Best Time to Visit the Loire Valley | Weather, Castle Timings, and More

With over 300 châteaux scattered across its picturesque landscape, the Loire Valley offers a captivating journey through centuries of history, architectural grandeur, and romantic tales. From the majestic Château de Chambord to the elegant Château de Chenonceau, each castle tells a unique story of power, beauty, and cultural heritage.

Read on to know everything about the Loire Valley Castles' opening hours, what is the best time to visit the chateaux and more.

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Best Time to Visit Loire Valley Castles

Best Time to Visit Loire Valley Castles

The Loire Valley boasts an array of captivating castles that can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, for an optimal experience, it is recommended to plan a visit during the spring season, from April to June, or the autumn season, from September to October. During these periods, the crowds are relatively smaller, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the charm of the castles at a leisurely pace. In contrast, the summer months attract a larger influx of tourists, turning it into the peak season for the Loire Valley castles. On the other hand, winter is considered the off-season, as many of the castle gardens are closed to the public, making it less ideal for exploration.

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Loire Valley Castles Opening Hours

Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

  • Timings:
    January: 10 AM to 5: 30 PM
    February - March: 10 AM to 6 PM
    April - October: 10 AM to 7 PM
    November 1st Week: 10 AM to 6 PM
    November - January: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Last Entry: 1 hour before closing time
  • Closed on:  January 1 and December 25
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Château De Chambord

Château De Chambord

  • Timings:
    January 2 - March 24: 9 AM to 5 PM
    May 25 - October 29: 9 AM to 6 PM
    October 30 - December 22: 9 AM to 5 PM
    December 23 - December 30: 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Last Entry:
    To Castle: Half an hour before closing time.
    Formal Gardens: Half an hour before castle closing time
  • Closed On: January 1, November 27, and December 25
  • Note: Closing Time On 24 & 31 December: 4 PM
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Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

  • Timings:
    April 1 - June 30: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
    From July 1 - August 31: 9:30 AM to 7 PM
    From September 1 - 30: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Last Entry: One hour before closing
  • Closed On: January 1, May 1 & December 25
  • Note: Free access to the park during the last hour.
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Château du Clos Lucé

Château du Clos Lucé

  • Timings:
    January: 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM
    February - June: 9.00 AM to 7.00 PM
    July - August: 9.00 AM to 8.00 PM
    September - October: 9.00 AM to 7.00 PM
    November - December: 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM
  • Last Entry: 1 hour before the site; castle closes 30 minutes before the park. 
  • Closed On: 25th Dec & 1st January
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Château d'Amboise

Château d'Amboise

  • Timings:
    December 26 - January 9: 9 AM to 4:45 PM
    January 10 - January 31: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 PM to 4:45 PM
    February:  9 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM
    March: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
    April, May and June: 9 AM to 6:30 PM
    July and August: 9 AM to 7 PM
    September - November 15: 9 AM to 6 PM
    November 16 to December 24: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 PM to 4:45 PM
  • Closed On: January 1 & December 25
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Château de Chenonceau

Château de Chenonceau

  • Timings:
  • January 1 - January 2: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
    January 3 - April 8: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
    April 9 - May 29: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
    May 30 - July 8: 9 AM to 6 PM
    July 9 - August 28: 9 AM to 7 PM
    August 29 - September 30: 9 AM to 6:30 PM
    October 1 - November 1: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
    November 2 - December 16: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
    December 17 - December 31: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Holiday timings:
    Easter ( 16 to 18 April), Ascension (26 to 29 May) & Pentecost (4 to 6 June ): 9 AM to 7 PM
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Château d'Angers

Château d'Angers

  • Timings:
    September 5 to April 30: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
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    December 24 and 31 Closing Hours: 4:30 PM
    Last access to the cash desks: 45 min before closing.
  • Closing Hours:
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  • Closed On: January 1, May 1, & December 25
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Château Royal de Blois

Château Royal de Blois

  • Timings:
    January 2 - March 31: 10 AM to 5 PM
    April 1 - June 30: 9 AM to 6:30 PM
    July 1 to August 31: 9 AM to 7 PM
    September 1 - November 6: 9 AM to 6:30 PM
    November 7 - December 16: 10 AM to 5 PM
    December 17 - December 31: 10 AM to 6 PM
    December 24 and December 31: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Last entry: 30 minutes before closing time
  • Closed on: December 25 and January 1
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How Long Do You Need to Tour the Loire Valley Castles?

It is recommended to allocate at least 2-3 days to explore the highlights of the Loire Valley while exploring each castle for 2-3 hours. This timeframe allows for a leisurely visit to some of the iconic castles such as Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Blois, while also leaving room for exploration of the surrounding towns, gardens, and vineyards. However, if you have more time available, extending your stay to 4-5 days or more would provide a more in-depth experience, enabling you to discover additional castles and immerse yourself in the rich history and beauty of the Loire Valley.

All Your Questions About Loire Valley Castles’ Opening Hours Answered

What are the opening hours of Loire Valley Castles?

While the timings for each Loire Valley Castle vary, generally they remain open from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Is Loire Valley Castles open every day?

No, the Loire Valley Castles are not open every day.

When is Loire Valley Castles closed?

The Loire Valley Castles are generally closed on Christmas and New Year.

How long should I spend at Loire Valley Castles?

Plan to spend 2-3 hours at each Loire Valley Castle for a thorough visit.

What is the best time to visit Loire Valley Castles?

The pleasant seasons of spring from April to June and autumn from September to October are the best to visit Loire Valley Castles.

What are the opening hours for Château De Chambord?

Château De Chambord remains open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

What are the opening hours for Château d'Amboise?

The opening hours for Château d'Amboise vary throughout the year, but it generally remains open from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Do Loire Valley Castles open on public holidays?

Some of the Loire Valley Castles remain closed on Christmas and New Year.

Should I visit Loire Valley Castles on a public holiday?

You can visit the Loire Valley Castles on a public holiday, but note that some of the castles may be closed, or they close early than usual. It’s always best to check the timings of the castle you plan of visiting.

What are the opening hours for public holidays at Loire Valley Castles?

The opening hours for public holidays at the Loire Valley Castles vary. You should check the timings of each castle before your visit.