Route&Camp

Loire Valley, France

Loire Valley Castles by motorhome, campervan or caravan: 3, 7 or 15-day route

Renaissance châteaux, formal gardens and royal towns along the Loire, the "Garden of France", with cycle paths, vineyards and cave dwellings.

The white stone towers and pointed slate roofs of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire behind a lawn and flower beds with blue and pink flowers

How many days do you have?

Loire Valley Castles in 7 days

Distance≈ 245 km
Stages7
DifficultyEasy
Best timeApril to October

The great castles from east to west: Chambord, Blois and Cheverny, Chaumont and Amboise, Chenonceau and Tours, the gardens of Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau, Ussé and Chinon, ending at Fontevraud and Saumur.

Where is it?

FRANCESPAINITALYGERMANYAtlantic OceanMediterranean SeaLoire Valley CastlesParisLyon

About this route

The Loire Valley, a World Heritage site, is the land of the French kings: in the 15th and 16th centuries they built here some of the most beautiful castles in Europe, from the huge Chambord to Chenonceau, which spans the river Cher. Between the châteaux lie royal towns of white tufa stone, famous gardens, vineyards producing Vouvray, Chinon and Saumur wines, and villages with houses carved into the cliffs. The land is flat and green, perfect for cycling on the Loire à Vélo path. The 3-day version covers Chambord, Blois, Chaumont, Amboise and Chenonceau, the 7-day one continues to Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon and Saumur, and the 15-day one starts in Orléans and adds Cheverny, Loches, Tours, Ussé and the Abbey of Fontevraud.

Flat, quiet roads and short distances. The old centres of Blois, Amboise and Chinon are steep or narrow: use the car parks and motorhome areas on the edge.

Updated

Weather and temperatures

Averages for Tours
  • SpringMar–May 7° / 16° Some rain
  • SummerJun–Aug 14° / 25° Little rain
  • AutumnSep–Nov 8° / 17° Some rain
  • WinterDec–Feb 3° / 8° Some rain

Mild, temperate climate known as the "douceur angevine": pleasant springs, warm but rarely very hot summers, and long, golden autumns. Rain is spread through the year, a little more in autumn and winter, which are cool and grey but rarely freezing. Morning mist often hangs over the river. The gardens are at their best from May to September, and many castles open all year.

Typical lows and highs (average night and afternoon temperatures). They change from year to year, so check the forecast before you go.

Route map

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Campsites, areas and parking come from OpenStreetMap. They can be incomplete or out of date: check before you go and always follow local signs.

Take this route with you

Loire Valley Castles in 7 days

Google MapsPart 1: days 1–4Google MapsPart 2: days 4–7 WazeNavigate to the start: Château de Chambord WhatsAppShare this route with your travel companions

The TXT file needs an internet connection to collect the campsites and motorhome areas. Google Maps opens the stops in order (long routes are split into parts, because Google Maps allows 10 points per route). Waze only navigates to one place at a time, so each day also has its own Waze button. Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

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Day by day

Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

Loire Valley Castles in 7 days

  1. Day1 ChambordArrival day
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Château de Chambord
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Château de Chambord

      The largest and most extravagant of the Loire castles, built for King Francis I in the middle of a walled forest park. Its famous double-helix staircase may have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci, and its rooftop is a forest of towers and chimneys.

      What to see (4)
      • Double-helix staircase Two staircases winding around each other without meeting.
      • Roof terraces Walk among the towers, chimneys and lanterns of the roof.
      • French gardens Formal gardens restored in front of the castle.
      • Forest park Walk, cycle or take a boat in the walled park, home to deer and wild boar.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Large paid car parks next to the castle, with spaces for motorhomes.

    Waze
  2. Day2 Blois and Cheverny≈ 40 km · ≈ 55 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Cheverny and Beauregard
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Blois

      A royal town on a hill above the Loire. Its castle shows four styles of architecture around one courtyard, with the famous open spiral staircase of Francis I. Opposite stands the House of Magic, with dragons appearing at the windows.

      What to see (4)
      • Royal castle Four wings from four periods, and the open staircase of Francis I.
      • House of Magic A museum of magic with dragons that appear at the windows on the hour.
      • Old town Steep lanes and stairways down to the Loire.
      • Sound and light show An evening show projected onto the castle walls in summer.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town is steep. Park by the river or at the motorhome area and walk up.

