I have to admit I didn’t know about the Loire Valley until I started planning my last trip to France and once I did and discovered all the amazing towns, beautiful châteaux you can stay in, I knew this was somewhere I had to visit.
I’m glad I did because I was genuinely blown away by how magical each town felt, like stepping into a fairy tale.
Between the hilltop villages, riverside châteaux, and wine-soaked countryside, every stop was completely different and totally worth the detour (I’d do it again).
So if you’re planning a road trip or figuring out where to base yourself, this guide to the best towns to visit in the Loire Valley will help you plan a trip you’ll never forget.
These are my favorite 12 towns! Perfect for a relaxed holiday, wine tasting, castle hopping, or even just wandering cobbled streets with a croissant in hand.
⏰ Short on time?
Top Castle Hotels in the Loire Valley to make you trip extra special!
- Château de Chissay – Near Château de Chenonceau, blending historic charm with modern luxury.
- Château d’Artigny – A grand 18th-century château near Tours with a luxurious spa.
- Château de Beauvois – Near Villandry, famous for its stunning gardens and pool.
- Château de Noizay – A Renaissance escape near Amboise with beautiful gardens.
- Les Sources de Cheverny – Luxurious spa hotel in Cheverny with historic beauty and modern comforts.
My personal favourite: Chateau des Arpentis
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Amboise
Amboise is hands-down one of the prettiest towns in the Loire Valley. Sitting right on the river, it’s got a bit of everything: a royal château with sweeping views, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci, and a lively old town full of markets, cafes, and bakeries. I loved walking through the centre with a baguette in hand and stopping for wine with a view.
Don’t miss visiting Château Royal d’Amboise, it’s where Leonardo is buried. Explore Clos Lucé, Leonardo’s final home, filled with his inventions and lovely gardens.
👉 Book your ticket here to skip the line for Château Royal d’Amboise
Where to Stay in Amboise
($) Hôtel Le Blason
($$) Chateau Des Arpentis (where we stayed)
($$$) Le Manoir Les Minimes
Where did I stay in Loire Valley
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Château des Arpentis.
Montsoreau
A village full of charm, Montsoreau has a château right on the river that’s now an art museum. The riverside path is a dream for sunset walks. This is a great stop if you want something artistic and peaceful, without the big tourist crowds. Make sure to visit Château de Montsoreau and check out the art installations.
Where to Stay in Montsoreau.
($) Hotel Le Bussy
($$) La Marine de Loire
($$$) Les Suites du Château
Saumur
Saumur feels like something from a storybook. Its château looks like it belongs in a Disney film, and the town is famous for equestrian shows, sparkling wine, and even troglodyte caves carved into the hillsides.
While you’re there try wine tasting at Gratien & Meyer or Ackerman.
👉 You might also enjoy a traditional boat trip as well!
Where to Stay in Saumur
($) Hôtel du Parc
($$) Hôtel Saint-Pierre
($$$) Château de Verrières
Tours
If you want a mix of history and modern city life, Tours is your spot. The old town is packed with half-timbered buildings and buzzing wine bars, especially around Place Plumereau. It’s a great base if you’re doing day trips too. I loved the relaxed student vibe and the easy access to castles nearby.
What to See: Saint-Gatien Cathedral, Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the botanical gardens. Bonus, You’re close to Château de Villandry and its famous gardens.
Where to Stay in Tours:
($) Hôtel du Cygne
($$) Best Western Central Hotel
($$$) Château Belmont Tours
Sancerre
If you’re into wine, Sancerre is heaven. This hilltop town is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc and offers some of the best vineyard views around. It’s small, quiet, and ridiculously beautiful. The sunsets here over the vines were incredible.
Where to Stay in Sancerre:
($) Le Panoramic
($$) Hotel du Rempart
($$$) La Côte des Monts Damnés
Blois
Blois is steep and dramatic. The whole town climbs up a hill with the Château Royal de Blois sitting right on top. You’ll get gorgeous views over the Loire and a cool mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles in the château itself. The views from the top at golden hour are just wow.
It’s one of the most unique châteaux in the valley!
Where to Stay in Blois
($) ibis Blois Centre
($$) Hôtel Anne De Bretagne
($$$) Mercure Blois Centre
Chinon
Chinon is rustic, full of red wine, and very medieval. You’ll find its fortress high on a hill above the Vienne River. It’s known for being the place where Joan of Arc first met the future Charles VII. I loved just strolling the lower town and finding little wine caves and cozy restaurants.
Where to Stay in Chinon
($) Citotel Le Plantagenet
($$) Hotel Diderot
($$$) Château de Marçay
Candes-Saint-Martin
This riverside village is tiny but stunning. Think narrow stone lanes, flower-covered windows, and epic river views where the Vienne meets the Loire. It’s the kind of place you go to just soak it all in slowly. One of my favourites for a peaceful night.
While you’re there check out Romanesque Church of Saint-Martin, river walks, and galleries.
Where to Stay in Candes-Saint-Martin
($) La Chancellerie
($$) The Secret Garden
($$$) Manoir de la Maison Blanche
Angers
Angers surprised me. It’s bigger than most Loire towns but still has an old world charm. The Château d’Angers is massive, and inside, you’ll find the Apocalypse Tapestry, one of the oldest and largest in the world. It’s also a good place to find more restaurants and shops if you want a bit more of a city feel.
👉 Book your castle visit in advance here
Where to Stay in Angers
($) Hôtel Le Progrès
($$) Hôtel 21 Foch
($$$) Hôtel d’Anjou
Azay-le-Rideau
This place is picture-perfect. The Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is built right over the water with dreamy reflections and peaceful gardens. It’s smaller than others, which makes it feel more intimate and it’s usually not as crowded.
Where to Stay in Azay-le-Rideau
($) Hôtel Les Trois Lys
($$) Le Grand Monarque
($$$) Troglododo
Orléans
Orléans is where Joan of Arc helped lift the siege in 1429, so there’s history around every corner. The city feels more modern than some others, but it’s got stunning buildings and great food. It makes a good overnight stop if you’re heading in or out of the region.
What to See: Sainte-Croix Cathedral, the Joan of Arc house, and the riverside walk.
Where to Stay in Orléans
($) Hôtel Saint-Martin
($$) Empreinte Hôtel
($$$) Mercure Orléans Centre
Loches
Loches has a walled citadel, a royal château, and a lovely market. It’s not as touristy, perfect if you want something a little quieter with loads of history. We wandered around with barely any crowds and found some great local food.
While you’re there check out The Donjon, Logis Royal, and Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours.
Where to Stay in Loches
($) Logis Hôtel de France
($$) Brit Hotel Confort
($$$) La Demeure Saint-Ours
How to Get Around the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is best explored by car, especially if you want to hop between towns and vineyards on your own schedule. Most towns have free or cheap parking near the centre.
Don’t drive? You can base yourself in Tours or Amboise and take day tours.
👉 Check out top-rated Loire Valley day tours here. They’re great if you’re short on time and want to visit a few castles and wine regions in one go
FAQ on Loire Valley Towns
Amboise and Montsoreau are two of the most charming both sit along the river with amazing architecture.
Renting a car is the easiest. Otherwise, stay in Tours or Amboise and take trains or tours.
Amboise is smaller and more romantic, while Blois has a dramatic hilltop vibe and more castle variety.
Yes! Many are within 30–40 minutes of each other, perfect for a road trip itinerary.
In spring and early autumn, you’ll get fewer crowds and beautiful weather.
Read More ✈️
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