à 45 m² offrent sa propre ambiance, avec le lit classique à Baldaquin revisité ou le lit rond, et pour certaines un somptueux miroir est suspendu au plafond.

• 1 lit Queen size

Meilleur Tarif Garanti

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Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix

9 Rue du Nouveau Calvaire, 37100 Tours, Frankreich – Ausgezeichnete Lage - Karte anzeigen

Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix Jetzt buchen

Sichern Sie sich einen tollen Preis für die Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix – von Gästen kürzlich mit 8 bewertet.

Geben Sie Reisedaten an , um loszulegen.

Ausstattung

Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis

Ausgezeichnete Lage!

• Ganze Ferienwohnung
• WLAN inklusive
• Eigenes Badezimmer
• 24-Stunden-Rezeption
• Zugang mit Schlüsselkarte

Sie können einen Genius-Rabatt auf die Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix erhalten! Melden Sie sich an , um bei dieser Unterkunft zu sparen.

Gelegen 1,7 km von Bahnhof Tours, 1,5 km von Museum Hôtel Goüin und 1,9 km von Basilika Saint-Martin de Tours, bietet die Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix Übernachtungsmöglichkeiten in Tours. Die Unterkunft ist 1,6 km von Kongresszentrum Centre International de Congrès Vinci entfernt und verfügt über kostenloses WLAN in der ganzen Unterkunft. Diese Ferienwohnung hat 1 Schlafzimmer, einen Flachbild-TV mit Satellitenkanälen, eine gut ausgestattete Küche mit einem Kühlschrank und einem Ofen sowie 1 Badezimmer mit einer Dusche. In dieser Ferienwohnung werden Handtücher und Bettwäsche angeboten. Die Mitarbeiter an der Rezeption, die Englisch und Französisch sprechen, helfen Gästen rund um die Uhr gerne weiter. Bahnhof Saint-Pierre-des-Corps liegt 4,3 km von der Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix entfernt, während Schloss Plessis-lès-Tours 4,8 km von der Unterkunft entfernt ist. Der nächstgelegene Flughafen ist der Flughafen Tours Val de Loire, 4 km von der Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix entfernt.

Die Entfernung in der Unterkunftsbeschreibung wurde mit © OpenStreetMap berechnet

Highlights der Unterkunft

Tolle Lage: von Gästen aktuell mit sehr gut bewertet (9,5)

Verfügbarkeit

Wählen Sie Daten aus, um die Verfügbarkeiten und die Preise dieser Unterkunft zu sehen

Maßnahmen der Unterkunft

Kategorien:, erfahren sie, was gästen am besten gefallen hat:.

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Ausstattung von: Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix Tolle Ausstattung! 8 Punkte

• Kaffeemaschine
• Reinigungsmittel
• Küchenutensilien
• Wasserkocher
• Kühlschrank
• Toilettenpapier
• Badewanne oder Dusche
• Haartrockner
• Sitzbereich
• Schreibtisch
• Flachbild-TV
• Satellitenempfang
• Steckdose in Bettnähe
• Kleiderständer
• Holz- oder Parkettböden
• Bügeleinrichtungen
• Obere Stockwerke nur über eine Treppe erreichbar
• Kaffee- und Teezubehör
• Eigene Wohnung im Gebäude
• Rechnung auf Anfrage
• Privater Check-in/-out
• Kindersicherungen für Steckdosen
• Nichtraucherunterkunft (Alle öffentlichen und privaten Bereiche sind Nichtraucherzonen)
• Feuerlöscher
• Rauchmelder
• Zugang mit Schlüssel
• Kohlenmonoxid-Melder
• Französisch

Hausregeln Die Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix nimmt besondere Anfragen an – im nächsten Schritt hinzufügen!

Richtlinien für kinder.

Kinder ab 10 Jahren sind willkommen.

Fügen Sie Ihrer Suche bitte die Anzahl der Kinder in Ihrer Gruppe und deren Alter hinzu, um die korrekten Preise und Belegungsinformationen zu sehen.

Richtlinien zu Baby- und Zustellbetten

Baby- und Zustellbetten sind in dieser Unterkunft nicht verfügbar.

Kleingedrucktes Wichtige Informationen für Gäste dieser Unterkunft

Bitte teilen Sie der Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix Ihre voraussichtliche Ankunftszeit im Voraus mit. Nutzen Sie hierfür bei der Buchung das Feld für besondere Anfragen oder kontaktieren Sie die Unterkunft direkt.

In dieser Unterkunft sind weder Junggesellen-/Junggesellinnenabschiede noch ähnliche Feiern erlaubt.

Ruhezeit zwischen 20:00:00 Uhr und 07:00:00 Uhr.

Wenn Sie während Ihres Aufenthalts Schäden an der Unterkunft verursachen, kann es sein, dass Ihnen nach Abreise, entsprechend der Richtlinie bei Schäden dieser Unterkunft, bis zu € 300 berechnet werden.

Rechtliche Informationen

Häufig gestellte fragen zur unterkunft le clocher - quai de la loire - netflix, wieviel kostet der aufenthalt in der unterkunft le clocher - quai de la loire - netflix.

Die Preise an der Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix könnten je nach Aufenthalt variieren (z.B. gewählter Zeitraum, Hotelrichtlinie usw.). Wenn Sie Ihre Daten eingeben, können Sie die Preise sehen.

Welche Aktivitäten bietet die Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix?

Wie lauten die check-in- und check-out-zeiten in der unterkunft le clocher - quai de la loire - netflix.

Der Check-in in der Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix ist ab 16:00, und der Check-out ist bis 12:00.

Wie viele Schlafzimmer hat die Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix?

• 1 Schlafzimmer

Ausführlichere Informationen finden Sie in der Aufschlüsselung der Übernachtungsmöglichkeiten auf dieser Seite.

Wie weit ist die Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix vom Zentrum von Tours entfernt?

Die Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix ist 1,6 km vom Zentrum von Tours entfernt. Alle Entfernungen werden in Luftlinie gemessen. Die tatsächliche Fahrstrecke kann abweichen.

Wie viele Gäste können in der Unterkunft Le Clocher - Quai De La Loire - Netflix übernachten?

Mehr anzeigen, das beste von tours.

Die beliebtesten Städte

• Chenonceaux
• Chambray-lès-Tours

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Wir haben über 70 Millionen Unterkunftsbewertungen – allesamt von echten Gästen, die nachweislich dort übernachtet haben .

