Just wondering what the average time you took to see these chateaus? Wondering if we could do both on our last day in the Loire?
We were thinking Villandry and Chinon and maybe another on the first day.......then Chenonceau and Chambord on day 2.........we only have 2 full days in the Loire. Friends have also suggested Chaumont ...... What do you think?
Thank you for all advice.
You can try to see Chenonceau and Chambord on one day, but they are the 2 biggest ones of the bunch.
I'd never try it - but then I'm the guy who took nearly 2 whole days to see what I wanted to of Chenonceau.
They have good food facilities at Chenonceau, too.
And, because, to me, it is head and shoulders above the others, I'd not leave it to the second day to visit, unless the weather will be better. There is a lot to see in the grounds of Chenonceau.
We spent a bit over 2 1/2 hours at each place (not on the same day) and that was plenty for us. I thought the grounds and exteriors of each were beautiful, but the interiors were less opulent and less interesting, so that we spent more time outside than in.
We did not see them on the same day, but probably could be done. We spent about 2.5 hours at Chambord; the architecture there is amazing. I think we spent about the same at Chenonceau; it is completely furnished while Chambord is not (but I liked that). To me, the most difficult part of doing both in one day is the distance to travel between them. The drive to Chambord was quite lovely along the river, at least the way we went. To do both in one day, you should be at your first one when it opens, and then see what you can in the time allowed and enjoy. If you "miss" something, don't worry about it.
You can see both in one day. I've done it. But everything Nigel said is true. I fell in love with Chenonceau years ago and visited many times on many trips... finally, last time we were visiting the Loire, I scheduled a whole day just for Chenonceau. We spent the entire day there and loved every minute. I really like Chambord as well. But the answer to your question is yes, you can visit both chateaux in one day.
Maybe will will change it to Villandry and Chenonceau on day one, Chaumont sur Loire and Chambord on day 2. Would that be better?
Villandry is only to see the gardens which in November won't take as long LOL
We did Chononseau and Clos Lucie in One day and it was a long day, I think it depends on your interest span as to how long you will be.
Mike
Clos Lucé (not Lucie) is very worthwhile. It was the home of Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise.
Photobearsam -- I think your last idea -- Chenonceau and Villandry on one day, Chambord and Chaumont on the other day -- makes the most sense if those are the four places you want to visit. Two chateaux per day worked for us, though I can well understand how Chenonceau or some of the others could take most of a whole day if you have that much time. More than two would have been too many for us in a day, unless on a "drive-by" basis which really seems inadequate.
This assumes that you're driving, and that your overnight base is somewhere central to those places (like Amboise or Tours or Blois).
The night before day one we are thinking Domaine de la Tortinière in Veigné ( I think that is right) as My Mom wants to sleep in a Chateau. The 2nd night I was thinking Amboise? Not sure yet......
Then after day 2 of Chateaux......we were planning on Orléans before driving into Paris the next morning to drop off the car. The drop off is a short walk from our apartment. Hopefully going in on a Saturday will be ok.
Just wanted to thank you for asking the question. We'll be there in early August and we were wondering the same thing.
These combinations work well for logisitics.
1) Chambord + Blois
2) Chenonceau + Amboise
3) Villandry + Ussé or Azay-le-Rideau
