7 day itinerary
Val Di Loire
Itinerary
The Loire Valley, often referred to as the "Garden of France," is a stunning region filled with châteaux, vineyards, and charming villages. Here’s a delightful 7-day itinerary that will let you soak in the beauty, history, and gastronomy of this enchanting area. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Arrival in
Morning: Arrive in , the gateway to the Loire Valley. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Explore the historic center of . Stroll through the , where you can admire the half-timbered houses and grab a light lunch at a café.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some regional specialties like rillettes or a classic coq au vin.
Day 2: and
Morning: Head to , famous for its stunning gardens. Spend a couple of hours wandering through the beautifully manicured landscapes.
Afternoon: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Visit the , where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years. Don’t forget to check out the lovely views of the Loire River!
Evening: Dine in . The town has a vibrant dining scene, so you might want to try a local wine paired with some fresh fish.
Day 3: Chenonceau and Cheverny
Morning: Visit the magnificent , often called the "Ladies' Château" due to its history of influential women. Take your time exploring the gardens and the beautiful interiors.
Afternoon: Head to , known for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. It’s also famous for its connection to the Tintin comics!
Evening: Return to for dinner. Perhaps try a wine tasting at a local wine bar to sample some of the region’s best wines.
Day 4: Saumur and Angers
Morning: Drive to Saumur (about an hour). Visit the , perched on a hill overlooking the Loire. The views are breathtaking!
Afternoon: Explore the town of Saumur, known for its troglodyte dwellings and the famous Saumur sparkling wine. After lunch, head to Angers (about 30 minutes away) to visit the , home to the Apocalypse Tapestry.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in Angers, where you can try the local specialty, "Anjou" wines, paired with a delicious meal.
Day 5:
Morning: Take a day trip to (about an hour from Angers). Start with a visit to the , which tells the story of the city’s history.
Afternoon: Explore the , a whimsical artistic project featuring giant mechanical animals. It’s a fun and unique experience!
Evening: Dine in , perhaps at a restaurant along the Loire River, enjoying fresh seafood and local wines.
Day 6: Blois and Chambord
Morning: Head to Blois (about 40 minutes from ). Visit the , which showcases a mix of architectural styles and has a fascinating history.
Afternoon: Drive to , one of the most recognizable châteaux in the Loire Valley. Spend the afternoon exploring its grand architecture and vast grounds.
Evening: Return to Blois for dinner. Try some local cheeses and charcuterie for a true taste of the region.
Day 7: Relax and Departure
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll through or visit a local market to pick up some souvenirs.
Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, you might want to visit a nearby vineyard for a wine tasting or simply relax in one of the beautiful gardens.
Evening: Depart from , taking with you wonderful memories of the Loire Valley!
And there you have it! A week filled with history, culture, and delicious food. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and enjoy every moment in this beautiful region. Bon voyage! 🌍✨