6 TOP Spots • Where to Stay in Loire Valley (Map + Prices!)

Welcome to the Garden of France! The Loire Valley, nestled in the heart of France, is an incredible region that boasts over 300 castles, but it also offers some incredible landscapes and vineyards! If this sounds like the ideal destination for your next trip, you’ll be wondering where to stay in Loire Valley! 

A few years back, I visited the Loire Valley on a day tour from Paris and was blown away by its beauty! Based on my short explorations and some extra research, I compiled a list of the 6 best towns to stay in Loire Valley! 

At the top of the list, you’ll find the town of Tours – the best place to stay in Loire Valley, especially if you’re visiting for the first time! The town is ideally located for exploring the rest of the Loire Valley region and also features a few of its own attractions! 

Besides covering all the top cities in Loire Valley, I also handpicked the best hotels for each destination. You’ll get recommendations for each price category, from luxury to budget, so I’m sure you’ll find a Loire Valley accommodation that meets your travel preference. 

As soon as you come across something you like, hurry up and make a reservation! The Loire Valley is a popular tourist destination, and good hotels are quick to sell out! 

Now let’s go!

NOTE: The 6 towns recommended below are the best places to stay in Loire Valley, but that doesn’t mean staying anywhere else is a mistake – especially if you’re going by car. You can choose to stay anywhere in the Loire Valley and drive to all of these towns and attractions. 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book now, check out this shortlist of the best hotels in Loire Valley, all located in Tours: 

Here’s a map of all the areas where to stay in Loire Valley that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Tours – where to stay in the Loire Valley for the first time

Known as the gateway city to the Loire Valley, Tours has that old French town charm that will make you fall instantly in love with it! This historical place has a vibrant atmosphere and many attractions that will grab your attention!

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a great location to start your Loire Valley adventure. There are many tours of the Loire Valley chateaux that start from Tours (pun intended), but you can also just head to the train station and explore around. The public transport links from Tours are super reliable, so it’s a great place to stay if you’re traveling without a car! 

But before you visit all the famous Loire Valley Castles, where you can also book rooms if you wish (more on this in the bonus section), I highly recommend exploring this town. 

One of the biggest attractions here is the Saint-Gatien Cathedral (map), but let’s not forget about the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, which displays some amazing collections!

FUN FACT: Tours is the birthplace of the famous French novelist Honoré de Balzac. In his adult life, he spent some time in Saché, at the Château de Saché, which is now the Balzac Museum. His stay here inspired him to write the novel The Lily of the Valley. 

During your stay here, I highly recommend visiting the Botanical Garden of Tours (map) and the Prébendes d’Oé Garden (map) – both of the gardens are beautifully landscaped! 

The Château de Tours (map) is another must-visit! This castle has been transformed into an art center, and you can see some art exhibitions and displays of local history. And if you’d like to spend some more time outdoors, then head to Parc Honoré de Balzac (map). This is a large park on a man-made island with many walking paths – perfect for relaxing! 

Even though shopping may be the last thing on your mind when visiting the Loire Valley, I highly recommend stopping by L’Heure Tranquille (map). This is an outdoor shopping mall with a variety of stores, but also some great restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. 

However, if you’d like to get a taste of local food, you have to check out Les Halles de Tours (map). This indoor produce market offers a wide selection of artisan breads, cheese, wine, and more; after your visit to the market you’ll be able to make a delicious charcuterie board! 

Other accommodation options in Tours

Things to do in Tours

• Admire the architecture of the stunning Saint-Gatien Cathedral
• Explore the collections at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours
• Visit the Botanical Garden of Tours and the Prébendes d’Oé Garden
• Fall in love with the beautiful Château de Tours
• Go on a relaxing walk at Parc Honoré de Balzac
• Embark on a day tour to the Chambord and Chenonceau castles
• Do some shopping at the L’Heure Tranquille
• Get some fresh bread and cheese from Les Halles de Tours

2. Amboise – the best place to stay in Loire Valley for couples

Located 25 km (15 miles) East of Tours (a 30-min drive away), this town is steeped in history – you will notice that every step of the way along the narrow streets of Amboise! This lovely town is home to several castles and a chocolate factory that only contributes to the town’s romantic atmosphere! 

