Loire Chateaux tours

I don't think a guided tour is necessary. It is very easy to navigate around the Loire and plenty of info is available at the chateaus.

Thank you. Believe the flexibility of going on our own will, with your suggestion, tip the scales in favor of declining the tour.

I agree with Jules. Driving around the Loire is very easy. You can rent audio guides at the Chateaux. We didn't bother- just used the guidebook and read the info provided by the chateaux.

Sounds good. Thank you.

I personally really liked Château de Villandry which is known for its expansive and colorful gardens. It also has a water garden, with ponds and fountains; an ornamental garden with intricate patterns of different flowers and an enormous vegetable garden. Interestingly the vegetable garden was probably one of the most beautiful parts of the garden. As you can see, this Château's main attraction is the exterior rather than the interior.

Thank you. I think that will work for us.

Since you have a car, drive it. You can stay as long as you like.

Villandry is great but some distance from the chateaux you mentioned. If you have only the two days, Chambord and Cheverny would be good choices, and/or the chateau right there in Amboise where you'll be staying. I like Blois too, though not everyone does.

Villandry is quite a distance, but for me, personally, I wouldn't miss it. In Amboise and very different from other chateau is DaVinci's chateau Clos Luce', and just ten miles down the road from Amboise along the Loire is Chaumont which has an interesting connection to Chenonceau and a very beautiful location on the Loire. Chambord is HUGE and has quite a presence and has a beautiful exterior. I'm glad I went, but it was not one of my favorites.

As Dick said, don't pass up Chateau Amboise right in town, a walk up the hill overlooking the town center. Maybe not the prettiest from outside, but great view, more interesting inside and strollable grounds, (with Davinci's grave to boot).

Thank you all so much!

If you're not used to driving in France, be sure to have lots and lots of change for the tolls. Otherwise driving in Loire area is easy.

Noted with appreciation.

We are in the Loire now, coming from Brittany. It was an easy ride. Toll roads now use credit cards or mobile pay which makes the drive even easier. We visited Villandry today and were awed by the gardens and grounds. Unlike the other 6 Chateaux we visited. Because we are staying in Azay-le-Rideau, we were introduced to Chateau L'isletette, where Rodin and Claudel stayed. It was beautiful and indescribably peaceful and also gave some insight into how modern families live in ancient maisonette.

It sounds wonderful. We can’t wait to follow.