02-24-2008, 09:15 PM
What is the best way to visit " Les Chateaux de la Loire en France " ?
The castles of the Loire valley are spread on a large area, roughly the one of the Unesco heritage site, between sully sur Loire and Angers.
It is therefore difficult to see them all while staying in one area only.
You basically have two choices : either try to see the maximum and stay at two different places (Orléans and Chinon, for instance), covering it all or stay in the area with the best density (around Tours) and see only the main ones.
The second option is best if you have limited time (less than 1 week)
You'll need a car to reach the sites, or your trip will be a planning nightmare.
Planning carefully, you will be able to visit neighbouring castles or places of interest and save time.
Here are the main areas by zone, going upstream of the Loire
Saumur (including tank museum and/or horse museum if you're interested), Fontevraud Abbey, Chinon (+medieval town)
Ussé, Langeais, Azay le rideau, Villandry
Amboise (+ Leonard Da Vinci house : Clos Lucé), Chenonceaux
Chaumont sur Loire, Cheverny
Blois, Chambord
Meung sur Loire, Clery Saint Andre (basilica)
Saint Benoit sur Loire, Sully sur Loire (both upstream of Orleans)
Plus you may visit the wine producers in the meantime and have walks along the Loire river.
The castles of the Loire valley are spread on a large area, roughly the one of the Unesco heritage site, between sully sur Loire and Angers.
It is therefore difficult to see them all while staying in one area only.
You basically have two choices : either try to see the maximum and stay at two different places (Orléans and Chinon, for instance), covering it all or stay in the area with the best density (around Tours) and see only the main ones.
The second option is best if you have limited time (less than 1 week)
You'll need a car to reach the sites, or your trip will be a planning nightmare.
Planning carefully, you will be able to visit neighbouring castles or places of interest and save time.
Here are the main areas by zone, going upstream of the Loire
Saumur (including tank museum and/or horse museum if you're interested), Fontevraud Abbey, Chinon (+medieval town)
Ussé, Langeais, Azay le rideau, Villandry
Amboise (+ Leonard Da Vinci house : Clos Lucé), Chenonceaux
Chaumont sur Loire, Cheverny
Blois, Chambord
Meung sur Loire, Clery Saint Andre (basilica)
Saint Benoit sur Loire, Sully sur Loire (both upstream of Orleans)
Plus you may visit the wine producers in the meantime and have walks along the Loire river.