We're planning a spring trip to France including Normandy and Dinan, Brittany. We would like to add one more place and are considering the Loire Valley. We're two couples in our sixties. I think one castle visit will be enough for us. Are there other things to do in the Amboise area? We enjoy hiking, strolling, visiting quaint little towns and local restaurants, maybe a leisurely boat ride on the river. Are those opportunities available in that area or just the castles?
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2712 posts
It is a long drive from Brittany to Amboise. The expense and time would not be worth it to me to visit just one château. For the most part, the Loire River is not navigable, no boats. You would need to be upriver from Orléans or maybe downriver toward Angers to find navigable segments.
If you are near CDG, either arriving or departing, consider visiting Château Chantilly which will be just as interesting, if not more so, than any château in the Loire Valley and not nearly as far.
Posted by
Chicago
1160 posts
How long in total is the trip and how long in "Normandy" and "Dinan, Brittany"?
There is a lot of variety in the Chateaux. From Amboise, one can easily visit "majors" like Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceaux, and others west of Tours. There are also those easily walkable in Amboise - Royal Château, Clos Lucé, Château Gaillard. Amboise is an attractive small town, but won't take long to wander. Some nice promenade walks along the Loire - note the whirlpools, dangerous river. Bike rental right along the banks also.
The town of Blois is very close to Amboise - Royal Château right in city center. Some interesting streetscapes and discoveries - churches, shops, cafes, etc.
Tours is also attractive with historic city center and easy driving to chateaux.
I'm thinking you might want to define your main interest in one or more (or none) of the chateaux. That might help identify places that "call you". I like this article as a quick over view. https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/discover/loire-valley-chateaux/
adding - I agree with the above that Chantilly is also very attractive - chateau, gardens, museums, art gallery