Enchanting Loir-et-Cher Castles in 1 day

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by Matthew

May 8, 2024 · 1 min read

Loir-et-Cher 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a regal journey through Loir-et-Cher with our meticulously crafted 1-day itinerary, designed to immerse you in the splendor of France's most iconic castles. Begin your day at the enchanting Chateau de Chenonceau, where you'll spend two hours exploring its stunning architecture and picturesque gardens. Next, travel through time at the Royal Castle of Blois, a historic site that offers a glimpse into the opulence of French royalty during your one-hour visit. Continue your noble quest at the Chateau de Cheverny, dedicating two hours to admire its classical beauty and well-preserved interiors. Conclude your day with a visit to the imposing Chambord, a true architectural masterpiece, where you'll be awed by its grandeur during the final hour of your tour. This itinerary promises a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and a touch of royal splendor, all within the charming Loir-et-Cher region.

Top 6 Hotels in Loir-et-Cher
TOP 1
Appart'City Classic Blois
Appart'City Classic Blois
hotelStar
2/5
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TOP 2
Le Relais des Landes
Le Relais des Landes
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4/5
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TOP 3
Hotel Capricorne
Hotel Capricorne
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3/5
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First Inn Hotel Blois
First Inn Hotel Blois
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79 reviews
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Le Prieure de Boulogne
Le Prieure de Boulogne
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4/5
64 reviews
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Hotel Vendome, BW Signature Collection
Hotel Vendome, BW Signature Collection
hotelStar
3/5
23 reviews
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1 Day in Loir-et-Cher Itinerary: Day 1

1

Chateau de Chenonceau

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Kicking off our Loir-et-Cher castle tour, the Chateau de Chenonceau awaits as our first regal encounter. Nestled in 37150 Chenonceaux, France, this castle is not just a historical edifice but an architectural masterpiece spanning the River Cher. With a two-hour visit, guests can immerse themselves in the Renaissance elegance of its arched bridge, exquisite gardens, and the rich tapestry of its interior, which has been shaped by the influential women who once graced its halls.

Attraction Info

  • 37150 Chenonceaux, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 9:30am-5:00pm

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AU GATEAU BRETON
AU GATEAU BRETON
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Restaurant Le Relais Chenonceaux
Restaurant Le Relais Chenonceaux
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La Roseraie
La Roseraie
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1.5 km from attraction
BistrotQuai
BistrotQuai
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1.6 km from attraction
L'Orangerie
L'Orangerie
4.3/5 · 3 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
La cantine
La cantine
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48 min,43.79 km
2

Royal Castle of Blois

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Next on our royal itinerary is the Royal Castle of Blois, a historic site that has witnessed the ebb and flow of French royalty. Located at 6 Place du Château 41000 Blois, this castle offers a one-hour journey through time with its unique blend of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance. Each room tells a different story, each staircase holds a different mystery, and the panoramic views from the terraces are simply breathtaking.

Attraction Info

  • 6 Place du Château 41000 Blois
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

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Le Medicis
Le Medicis
4.8/5 · 21 reviews
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Le Quai Saint-Jean
Le Quai Saint-Jean
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L'Orangerie du Château
L'Orangerie du Château
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Au Coin D'Table
Au Coin D'Table
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Le Vespa
Le Vespa
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Au Boeuf Gourmand
Au Boeuf Gourmand
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3

Chateau de Cheverny

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As the afternoon unfolds, we'll delve into the splendor of the Chateau de Cheverny. Situated in 41700 Cheverny, France, this chateau is renowned for its sumptuous interior and well-preserved collection of furniture and art. During our two-hour stay, visitors can explore the ornamental gardens, discover the kennels with hounds, and perhaps uncover the inspiration behind the famous fictional Moulinsart Castle in the Tintin comics.

Attraction Info

  • Chateau de Cheverny, 41700 Cheverny, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 9:15am-6:00pm

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La Cour Aux Crêpes
La Cour Aux Crêpes
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Le Pinocchio
Le Pinocchio
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Restaurant la Rousseliere Golf chateau de Cheverny
Restaurant la Rousseliere Golf chateau de Cheverny
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L'orangerie du Chateau
L'orangerie du Chateau
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Restaurant la Pergola
Restaurant la Pergola
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4

Chambord

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Our final crown jewel of the day is Chambord, the largest and most iconic chateau in the Loire Valley. With its address at CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD 41250 CHAMBORD FRANCE, this castle is a testament to the grandeur of the French Renaissance. A one-hour visit allows us to marvel at its distinctive French classical architecture, the double helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, and the vast parklands that invite us to ponder the opulence of the French monarchy.

Attraction Info

  • CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD 41250 CHAMBORD FRANCE
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 1/2-1/7,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 1/8-3/29,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 3/30-10/27,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 10/28-12/31,9:00am-5:00pm,9:00am-6:00pm,Not open on January 1st, November 25th, and December 25th; Closed from 4pm on December 24th to 31st, please refer to the official website for details; The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on the same day.

