Loire Valley as a daytrip from Paris

Natalia - A few years ago we took a tour with a Rick recommended company, Acco-Dispo tours. Not sure if they are still in the book, but we took an early train to Tours and they picked us up at the station for an all day tour. The guide was great - a little rushed getting around but we were given pleny of time to explore the Chateaux on our own and the drive was full of commentary on the area. The website is www.accodispo-tours.com.

No, it is very difficult to visit the chateaux by public transportation. As others said, you need either a car or a bus tour.

For a daytrip, at most, you'll have time to see two castles. Pick two that sit within a reasonable distance of each other so that you don't feel too rushed.

There may be a pass available, but it probably isn't worth it if you only visit on a daytrip.

In 2006 we also took a day tour with Acco-Dispo. We took the train to Amboise, stayed at Hôtel Belle-Vue for 2 nights and had a wonderful time. (FYI: the Hôtel Belle-Vue was a good choice but the view of the river also includes a view of the street right in front of it. We had two rooms that had access to the terrace.) The Acco-Dispo tour was excellent.

Natalia - we did a day in the Loire Valley earlier this year, in January. We just booked a van through our hotel. The company's brochure said they needed a minimum of 6 people, but with the economy the way it is, they were good to go with three.

The tour was only offered on Sunday. I would guess that it would be hard to get down there and back on a work day. Pickup was very early, 6 AM.

I wish I could remember the name of the company. The driver was a young French woman named Michelle, and she drove exceptionally fast! The day was bitter cold, but we still enjoyed it. The chateaus are too big to heat, but there were fires in a few rooms. Lunch was provided, with wine, in a little country restaurant. Nap time in the van. No wine for the driver, fortunately.

We saw three chateaus. Here's a link to our photos.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpmcdonough/sets/72157613951515604/

Natalia,

One note on the terminology: they are not "castles", they are "chateaux". A "castle" is generally thought of as (primarily) a defensive fortification. A chateaux is not built as a military fortification, it's built as a residence for royalty, intended to impress others. While both castles and chateaux are often big and impressive, they tend to have very different styles.

Anyway, my personal favorite chateaux are Chambord and Chenonceau. Google them and you should find lots of photos.

You might consider taking a train out of Paris a short way (to avoid driving there), and pick up a rental car for the day, see the chateaux, then return the car and take the train back.

Have fun - it's a wonderful area.

David is pretty close. Chateau in French is like schloss in German. It covers anything from castles to big estates. The ones in the Loire Valley are what I would call palatial estates, built by the rich which may or may not have been royalty. The true beauty of the LV is driving along it (maybe from Orleans to Nantes). On a day trip from Paris, you only pop into a cross section. If one of these big houses is what you want to see, then drive or take a tour. Most are far out from any train station, the distance from the road to the parking lot is great and the hike from the parking lot to the front door is hefty as well. Unfortunately, I can't think of a single good "castle" anywhere within striking distance of Paris. Of the chateaux, I think Fontainebleu is the most magnificant.

I'll take a tour then! I've already visited and bookmarked the websites that some of you suggested. Now that I now this can be done and that I can't do it without a tour or a car, I'll have the option in mind while I'm there.
Thank you all for your help!

Natlia,

Hi, I have been lucky enough to do the Loire Valley both ways,, with a car,, staying overnight a few nights etc... and also on a bus tour. The first option is best,, but, I also enjoyed my daytrip with Cityrama. It was a big bus tour,, but we were divided into languauge groups to tour the chateau,, so although the bus fit 45 people,, in my english tour there were only about 20-25 or so. (If english is not your first langauge I would definately say so,, as the other language groups were smaller!)

We saw three Chateaus, the big three C's so to speak. Chenouceau, Chambord, and Cheverny. It was a long day,, but since I did not have to drive I slept on bus on way back .

ParisVisions also does same trip. I think I just chose the cheapest one.

Since I had been before I didn't feel the visits were too short,, but, then I had already been to all of them. It is just a way to get a taste I suppose, but a taste is better then nothing.

Thank you pat, I appreciate your help! Actually, I found your comments very useful. I already added Citirama and Parisvision to my options! They both look ver nice!

There is definitely public transportation, ie., the train that goes from Paris to Fontainebleau, if you intend to see the utterly amazing chateau, catch the bus right outside of the train station in Fontainebleau.

If you want to see a "castle"/chateau closer to Paris and north of it, which is also quite amazing since it was very recently refurbished, I would recommend CHANTILLY, but I don't know if it is served by public transportation or not. When I saw it, I was driven there.

Hi Natalia,
When I did the Loire Valley we did it with a tour group, so I have never done it by myself. However, it should not be too hard to do, as it is pretty close, but I'm not positive. I have been to Chenonceau and it was absolutely gorgeous! Defiantly one of my favorite castles we visited on that trip. It is like a bridge on the water, but it is a castle, very neat! I can highly suggest this castle, it sure is one not to miss! Good luck, and enjoy your trip!