    • Cheverny and Beauregard

      Cheverny is an elegant classical château still lived in by the same family, with rich furnished rooms, a hunting pack of hounds and gardens. It inspired Captain Haddock's Marlinspike Hall in Tintin. Nearby, Beauregard has a gallery of 327 portraits.

      What to see (4)
      • Furnished rooms Rich interiors still lived in by the owners.
      • Kennels The pack of hunting hounds and their feeding time.
      • Tintin exhibition Captain Haddock's Marlinspike Hall, inspired by the castle.
      • Beauregard A gallery with 327 portraits of famous people.
    Google Maps Waze
  3. Day3 Chaumont and Amboise≈ 50 km · ≈ 1 h 5 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Amboise and Clos Lucé
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Chaumont-sur-Loire

      A castle with round towers on a hill above the Loire, once owned by Catherine de' Medici. Every year from spring to autumn its park hosts the International Garden Festival, with dozens of creative gardens.

      What to see (4)
      • Castle Rooms of Catherine de' Medici and later owners.
      • Garden Festival Creative gardens by designers from around the world, from April to November.
      • Stables Luxurious 19th-century stables.
      • Views over the Loire Terraces above the river.

    • Amboise and Clos Lucé

      A royal castle on a rock above the river, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. He spent his last years at the nearby Clos Lucé manor, which now shows models of his inventions in its park.

      What to see (4)
      • Royal castle Ramparts, the royal lodge and the chapel where Leonardo da Vinci is buried.
      • Clos Lucé Leonardo's last home, with models of his inventions in the park.
      • Old town Shops, cafés and the Sunday market by the Loire.
      • Pagoda of Chanteloup A Chinese-style tower in a park outside the town.

      With a motorhome or caravan: There is a motorhome area and campsite on the Île d'Or, the island in the Loire facing the castle.

    Google Maps Waze
  4. Day4 Chenonceau and Tours≈ 55 km · ≈ 1 h 15 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Tours
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Château de Chenonceau

      The "Ladies' Castle", built across the river Cher on a gallery of arches, shaped by the women who lived here, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. Its gardens and floral decorations are famous.

      What to see (4)
      • Gallery over the Cher The long ballroom built on arches across the river.
      • Gardens of Diane and Catherine Two formal gardens on each side of the castle.
      • Flower decorations Fresh flower arrangements in every room.
      • Maze A maze of yew trees in the park.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Large car park at the entrance of the estate. In summer arrive at opening time.

    • Tours

      The largest city on the route, with an old quarter of half-timbered houses around Place Plumereau, full of cafés, a Gothic cathedral and the guinguettes, open-air summer bars on the banks of the Loire.

      What to see (4)
      • Place Plumereau A square of half-timbered houses with café terraces.
      • Saint-Gatien cathedral A Gothic cathedral with fine stained glass.
      • Guinguettes Summer bars and dancing on the banks of the Loire.
      • Wine of Vouvray Wine cellars in the cliffs just east of the city.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Use a park-and-ride and the tram to reach the centre.

    Google Maps Waze
  5. Day5 Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau≈ 30 km · ≈ 40 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Azay-le-Rideau
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Villandry

      A castle famous for its Renaissance gardens on three terraces: an ornamental garden of clipped box, a water garden and a huge decorative vegetable garden that changes with the seasons.

      What to see (4)
      • Ornamental garden Box hedges clipped into patterns of love and music.
      • Vegetable garden Nine squares of colourful vegetables and flowers.
      • Water garden A calm garden around a pool.
      • Belvedere A viewpoint over all the gardens and the castle.

    • Azay-le-Rideau

      A graceful Renaissance château on an island in the river Indre, whose white walls reflect in the water. Inside are furnished rooms and a fine open staircase.

      What to see (4)
      • Castle on the water The white castle reflected in the Indre.
      • Grand staircase A straight Renaissance staircase with carved ceilings.
      • Park An English-style park around the castle.
      • Village A small village with restaurants by the river.
    Google Maps Waze
  6. Day6 Ussé and Chinon≈ 30 km · ≈ 40 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Chinon
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Château d'Ussé

      A castle of white towers and turrets at the edge of a forest, said to have inspired Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty. Wax figures retell the story in one of the towers.

      What to see (4)
      • Sleeping Beauty tower Scenes from the fairy tale in one of the towers.
      • Castle rooms Furnished rooms and a costume exhibition.
      • Gardens Terraced gardens designed by Le Nôtre.
      • Chapel A Renaissance chapel in the park.