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Es beginnt mit einer buchung.

Eine Bewertung kann erst nach einer Buchung geschrieben werden. So können wir sicherstellen, dass unsere Bewertungen von echten Gästen kommen, die in der Unterkunft übernachtet haben.

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Loire Lovers

To awaken your senses in the Loire Valley - Claire & Manu's Blog

Loire Valley in 3 days (itineraries): castles + photos

by Emmanuel ROBINSON , Region Lovers | March 6, 2024 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Looking to plan your 3-day Loire Valley itinerary and don't know where to start? Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, we'll try to help.

It's hard to choose between the countless magnificent castles along the royal river, and you'll need to be astute to complement your visits with the best choice of hotels and restaurants .

In this article, we'll start by giving you a few tips on how to best plan your stay, followed by a selection of our favorite tours . With plenty of photos to help you make your own choice.

These reviews are completely independent , we visited anonymously and paid for our admissions, accommodation and restaurants in full.

6 tips for visiting the Loire Valley in 3 days

1. map of the main loire châteaux.

As a picture is sometimes worth a thousand words, we've prepared a small map showing the main châteaux of the Loire Valley and major towns to help you find your way around.

2. Departure city

If you're coming by train, and given the relatively short duration of your stay, we recommend departing from Tours - Saint Pierre des Corps, which is the TGV station closest to the main châteaux.

We've also put together a tour starting from Angers that allows you to travel further up the Loire and enjoy the magnificent scenery of this wild river.

Last option, Blois , which is a little less central and requires a change, but offers sufficient choice for 3 days.

See the available schedules and book your train tickets now .

If you're coming by plane, you can either fly into Nantes airport and reach Tours by TGV or car , or land in Paris and rent a car at the airport (Charles de Gaulle or Orly ).

3. The right rhythm

Visiting castles, especially the most imposing (Chambord, Chenonceau...) takes time . In addition to the richness of the architecture and furnishings, you'll often have to travel long distances, especially if you want to visit the gardens.

We recommend that you don't try to see too much, or you'll leave frustrated and looking at your watch. It's best to start with one castle per day , or 2 if you're working on smaller castles.

But you'll see that, alongside the chateaux, there are many beautiful villages to discover in the Loire Valley, and towns with a rich heritage to explore (cathedrals, museums, historic centers...).

4. The right equipment

As you'll see, our ancestors were very fond of steps , and staircases were a place of pageantry. As for old-fashioned cobblestones , while they have a charm all of their own, they don't offer the same qualities of comfort as our modern paving.

Without necessarily going for hiking boots, we advise you to avoid open or slippery shoes.

Don't forget to bring a water bottle , as not all castles have catering facilities, and the crowds could slow you down unnecessarily.

5. Opt for a ticket

Many castles offer special tickets via specialized platforms. We'll provide you with the links whenever this option is available.

They can save you precious time , allowing you to concentrate on the essentials. We're big fans of these solutions.

6. Moving between castles

Unfortunately, you won't have the choice: to visit the châteaux of the Loire freely, you'll need a car or good legs to enjoy the pleasant Loire bike trails. There are also a number of buses, mainly departing from Tours.

We've still put together a car-free tour for you, but the choice is inevitably more limited, as most of the castles were built three centuries before the development of the train!

OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
• Think about full insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

Main points of interest:

• An exceptional view of the Loire and its tributaries from the top of the Tour des Minimes.
• Saint Hubert's chapel , where Leonardo da Vinci's remains are believed to be buried (we investigated Leonardo da Vinci's death in this article).
• The descent through the interior of the Minimes and Heurtault towers, which were designed to allow riders and supplies to reach the château without setting foot on the ground. Impressive and unique in the Loire!
• Learn more in our article .

Estimated visit duration: 1h30 to 2h Open all year round.

>> Book your ticket

Afternoon - Le Clos Lucé

The last home of Lénoard de Vinci , it has recently been completely renovated and, above all, completed with a veritable "mini-amusement park " for discovering the Italian master's creations.

• The château's grounds , where you can see Leonardo da Vinci's avant-garde inventions up close and in action.
• The manor house chapel , where you can imagine the Italian master meditating
• The Leonardo da Vinci Gallery offers an immersive digital journey through his artistic work.
• Read more in our article

Estimated visit duration: 2h30 to 4h Open all year round.

>> Book your tickets

Where to stay in Amboise - the best hotels

• Our favorite: the Château de Perreux. A 10-minute drive from Amboise, sleep in an authentic château built in 1701 with a troglodytic lobby (built right into the rock). We loved this cocooning experience! Our complete article on our night / see See prices, photos and availability
• The traditional: Hotel le Choiseul Ideally located just a stone's throw from the town center, but far enough away to offer a view of the château, Hôtel le Choiseul immerses you in the bourgeois ambience of early 20th-century hotels. Our full review of our night at the Choiseul hotel (coming soon) / See prices, photos and availability.
• The heart of the city : Hôtel Le Charme Rabelaisien Set in an 18th-century house in the heart of Amboise's historic district, this hotel offers spacious rooms decorated in a blend of 4-star standards and traditional family homes. See prices, photos and availability

Or see our article on the best hotels in Amboise .

Where to eat in Amboise - the best restaurants

• Our favorite: Restaurant La Brêche A magnificent culinary voyage led by chef Jérôme Bertgelot and his daughter Justine, who takes care of the pastry-making. The cuisine is daring and creative, and the presentation of the dishes overwhelmed us. In short, we loved it! See the site
• For a great meal on the go: Restaurant Le Maître d'Art Ideal for a break before or after Le Clos Lucé, this small restaurant just opposite the entrance to Le Clos Lucé offers fresh, simple cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. And the desserts are really tasty... See the menu
• Gastronomic: Restaurant Les Arpents Ideally located in the historic center of Amboise, the restaurant offers quality cuisine, perfectly mastered in an unpretentious atmosphere. See the site

A LITTLE MORE patience

All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!

If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire , register:

Day 2: Blois

After this introduction, we move on to the "big chunk" of your stay with the Château de Chambord . Although you can sleep on site, we recommend that you opt for the friendly town of Blois, just 30 minutes from Amboise.

Morning and early afternoon - Château de Chambord

The most imposing and surely the most famous of the Loire Châteaux, Château de Chambord was commissioned by François I on his return from the victorious battle of Marignan to demonstrate the power of France.

