Chateaux of the Loire - Touring by Train

In the 15th and 16th centuries the myriad charms of the Loire Valley, a verdant, gently rolling land of great natural beauty, attracted the Kings of France and their aristocratic courtiers, who left a rich cultural legacy by building the many sumptuous chateaux which now dot this very special region. The unique insight it thereby affords into a culturally rich period of French history has not only made it a major tourist attraction but earned it official status as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The chateaux come in all shapes and sizes, incorporating a wide range of architectural styles but marked above all by the Renaissance, a period of unsurpassed cultural achievement and splendour. From magnificent palaces such as the 440-room Chambord in its vast enclosed park, to smaller-scale but no less opulent masterpieces such as Cheverny, model for Moulinsard in the Tintin adventures, and Azay-le-Rideau, built on an island in the Indre, each has a timeless beauty and its own individual personality to discover.

The one-time Royal residences of Blois and Amboise, proudly dominating the Loire and the medieval streets below from their rocky perches, provide a living history lesson; Chenonceaux, ornately decorated inside and out, its famous arches spanning the Cher, is the most visited of all; Villandry, with its gardens, Chaumont, high above the Loire, Usse, model for the castle in Sleeping Beauty, Langeais, Beauregard, Valencay, the list goes on.

What is perhaps less well known is how easy it is to discover much of this delightful region by public transport – and a few gentle walks. Thanks to France’s efficient and inexpensive local rail network - both the Loire Valley and its chateaux become accessible. Along with your itinerary, we provide local timetables so allowing you to explore at your own pace, spending more or less time in each destination in accordance with individual preferences

Day One: Arrival and overnight at your hotel in Tours, capital of the region and with a rich past. Welcome pack including touring information and chateaux entrance vouchers can be collected from the Tourist Office. Having settled in, discover the squares and alleyways of the old town, with its halftimbered houses and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets

Day Two: Take the local train to Amboise, its imposing chateau - first of the Renaissance in France - seen to maximum effect as you cross the Loire from the opposite bank from the station. Time also to visit Clos Luce chateau, final residence of Leonardo da Vinci and now a museum with working models of his designs, and explore the streets of the old town, before a mid-afternoon return to Tours, with time to visit St Gatien cathedral and the surrounding medieval area. Overnight Tours

Day Three: An hour-long train journey through the vineyards, orchards and forests to Chinon, a charming medieval town on banks of Vienne dominated by the ruins of its fortress, where both Henry Plantagenet and Richard the Lionheart died; explore the old town and maybe visit a wine-cellar. Return via Azay le Rideau, to visit its distinctive chateau on an island and explore the picturesque village. Continue to Tours for overnight stay.

Day Four: Follow the Loire as you head east to Blois, briefly former royal capital of France, for an afternoon free to explore the Royal chateau, symbol of its prestigious past, and the warren of medieval streets steeply descending to the banks of Loire. Overnight Blois

Day Five: Into the countryside south of Blois to visit Chambord, most opulent of all the Loire chateaux and famous inter alia for its unique double staircase probably designed by Da Vinci, and Cheverny, exquisitely decorated and noted for its hunting hounds (no rail services, so undertaken by coach or minibus). More free time in Blois (overnight), beautifully illuminated in the evening, and with many fine bars and restaurants.

Day Six: Head south-west by train (one change) to Chenonceaux – by way of pleasant contrast to the larger towns thus far, a mere rural village surrounded by vineyards, but home to the most photographed of all the Loire chateaux. Suggested check-in, lunch in the village and, afternoon to explore the castle, ornately designed inside by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, and its extensive formal gardens, Most evenings you can return for the son et lumiere show. Dinner (included) and overnight in Chenonceau

Day Seven: a short local train ride to St Pierre des Corps to rejoin the TGV for the homeward journey