    • Chinon

      A medieval town below a long fortress on a ridge above the river Vienne, where Joan of Arc met the future King Charles VII in 1429. The town is known for its red wine, aged in cellars dug into the hill.

      What to see (4)
      • Royal fortress A long medieval fortress with views over the town and the river.
      • Old town Half-timbered houses and lanes along the Vienne.
      • Wine caves Tastings of Chinon red wine in cellars carved into the rock.
      • Rabelais house The birthplace of the writer, at La Devinière nearby.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town is narrow. Park by the river below the town; a free lift goes up to the fortress.

    Google Maps Waze
  7. Day7 Fontevraud and Saumur≈ 35 km · ≈ 45 min driving

    • Abbey of Fontevraud

      One of the largest monastic sites in Europe, where Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart are buried. It has a huge Romanesque church, cloisters and an unusual kitchen with chimneys like a rocket.

      What to see (4)
      • Abbey church The tombs of the Plantagenet kings and queens.
      • Cloisters A large Renaissance cloister and the chapter house.
      • Roman kitchen An unusual kitchen with many chimneys.
      • Museum of modern art A collection of modern art in the abbey.

    • Saumur and the cave dwellings

      A town of white tufa stone below a fairy-tale castle, home of the Cadre Noir riding school and of sparkling wines aged in caves. Along the river, villages such as Turquant have houses, wineries and restaurants carved into the cliff.

      What to see (4)
      • Castle A white castle above the town and the river.
      • Cadre Noir The national riding school, with shows and visits.
      • Sparkling wine cellars Tastings of Saumur brut in caves under the hills.
      • Turquant A village of cave dwellings, workshops and wine cellars in the cliff.
    Google Maps Waze

Distances and driving times are approximate, measured between stops. Use the Directions links for the exact road route.

Tips for motorhomes, campervans and caravans

Overnight stays · Castle tickets · Loire à Vélo · Wine and caves · Evening shows5

  • Overnight stays

    In France, camping outside campsites (awning out, chairs, levelling blocks) is not allowed. Most towns along the Loire have motorhome areas, often by the river. Always follow local signs.

  • Castle tickets

    Buy tickets online for Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise in summer to skip the queues, and arrive at opening time. Some castles sell combined tickets, and most offer free audio guides or tablets.

  • Loire à Vélo

    A flat, signposted cycle path runs along the river for more than 900 km. Park at a motorhome area and cycle between castles: Amboise to Chenonceau or Villandry to Azay-le-Rideau are easy rides.

  • Wine and caves

    Taste Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur wines in cellars dug into the tufa cliffs. Some cave dwellings are restaurants, hotels or mushroom farms you can visit.

  • Evening shows

    In summer several castles, such as Blois and Amboise, put on sound and light shows after dark. Check dates and book ahead.

Frequently asked questions

5

How many days do you need for the Loire Valley castles by motorhome, campervan or caravan?

Three days are enough for Chambord, Blois, Chaumont, Amboise and Chenonceau, the most famous castles. With seven days you can continue west to Tours, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon and Saumur. Fifteen days let you start in Orléans and add Cheverny, Loches, Ussé and the Abbey of Fontevraud, with time to cycle along the Loire and visit wineries.

Where can you sleep with a motorhome, campervan or caravan in the Loire Valley?

In campsites, many of them by the river, and with a motorhome or campervan also in the many motorhome areas (aires de camping-car) of the towns and villages, often right by the Loire. Caravans are usually only accepted in campsites. Camping outside campsites is not allowed. The route map shows the campsites, motorhome areas and parking places near every stop.

When is the best time to visit the Loire Valley castles?

April to October, when the gardens are in flower and all the castles are open with long hours. July and August are the busiest months, with evening shows in some castles. September and October bring the grape harvest and fewer people. In winter many castles stay open, but with shorter hours, and some campsites close.

Can you drive the Loire Valley castles route in reverse or skip stops?

Yes. The route is a guide, not a fixed plan: you can start in Saumur and drive east to Orléans, begin at whichever stop is closest to you, or skip the castles that interest you less. Distances between stops stay the same in both directions.

Are the roads suitable for large motorhomes and caravans?

Yes, the Loire Valley is flat with good roads and short distances, and most castles have large car parks. The old centres of Blois, Amboise, Chinon and Saumur have narrow, steep streets: park at the edge and walk in. Some riverside roads are narrow, so stick to the main roads with large vehicles.

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