After having presented you with many articles on the different Châteaux of the Loire to visit, here is a practical article which will certainly be very useful to you in the organization of your stay in the region: “Where to stay to visit the Châteaux of the Loire? » An essential and vast question, we will try to answer it in this article. Whether it's the different cities where to stay, the castles not to be missed and beautiful places to sleep around the Châteaux de la Loire, we give you all our advice here.
Summary:
- The main Châteaux of the Loire to visit
- The cities where to stay around the Châteaux of the Loire
- The most beautiful hotels around the Châteaux of the Loire
- The most accessible hotels to sleep in
- Some Airbnb places to stay to visit the Châteaux de la Loire
- The most beautiful guest rooms where to sleep in the surroundings
- Unusual accommodation to visit the Châteaux with the family
Map: location of the main castles of the Loire
The main Châteaux of the Loire to visit
Before starting on the good addresses and the cities where to stay to visit the Châteaux of the Loire, I invite you to take a brief overview of the main castles to visit in the region and above all, the cities not to be missed! This will give you some ideas for possible circuits.
We have written a complete article on the Châteaux de la Loire, so I won't go into detail here, but I invite you to read it if you want more information.
If we follow a logic from west to east, here are the main stops to plan:
- Nantes and its Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
- Angers
- Saumur castle
- Royal Fortress of Chinon
- Azay-Le-Rideau Castle
- Villandry Castle
- The Old Town of Tours
- Amboise with its Royal Castle, the Clos Lucé and its Park of Mini-Châteaux
- Chenonceau Castle
- Castle of Chaumont
- Château de Cheverny
- Blois and its Royal Castle of Blois
- Chambord Castle
- Orleans
Azay-Le-Rideau Castle
Villandry Castle
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Chenonceau Castle
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Clos Lucé
The cities where to stay around the Châteaux of the Loire
As we mentioned in the previous section, the valley of the Châteaux de la Loire is dotted with beautiful towns to discover. These drop points are interesting both for the visits to be made on site and for the accommodation offered. Here are the main cities where to stay to visit the Châteaux de la Loire. We will see for each of them, the interest of staying in these cities to visit the Châteaux of the Loire.
Nantes
Located at the very beginning of the Loire Valley, Nantes can be a very good point of departure or arrival. This city is worth the detour due to its cultural and architectural richness. Start your visit with the city center and the famous Château of the Dukes of Burgundy. For your evening, enjoy the old port and its many restaurants and bars! The atmosphere will be there. And then for a stay with children, they will certainly appreciate seeing the emblematic machines of Nantes!
Sleeping in Nantes to visit the Châteaux of the Loire?
Nantes will be a city of departure or arrival. But it is a little out of the way to be able to stay in Nantes and visit the main castles.
See accommodation in Nantes
Angers
We continue our journey towards the east. About 100 kilometers away is the city of Angers and the beginning of the many Châteaux de la Loire! The city itself is to be discovered: old town, castle, museums, parks or even a walk along the quays of the Maine. You will understand, Angers is a city to discover. In addition, many accommodations are offered, as in all large cities.
Staying in Angers to visit the Châteaux of the Loire?Why not… but! You are still far from the main Châteaux of the Loire such as Chambord or Chenonceau. On the other hand, Angers is surrounded by smaller and less touristy Châteaux to visit. So why not, if it's to visit these castles. Otherwise you will have too much road to do for your visits.
View accommodation in Angers
Tours
Still heading east, about 130 kilometers from Angers, we come to the city of Tours. Once again, we are dealing with a city rich in history and heritage! Its museums, its cathedral but also its castle are among the things to visit in Tours. So if you want to stay in Tours to visit the Châteaux de la Loire, be aware that you will also need to plan some time to visit the city itself.
Staying in Tours to visit the Châteaux of the Loire?
I would say yes and again yes! Surrounded by interesting castles to visit, it can be a good stopover for your stay in the Loire. You will be less than 40 minutes from the Château de Chenonceau or less than 30 minutes from Villandry and Azay-Le-Rideau for example.
View accommodation in Tours
Amboise
About thirty minutes from Tours, you can find the town of Amboise. This one is famous for its many tourist places to visit, I am thinking in particular of its Castle, the Clos Lucé, the Parc des Mini-Châteaux or the Pagoda. Without forgetting the city itself which is also quite charming and which benefits from a privileged view of the Loire due to its geographical location.
Sleeping in Amboise to visit the Châteaux of the Loire?It's a big yes for this city! Charming, well located, lots of things to do around, … It has everything you need to stay a few nights to visit the Châteaux de la Loire!
