Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris: A Local's Itinerary

The Loire Valley sits about two hours south of Paris, and the drive itself is beautiful — vineyards, hill villages and river bends in the final hour.

Start at the Château de Chambord under its famous towers, then wander through the formal gardens. Mornings have the softest light and the fewest crowds for photographs.

Walk along the riverbank where locals cycle past the vineyards, then head inland 20 minutes to Château de Chenonceau for the classic view over the river.

Lunch on a terrace — goat cheese from the region, rillettes and a glass of Sancerre — then head back to Paris for sunset. Our private day trips include pickup, driver, and a local guide at each château.