Amboise was the seat of the French royal family back in the 15th century, specifically the Château Royal d’Amboise (map). This royal castle was transformed during the Renaissance to resemble the grand Italian castles and it offers stunning views of the Loire River, perfectly landscaped gardens, and is the final resting place of Leonardo DaVinci.

Right here in Amboise, you can also visit Leonardo Da Vinci’s last home – the Château du Clos Lucé (map) – and also visit the small (but not less impressive) Château Gaillard (map). 

When you’re not busy admiring all the castles with their antique furniture and four-poster beds, you can take a moment to explore the streets of Amboise. And if you’re lucky enough to come here on a Sunday, you can attend the Amboise Sunday Market, which is held along the bank of the Loire River and is the largest market in the Loire Valley region!

Amboise is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, but if you’re traveling with family, you can’t miss out on the Mini Castle Park! At this amusement park, you’ll see miniature models of the Loire Valley castles, but the kids will definitely be more interested in the mechanical horses and mini cars! 

Finally, I wanted to mention that Amboise is a very small town and it’s best explored by walking. But if you feel tired of walking and maybe want a fresh perspective on the city, you can hop on the Amboise tourist train. The train operates every day and it’ll take you by the top attractions in the city. A ticket per trips costs €8 for adults and €5 for kids under 12.

Other accommodation options in Amboise

Things to do in Amboise

• Explore the extensive grounds at Château d’Amboise
• See Leonardo Da Vinci’s last home, the Château of Clos Luce
• Spend a couple of hours exploring Château Gaillard 
• Snap some photos of The Chanteloup Pagoda (map)
• Explore the stalls at the Amboise Sunday Market
• Sample the chocolate delicacies at Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Bigot (map)
• Take the kids to the Mini Castle Park
• Go wine tasting at Caves Ambacia 

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3. Blois – where to stay in Loire Valley for outdoor activities

Blois is a hillside city perched above the Loire River, situated a 45-min drive East of Tours. This town has a very relaxed atmosphere, abounds with history and boasts some very impressive architecture, but also provides some great opportunities for outdoor activities. If you like to spend time outdoors and have an active vacation, this is the spot for you!

Before you start cycling or kayaking, you should spend some time exploring the town of Blois! The Royal Château of Blois (map) is the city’s main attraction, and the Blois Cathedral (map) is another must-visit! 

If you like a combination of history and fun, then you absolutely have to check out the Robert-Houdin House of Magic! This museum covers the history of magic and the life of local magician, Robert Houdin. Get ready to see some cool tricks! 

But if you’re staying in Blois for the outdoor activities, you absolutely have to rent a bicycle and cycle a portion of the Loire à Vélo route. The route stretches for almost 900 km (560 miles) and goes right through Amboise! The views are super scenic, and this is something you have to experience, whether you’re staying in Blois or somewhere else. 

Another great way to spend time outdoors is kayaking on the Loire River! Just 5-min away from the town of Blois, you’ll find Loire Kayak (map), a kayak and canoe rental service. The rates for kayak rentals range from €8 to €26 per person, but it’s a worthwhile investment. 

During your stay in Blois, I highly recommend you rent a car. This will allow you to explore other towns like Tours and Amboise, but you can also visit Château de Chambord (map), possibly the most famous castle in the Loire Valley. It’s just a 25-min drive from Blois and I’m sure you’ll find it very impressive – everyone does! 

If you have the time, I also recommend you visit Château de Cheverny (map) – it’s just a 20-min drive from Blois and hosts amazing gardens and a lovely on-site cafe. I visited both of these castles on my tour of the Loire Valley, so I can guarantee it’s definitely worth making the extra mile to visit them! 

Other accommodation options in Blois

Things to do in Blois

• Explore the grounds of the Royal Château of Blois 
• Visit the Blois Cathedral 
• Admire the contemporary art collection at Fondation du doute
• Have some fun at the Robert-Houdin House of Magic
• Rent a bicycle and ride it along the Loire à Vélo route
• Go kayaking on the Loire River
• Stop by the Basilica of Our Lady of the Trinity (map)
• Drive out to Château de Chambord and Château de Cheverny

4. Azay-le-Rideau – best place to stay for tranquility

Located 25 km (15 miles) Southwest of Tours (a half an hour drive), this town is perfect for visitors who aren’t big fans of crowds. Most of the central areas in Loire Valley tend to get pretty busy, and although Azay-le-Rideau also gets quite a few visitors, the atmosphere here is more laid-back and serene.

