Our plan is to fly into CDG in early Oct, arriving approx 11:10, then make our way to Blois, using public transportation. My question is which train do we take from CDG & is it better to go to Orleans, then change trains to Blois, or go to Tours & change trains? We're spending a couple of nights in Blois, mainly to see Chambord. We have been to the Loire Valley before, but just want to focus on one chateau this time. We don't want to rent a car because we're meeting our daughter & son-in-in-law a few days later & they'll have a car. Thanks for any info.
Posted by
California 🦋
5202 posts
There aren’t any direct trains from CDG to Blois, but you may consider taking the direct train from Paris Austerlitz to Blois-Chambord.
You may check train schedules here:
oui.sncf
You won’t be able to see schedules for October now, as they will change in mid June, however, they won’t change much.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7025 posts
Of the two train choices you mention I would definitely choose Tours because it is a direct train from CDG. The train to Orleans is not a direct train, you have to change trains in Paris (Gare d'Austerlitz).
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Thank you, Priscilla and Nancy. Will check train schedules in a few months.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I went from Amboise through Tours. Blois might be six of one, half dozen of the other choosing between going through Tours or Orleans. If you look at the sncf website, it will either give you the best option or show some of each. Duration is usually my main consideration when choosing a train.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7248 posts
Note that your train change may be in Tours, while many passengers may be going to St Pierre des Corps, on the TGV from CDG.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Thanks, Brad & Tim. Will have to wait until mid-June to check train schedules & will pick one with shortest time length. Would like to arrive in Blois in time to see some of the village & find our B&B. Will keep fingers crossed there's no train strike that day!
Posted by
56 posts
Tours is on the direct TGV train route from Paris.
From Tours you can catch a local train line that goes past many towns with note-worthy chateaux including Blois.
I myself stayed in Tours and took a chateaux tour minivan tour that was arranged at the visitors center.
It was also lovely to stay in Amboise. The chateaux there was built by Francois I, who was the patron of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Da Vinci's house is in Amboise. It's a fascinating look at a place where this great man lived and some of his inventions and built out for visitors to see. He is also buried in the small chapel in Amboise Castle.