• The double spiral staircase : This staircase allowed people to go up and down without ever passing each other, thanks to its two distinct spirals, and served the different floors of the château. It blends craftsmanship, finesse of decoration and a sense of pageantry, a typical Renaissance alliance. Some attribute this achievement to Leonardo da Vinci.
• The terraces: The castle's terraces offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding park and its forests, which for a long time were dedicated to hunting, but which (like us!) you can now safely explore by bike.
• Northwest tower chapel : This 16th-century chapel in the castle's northwest tower features Romanesque vaults and subtle 19th-century stained glass windows. We appreciated the calm and sobriety of the setting, amidst the hustle and bustle of this much-visited château.

Estimated visit duration: 4 to 6 hours Open all year round.

>> Buy your tickets

Late afternoon: the town of Blois

We were really charmed by this town, with its rich historical heritage and human scale, on the banks of the Loire.

• The old town streets between the Château de Blois and the Cathedral: many half-timbered and timber-framed houses, as well as the Renaissance mansions in which the great families of the Blois region lived.
• Les jardins de l'évêché , located in the immediate vicinity of Blois Cathedral, offers visitors the chance to stroll through a vast 3300 m2 rose garden and admire the city and the Loire River.
• The Pont Jacques Gabriel and the banks of the Loire offer a beautiful view of the city and a little nature break in the middle of your visits.

The Château de Blois is particularly rich and exciting, but also well worth a half-day visit. We can't seriously advise you to visit the castles of Chambord and Blois, but if you really want to... Buy your tickets .

Where to stay in Blois - the best hotels

• Our favorite: Hôtel Fleur de Loire A magnificent luxury hotel recently established in a former hospice along the Loire. It is the masterpiece of two-starred chef Christophe Hay, who offers a perfect experience in the room, in the spa and, of course, around one of the hotel's 2 tables. A little folly that we really haven't regretted!!!! See prices, photos and availability.
• The unusual: Hôtel Le Relais de Chambord Another unique experience is Le Relais de Chambord, located close to the Château and offering, in some rooms (including ours!), a view of the Château. But more than that, what's really great is to be able to enjoy the park once all the day's visitors have left. See prices, photos and availability.
• Hotel Château des Basses Roches - see prices, pictures and availability

Or see our article on the best hotels in Blois .

Where to eat in Blois - the best restaurants

• Must-See: Fleur de Loire Restaurant Unsurprisingly, we once again recommend Christophe Hay's 2 restaurants, the gastronomic one in the heart of the hotel and the bistronomic Restaurant L'Amour Blanc, set in an extension of the hotel with a breathtaking view of the hotel. We could have made the meal last a long, long time to enjoy the setting. See the site and make a reservation .
• Le surprenant: Restaurant Au Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs Although far from the first coastline, the best of the sea is on offer at this beautiful address, with its bewitching ambience, the result of a highly successful work on lighting and painting. We had a wonderful time! See the site and book
• Le décalé: Restaurant Le Petit Honfleur Once again, don't let the name fool you: we're in Blois, but in a wooden-beamed house reminiscent of those surrounding the famous Honfleur basin . A very Franco-French fusion of the best of Norman and Loire cuisines. As good Normans, we had to come and make sure that our know-how was well defended (and it is)! See the Facebook page

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Day 3: Chenonceau

You're now entering the home stretch of your stay, and the final bouquet promises to be just right, with what is, for us, the most beautiful château in the Loire Valley , Chenonceau , and a village that has completely seduced us, Montrésor .

Morning - Château de Chenonceau

After a 45-minute return journey, you are approaching the famous " Château de la Loire on the river "Chenonceau, which elegantly spans the Cher River. It is also regularly baptized as " Ladies' castle "It owes its layout to the great female figures of French history: Diane de Poitiers (favorite of Henri II), Cathérine de Médicis and Louise de Lorraine.

• The gallery: 60 meters long, this ballroom seems to float above the river Cher. Take the time to admire the view from the 18 bays that give it its incomparable light. Magic!
• The Diane de Poitiers garden: in addition to the interest of this Italian-style garden, it offers one of the finest views, in our opinion, of the château and the 5 arches spanning the river.
• The Queen's apothecary: unique in the Loire castles, we owe it to Catherine de Médicis, who never travelled without her physicians and perfumers. The wooden ensemble is beautiful and even enchanting.

But to keep the article short, we've limited ourselves to just 3 outstanding features. The château's architecture, furnishings and works of art, not to mention its gardens, are truly exceptional!

Tour duration: 2h30 to 4h. Open all year round

Afternoon: village of Montrésor

After our favorite château, what could be more logical than to follow it up with our favorite Loire village , Montrésor. Situated 30 minutes from Chenonceau, it offers a full range of what makes the soul of a Loire village.

• Its castle , though modest, is truly charming and offers a fine condensation of history: from the medieval fortress to the Second Empire furniture, not forgetting the unmissable Renaissance dwelling.
• Its bucolic walk along the river Iroise : a little moment in suspension, for this beautiful walk along the little river Iroise, with a beautiful view of the castle and the village.
• Its stone houses and narrow streets give structure and charm to the village.

Take time for a gourmet break at Boulangerie Beaugrand, reputed to be one of the best in Touraine.

Evening: return to Tours

In just 1 hour, you're back in Tours, for a final evening before getting back on the train. It's an opportunity to try out one or two of the city's restaurants and stroll through the lively historic center of Tours in the evening.

Where to sleep in Tours - best hotels

• Luxury: Hôtel Les Trésorières. A little extravagance to finish off your trip? A 5-star hotel just a stone's throw from Les Halles de Tours and the historic city center. We loved the 1001 details that make this an exceptional place. See prices, photos and availability.
• The charm of the old, the comfort of the new: Hôtel L'Océania in Tours As in Nantes, the small Breton hotel chain has restored the lustre of this beautiful hotel, opened in 1846, close to the station. We particularly enjoyed relaxing in the small spa after those long days of sightseeing. See prices, photos and availability.
• One last château, with a night at Château Belmont. Set in 2.5 hectares of beautiful parkland just a few minutes from Tours city center, Château Belmont is the perfect way to round off your stay. A real little bubble, with a quality table and a pleasant spa. See prices, photos and availability.

Or see our article on the best hotels in Tours .

