Are you passionate about château life and planning to visit the Châteaux of the Loire but don’t know where to sleep? We’ve got the answer here!
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the region with the most castles in France. From unmissable Renaissance châteaux to medieval fortresses and formal gardens, the Loire Valley never ceases to amaze.
A great success in recent years, visits to the Châteaux de la Loire are constantly reinventing themselves, offering ever more fun activities for young and old alike: bike tours, augmented reality tours, shows, entertainment and even escape games!
Good accommodation around the Châteaux de la Loire is essential if you want to discover them in good form, as are the surrounding landscapes, which are well worth the detour. So don’t delay in discovering our selection of towns to stay in along the Châteaux de la Loire!
Orleans
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Anthony Bourgouin
The historic city of Joan of Arc, known as « La Pucelle », Orléans is a strategic base for those planning to visit the Châteaux of the Loire. Indeed, a Renaissance masterpiece is less than an hour’s drive from the city: the Château de Chambord! The Domaine National de Chambord has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
When it comes to accommodation, Orléans offers you the chance to sleep in a hotel, an Airbnb, a campsite, a gîte… The choices are many! To help you, you can read our article Where to stay in Orléans?
Other castles to visit near Orléans :
- Château de Meung-sur-Loire
- Beaugency Castle
- The Château de Sully-sur-Loire
- Château de Chamerolles
Find a hotel in Orléans
Find a vacation home in Orléans
Blois
Photo credit: Flickr – Daniel Jolivet
Many castles of interest can be found around the town of Blois. Finding accommodation in Blois means you’ll be close to some of them. Just 20 minutes away is the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, famous for its poetry and the Festival International des Jardins.
In addition to hotels and private rentals, Blois is the place to stay if you’re looking for a luxurious stay and a taste of « château life ». You can spend the night in the nearby Château de la Rozelle, Château de Colliers, Château des Grotteaux and even in the Cheverny suites!
Other castles to visit near Blois :
- Château de Cheverny, famous for its magnificent interior
- The Royal Château of Blois
- Fougères-sur-Bièvre castle and keep
- The Château de Beauregard and its portrait gallery
Amboise
Photo credit: Pexels
This Indre-et-Loire town is best known for the Château Royal d’Amboise, which overlooks the town and can be visited with a queue-cutting ticket. Other monuments that have contributed to its fame include the Château du Clos Lucé , where Leonardo da Vinci lived (again, take advantage of a queue-cutting ticket to avoid the long queues), and the royal estate of Château-Gaillard, famous for its gardens and the nearby Chanteloup pagoda.
If you’re planning to visit the Château de Chenoneau, it’s also worthwhile finding accommodation in Amboise, as the site is only 15 km from the town. From Amboise, it’s also possible to see the Châteaux de la Loire in a different way by flying over the Loire Valley in a hot-air balloon!
In addition to the region’s flagship châteaux, take advantage of your visit to Amboise to discover the city’s other treasures, including museums, troglodyte sites, zoos and gardens.
From cozy hotels to manor houses and small castles to warm, authentic gîtes, one thing’s for sure: staying in Amboise guarantees a charming stay!
Find a hotel in Amboise
Find a bed and breakfast in Amboise
Towers
Photo credit: Flickr – François Philipp
A city of art and history with a UNESCO-listed historic center, Tours is the perfect compromise if you want to enjoy the Châteaux of the Loire and stay in a city full of charm. Just 20 minutes from the city is the Château de Villandry, famous for its magnificent formal gardens and also a UNESCO site.
The Belleville Heliport is just 30 kilometers away, where you can explore the Châteaux de la Loire by helicopter!
A wide choice of accommodation awaits you in Tours. There’s something to suit every budget and, above all, every taste!
Other castles to visit near Tours :
- Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
- The Château de Langeais
- Loches Castle
Find a hotel in Tours
Find a vacation home in Tours
Chinon
Chinon is a peaceful town in southwestern Touraine, less than an hour from Tours. Nevertheless, it attracts many tourists who come to visit the Châteaux de la Loire, but also for its proximity to the Loire à Vélo tourist circuit. Chinon is ideal if you’re still wondering where to stay. The Royal Fortress of Chinon is an integral part of the town’s history, and is also linked to that of Joan of Arc.
Other castles to visit near Chinon :
- Cardinal de Richelieu’s castle
- Château d’Ussé
- Rivau Gardens
Saumur
Photo credit: Flickr – John Reynolds
Relive the history of France with accommodation in Saumur! Situated between Tours and Angers, this town lives to the rhythm of the Château d’Angers and its fortress.
Renowned for its equestrian art and vineyards, Saumur is a city where you’ll never be bored if you decide to make it your home during your stay. From the horse museum, via the « Cadre Noir » institution, to a stroll along the banks of the Loire or the Blanches de Tuffeau vineyards, Saumur has a rich historical and cultural heritage to discover! Unmissable on both sides, Saumur is an excellent alternative for accommodation around the Châteaux de la Loire.
Other Châteaux to visit near Saumur :
- Château de Montreuil-Bellay
- Château de Brézé
- Château de Montsoreau, the only Loire château built in the riverbed
- Château de Gizeux
Angers
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Tango7174
The medieval seat of the Plantagenet dynasty, Angers is famous for its half-timbered houses and its fortress, the Château d’Angers, which you can also discover on a guided tour. Situated between Tours and Nantes, Angers has become an essential stopover when visiting the Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Enjoy a stroll along the cobbled streets to St-Maurice Cathedral, before taking a lunch break in one of the small restaurants in the center.
When it comes to housing, Angers offers the possibility of finding a pied-à-terre in its historic heart, but also close to the station and amenities. Once again, it’s a matter of taste, but one thing’s for sure: there’s something for everyone!
Other Châteaux to visit near Angers :
- Château de Serrant
- Château de Brissac
- Château de Baugé
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Find an Airbnb in Angers
Itinerary of the Loire Castles
Here’s an itinerary to help you discover the Châteaux of the Loire Valley!