So get some comfortable shoes on and get ready to explore this beautiful town! The main attraction is the 16th-century Château d’Azay-le-Rideau (map), a beautiful Renaissance-style castle that is set in a stunning location and surrounded by water.

The historic center is quite small, but it’s such a lovely place to visit and explore. You will feel like you’ve traveled back in time! And although Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is the main attraction here, you shouldn’t miss a few more, such as the Château de l’Islette (map), another impressive castle, and the Cave of Goupillières (map). 

If you’re a wine lover, you absolutely have to take a guided tour of the Castle of Aulée. During the tour, you’ll see how the winery operates and sample some of their delicious wines. Even if you’re not a big wine enthusiast, this is an interesting way to spend a few hours. 

As I mentioned, this is a very tranquil place, so there aren’t too many attractions or activities, making it the best place to stay in the Loire Valley if you just want to relax and unwind. However, if you crave more things to do, you can always visit other towns and chateaus in the region.

So, if you were wondering where to stay in Loire Valley with a car, the answer is 100% Azay-le-Rideau! Many of the hotels offer complimentary parking, and there are also plenty of parking spots around town – both free and paid!

Other accommodation options in Azay-le-Rideau

Things to do in Azay-le-Rideau

• Admire the beautiful Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Visit the Château de l’Islette and the Cave of Goupillières
• Enjoy a delicious meal at Ripaille (map)
• Drink some delicious French wine at the Castle of Aulée
• Explore the collections at the heritage museum, Musée Maurice Dufresne

5. Saumur – where to stay in Loire Valley for history lovers

The medieval town of Saumur is situated an hour’s drive West of Tours and is the best town to stay in Loire Valley for anyone who’s a fan of history! Just by walking along the streets, you’ll be able to spot the old stone buildings and distinct architecture and immerse yourself in the town’s charming atmosphere. 

The majestic Château de Saumur (map), which is set on a hill above the river, is the town’s top attraction. Over the years, this castle has had many different uses – it used to be a residence, then a prison, an armory, and finally, a museum. 

Saumur offers such unique scenery, the castle that overlooks the whole town looks exactly like one of those paintings that you see in the museums! But don’t worry, although the town’s old elements were preserved, they made sure to add all the modern facilities. 

You’ll find a handful of cafes and shopping stores in the quaint town squares. I’d recommend Les Nobles Fouées (map) for a delicious evening meal, and wine tasting at the Caves Ackerman. 

Besides its main attraction, the beautiful castle of Saumur, there are other unique spots you shouldn’t miss, like the Musée des Blindés or the Our Lady of Ardilliers Chapel (map). If you’re a museum bug, then you should also pay a visit to the Cavalry Museum and the Musée du Champignon. 

As you can see, there’s plenty to do in Saumur! However, I have to tell you that this town is a bit further away from castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Cheverny. If you don’t mind renting a car and making the drive out to these castles, then Saumur is an excellent choice for your stay. 

Other accommodation options in Saumur

Things to do in Saumur

• Explore the stunning Chateau de Saumur
• Visit the Musée des Blindés and the Our Lady of Ardilliers Chapel
• Enjoy dinner at Les Nobles Fouées
• Go wine tasting at Caves Ackerman
• Learn more historical facts at the Cavalry Museum
• Visit the Musée du Champignon

6. Chinon – best place to stay in Loire Valley for wine lovers

My final recommendation for staying in the Loire Valley goes out to Chinon! This quaint little town is located a 45-min drive Southwest of Tours and it’s the ultimate place for wine enthusiasts! The atmosphere is super relaxed, so you can spend your vacation and sipping on delicious wine! 

As soon as you arrive in town, you’ll notice the Forteresse Royale de Chinon (map). This imposing castle complex is situated above the town and provides gorgeous views of the river and the town of Chinon. 

If you’re here for the wine, head to the Pierre and Bertrand COULY vineyard (map). Here, you can go on a discovery visit and learn more about the wine-making process, and of course, sample some wine. You can also book an escape game and see what it’s like to escape from a vineyard – more info is available on their website. 

