3-Day Gal’s Trip to the Loire Valley

What’s better than a gal’s trip to the beautiful verdant French countryside replete with gorgeous castles? It’s hard to come up with anything better. The best part about the famous Loire Valley is that it’s only an hour by fast train from Paris.

A Rich History

Stretching 170 miles along the Loire River in Central France, the Loire Valley is steeped in history, and because of its riches, one that has been fought over and influenced from the Romans to Atila the Hun. The region was part of  Julius Caesar’s conquest in 52 BC, but it was Caesar Augustus who brought peace and stability to the Loire Valley. The Romans greatest influence is likely the introduction of the first vines to the region.

The Huns made their way through as well but were repelled in 450 and the area was conquered by Frankish King Clovis. Others tried to conquer this land, such as the Saracens, Vikings, and eventually England (time and time again), but by the 15^th century, the country was hoping to unite as a national force. It took a young woman named Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc) to rally the French army and free the city of Orleans, chasing the English from the Loire Valley.

During the Renaissance, the French kings relocated to Loire and built incredible chateaux (castles) as defensive measures, and also as works of art. While Paris grew in importance and brought the French kings back, Loire was always a favorite region for nobility.

Choosing an Adorable Town with Matching Chateau

Depending on your group’s interested, there are several towns to choose from. Many newcomers stay in Tours, the main city in the region. It’s a university town and the main arrival from Paris by train. We found it too touristy and large for our desires, so we chose to stay in Amboise.

The town is more centrally located, small enough to relax but big enough to enjoy great restaurants and shopping. Amboise has a wonderful and underrated chateau of its own that overlooks the Loire River. 

It is very close to my favorite chateau Chenonceau, a small but ornate castle built mostly over the river. Built by a husband and wife between 1513-17, women dominated the preservation of this castle. King Henry II gave it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Upon Henry’s death, his widow Queen Catherine de’ Medici took it back. Later, Louise Dupin, lady of the Enlightenment, welcomed to Chenonceau the greatest scholars, philosophers and academicians in France to her famous literary salon. This exceptional woman was the first to draft a Code of Women’s Rights.

Amboise also houses the last home of Leonard da Vinci called Clos de Luce. King Francois I enticed Leonardo to retire to the Loire and was given this beautiful house to live out his days. It is said that this architectural phenom had some influence over the behemoth Chambered chateau’s double spiral staircase. Clos de Luce is definitely worth a visit.

Further way but worth a visit is Chambord, as previously mentioned. In complete opposite to Chenonceau, it is large and built to show the immense power of Francois I. He built it as a hunting lodge and it took over 20 years to finish it just as the king died. The DaVinci-inspired double spiral staircase is built completely of local limestone. 

Where to Stay

We stayed at Hotel Le Manoir des Minimes right below the castle. At night, you can see view the chateau under the moonlight. It’s spectacular. The management that run the hotel are extremely accommodating and the rooms and common areas are lovely.  

Another beautiful hotel is the 12^th century Le Manoir Saint Thomas, located in the centre of Amboise, just five minutes walk from the medieval Royal Castle of the Kings of France and the Manor House of Leonardo da Vinci.

Where to Eat, Drink & Shop

To Dos and Not To Dos

* Rent a car: We chose not to rent a car and that was a mistake. While you can train to the major towns, it’s the countryside so you are limited if you don’t have transportation. Otherwise, you can sign up for tours. 

* Ebiking is a good idea, but I’d hire a tour to lead you there. We got severely lost on the way to Chenonceau. But once we figured out our way of Amboise, riding along the country roads was really fun. 

* If you stay in Amboise, take the train all the way there. We got off in Tours and waited for a cab to our hotel. The wait was so long that we got dinner right by the station. Go straight to town by train if the timing works.