See accommodations in Amboise
Joel Klinger
Blois
Still continuing our route to the east, in about 40 minutes, we arrive at Blois. Another city full of places to visit, in the heart of the Loire Valley and its castles. Also overlooking the Loire, you can visit its castle in the heart of the city, the house of magic just opposite or one of its museums. Strolling through its alleys and enjoying the terraces and squares is also very pleasant!
Sleeping in Blois to visit the Châteaux of the Loire?It is still a very big yes for this city. Perfectly located and surrounded by the most famous Loire Valley castles, you will necessarily be well placed to visit the region.
View accommodation in Blois
Orleans
We have arrived at our last town where to sleep around the Châteaux de la Loire. Located less than an hour's drive from Blois, this will be the easternmost town that I would suggest to you here. This city is quite famous and touristy. Its place in the history of France over the centuries has been important. Joan of Arc has been associated with this city since she liberated it from the grip of the English during the Hundred Years War. Among other things, you can visit her house, which is the place where she stayed during the liberation of the city. Many other museums and walks are also to be discovered in Orléans.
Sleeping in Orélans to visit the Châteaux de la Loire?Yes and no… From a geographical location point of view, Orléans is less central than the cities mentioned above. On the other hand, just like Nantes and Angers, Orléans can be a departure or arrival city for your stay in the region. You will still find some beautiful buildings to visit around.
View accommodation in Orleans
In summary, which city to choose?
In summary, we advise you to favor one of the 3 central cities to fully enjoy your stay. These are Tours, Amboise and Blois. Both central and offering interesting places to visit, you can easily stay a few days in the same city.
If you are looking for a departure or arrival city, at the entrance to the famous Loire Valley, then you will have the choice between Nantes, Angers and Orléans. All 3 also have some great surprises in store for you, but it will take a bit of driving to reach the heart of the Châteaux de la Loire.
The most beautiful hotels around the Châteaux of the Loire
We are going to start our selection of accommodation with some very nice hotels located in the region. They benefit from prime locations in absolutely splendid monuments!
Domain of the Tortinière
To start, I'll take you a few kilometers south of Tours, to Montbazon. This magnificent hotel welcomes you in a castle typical of the region and renovated with care. Take advantage of the gourmet restaurant, the pretty swimming pool in the heart of the estate or even a walk in the park. The rooms, decoration and service are up to the standard of the hotel. Standing, Environment, Restaurant See prices
Hotel the Pavilion Des Lys
This second establishment is located in Amboise, an ideal city to stay for visiting the Châteaux of the Loire including that of Amboise. Thanks to the decoration of the interior, take a step back in the history of this place. Perfectly maintained, the rooms are comfortable and clean. You can enjoy the park of this place but also the city, close. An ideal location! Standing, Location, Decoration See prices
Relais de Chambord
Let's finish with one of the best placed hotels in our selection: the Relais de Chambord. Its location, at the foot of the eponymous castle, offers you an unrivaled view and privilege! Enjoy the Castle and the park from your hotel. The rooms reflect the image of the hotel: comfortable and well decorated. You can also take time for yourself in the Spa area at your disposal. Location, View, Spa Check rates
The most accessible hotels to sleep in
After these few great addresses for a stay in the Châteaux de la Loire region, here are 3 new suggestions for more accessible hotels. You can find rooms for less than 100€ per night, while having a decent quality of accommodation.
Biencourt Hotel
Let's start with this pretty address located in Azay-Le-Rideau. This charming little hotel is a stone's throw from the castle of the same name and right in the heart of the old town centre. The welcome is warm and friendly; the rooms, very comfortable and clean; breakfast, local and delicious; and the exceptional setting. You can enjoy a magnificent living room or the small outdoor courtyard which is very pleasant on sunny days. A great place to sleep while visiting the Châteaux de la Loire! Location, Decoration, Hospitality See rates
Swan Hotel
Direction Tours for this second accommodation. This small hotel offers unbeatable value for money for a stay in the region. The rooms are carefully decorated and furnished; and the breakfast is excellent. You will be ideally located to visit the city, as well as the surroundings. Note that this hotel is in the heart of the city, but in a quiet alley! Location, Reception, Decoration See prices
Brame de Sologne
This last hotel is about ten minutes by car from the Château de Chambord. You will also be close to the town of Blois. Renovated recently, the decoration is sober and local. The rooms and bedding are very comfortable and the whole is impeccably clean. A wellness area is also available. Location, Cleanliness, Spa
Some Airbnb places to stay to visit the Châteaux de la Loire
Sometimes, it can be interesting to opt for independent accommodation, such as Airbnb, rather than a classic hotel. So if you are in the apartment or house team, here are some addresses that are likely to interest you to plan your stay in the Châteaux de la Loire region.