Where to eat in Tours - Best restaurants

• The creative: Restaurant Le Casse-cailloux Set in a small street, this smartly decorated restaurant offers ultra-creative cuisine that blends flavors and influences. From the lamb's lettuce soup, truffle cream and scrambled egg to the matcha bergamot sablé with blood orange cream, we didn't bother. See the site
• La crêperie revisitée: Restaurant Espace Hades Tours After visiting Tours Cathedral, we were looking for a simple, healthy lunch, and were drawn to this crêperie that promises to revisit galettes. Clearly, the challenge has been met with talent and good humour, and the secret is in the flour... See the Facebook page
• L'exotique: Restaurant Makeda For once, we let ourselves be tempted by a little exoticism with this Ethiopian restaurant. This is a real culinary journey, with spices (in moderation) and 4-5 dishes to discover the diversity of this cuisine. And the icing on the cake is the coffee, an Ethiopian mocha of course, pot-roasted that very afternoon by the owner. A treat, and God knows we're picky when it comes to coffee! See the site

Route B: departing from Angers

If you've already seen the "blockbusters" of the Loire, and would like to continue your discovery of the châteaux of the Loire, we've put together a tour from Angers that 's sure to surprise you! Here we go...

Day 1: Angers to Saumur

We're about to start our journey up the Loire, but first we'd like to take you on a little detour to a little-known yet truly captivating and authentic chateau: Serrant. We can then head for the majestic town of Saumur.

Morning - Château de Serrant

Located just 20 minutes from Angers train station, Le Château de Serrant immerses you right from the start of this tour in château life as we dream it. It owes this to the exceptional preservation of its furnishings , which have been passed down from owner to owner for over five centuries, and to the fact that it is still inhabited year-round by its owners.

• The library boasts 12,000 books, including some rare editions, as well as game furniture (billiards, backgammon, etc.). All wood and leather, the ambience of this large room is literally spellbinding...
• The chapel, dedicated to Saint Michel , was designed in the late 17th century by Jules Hardouin Mansart, who designed the Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles. Although modest in size, it is truly impressive and unexpected.
• The monumental staircase in the center of the château's main wing is reminiscent of the architecture of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, with its many richly sculpted caissons.
• Read more in our article (coming soon)

Length of visit: 1h30 to 2h (a guided tour is required to enter the library)

Afternoon: Saumur and its château

You'll now have a nice drive to Saumur . We strongly recommend you avoid the freeway, preferring the "route de la levée " (Départementale 952) which runs alongside the Loire. In addition to the typical landscapes of the last wild river of the Loire (sandbanks, islands, riverside vegetation, birds...), you will pass through many charming villages, such as Saint Mathurin Sur Loire, les Rosiers... 1h15 drive. diving into the Loire of postcards with a majestic finish at Saumur, proudly dominated by its castle!

Saumur's main points of interest

• The Château de Saumur: a castle with a turbulent but fascinating history. We recommend you climb up to its belvedere, where you can enjoy a 30-kilometre panoramic view. Learn more with our article .
• Le cadre noir de Saumur: immerse yourself in the elite of French equitation with the most famous of French schools, whose history is intrinsically linked to the military life of Saumur.
• Crémant de Loire wineries: Saumur is also known for its crémants, which use Champagne methods to produce high-quality sparkling wines. Several houses have developed cultural offerings to complement their tastings, including a trip to the center of bubbles offered by Ackerman in its former troglodytic cellars. A truly beautiful moment full of freshness!

Tour duration: 2h30 to 4h.

See our article on Saumur's top attractions .

Where to stay in Saumur

• Intimate: Hôtel Saint Pierre Nestled in the old town, on a quiet street, this small hotel offers a human-scale experience with very appreciable comfort. Having Scottish blood, we couldn't help but appreciate the hotel's incredible whisky bar, which collects references from every continent. See prices, photos and availability.
• The traditional: Hôtel Anne d'Anjou Facing the Loire, this hotel is a listed building. Anxious to preserve this rich past, the owners have designed the decor to be consistent with it, giving it an old-fashioned charm that's completely in tune with the atmosphere of the town. See prices, photos and availability.
• The unusual: Hotel Demeure de la Vignole Just 15 minutes from Saumur, enjoy an original experience at this hotel where some of the rooms have been dug out of the rock, and where you can swim in the heart of the tuffeau, the white stone of the Loire. See prices, photos and availability .

Where to eat in Saumur

• Our favorite: Restaurant L'essentiel Located in the courtyard of the Hôtel Anne d'Anjou, this restaurant offers creative, high-quality cuisine at affordable prices. All the more so as the setting is pleasant, the wine list impressive and some tables overlook the château. We enjoyed ourselves and had a wonderful evening. See website and book.
• The safe bet: Restaurant L'escargot A family atmosphere in this restaurant offering the best of French cuisine, including their signature dish, escargots (we had the 3-butter variation). View menu
• The exotic: Restaurant Le Masama In the center of Saumur, a couple of Colombian restaurateurs trained in France have opened this friendly little restaurant, offering a fusion of Latin and French influences. Delicious and friendly! See website and book.

Day 2 - Ussé and Le Rivau

On this second day, we continue up the Loire with 2 truly enchanting châteaux : the Châteaux d'Ussé and the Châteaux du Rivau. To reach the first point (35-minute drive from Saumur), we recommend you take the left bank (RD 947), passing through the villages of Turquant and especially Candes Saint Martin, typical of the Loire banks.

Morning - Château d'Ussé

As we said, you're entering a fairytale world with the Château d'Ussé, which directly inspired the author of "Sleeping Beauty ", Charles Perrault.

• The château's architecture , the fruit of three centuries of construction, blends medieval and Gothic inspiration with the Renaissance style.
• The dungeon houses a wax doll recreation of the fairytale "Sleeping Beauty".
• The gardens designed by the King's gardener, Le Nôtre , who notably created the gardens of Versailles. Even if the dimensions are not comparable, we were seduced by the harmony that reigns here, supported by the geometry of the landscape.

Open mid-February to mid-November Allow 2 to 3 hours

Afternoon - Chateau du Rivau

Take a temporary break from the Loire to discover one of our favorites, the Chateau du Rivau. Initially built around the farming of the surrounding land, it has retained its botanical vocation, which the new owners have sublimated. A truly enchanted interlude in your stay.

