The Loire Valley is well-served from Paris by TGV. Paris-Tours in 1h05 (Montparnasse station), Paris-Blois in 1h35 (with change at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps), Paris-Orléans in 1h (Austerlitz station, Intercités), Paris-Angers in 1h30 (TGV Atlantique), Paris-Saumur in 2h. Once on site, regional TER trains link the main cities (Tours-Blois 35 min, Tours-Saumur 45 min, Tours-Amboise 15 min, Tours-Angers 1h).
A car is highly recommended to link the châteaux. The sites are spread across 280 km, with significant distances between the headline châteaux. Allow 25 min Tours-Amboise, 30 min Tours-Villandry, 40 min Tours-Chenonceau, 50 min Tours-Loches, 1h Tours-Saumur, 1h15 Tours-Chambord. Rental from €30-40/day. Parking often free at the châteaux.
Cycling is an exceptional option in the Loire Valley. La Loire à Vélo (800 km waymarked, secure, 80% flat) follows the Loire and serves all UNESCO châteaux. Possible in loop or linear route (with return by train possible — bikes accepted on most TERs). Classic bike rentals (€12-15/day) or electric (€25-35/day) in all cities. Very widespread "Accueil Vélo" certified accommodations. The most visited section: Blois → Chaumont → Amboise (50 km, 2 gentle days, optionally crosses Chambord).
In cities, walking suffices. Tours has an efficient tram and bus network. Blois and Saumur are walkable.
From Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, the direct TGV to Tours (1h35) avoids the detour via Montparnasse. Regional airport: Tours-Val de Loire (TUF, limited seasonal and low-cost flights).
Read also
- Chambord, the largest Renaissance château — 426 rooms, double-helix staircase, 5,440-hectare park: François I's royal dream.
- France — Complete country guide: entry rules, regions, budget, gastronomy.
- Île-de-France — Paris, Versailles, Fontainebleau northeast of the Loire Valley.
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine — Bordeaux and the Bordeaux vineyards just south of the Loire Valley.