3 day itinerary for Loire Valley

Itinerary

The Loire Valley is a stunning region in France, known for its beautiful châteaux, picturesque villages, and, of course, its exquisite wines. Let’s craft a delightful 3-day itinerary that balances wine tasting with some of the region's cultural gems. Ready? Let’s go!

## Day 1: Château de Chambord & Wine Tasting in Cheverny

Morning:

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or a local café. Try a buttery croissant or a pain au chocolat to fuel up for the day!
• Head to Château de Chambord, one of the most recognizable châteaux in the Loire Valley. Spend a couple of hours exploring the stunning architecture and the expansive grounds. Don’t forget to climb to the rooftop for breathtaking views!

Lunch:

• Enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro or picnic in the gardens of Chambord. A simple baguette sandwich with local cheese and charcuterie would be perfect!

Afternoon:

• After lunch, make your way to Château de Cheverny. This château is known for its beautiful interiors and lovely gardens. It’s also famous for its connection to the Tintin comics!
• Now, it’s time for some wine tasting! Visit a local winery in the Cheverny appellation, such as Domaine de Montcy. They offer tastings of their delightful white and red wines, which are often made from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Evening:

• Head back to your accommodation to freshen up, then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some regional specialties like coq au vin or a delicious goat cheese salad.

## Day 2: Amboise & Vouvray Wine Region

Morning:

• After breakfast, set off for Amboise, a charming town with a rich history. Visit the Château d'Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years. The views of the Loire River from the château are simply stunning!

Lunch:

• Grab lunch in Amboise at a café with a terrace. A quiche Lorraine or a salad with local ingredients would be delightful.

Afternoon:

• After lunch, head to the Vouvray wine region, famous for its sparkling and still wines made from Chenin Blanc. Visit a winery like Domaine Huet or Champalou for a tasting. You’ll love the crisp, refreshing flavors of Vouvray wines!

Evening:

• Return to Amboise for dinner. Consider dining at a restaurant with a view of the château, where you can enjoy a glass of Vouvray wine with your meal.

## Day 3: Saumur & Chinon

Morning:

• On your final day, have breakfast and then drive to Saumur. Visit the Château de Saumur, which overlooks the Loire River. The castle is a great place to learn about the region’s history and enjoy the views.

Lunch:

• Enjoy lunch in Saumur at a local brasserie. Try the local specialty, tarte Tatin, for dessert!

Afternoon:

• After lunch, head to Chinon, another beautiful town known for its red wines. Visit the Château de Chinon, which has a fascinating history and offers lovely views of the surrounding vineyards.
• For your final wine tasting, visit a local winery like Domaine Charles Joguet. Their Chinon wines are renowned, and you’ll get to taste some fantastic reds!

Evening:

• For your last dinner in the Loire Valley, find a cozy restaurant in Chinon. Pair your meal with a bottle of Chinon wine and toast to a wonderful trip!

And there you have it! A delightful 3-day itinerary filled with stunning châteaux, delicious food, and, of course, fantastic wine tasting experiences. Enjoy your adventure in the Loire Valley! 🍷✨