• The owner's 15 fairytale-themed gardens , including the magnificent Fairy Alley, combine grasses and perennials with the château in the background.
• The interior of the château : passionate about contemporary art, the owners have decided to create a dialogue between the Renaissance and the 21st century around a new theme every year. It's quirky, sometimes disturbing, but really stimulating!
• Harmony : we found the whole thing truly enchanting, well-dimensioned, sophisticated yet respectful of the historic and natural setting. All the more so as we slept and ate there, for total immersion... We'll tell you all about it right afterwards.

Tour duration: 2h30 to 3h The castle is open from the beginning of April to mid-November.

Where to sleep near Château du Rivau

• Hotel du Château du Rivau: An incredible experience to sleep in one of the 4 rooms created in the castle's former royal stables facing the castle. The decor blends Renaissance spirit with a contemporary ambience - a very successful wedding! Let's take a look back at this enchanting night /. See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel L'Écrin de Verdure : Just 10 minutes from the château, in the small village of Ligré, a friendly bed and breakfast with a contemporary decor . See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel de l'abbaye de Fontevraud: If you'd like to get to the next day's stage (30-minute drive), we can only advise you to stay at the hotel located in the former dispensary of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud. For one night, you can feel the atmosphere of this place of prayer and discover the abbey at nightfall, when visitors have retired. We had a magical time... See prices, photos and availability.

Where to eat near Château du Rivau

• The fairy tale: Château du Rivau The château offers 2 tables, the "table des fées " for light fare using vegetables from the château's kitchen garden, and the marvelous "secret garden ", a creative gastronomic table in an incredible setting under a glass roof facing the dwelling and with its back to the gardens. Magical! See site and book .
• The bucolic: Logis Auberge de Crissay Just 20 minutes from the château, we fell under the spell of the village of Crissay-sur-Manse and enjoyed a pleasant lunch on the terrace overlooking the countryside. A soothing moment surrounded by nature and beautiful stones, with simple but quality cuisine. See website and book.
• Gastronomic: Fontevraud Abbey restaurant In addition to the abbey and hotel, you can also enjoy an exceptional experience at the Abbaye de Fontevraud restaurant. In an exceptional setting, you'll discover a no less exceptional gastronomy led by Michelin-starred chef Thibaut Ruggeri. See website and book.

Day 3 - Fontevraud - Brissac

To continue your discovery of the riches of the Loire, we suggest a little twist on the castle with a visit to the magnificent Royal Abbey of Fontevraud , before finishing with the highest castle in Europe!

Morning - Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud

Founded in 1101, this abbey went down in history as the necropolis of the Plantagenet royal family, who ruled Jerusalem, England and western France from Anjou. This historic landmark was also an important place of worship, before becoming a prison and finally being fully restored in 1975.

• The chapter house , with its beautifully restored murals, vaulted ceilings and richly sculpted entrance. It was in this room that the major decisions concerning the life of the abbey were taken.
• The recumbent figures of Fontevraud Abbey : in the abbey church you'll find 4 prestigious recumbent figures from the Plantagenet dynasty: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, Richard the Lionheart and Isabella of Angouleme.
• The Musée d'Art Moderne de Fontevraud: a lively cultural venue, the abbey is also home to a rich museum that has benefited from the exceptional bequest of 800 works by Martine and Léon Cligman. A dialogue between eras, continents and religions.

Visit time: 3 to 4 hours Open all year round, except Tuesdays in low season.

Afternoon - Château de Brissac

A 50-minute drive brings you to one of Europe's tallest castles , Brissac, at 48 meters . We've fallen in love with this family-run château, occupied by the same family since 1502 and dubbed "The Giant of the Loire "!

• Its main façade , known as the Levant, has never been fully restored, giving the château a Baroque feel despite its monumentality.
• The château's immense 70-hectare English park : we find it particularly relaxing, poetic and inspiring, with the Montayer stream running through it. Magic!
• The astonishing 200-seat Belle Époque theater is the brainchild of Jeanne Say, heiress to the Beghin-Say sugar business, singer in her spare time and patron of the artistic Paris of the late 19th century.

Tour duration - 1h30 to 2h30.

Where to stay in Angers

• Castle life: Château des Forges If you want to stay in the château atmosphere right to the end, you can opt for this typical 19th-century manor house, which promotes slow tourism and immerses you in nature with its magnificent view over the lower Anjou valleys. See prices, photos and availability. See prices, photos and availability.
• Historical charm: Hôtel L'Oisellerie 6 magnificent rooms in this authentic 16th-century timber-framed house with exposed beams, listed as a historic monument. Located in the heart of the city, this guesthouse is the fruit of a beautiful encounter between 2 talented young people, Marlène and Johanna! See prices, photos and availability .
• The classic: Hôtel d'Anjou A hotel with an exceptional setting, open since 1857, ideally located near the Jardin du Mail yet in the city center. See prices, photos and availability .

Where to see our selection of the best hotels in Angers .

Where to eat in Angers

• Gastronomic: Restaurant Lait Thym Sel This fine restaurant, which should be booked well in advance, offers, under the guidance of the talented Gaëtan Morvan, an ultra-creative gastronomic experience that does not forget local produce. Formerly in the historic Doutre district, they will soon reveal their new address. See the website and make a reservation .
• Out of time: Restaurant Odorico In a magnificent dining room designed by the famous mosaic artist Isidore Odorico, you'll enjoy quality cuisine that boldly revisits the great classics of Anjou cuisine. See website and book.
• Le branché: Restaurnt Le Bistrot des Ducs Situated on Angers' main square (Ralliement), this upscale bistro offers a new twist on local cuisine. The perfect place to relax after a long trip. See the Facebook page.

Circuit C: with the family

You've decided to introduce your children to the chateaux of the Loire Valley - a wonderful and generous idea, but one that can prove difficult! Unless they're history buffs, you might find it hard to get them excited about neo-Gothic architecture or Empire furniture for 3 days in a row... Based on our experiences with Eugénie, we've come up with a tour that should interest them!

Day 1 - From the fortress to Sleeping Beauty

For this first day, we're inviting you to awaken their imaginations with a fortress and castle with a rich past.

Morning - The fortress of Chinon

Overlooking the surprising town of Chinon, the fortress was built on a rocky spur at a strategic crossroads between the Anjou, Tourraine and Poitou counties. The most famous of the Plantagenet kings, Henry II , died here in 1189.

