Getting Around Loire Valley

Located in the picturesque Loire Valley of France, the chateaux of the valley stand as magnificent testaments to the region's rich history and architectural grandeur. With over 300 castles scattered amidst rolling vineyards and scenic landscapes, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a captivating journey through centuries of captivating tales and breathtaking beauty.

Read on to find out how to reach the valley of chateaux by public transportation, car, and more!

Getting to Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Address: 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France

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Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is situated in the charming village of Chaumont-sur-Loire in the Loir-et-Cher department of the Loire Valley, France. It is located along the banks of the scenic River Loire, offering a picturesque setting for visitors to explore its stunning castle and expansive grounds.

Visit Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

The Intercités train provides transportation from Paris to Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire. With a travel duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes, passengers can conveniently reach the nearest station, Onzain / Chaumont Sur Loire, where a shuttle service connects to the Domain in the morning and late afternoon.

To reach Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire by car, the A10 motorway is the primary route. If you're travelling from Bordeaux, take Exit 17, while those coming from Paris should take Exit 18. Once you arrive, you'll find convenient free parking in the village of Chaumont Sur Loire.

Getting to Chateau de Chambord

Address: Château, 41250 Chambord, France

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The renowned Château de Chambord, found in Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France, is a prominent castle situated in the captivating Loire Valley. Built by King Francis I from 1519 to 1547 CE, it stands as one of the world's most iconic châteaux. Encircled by a 20-mile wall, it is enveloped by Europe's largest enclosed forest park, home to abundant wildlife such as deer and boar.

Visit Château de Chambord

By taking the Intercités train, visitors can easily reach the Chateau de Chambord from Paris. The nearest station is Blois Chambord, with a travel duration of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. A shuttle service operates between Blois Chambord station and the Chateau, aligning with the morning and late afternoon train schedules at Paris Austerlitz station.

By car, the Chateau de Chambord can be easily accessed via the A10, A85, and A71 highways. The journey from Paris takes less than 2 hours, while from Blois, it's less than a 25-minute drive, making it convenient for day trips or longer explorations.

Getting to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Address: Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France

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The renowned Azay-le-Rideau Castle, situated in the charming town of Azay-le-Rideau in the Indre-et-Loire department of France, is a beloved attraction in the Loire Valley. Positioned on an island in the Indre River at Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France, the castle is conveniently located near the Azay train station, a mere 2 kilometres away. The town also offers access to two other railway stations, Tours and Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, on the SNCF Tours-Chinon line.

Visit Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

The town is conveniently accessible by train via the SNCF Tours-Chinon line. Upon arrival, visitors can easily reach the Château on foot, as it is located within a short walking distance from the train station. This connection allows travellers to explore the surrounding areas and immerse themselves in the captivating history and beauty of the region.

To reach the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau by car, from Tours, take exit no. 11, D 751, and head towards Chinon. If driving from Poitiers, follow N10 to Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, then take D760 and D57 to Azay-le-Rideau. These routes offer convenient access to the castle.

Getting to Chateau du Clos Lucé

Address: 2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise, France

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Situated in the scenic Loire Valley, France, Chateau Du Clos Luce is an impressive historical castle. Positioned in the heart of Amboise town, it forms an integral part of the Indre-et-Loire department within the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The grand chateau holds a prominent position within this picturesque area.

Visit Chateau Du Clos Luce

The nearest train station to the Chateau du Clos Lucé is Amboise, located just 1.9km away. Travelling by train is a convenient option, providing easy access to the region. From Amboise, visitors can explore the enchanting castles and immerse themselves in the captivating history of the chateau.

The Chateau du Clos Lucé can be easily reached by car via the A10 motorway, taking exit No 18. The region is conveniently located just a two-hour drive from Paris, making it a popular destination for day trips or weekend getaways from the capital city.

Getting to Chateau D’Amboise

Address: Mnt de l'Emir Abd el Kader, 37400 Amboise, France

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The Chateau d'Amboise is located in the town of Amboise in the Loire Valley, France. It is situated on a hill overlooking the town, the Loire River, and the countryside, providing a strategic view of the river at an important crossing point. The castle was built on a spur above the river Loire, and its landscaped gardens offer one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Loire.

Visit Chateau d'Amboise

To reach the Loire Valley castles by train, travel on the INTERCITIES Line from either Paris or Austerlitz station to Amboise Station. From there, it's a convenient 20-minute walk (approximately 1.3 kilometres) to reach your destination.