Other good spots to taste some local wine include the Caves M Plouzeau (map) and Les Caves Painctes (map), but there are plenty of other small wineries and vineyards dotted all across town. Whenever you end up going, be sure to try the eponymous Chinon wine! 

Other accommodation options in Chinon

Things to do in Chinon

• Go up to the Forteresse Royale de Chinon and admire the views
• Embark on a tour of the Pierre and Bertrand COULY vineyard
• Sample some wine at Caves M Plouzeau and Les Caves Painctes
• Try delicious French dishes at L’ENTREPOTES (map)

BONUS: Best chateau hotels in Loire Valley

One of the things that impresses me most about the Loire Valley is the fact that you can stay in an actual chateau. So, I decided to share my selection of the top chateau hotels in region, ordered from most to least expensive:

• Chateau de Brou ($$$) – this stunning castle is located in a wooded area and features as many as 13 bedrooms and just as many full baths. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re traveling as a group or celebrating a special occasion. 
• Relais de Chambord ($$$) – rent a room at this castle and enjoy perks like concierge services and private parking. And even though you’ll be staying in a medieval castle, expect modern, upscale facilities, like a spa center, a hot tub, and a sauna. 
• Chateau de Piedouault ($$) – this 8-bedroom chateau can accommodate as many as 17 people and offers access to a swimming pool and barbecue facilities. The property is surrounded by extensive grounds where you can walk and relax. 
• Chateau Le Prieuré Saumur ($$) – during your stay at this castle, you can lounge in your comfortable room, enjoy the view, and order room service. You can also dine at the restaurant and ask the 24-hour front desk for anything else you may need. 
• Chateau de Briançon ($) – this chateau is proof that staying in a castle can be affordable! Get your own room with a private bathroom, enjoy free Wi-Fi, and choose among several breakfast options. 
• Château de la Galissonnière ($) – this B&B chateau offers a complimentary breakfast every morning, as well as free Wi-Fi and parking. All of the rooms at the chateau are non-smoking and feature comfy beds and private bathrooms. 

FAQs about where to stay in Loire Valley

🇫🇷 Where should I stay when visiting Loire Valley?

Tours is the best area where to stay in Loire Valley, and it’s also known as the gateway city of the region, and it has many attractions and some unique hotels like Hotel & Spa Oceania L’Univers and Castel Fleuri. 

🥐 What is the main city in the Loire Valley?

The main city in Loire Valley is Tours, a beautiful place that has a rich history, many attractions, and it’s a great spot from where you can go on tours and visit other places like Château de l’Islette and Chenonceau Castle. 

📅 How many days do you need in Loire Valley?

If you want to visit as many medieval castles as possible then I highly recommend spending between 3 and 4 days in Loire Valley. 

🏰 What are the best hotels in Loire Valley near Château de Chambord?

Relais de Chambord is the best hotel to stay near Château de Chambord, as it’s located just 4 minutes away from the castle and some rooms even have castle views.

👪 Which hotels in Loire Valley are good for families?

🍃 What is the best season to come to the Loire Valley Castles?

The best times to visit the Loire Valley in France are spring, late summer, and autumn. During these seasons, the weather is not too hot, but still pleasant so you can comfortable explore all of the castles. 

🚗 Do you need a car in Loire?

It depends. If you’re staying in Tours, you can easily get around the region without a car, as there is reliable public transportation and many organized tours. However, if you’re staying anywhere else, it’s a good idea to have a car. 

🏰 What is the most famous Loire Valley chateaux?

The Château de Chambord is the most well-known castle in the Loire Valley. This castle is a former royal palace and dates back to the 16th century; its architecture is very impressive, but so are the surrounding grounds. 

Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Loire Valley

What a charming location! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Loire Valley, which castles to visit, and what hotel to book! 

There are so many amazing hotel options in this post, and I know how hard it is to decide, so here are the 2 best hotels in Loire Valley, both located in Tours:

Just remember that Loire Valley is one of the biggest tourist spots near Paris! So, naturally, all the accommodations sell out super fast. I highly recommend booking yours in advance to get your hands on the best rooms or hotels with tennis courts or a fancy heated outdoor swimming pool!

If you have any questions about your holidays in Loire Valley or about booking Loire Valley hotels, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment! I’ll get back to you ASAP! 

Enjoy your adventure,

Yulia

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