The main points of interest with children:

• Its 300 metres of fortifications include no less than 3 castles (Fort Saint Georges, Château du Milieu, Fort du Coudray)! Comprising no fewer than 7 towers, there's plenty of energy to go around. You can take a Histopad to discover the three centuries of this fortress's particularly rich history.
• The royal dwellings : built in the 14th and 15th centuries for Marie d'Anjou and Charles VII, they were restored in 2010 and offer a faithful recreation of 2 worlds, that of Eleanor of Aquitaine ( 12th century) and that of Charles VII ( 15th century). A highly educational introduction to the daily life of these castles and their furnishings.
• Medieval activities : during the school vacations, the Fortress is brought back to life in the Middle Ages, with siege machine firing, craft workshops (leather, iron and woodworking)...

Tour duration: 2h30 to 3h30

Afternoon - Château d'Ussé

After the medieval, we move on to the fairytale, with the castle that inspired Charles Perrault to write "Sleeping Beauty ".

Main points of interest with children:

• The castle's architecture is an opportunity to introduce them to the major construction periods: one part of the castle is Gothic in inspiration, the other Renaissance. The set is relatively modest in size, making it easy to walk around.
• Wax dolls: at the top of the dungeon, the fairytale "Sleeping Beauty" has been recreated in wax dolls, to plunge you back into the world of the 7 fairy godmothers and the famous Prince Charming!
• Although modest in size, the gardens are a fine introduction to the art of French garden design , especially as they were created by the famous gardener of Versailles, Le Nôtre.
• Read our article on the Château d'Ussé.

Day 2 - In the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci at Amboise

On this second day, we'll be exploring the town of Amboise through the life of Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci, who lived there from 1516 until his death in 1519.

Morning - Le Clos Lucé

The last home of Lénoard de Vinci, it has recently been completely renovated and, above all, completed with a real "mini-amusement park " to discover the creations of the Italian master. Enrich your children's curiosity and nurture their creativity.

• The château's grounds, where Leonardo da Vinci's avant-garde inventions , from the tank to the aerial screw and the double-span bridge, are displayed in full-scale, working condition.
• The reconstitution of the Italian master's studio , in the manor house of Lucé: a plunge into the daily life of the great man.
• The Leonardo da Vinci Gallery , offering an immersive digital journey through his artistic work. Fun and beautiful!

Estimated visit duration: 3 to 4 hours Open all year round.

Afternoon - The Royal Château of Amboise

To round off this wonderful day, head for the royal Château d'Amboise overlooking the town. It was the birthplace and deathplace of Charles VIII, King of France. François I spent a large part of his childhood here, and Leonardo da Vinci was laid to rest here.

• The Saint Hubert chapel , where Leonardo da Vinci's remains are believed to be buried (we investigated Leonardo da Vinci's death in this article). The chapel is currently being restored, so don't hesitate to pick up a Histopad to enhance your visit.
• The descent through the interior of the Minimes and Heurtault towers was designed to allow riders and supplies to reach the château without setting foot on the ground. Impressive and unique in the Loire!
• The château's English gardens , a pleasant stroll through a garden dedicated to species from faraway lands, with a breathtaking view over the Loire and the town of Amboise. And if they're quiet, they may be lucky enough to spot some of the 90 species of birds that inhabit it.

Day 3 - 41 castles and the most beautiful to finish...

For this last day, we're offering you a real final bouquet, with a little tip and a must-have!

Morning - The mini-cake park

Located just a few minutes from Amboise, the Parc des Mini-châteaux features no fewer than 41 model castles and their gardens in a 2-hectare park planted with trees. This will give them an overview of the riches and diversity of the Loire castles in the shortest possible time!

• The 1: 25 scale models are impressively detailed and realistic. The most complex, the one at Chambord, required more than 2,000 hours of work!
• Attractions: along the way, the park offers a number of attractions to delight young and old alike. There's even a mini-mechanical horse that crosses the park (Eugenie couldn't resist, despite being 12 years old...)!
• Miniature gardens: over 2,500 trees are pruned into bonsai shapes to accompany the models. You'll recognize both beech and coniferous trees. The upkeep of these miniature gardens is surely titanic!

Estimated visit duration: 1h30 to 2h

Afternoon: Chenonceau

To round off your stay in style, we suggest you visit Chenonceau, which, in our eyes, is the most beautiful of the Loire castles. Often referred to as the "Château des dames ", it owes its layout to the great female figures of French history: Diane de Poitiers (favorite of Henri II), Cathérine de Médicis and Louise de Lorraine.

• Architecture: set high above the Cher River, the Château de Chenonceau is a model of harmony and technique. You can opt for a boat tour to admire it from the water and add a touch of fun.
• The gallery: This 60-meter-long ballroom is pierced by 18 bays, providing magnificent light and views over the Cher and Château gardens.
• The park also boasts a number of features that are sure to interest them, from the Italian plant maze to the 16th-century farmhouse and carriage gallery.

Even if it's more "demanding" than the other places we suggest on this tour, in our view it's the best way to discover the excessiveness of some of the Loire châteaux. An opportunity to make fond memories and prepare for future visits!

DON'T MISS THE BEST CASTLES IN the Loire Valley

• The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
• The most beautiful gardens
• Where to stay in the Loire castles : unforgettable hotels!
• The best Loire castles to visit with your family
• Chambord or Chenonceau : our comparison
• itineraries: weekend - 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
• Castles around Blois , around Amboise , around Saumur , around Tours , around Angers and around Nantes .
• or our list of over 100 Loire castles

Route D: no car, so by train

Strangely enough, the châteaux of the Loire were not built to follow the rail networks, but rather to follow the river and, for the oldest, to hold strategic positions on the borders of different kingdoms or counties. Even if this limits the choice, we've put together a 3-day tour of the châteaux of the Loire Valley by train.

Day 1- Angers - Saumur

On this first day, you'll travel through Anjou, land of the Plantagenets and Dukes of Anjou, up the Loire from Angers to Saumur.

Morning: Château d'Angers

Maybe not the most beautiful, but one of the most impressive strongholds on the Loire, whose first constructions date back to the Neolithic period. Perhaps because of its defensive capabilities, it holds one of the world's most precious tapestries, listed by UNESCO.

