Greetings everyone, Two of us are staying at a short-term apartment in Paris - and would like to visit Chambord and Versailles. Could they realistically be visited in the same day? If not, what other chateaus in the Loire Valley are recommended and could be seen in the same day with Chambord? What is the recommended transportation from and back to Paris - bus, train? Thank you Kind Regards
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Short form: No, this is too much for a day trip. Longer form: It's possible with a car but probably not very satisfying.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
I agree with Adam. While just about any itinerary is possible, there are quite a few that aren't worth it. Your proposed is one of them. Versailles alone will take most of your day. Chambord is usually connected with some other Chateaux in the Loire for another day.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Agree, not realistic, if even possible, to do both in one day. For Versailles, you just take the RER out. There are three lines going to Versailles, though RER C to Station Rive Gauche is the closest to the chateau. But depending on where your apartment is, you might take one of the other lines. The other two stations are within a 20 minute walk from the chateau. Perhaps there is some sort of bus system that will get you to Chambord, but the easiest way for sure is to drive. And you can easily see a few other chateaux in the Loire that day.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Not to turn up my nose at the Loire but there are some stunning Renaissance chateaux close to ParisChantilly and Fontainebleau for instance. These and Versailles should be plenty, and none require a car. On the other hand seeing Loire chateux as a day trip from Paris without a car probably means a bus tour.
Posted by
OP
Prior Lake
9 posts
Thank you to everyone for the responses. Regarding the best RER line location, we're most likely staying in a vacation apartment near The Louvre in Arrondissement 1. Regarding other chateaus in the Loire Valley, which ones are recommended? I prefer to see unique art, architecture, and gardens. With regard to renting a car (and the associated gasoline), I've heard that it's expensive - ? Kind Regards
Posted by
San Francisco
14 posts
We loved Chambord,Chenonceaux and Amboise. We rented a car in May in Versailles from Hertz. $25/day.
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
Getting to some of the Loire chateaux by public transportation is a bit challenging. Renting a car makes it much easier. My family all loved Chambord. I highly recommend it as I think it's a bit more unique. You could probably combine it with a visit to Amboise. There's a chateau there, or you could visit Close Luce, Leonardo da Vinci's last home.