Our family trip to the Loire Valley was nothing short of magical. With its stunning chateaus, picturesque landscapes, delicious food, and world-class wine, the Loire Valley has quickly become one of my favorite destinations, not just in France, but in the world. Here’s a glimpse into our journey, along with some tips for anyone planning a visit to this incredible region.
A Change of Perspective
I’ll admit, my first trip to France wasn’t quite what I expected. A few years ago, Holly and I spent a short time in Paris, and while the city was beautiful, I didn’t fully understand the allure of France. I left feeling indifferent, thinking Paris was fine but not in a rush to return.
However, our trip to the Loire Valley completely changed that. This time, we were accompanied by our two children, ages 8 and 6, and spent a few days in Spain before flying into Paris. From Paris, we rented a car and made the 2.5-hour drive to Amboise, a charming town in the Loire Valley. And just like that, we were captivated.
Exploring the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley, named after the Loire River that flows through it, is known for its rich history, stunning castles, and beautiful countryside. The river has historically served as the boundary between northern and southern France and has been central to many significant events in French history.
In addition to its chateaus, the Loire Valley is famous for its vineyards and orchards. It’s a region where royalty and noble families built beautiful estates, many of which are open to the public today. The area has earned UNESCO World Heritage status, thanks to its cultural significance and wealth of historical sites.
The Loire Valley’s landscapes and chateaus have inspired countless works of art, and many Disney castles were modeled after the grand chateaus here. If you’ve ever watched a Disney movie, you might recognize these fairy-tale-like castles in the region.
The Perfect Vibe
One of the things I loved most about the Loire Valley was the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Paris, everything here felt slower and more relaxed. The people were friendly, and while the area exuded sophistication, it never felt stuffy or overly formal.
The dress code is generally casual, with most people wearing comfortable attire. However, some upscale restaurants may require slightly more formal wear, like a nice pair of pants and a collared shirt for men, or a sundress for women.
Amboise: Our Home Base
We chose Amboise as our home base in the Loire Valley. This charming town, located along the Loire River, is the perfect location to explore the region. It’s small enough to avoid the heavy tourist crowds of nearby towns like Tours and Blois, yet still has plenty to offer.
I highly recommend renting a car when visiting the Loire Valley, as the chateaus are spread out. Driving through the French countryside is easy and offers a wonderful opportunity to take in the scenery. From Amboise, it’s a short drive to famous chateaus like Chambord, Cheverny, Villandry, and Chenonceau, all of which we had the pleasure of visiting.
Where We Stayed
For our family, renting an apartment is always the best option when traveling in Europe. Hotel rooms for four can be hard to find, and having a kitchen and space to do laundry is invaluable, especially on a longer trip. Holly did a great job researching, and we ended up with a lovely 2-bedroom apartment in the heart of Amboise. It was just a short walk to the main square and the Chateau d’Amboise, and it felt like home. The apartment was clean, cozy, and perfect for our needs.
Top Sights in the Loire Valley
While the food and wine are fantastic, the Loire Valley is all about the chateaus for me. With over 100 open to the public, there’s no way to see them all in one trip, so it’s essential to prioritize. We focused on three main castles during our short stay: Chambord, Chenonceau, and Chateau d’Amboise.
Chambord
Chambord is by far the most impressive chateau in the region and is often considered the epitome of French Renaissance architecture. Built by King François I in the early 16th century, this stunning castle is known for its distinctive French turreted roof and massive spiral staircase that winds up through the center of the building. Chambord has become one of my all-time favorite castles, and it’s easy to see why—it’s breathtaking.
Despite its vast size, Chambord was originally intended as a hunting lodge for the king. The chateau draws millions of visitors annually, and it’s easy to see why Disney fans will recognize its resemblance to the castles seen in Beauty and the Beast.
Chenonceau
Next, we visited the elegant Chateau de Chenonceau, which stretches beautifully across the Cher River. It’s one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been, offering a serene atmosphere and stunning views. After touring the chateau, we spent time exploring the gardens and watching hot air balloons float overhead while kayaks drifted by on the river. The kids especially loved the maze and petting the animals on the grounds.
Chenonceau has a fascinating history, as it was owned by Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henry II, and later claimed by his wife, Catherine de’ Medici. The rivalry between the two women adds a dramatic twist to the story of the chateau.
Chateau d’Amboise
On a quieter day, we decided to explore the Chateau d’Amboise, just a short walk from our apartment. This chateau has deep historical significance, as it was the childhood home of King François I. It’s also where Leonardo da Vinci is buried, and my daughter was thrilled to visit the tomb of the artist she had admired for years.
While smaller than the other chateaus we visited, Chateau d’Amboise offers spectacular views of the town and the Loire River.
Clos Luce
Another must-see in Amboise is Clos Luce, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. The chateau is now a museum dedicated to his inventions, with working models of many of his famous designs displayed throughout the grounds. Walking around the peaceful grounds of Clos Luce felt like an escape from the more crowded tourist sites, and it was a wonderful way to wrap up our visit.
Final Thoughts
Our time in the Loire Valley was nothing short of magical. With its stunning chateaus, charming villages, and rich history, it’s easy to see why this region is such a beloved destination in France. Whether you’re exploring grand castles or simply enjoying the relaxed pace of life, the Loire Valley offers a perfect escape.
Holly and I are already planning our next visit to this enchanting region, and we can’t wait to return. If you ever have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it—you’ll quickly see why we fell in love with this wonderful part of France.
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