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Gems of the Loire Valley: Must visit Châteaux's, cities & restaurant recommendations

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A mix of the most famous & lesser known Châteaux's spread across the picturesque Loire Valley. All of these stunning locations are just 3+ hours from Paris! Trust me you won't want to miss these while your in France!
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10 of the best Chateaux's of the Loire Valley!

Collection of my favorite Chateaus spread across the scenic Loire Valley. Visit one or visit them all & be enchanted by their timeless beauty!

 
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Stunning Château that overlooks the Loire River Valley & was once the seat of the Kings of France during the 16th century.
Château Royal d'Amboise
 
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Hands down one of the most incredible and important Chateaux's in the Loire River Valley-
Royal Château of Blois
 
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Incredible château that spans the Cher river with a rich, deep history & former residence of both Diane de Portier & Catherine de Medici
Chenonceau Château castle admission ticket & guide
 
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Guided tour of 2 of the most famous chatteaux Chenonceau & Chambord-
Chenonceau & Chambard chateaux's combo tickets
 
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Final residence of Leonardo Di Vinci! See a copy of Mona Lisa up close and the bedchamber where the famous artist died.
Chateau Clos-Luce tour in Amboise
 
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The grandest and largest chateau in the Loire Valley & a must see while in the area!
Loire River Valley Tour- Chambord chateau: skip the line/chateau combo ticket
 
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Charming former royal residence of French kings who used Villesavin as a hunting lodge, it has been well preserved for 400 years
Château de Villesavin
 
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Another famous castle in the Loire Valley. Chateau Cheverny is known for its Grand Salon paintings and tapestries. Tours: 9:15am-6:00pm, Open every day without reservation! The apartments on the 1st floor bear witness to the French art of living: the...
Château de Cheverny
 
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Beautiful Castle seated high above the Loire river, with working drawbridge and a moat. Allow yourself at least 3 hours in any case for your visit to the International Garden Festival. You'll want ample time to explore the gorgeous gardens, sample a ...
Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
 
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The Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau is one of the most visited castles in the Loire valley, and in the centre of the village on the Indre river. It is a very beautiful renaissance style chateau in a lovely location surrrounded on three sides by water. The ...
Azay-le-Rideau
 
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Just outside the city of Tours, the chateau is enourmous and surrounded by the most stunning gardens. Enjoy a spectacular view of the gardens from the top of one of the towers! Then take your time to stroll through the gardens, meander through the pa...
Château de Villandry

Must see locations & things to do in Loire Valley

Full of charm, quaint alleyways, historic sights, castles, and all the little gems hidden in these beautiful cities

 
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Visiting Blois feels like taking a step back in time to a quaint and charming village with half timber houses, medieval churches, picturesque views along the river, cute shops and restaurants with savory cuisine to sample
Blois, France; a beautiful and historic town in the heart of the Loire Valley
 
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15 of the best locations & sights in the area you don't want to miss while in the Loire Valley
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Loire Valley (2025)
 
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Guided tour of the most popular/famous chateaus and the city of Tours
Tours of the most famous Chateaus of the Loire Valley departing from Tours
 
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Magnificent city with exquisite architecture, churches, historic sites & lovely gardens making it the perfect starting point for a trip to the Loire Valley
Visit Tours, the gateway city of the Loire Valley - France
 
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Special pass for entry to the major sites, monuments and castels near the Loire Valley
Passion monuments pass
 
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Compilation of the best things to see and do while exploring the historic chateaux's, charming villages and towns and all the sites around the Loire Valley
Things To Do, Attractions, and guided Tours: from Paris - Loire Valley
 
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Unwind as you leisurely bike through the gorgeous Loire Valley, soak up every scenic view as you sip delicious wine and visit several of the most famous chateaus.
Bike tour through Loire Valley Wine Country!
 
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The perfect day trip from Paris: to sample the lifestyle of French royalty & nobility and their glorious estates
Book Things To Do, Attractions, and Tours | GetYourGuide

Hidden gems of the Loire Valley

The best the Loire Valley has to offer, off the beaten path. Explore these gems that offer unique places to visit without the crowds.

 
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One of the most unique structures and places to explore in the Loire Valley. Climb to the top for impressive views of the surrounding countryside & Amboise in the distance. This astonishing chinoiserie style pagoda was built in 1775 on the banks ...
The Chanteloup Pagoda
 
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Wonderful location for families and a unique way to view the chateaus of the Loire Valley. Miniature Castles/Chateau’s- park with shaded pavilions, benches and places to rest. Perfect place to bring a picnic.
Mini Castle Park
 
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Easily one of our favorite things we did while in the Loire Valley. This unique light show shed so much insight and tips about French history, the chateaus we visited and the beautiful countryside. Highly recommend!!
Sound and Light Show

Best Bites in the Loire Valley

Quintessential places to grab a bite in Loire Valley. Savor seasonal flavors, an excellent atmosphere and traditional French cuisine. 

 
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 Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude offers great dishes of French cuisine.  It's easy to find this restaurant due to its great location. You will appreciate the modern decor and cool ambiance of this place. Highly recommend the sampling both the savory & desert crepe options!
Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude
 
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Ambiance, exquisite flavors and fabulous location in the heart of Amboise
L'Epicerie
 
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So many great options in near Chaumont Sur Loire
THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Chaumont-sur-Loire (Updated 2025)