• The overall architecture, with its 17 defensive towers and thick schist ramparts, gives it such a massive, protective appearance.
• The tapestry of the Apocalypse of Saint John , woven in the 14th century, is 120 meters long and offers both a religious and political reading at the height of the Hundred Years' War. We're impressed every time we visit this unique piece.
• The Galerie René d'Anjou features an unusually large glass surface for the period in which it was built (1435-1453). It was commissioned by the "good René d'Anjou", the last of the Dukes of Anjou, who, in the eyes of 19th-century romantics, embodied a fantasy of the Middle Ages, and was the object of a cult in the town of Angers.

Visit time: 2h to 2h30

And see our article on the best attractions in Angers (coming soon).

Afternoon: Château de Saumur

In just a few minutes, you can reach Angers station and catch one of the 13 trains that link the 2 cities daily. The journey takes less than 30 minutes.

When you arrive at Saumur station, you're almost opposite the château, on the other side of the river, giving you a magnificent view of this majestic château. After a short 20-minute walk (public transport is available), you're on the drawbridge leading to Saumur castle.

• The belvedere: accessible by guided tour only, the belvedere offers a magnificent 360-degree view, with a 30 km radius. It's a good way to get some height, and discover that the double-revolution staircase wasn't invented by Leonardo da Vinci...
• The Musée des Arts Décoratifs: the château houses 2 museums, one dedicated to the horse and a larger one dedicated to the decorative arts, featuring a collection of 1,500 ceramics, as well as some very fine tapestries.
• The château's vineyards: in front of the château, 1,400 vines produce wines that have long been served at the town's official events. A nod to the importance of winegrowing in Saumur.
• Read our full article on the Château de Saumur

Or read our selection of the best hotels in Saumur .

• Our favorite: Restaurant L'Essentiel Located in the courtyard of the Hôtel Anne d'Anjou, this restaurant offers creative, high-quality cuisine at affordable prices. All the more so as the setting is pleasant, the wine list impressive and some tables overlook the château. We enjoyed ourselves and had a wonderful evening. See website and book.
• The safe bet: Restaurant L'Escargot A family atmosphere in this restaurant offering the best of French cuisine, including their signature dish, escargots (we had the 3-butter variation). View menu
• L'exotique: Restaurant Le Masama In the center of Saumur, a couple of Colombian restaurateurs trained in France have opened this friendly little restaurant, offering a fusion of Latin and French influences. Delicious and friendly! See website and book.

Day 2 - Amboise

It will take you around 1h30 to reach your next stopover, Amboise. We advise you to take the morning TER, which is direct, but you can also opt for the TGV with a connection at Tours (Saint Pierre des Corps).

As in Saumur, you arrive on the opposite bank to the town's 3 châteaux : Château Royal d'Amboise, Clos Lucé and Chateau Gaillard, each with its own fascinating history. Château Gaillard is much more modest, but can be a great alternative if you're feeling tired and want to lighten up your program a bit.

A 20-minute walk from the train station brings you to the foot of this proud château, 40 meters above the Loire. King Charles VIII of France was born and died here, and François I spent much of his childhood here.

• The descent through the interior of the Minimes and Heurtault towers , which were designed to allow riders and supplies to reach the château without setting foot on the ground. Impressive and unique in the Loire!

Afternoon - Le clos Lucé

The last home of Lénoard de Vinci, it has recently been completely renovated and, above all, completed with a real "mini-amusement park" to discover the creations of the Italian master.

• The château's grounds , where you can see Leonardo da Vinci's avant-garde inventions at full size and in operation.
• The manor's chapel , where you can imagine the Italian master meditating.
• The Leonardo da Vinci Gallery, offering an immersive digital journey through his artistic work.

• Traditional: Hôtel le Choiseul Ideally located just a stone's throw from the town center, but far enough away to offer a view of the château, Hôtel le Choiseul immerses you in the bourgeois ambience of early 20th-century hotels. Our full review of our night at the Choiseul hotel (coming soon) / See prices, photos and availability.
• The heart of the city: Hôtel Le Charme Rabelaisien Set in an 18th-century house in the heart of Amboise's historic district, this hotel offers spacious rooms decorated in a blend of 4-star standards and traditional family homes. See prices, photos and availability

Or read our selection of the best hotels in Amboise .

• Our favorite: La Brêche A magnificent culinary voyage led by chef Jérôme Bertgelot and his daughter Justine, who takes care of the pastry-making. The cuisine is daring and creative, and the presentation of the dishes overwhelmed us. In short, we loved it! See the site
• For a great meal on the go: Le maître d'Art Ideal for a break before or after Le Clos Lucé, this small restaurant just opposite the entrance to Le Clos Lucé offers fresh, simple cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. And the desserts are really tasty... See the menu
• Gastronomic: Les Arpents Ideally located in the historic center of Amboise, the restaurant offers quality cuisine, perfectly mastered in an unpretentious atmosphere. See the site

Day 3 - Chenonceau - Tours

It will take you around 50 minutes to reach the highlight of your stay, the splendid Château de Chenonceau, our favorite in the Loire Valley. The journey is made by TER with a connection at Saint-Pierre des Corps.

The charming little station is almost opposite the entrance to the castle, so what more could you ask for!

Morning and early afternoon: Chenonceau

The famous "Château de la Loire sur la rivière ", which elegantly spans the Cher River, is also regularly referred to as the "Château des dames ", as it owes its layout to the great female figures of French history: Diane de Poitiers (favorite of Henri II), Cathérine de Médicis and Louise de Lorraine.

But to keep the article short, we've limited ourselves to just 3 outstanding features. The château's architecture, furnishings and works of art, not to mention its gardens, are truly exceptional! And you'll have plenty to occupy your day before catching the train back to Tours.

Late afternoon: Tours Cathedral

Just half an hour by train and you're in the center of Tours.

There's no castle here - it's been almost entirely destroyed - but you can discover one of the finest collections of stained glass in the Cathedral of Saint Gatien, just 10 minutes from the station.

• Its impressive main facade, so finely crafted that it owes its reconstruction to the Renaissance. The project will last two centuries!
• Its stained glass collection , which takes you from the 13th to the 21st century. Exceptional lighting and a veritable conservatory of this religious art in Tourraine.
• The Psalette cloister , adjoining the Cathedral (north façade), also dates from the Renaissance period. This is the only remaining example of the 5 Loire cathedrals.