The small bakehouse: 2 pers.
Here is a very unusual first accommodation! Located about forty minutes south of Tours, this mini accommodation will arouse the curiosity of nature lovers. Able to accommodate two people, this little cocoon is ideal for a romantic weekend to discover the Châteaux de la Loire. You will be staying in a very well renovated old bakehouse that has retained its charm of yesteryear. An original idea proposed by hosts who take great care of their customers. Nature, Unusual, Welcome See prices
Tours : Appt. 4 pers.
For this second accommodation, I offer you a small apartment in the heart of the city of Tours. Ideally located, it can accommodate up to 4 people. The decoration perfectly combines the character of the old with the recent renovations carried out. This small apartment is very comfortable and practical. In addition, it is perfectly located to visit Tours but also the surroundings. Location, Comfort, Decoration See rates
Romantic cottage: 2 pers.
For this last accommodation where to sleep to visit the Châteaux de la Loire, I have a little surprise in store for you! A charming cocoon for a romantic weekend! Perfect decoration, ideal location in the region, impeccable comfort, fully equipped and... with a jacuzzi! Location, Decoration, Jacuzzi
The most beautiful guest rooms where to sleep in the surroundings
Let's continue our tour of accommodation in the Châteaux de la Loire region with guest rooms. Increasingly widespread and sought after by travellers, bed and breakfasts are a safe bet! The hosts like to share their love of their region and will welcome you all with the greatest kindness! The bed and breakfast experience is to be preferred if you wish to exchange and share with your hosts.
The Commandery of Ballan
Let's start with a magnificent accommodation located not far from Tours. Visiting the Châteaux of the Loire is good. But sleeping in a castle is better! This is what the Commanderie de Ballan offers you! An exceptional setting, a beautifully well-maintained building, the most welcoming hosts and a home-prepared breakfast for the greatest delight of customers. So why not let yourself be tempted by castle life during your stay? Castle, Nature, Hospitality See prices
At Relais Saint Maurice
Head to the town of Chinon for this new guest room suggestion. This place will surprise you for sure: magnificent old building perfectly renovated, in the heart of Chinon, a stone's throw from the Vienne, with a most charming and welcoming host. He will be happy to tell you about the past of this place steeped in history. The rooms are very comfortable and the breakfast is delicious! Welcome, Comfort, Decoration See prices
Jouralem Manor
A little crush on this last establishment! A very well renovated mansion, a few kilometers south-east of Angers. With a natural swimming pool and a beautiful terrace, the interior is just as charming. Modern and old marry to perfection, sensational and delicate meals, as well as perfect comfort for the rooms. The hosts are absolutely charming, making this place exceptional. Reception, Decoration, Pool See prices
Unusual accommodation to visit the Châteaux with the family
Let me tell you about a type of accommodation that is increasingly popular in France, which will undoubtedly delight the youngest and the oldest, unusual accommodation. There are many places to sleep in the Loire Valley here are 3 that made us want to.
The Red Partridges
For this first accommodation for traveling with the family, I offer you this beautiful house, surrounded by nature and having a large jacuzzi with a view of the outside. An ideal place to spend a few days with your children, between Tours and Angers. With a large garden, a warm decoration and very comfortable bedding, the hosts will take great care of you. A beautiful address! Nature, Jacuzzi, Hospitality See prices
Domaine de la Roche Bellin
Head to a pretty estate south of Tours for this second unusual accommodation. I invite you to try a night in a yurt! A guaranteed change of scenery, which will appeal to young and old alike. Able to accommodate up to 5 people, you will enjoy an exceptional environment with various activities to do on site. Unusual, Environment, Family See prices
Fierbois Park
For this last unusual accommodation for families, I suggest a night in the trees! This small wooden hut is located 4 meters above the ground and is easily accessible thanks to a staircase. A nice cocoon to enjoy this family holiday! Pleasant terrace, view of the surroundings, comfortable and warm interior. Regarding the area, it offers various activities that will occupy the children. Unusual, Nature, Family See prices
If you have good places to recommend for sleeping during a road trip in the Loire Valley, do not hesitate to share them with us in the comments of this article. Don't hesitate to read our articles on unmissable places in this valley, Blois, Tours, Amboise, etc.
