Loire Valley 5-day Itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in the Loire Valley to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Gardens of Chateau Villandry
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Considered by some to be the world’s most beautiful garden, the grounds of this UNESCO-listed chateau are a must-see.
Created and owned by the Carvallo family, the terraced Renaissance gardens include an ornamental garden, with sculptured hedges, a medicinal herb garden, and a tranquil water garden.
The undisputed star of the show, however, is the stupendous kitchen garden, transformed into a geometrical feast of cabbages and pumpkins, zigzags of leeks, patches of peppers and other colourful vegetables.
Don’t miss
Although the gardens take pride of place, also stop by the 16th-century chateau, which has a marvellous carved wooden mudejar ceiling brought from Toledo.
Time it for Millefeux
For two nights in July or August, the fabulous gardens at the Villandry chateau are illuminated by thousands of candles – an event known as the Nuits des Mille Feux (Nights of a Thousand Lights). It’s a magical night-time spectacle, culminating in fireworks.
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Price from: £6
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Villandry Chateau is 15km west of Tours, and close to the Loire à Vélo (Loire by bike) cycle route. It’s about an hour by train from Paris to Tours station.
Audio guides in English for the gardens and chateau are available at the entrance (small fee). The chateau’s restaurant, La Doulce Terrasse, serves up excellent food employing Villandry’s own fruit and vegetables, alongside local cheeses and home-made desserts.
When to do it
The gardens are open all year round, seven days a week. The chateau is open between mid-February and mid-November. The Nights of a Thousand Lights event takes place over two nights usually in July, sometimes in August.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Loire Valley Half Day with Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau Castles from Tours
Tours
During this morning, visit the elegant must-see Chateau de Villandry and its unique gardens as well as the lovely Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau....
€102 | Rating 4.7 / 5 [20 ratings]
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Loire Valley Day from Amboise : Azay le Rideau, Villandry and 2 Vouvray Wineries
Tours
Enjoy a complete discovery of Loire Valley with the visit of must-see Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry castle and its remarkable gardens. Benefi...
€176 | Rating 5 / 5 [16 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Chateau de Beauvois
Saint-Etienne-de-Chigny, Centre-Val de Loire, France[6.3 miles]
Stately chateau hotel in a magical woodland setting where Louis XIII once came hunting.
Official star rating:
Domaine de la Tortiniere
Veigne, Centre-Val de Loire, France[15.4 miles]
Relaxed, stylish family-run chateau hotel, well located in the heart of the Loire Valley.
Official star rating:
Les Hautes Roches
Rochecorbon, Centre-Val de Loire, France[21.1 miles]
A cosy hotel just outside of Tours, with luxurious ‘troglodyte’ rooms carved into the neighbouring cliff.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Loire Valley
Loire Valley, France
Extraordinary historic chateaux, authentic village life, and superb wine blend in this beautiful UNESCO-listed valley.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
‘La Loire a Velo’ cycle route
Loire Valley, France[8.2 miles]
An 900km waymarked cycle route through the Loire’s beautiful countryside, stopping off at fantastical chateaux, vineyards, and picturesque villages.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1 day-2 weeks
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Vitiloire
Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France[14.6 miles]
This annual wine fair in Tours, held at the start of June, celebrates local wines with wine workshops, music, fireworks and countless opportunities to taste and buy direct from producers.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | One weekend
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