• The ultimate in luxury: a little extravagance to round off your trip? Choose the Hotel Les Trésorières. A 5-star hotel just a stone's throw from Les Halles de Tours and the historic city center. We loved the 1001 details that make this an exceptional place. See prices, photos and availability .

• The creative: Restaurant Le Casse-cailloux Set in a small street, this smartly decorated restaurant offers ultra-creative cuisine that blends flavors and influences. From the lamb's lettuce soup, truffle cream and scrambled egg to the matcha bergamot sablé with blood orange cream, we didn't bother. See website and book.
• The creperie revisited: Restaurant Espace Hades Tours After visiting Tours Cathedral, we were looking for a simple, healthy lunch, and were drawn to this crêperie that promises to revisit galettes. Clearly, the challenge is met with talent and good humor, and the secret is in the flour... See the Facebook page .
• Elsewhere: Restaurant Makeda For once, we let ourselves be tempted by a bit of elsewhere with this Ethiopian restaurant. This is a real culinary journey, with spices (in moderation) and 4-5 dishes to discover the diversity of this cuisine. And the icing on the cake is the coffee, an Ethiopian mocha of course, pot-roasted that very afternoon by the owner. A treat, and God knows we're picky when it comes to coffee! See the website.

PLAN YOUR TRIP IN Loire Valley

The castles of the Loire Valley

• Best châteaux in the Loire Valley
• Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley
• Best family castles
• List with over 100 castles

Other places to explore

• Best things to do in the Loire Valley
• Most beautiful towns along the Loire
• Most beautiful villages
• Most beautiful gardens
• Best things to do in Nantes
• Things to do in Angers
• Best things to do in Saumur
• Things to do in Tours
• Things to do in Amboise
• Hot-air balloon ride

• Where to stay in the Loire Valley
• See our tips for renting a car in Nantes , Angers , Tours , CDG , Orly or Beauvais ...
• How to get to the Loire Valley - article to come
• Itineraries: 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
• Weekends: unusual

HE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Manu

The 10 commitments of region lovers.

• Visit all the places we tell you about.
• For each city, sleep in at least one hotel, visit the ones we recommend.
• For each city, eat in at least one restaurant, visit the ones we select.
• Pay all our bills in full, refuse any partnership or sponsorship.
• Update our articles periodically, with the help of our readers.
• Enrich our articles with our on-site experiences.
• Use 99% of our own photos
• Have a reasoned and transparent use of the AI tool, which we feed with our locally verified information.
• Inform about the traveler/writer pairing that gave birth to the article.
• Tell you what we do, and do what we tell you!

Claire and Manu

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• The Châteaux de la Loire
• Medieval fortresses, royal castles, and Renaissance-style residences…the French art of living.
• The Château des Dames (“ladies’ castle”), the favorite, the proud, the inconsolable: residents of a jewel of taste and refinement spanning the Cher river.
• Cheverny: its uncanny resemblance to Moulinsart, backdrop to the adventures of Tintin and Captain Haddock.
• Chambord, the largest of the castles in the Loire valley, Francis I and the birth of absolute power for the monarchy, the mysteries of love and war.

Tour 1: one-day classic tour (transfer + visit + free time)

Follow your guide to this region called “the garden of France”. The tour – a summary of French architecture – will dive into this complex and fascinating period where elegance and cruelty went hand-in-hand. Experience everyday life in the golden age of the Renaissance through its fashion, lifestyles, games and recreation…

Direct, no-lines access: reservation required for groups (30 people maximum per guide)

• The Louvre, a tour of the world
• The Musée d’Orsay
• The Rodin Museum
• The Jacquemart André Museum
• Carnavalet Museum
• Nissim de Camondo Museum
• The Marmottan-Monet Museum
• Cluny Museum
• The Orangerie Museum
• Quai Branly Museum
• Centre Pompidou tour
• Picasso museum guided tour
• The Eiffel Tower
• The Opéra Garnier
• Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral
• The Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle
• Hotel des Invalides
• Notre Dame de Chartres Cathedral
• Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral: a day trip
• Arc de triomphe guided tour
• The Islands of Paris
• The faubourg Saint Germain des prés
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Covered Passages of Paris
• Paris half day tour or Paris full day
• Jewish Paris guided tour
• Latin quarter guided tour
• Discovering Paris
• Splendors of the 19th Century
• Thematic gardens
• Père Lachaise Cemetery
• Discover a charming & peaceful village
• Josephine and la Malmaison
• Visit Leonardo Da Vinci’s final residence
• A Day in Burgundy
• Paris fashion tour and haute couture
• Street Art tour
• French Revolution tour in Paris
• The Château de Versailles
• The Château de Fontainebleau
• The rise and Fall of Fouquet : a work of art of the XVII Century
• Château de Chantilly
• Château d'Amboise
• Château de Blois
• Versailles private apartments tour
• Trianon and Queens hamlet tour
• The Abbey of Mont Saint Michel
• Normandy and the D Day landing beaches
• Giverny and Monet
• Etretat/Fécamp
• Château de Bizy
• French bakery tour in Paris
• Montmartre cheese and wine food tour
• Montmartre sweet tour
• Saint Germain des prés food tour
• Montorgueil guided tour
• Paris 17ème Batignolles and Villiers food tour
• Aligre market tour : a local parisian market
• Marais food tour
• Saint Germain des prés chocolate and sweet tour
• Louvre family tour : treasure hunt
• Orsay family tour: treasure hunt
• Montmartre family tour: picture hunt
• Rouen family tour: picture hunt
• City island family tour : picture hunt
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• La ville des courts chemins : tout ce dont on a besoin à portée de main
• S’épanouir, s’émanciper à chaque instant
• Une ville où fleurissent les alternatives
• Un patrimoine et des savoir-faire reconnus qui se transmettent
• Un territoire de la transition écologique, porté par la connaissance et l’intelligence collective
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Description.

Un patrimoine troglodytique exceptionnel sculpté dans la magnifique falaise calcaire de Rochecorbon, la Loire, sa faune et sa flore, le tout rendu vivant grâce au capitaine et à son commentaire en direct. Voici les points forts de cette balade à bord du Saint-Martin-de-Tours. Toute l'année, promenade découverte de la Loire à bord du St Martin de Tours. Bateau de 66 places agréablement aménagé et protégé. Un commentaire en direct riche et vivant sur les trésors du fleuve royal.

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