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Loire in October?

Posted by (Far East, Canada) on

Our planning continues for a 14-night trip to France in October, flying in and out of Paris. So far we’ve booked four nights each in Eguisheim (Alsace) and Mesmont (Burgundy), we will have a rental car. That leaves a few nights still to plan.

We had considered returning to Provence but decided against it. Now we’re thinking about spending 3–4 nights in the Loire Valley. While we may visit a château or two, our main goal is simply to explore a new region. Does this seem like a logical addition to our route? Would Amboise or nearby be a good base? Maybe somewhere further east?

FYI - We’re considering Épernay for our first night and Senlis for our last night near CDG

Posted by
2363 posts

A couple years ago I was in the Loire in late Sept/early Oct and the weather was wonderful. I visited Amboise and it looked like a nice place to stay although I was only there for the day. I do wonder why you aren't returning the car and staying at the airport the last night. It sounds less stressful to me. I stayed at the Ibis last time and it was great. It was right at one of the terminals.

Posted by
11199 posts

We were in the Loire 3 years ago in October and it was great weather and not too crowded at the chateau’s. We stayed in Tours and enjoyed it. We have also stayed in Amboise in the past and you can’t go wrong there either. I agree with Laurie Beth that staying at an airport hotel the last night will help relieve any stress. You might even consider returning your car at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (4km from Tours town center) and take the train back to Paris. There are direct trains to CDG.

Posted by
1889 posts

I stayed in Amboise for 5 mights last October. Great place as a base. As noted, Tours would also be good. I had very good weather, but that is always a bit of luck of the draw! Temperature was pleasant. Low chateaux "crowd levels" for me as also experienced above.

There is a direct train from Tours St Pierre to CDG. I took it last year - found it quite convenient. You could possibly return the car to Tours and train direct to the airport - recommend the night before international flight. Many airport hotels to choose from - all budgets. (unless you especially wanted to see Senlis, of course!)

Posted by
154 posts

Thank you for the helpful information, it gives us a few more things to consider especially for our last night. Are there any specific accommodations you can recommend in this area?

Posted by
11199 posts

We stayed in apartments in Amboise (2014) and Tours (2022). I can’t recommend any specific hotels.

Posted by
24 posts

We stayed in the Loire valley in May 2025. Just some ideas:
Villandry chateau, huge gardens area.
We stayed without knowing, in a small village in Montreil Bellay. Not for us, few places to eat, off the main area. We visited Samur and we would have liked to stay there.
Chateau of Divinic, chateau de clos Luce- It was Da vinci's place. very cool to see his inventions, drawings.
Chateau Chenonceau- large grounds, built over the river. cool place.
Town of Chartres was cool to walk around, but driving through the narrow streets was something.

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