Hello,
After a few days in Paris and Versailles we'll head to Tours, for 5 days. Which castles would you recommend among Chenonceau, Villandry, Chambord and Blois? Any other we shouldn't miss? I figure we'll pick one or two.
Which towns merit a visit - Amboise, Orleans, Loches?
Lastly, recommandations please for things to do, such as market visits, city tours, or great bakeries and restaurants.
Many thanks! I appreciate your help.
Villandry was my favorite, and is not far from Azay-le-Rideau. They are both off the autoroute and make sense for a day. Chenonceaux and Chambord are also definite must sees. Chambord can be a hike from Tours, that might be the farthest you’ll want to go. It’s not far from Cheverny, so it might make sense to do those together one day. Amboise is a quick stop place for you, small but plenty of nice restaurants. I would highly recommend picnicking on these excursions. These chateaux have some lovely picnic grounds and it’s a nice break in a day of driving around.
Chenonceau was my favorite chateau followed closely by Villandry. We also went to Chambord (enormous) Chaumont (very close to Amboise and interesting connection to Chenoceau) , Clos Luce (different, interesting because Da Vinci lived there) Azay-le-rideau (lovely, but when we were there, there was lots of scaffolding) and Saumur (REALLY old, Loire views). I really liked Amboise where we stayed three nights actually in a chateau. (Chateau de Pray) Amboise has a very lovely street lined with restaurants with a view of shops and the Chateau Amboise.. We didn't spend much time there, but the little town by Azay-le-rideau looked charming. We did some wine tasting especially in Vouvray, Chinon and Saumur. We ate dinner a couple times in Amboise. We had a very memorable meal at Chateau de Pray. http://www.chateaudepray.fr/en/gourmet-restaurant.html . I think it is Michelin stared. We felt it very reasonable for the elegance and incredible food.
Just returned. Our favorite was Chaumont-sur-Loire for the way it is situated over the river, the interiors, and the gardens. It's just gorgeous.
We also really loved Chateau Amboise, despite having read it isn't worthwhile. I couldn't disagree more. The gardens are beautifully kept, the views are incredible, and the interiors are quite nice. Azay-le Rideau is absolutely lovely and well worth a visit. Chenonceau also, extraordinary. But horribly crowded, which spoiled it a little. But it's a must do for sure. Cheverny was also very enjoyable. We saw a few others, but these stood out the most for us.
The weather was awful, so we skipped Chambord. I've been before. Not much on the inside as I recall but the views from the roof are extraordinary (on a day when the weather cooperates).
I liked Chenonceau best. I also liked staying in Amboise and visiting Royal Amboise and Clos Luce. I added Villandry for the gardens. Before Amboise I stayed in Chinon and saw the Fortress and Fontevraud Abbey. I thought that was a fairly good mix of not all Chateaux (Chinon, Clos Luce and Fontevraud are different types of sights).
There is a road that runs under the wall of Chateau d'Amboise, Place Michel Debre. There is a line of cafes there that should give you some good dining options.
I've only been to Chenonceau, but loved the way it's built over the river.
Thank you all for the useful feedback! I think what we'll do is this: arrive Friday and explore Tours; then Saturday it's off to Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau. Sunday we'll visit Amboise, stop by the market and get equipped for a picnic, and have dinner with friends. Monday we'll see Chenonceau and go to Cave des Domes. Tuesday we'll spend a half day in Orleans before driving to Beauvais to catch a plane to our next destination.