To reach the Chateau d’Amboise by car, there are several routes available. From the A10 motorway, take the Amboise exit and follow the D31, then continue on the N152 for approximately 15 km. Alternatively, from the A28 motorway, take the Tours-Sud interchange towards the A85. From the A85, take the Bléré - Amboise - Chenonceau exit and follow the D31 towards Amboise.

Getting to Château de Chenonceau

Address: 37150 Chenonceaux, France

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The Château de Chenonceau is located in the picturesque Loire Valley in France, near the small village of Chenonceaux. It spans the river Cher and is situated atop a graceful arched bridge. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.

Visit Château de Chenonceau

To reach Château de Chenonceau by train from Paris, take a TGV train from Paris Montparnasse station to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station. From Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, transfer to a local train heading to Chenonceaux train station, which is located just 3 km away from the enchanting Chenonceau Castle. The entire journey takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.

To reach the Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley by car from Tours, follow the D976 road southbound towards Amboise. Continue on the D976 until you reach the town of Chenonceaux, where the castle is situated. The journey typically takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Getting to Chateau d'Angers

Address: 2 Prom. du Bout du Monde, 49100 Angers, France

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Château d'Angers is situated in the Angers city of France, within the Maine-et-Loire department of the Loire Valley. Its address is 2 Prom. du Bout du Monde, 49100 Angers, France. The castle enjoys a convenient location, with the Angers railway station just a short distance away. This proximity to the railway station has contributed significantly to the castle's popularity, as it facilitates easy access for visitors arriving from Tours and Paris through frequent train connections.

Visit Chateau d'Angers

The Chateau d'Angers can be conveniently reached by train. From Paris's Gare de Montparnasse 1 Et 2, three daily trains connect to Angers. Additionally, from Tours, seven trains run to Angers train station, located near Chateau d'Angers, just a short walk away at Place de la Gare.

If travelling by car, there are convenient routes to reach the Loire Valley castles. From Tours, take the A85 exit onto A11/E501 towards Nantes/Angers, or opt for the N152 southwest to Saumur, then turn west on D952. From Paris, take the A11 route via Les Mans.

Getting to Château de Blois

Address: 6 Place du Château, 41000 Blois, France

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The beautiful Château de Blois is an integral part of French history as it has been the residence of several French Kings. Located right in the heart of the city of Blois, Château de Blois is a castle at the Loir-et-Cher department of Loire Valley, France. With the Blois railway station nearby, the chateau can be easily visited by taking a train from Paris.

Visit Château de Blois

To reach Château de Blois from Paris, take a train from Paris Austerlitz to Blois station, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. From the station, it's just a short 10-minute walk to the castle, allowing for easy access to explore its fascinating history and architectural splendour.

The Château de Blois, located about a 2-hour drive from Paris, can be easily reached via the A10 or RN152. A convenient multi-story underground car park near the castle offers overnight parking for around 8-10 euros. Additionally, the city of Blois provides ample free parking options, just a short 10-minute distance from the castle.

All Your Questions About Loire Valley Castles Getting There Answered

Where are the Loire Valley Castles located?

The Loire Valley castles are located in the central part of France, along the Loire River. The region spans several departments, including Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire, Maine-et-Loire, and others.

How do I get to the Loire Valley Castles?

To access the Loire Valley Castles, you can either take advantage of public transportation options such as the train, or bus or opt for self-driving, which offers the advantage of time efficiency.

What is the fastest way to get to the Loire Valley Castles?

The quickest way to reach the Loire Valley Castles is by taking a train.

What is the cheapest way to get to the Loire Valley Castles?

If you're looking to save money, utilizing public transportation such as a train or bus is a budget-friendly choice.

Can I park at the Loire Valley Castles?

Yes, parking facilities are available at most of the Loire Valley castles. Each castle may have its own designated parking area or nearby parking lots where visitors can park their vehicles.

Are there direct train connections from Paris to the Loire Valley castles?

Yes, there are direct train connections from Paris to major towns in the Loire Valley, such as Tours, Blois, and Amboise.

How far is the Loire Valley from Paris?

The Loire Valley is located approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) southwest of Paris.

Which is the nearest airport to the Loire Valley?

The nearest airport to the Loire Valley is Tours Val de Loire Airport, which has domestic and limited international connections.

How do I get from Tours to the castles in the Loire Valley?

You can reach the castles from Tours by taking a local train, or bus, or joining a guided tour.

How do I find the best routes and directions to the Loire Valley castles?

You can use navigation apps or websites to find the best routes and directions to the Loire Valley castles.