Hey all, wife and I are planning a day trip from Paris to Loire in early fall. We are thinking taking train to Blois, renting a car there, driving to Chateau de Chambord, from there we would drive to Chateau de Chenonceau, then thinking driving to Tours to drop our car off and Train back to Paris. Does this sound like it can be done in a day? Any time saving tips anyone would have? We were thinking about trying to squeeze in 3 chateuas but don't want to rush.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
That sounds like it will work. The 2 chateaus in one day would be enough for many travelers, it depends on train times and car rental closure (and do they have an after-hours return option). Don't do this on Sunday.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1674 posts
I would reverse the Chateaus and just return the car back to Blois and train back to Paris. It is doable in one day, just a long day. It will be a 2 hour train trip each way. Be sure to check the departure station in Paris to be sure it is convenient to where you are staying.
Posted by
3122 posts
Agree, it will be a long day but doable, provided you can get a suitable car on the day you want. Not all of the smaller rental garages have much choice of cars or opening hours on all days. Don't try to squeeze in three chateaux.
Posted by
OP
Alberta, Canada
2 posts
Thanks guys. I like the idea of reversing chateuas. Might save a bit of money doing that if we return car back where we got it. Car rental prices seem to be a lot cheaper in Blois compared to Tours. Not to worried about it being a long day. We can rest on the train ride back lol.
Posted by
886 posts
Honestly, this sounds like a lot of effort for a day trip. Lots of time on the train, plus lots of time driving. Chambord wasn’t even my favorite. Have you been to, or considered visiting Fountainbleu or Vieux-le-Vicomte? They are much easier day trips from Paris, and comparable experiences.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
1005 posts
Keep in mind that Chenonceau can be terribly crowded in the morning and early afternoon. Since you can't get there when it opens, consider coming mid-afternoon. The later you come, the more the crowds will thin out. Crowds are not a problem at Chambord since it's huge.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4341 posts
Chenonceau is wonderfully peaceful in the late afternoon. We went in July and practically had the place to ourselves, so I'm not sure how late it stays open in fall.
Posted by
Westford, MA, USA
567 posts
Do you have 1-2 nights to slow down add the Loire Valley as part of your total travel nights?
Posted by
Loire Valley
764 posts
The only real car hire option for you in Blois would be Avis, which is at the station. Everythiong else would involve eitehr a bit of a hike or a taxi, and would be logistically a hassle, especially if you're wanting a relaxed day. One day, one way hire will considerably up your costs.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2415 posts
If you want to visit a 3rd chateau, consider Cheverny, especially if you can be there when they feed the dogs
Posted by
girdwood, ak
160 posts
Thanks Cala for that tip about Chenonceau. I was planning on being there when it opens in June - maybe now I'll plan on late afternoon. sue
Posted by
260 posts
We did both those chateaux in a day last April and we were fine. Whichever order you do them, consider having lunch at Chambord, there are several places to eat in the courtyard and that would save you time. BTW, I wouldn’t skip Chambord, just being on the roof, not to mention the helix staircase, made it worthwhile for me.