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Les Armes Du Château
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Top Things to Do in Loir-et-Cher-2024

TOP 1
Chambord
Chambord
4.6/5 · 139 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 8,380 review
Highlights:
Chambord is the larger and grander castle in the Loire Valley castle complex. It is a combination of the French medieval heritage and the innovative architecture of the Italian Renaissance. The castle was included in the World Heritage List in 1981 and is regarded as a national treasure by the French. The history of Chambord Castle Chambord was built in 1519 by François I of the Valois Dynasty as a hunting palace. It has a history of nearly 500 years. There are many forests here, rich in all kinds of food, wine and all kinds of wild animals. The castle is surrounded by river water, backed by the big forest, facing the Chambord garden, green trees, flowers, sculptures and clear lake water, which add radiance and beauty to each other, making people feel relaxed and happy. Large-scale Chambord is large in scale and majestic, with a length and width of more than 100 meters. The palace is white and gray. The carvings on the walls are very fine. 77 stairs, 282 chimneys and 426 rooms. On the first floor of the Royal Residence of Chambord, there is the bedroom, study, prayer room, etc. of Francois I. The vaulted ceiling is very beautifully carved and worth seeing. The interior of the palace is decorated with well-crafted velvet, and the walls with golden edges on a white background are brilliant, and the brocade tapestries hanging on the walls can be regarded as works of art. In the small theater on the south wing is the premiere of Molière's classic works "Mr. The hall on the second floor has a unique carving on the vault, which combines the initials "F" of François I with his salamander symbol, and there is a fireplace in the hall for indoor heating. Tower top terrace Chambord has a wide and unique tower top terrace, which was the place where the king and the royal family watched the garden scenery and rodeo. The tower is 56 meters high, and when you climb to the top of the tower, you can overlook the charming surrounding scenery, including the forest area of Chambord and the Loire River. There is a café on the terrace, where you can sit and have a drink and enjoy the beautiful view while enjoying the aroma of coffee.
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TOP 2
Chateau de Cheverny
Chateau de Cheverny
4.8/5 · 28 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,255 review
Highlights:
Cheverny Castle can be called the most beautifully decorated castle in the Loire Valley. The castle has been open to the public since 1922, and half of it is still a private residence. Today, a marquis and his family live in the castle. Here you will really feel the life of the castle. Breathtaking with its rich heritage, complete furnishings, unique charm and refined decor. If you're a Tintin fan, you probably feel that everything in the castle is very homely, because Hergé, the author of Tintin, got the blueprint for Marin Spike Palace from here. There is also an exhibition of "The Adventures of Tintin" in the castle. I believe that travelers who like Tintin will not want to miss this opportunity to get close contact with comic characters!
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TOP 3
ZooParc de Beauval
ZooParc de Beauval
5/5 · 2 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 22,878 review
Highlights:
Beauval Zoo is the largest zoo in France, where you can see more than 4,000 animals from all over the world, including some animal stars that are popular with tourists, such as Adeline the giraffe, Nonja the orangutan, and the penguin. Olaf et al. However, in recent years, the two giant pandas "Yuanzai" and "Huanhuan" from China have been sought after. They can be called the stars of animal stars here. These two lovely giant pandas not only have their own beautiful living venues, but also Has a wide variety of panda souvenirs for sale to tourists.
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TOP 4
The Loire Valley Castles
The Loire Valley Castles
4.6/5 · 35 review
Highlights:
The Loire is a beautiful river. Especially in the middle reaches of the river valley, the ancient castles are dotted with beautiful scenery, and it has the reputation of "French Garden". Many ancient castles were built during the war period in the Middle Ages. During the Hundred Years War, the French royal family took refuge in the Loire Valley. This area consists of the Château de Chambord, the Château de Chenonceau and the Château de Cheverny which form the Loire Valley castle complex. Chambord is one of the grander castles in the Loire Valley, with a history of more than 500 years. Chambord has two major attractions. One is the interior. It has 440 rooms and 84 stairs. Stepping into the main castle from the main entrance, you are immediately in a bright and spacious marble palace, facing the famous "double spiral staircase", which is the famous staircase of this palace. There are two sets of separate and staggered railings. The second is the wide tower top terrace. The castle's original function of military defense was built, but the tower top terrace of Chambord has completely become a good place to watch the garden scenery and rodeo.
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TOP 5
Royal Castle of Blois
Royal Castle of Blois
4.4/5 · 27 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,213 review
Highlights:
The Royal Castle of Blois is located in the center of Blois. It is composed of buildings built between the 13th century and the 17th century. The four wings of the courtyard of the Royal Palace are a harmonious blend of various architectural styles, which are natural, showing the history and art of the castles of the Loire Valley in an all-round way. The Royal Castle of Blois was built under the auspices of French King Louis XII, François I and the Duke of Orléans, and has a total of 564 rooms, 75 staircases, and 100 bedrooms with fireplaces. The Royal Castle of Blois has been favored by successive French royal families. In French history, 7 kings and 10 queens have lived here successively. Here, the majesty of the royal power is revealed everywhere, and it also shows the daily life of the French royal family: the exquisite and gorgeous decorations, luxurious appliances, and the magnificent hall all show the splendor of the royal family at that time. The Royal Castle of Blois also enjoys the reputation of "French Museum". There are about 35,000 exquisite art treasures in the palace of Frasois I wing, and there is an art gallery in the palace of Louis XII. Paintings and sculptures from the 14th to 16th centuries are exhibited. If you want to know more about the unknown side of the Royal Castle of Blois, you can take part in the very special "VisiteInsolite" of the castle: you can enter the part of the castle that is not open to the public, and the 2-hour English explanation will Unravel the mystery of this castle for you. The "Exploration Tour" is limited to 18 people at a time and needs to be booked in advance. Another highlight of the Royal Castle of Blois is the unique sound and light show, which takes place almost every night from April to September 2014. With brilliant lighting and shocking sound effects, it tells a love-hate relationship that took place at the Royal Castle of Blois. The script is adapted from the script of the historian Alain Deco. Come here, don't miss this unforgettable 45 minutes. The sound and light show is equipped with multilingual simultaneous interpreters, so tourists who do not speak French need not worry. In addition, Joan of Arc also received the bishop's blessing and prayer here before setting off for the war. Luc Besson's film "Joan of Arc" was also filmed here.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

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Loir-et-Cher 1 Day Itinerary