Living in Paris can be a bit chaotic at times (to say the least). So after a specifically chaotic few weeks, my husband and I decided that we were due for a relaxing weekend and headed to the Loire Valley. And let me tell you – it was the perfect weekend getaway. We checked into a nice hotel, booked ourselves for massages, and spent the weekend castle hopping, town hopping, and just – relaxing. This is the ultimate guide for a relaxing weekend in the Loire Valley.
Where is the Loire Valley?
The Loire Valley is a region in central France, stretching along the Loire River between the cities of Orléans and Angers. It’s located just a couple of hours southwest of Paris and is often referred to as the “Garden of France” for its lush landscapes and vineyards. The region is best known for its fairy-tale châteaux, charming villages, and world-class wines. Historically, it was a favorite of French royalty, which is why you’ll find so many grand castles scattered throughout the countryside. Today, the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of history, nature, and French elegance.
How to Get to the Loire Valley
The easiest way to get to the Loire Valley is by taking the train or driving from Paris. Either way, I would highly recommend having a car in the Loire Valley as it’s not well connected by train.
If you’re traveling from Paris by train, you’ll arrive to either Tours or Angers (Tours is more central so depending on where you’re staying, this might be the best place to arrive to). When booking train travel in France, I prefer to use Omio to search different routes. The train from Paris takes about 1.5 hours.
If you choose to drive to the Loire Valley from Paris, the drive is about 2.5 hours. I prefer to use Discover Cars when booking car rentals so I can compare prices across multiple companies. You can also take the train to the Loire Valley and pick up a rental car once you arrive – this way you avoid the traffic in Paris.
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Where to Stay in the Loire Valley (for a Relaxing Getaway)
For the ultimate relaxing weekend, I would highly suggest staying at Relais de Chambord near the Château de Chambord. Not only is there a spa complete with a jacuzzi, sauna, and massage rooms, but the hotel also has a great bar and restaurant… and incredible views of Château de Chambord.
The only downside to staying at Relais de Chambord is that it isn’t near much – it’s truly an escape in the countryside. If you want to venture around the Loire Valley, you will need a car to get around.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY HERE!
Weekend Itinerary for Visiting the Loire Valley
For a relaxing weekend in the Loire Valley, this is the itinerary that I would recommend…
DAY 1
- Check into Relais de Chambord
- Book a massage/spend time in the spa
- Dinner at the hotel
DAY 2
- Visit Château de Chambord (at opening to avoid mid-day crowds)
- Drive to Blois to visit Royal Château of Blois
- Drinks at M.O Bar
- Back to hotel for massage/spa
- Dinner at the hotel
Best Time to Visit the Loire Valley
The best time to visit the Loire Valley is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild and the crowds are manageable. These months are the “shoulder season” and are ideal for château-hopping, wine tasting, and bike rides through the countryside. Summer (July to August) is peak tourist season, with warmer temperatures and more visitors, especially at well-known castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. Winter (November to February) is much quieter, with some attractions operating on reduced hours, but the peaceful atmosphere can be perfect if you’re after a slower, more local experience.
We visited in March and things were just starting to open up. If you were to visit in January/February, I would fear that too many things would be closed for the season. March is the earliest I would recommend going.
France Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting France
TRAVELING THROUGH FRANCE
- The easiest way to book train tickets in France is through Omio
- To book a flight to France, I recommend a large booking platform or Skyscanner to compare options
- For car rentals in France, I recommend Discover Cars
- If you want an English speaking driver waiting to pick you up at the airport, use Welcome Pickups
- I highly recommend travel insurance when traveling through France – I use and recommend SafetyWing(read why here and here)
- If you need a SIM card, aloSIM for an easy and affordable e-SIM – use code “KYLEE5” for a 5% discount
ACCOMODATION IN FRANCE
- To easiest way to book hotels in France is through a large booking platform
TOURS IN FRANCE
- For tours and activities in France, I recommend using Get Your Guide or Viator
- For food tours in France, I recommend Devour Tours
- For walking tours in France, I recommend Take Walks
- For tickets to museums and attractions, I recommend Tiqets
WHAT TO BRING TO FRANCE
- Don’t forget a France guide book to help plan your travels
- You’ll need a travel plug adapter (France uses type C)
- My favorite luggage is Calpak
- My favorite travel backpack is Nordace
- I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste
- I use this eye mask on the plane to help get some shut eye and help with jet lag
- I love traveling with ARMRA Colostrum travel sticks to support my immune system (use code “KYLEENELSON” for 15% off)
If you’re craving a relaxing weekend, the Loire Valley is the perfect escape. If you have any questions about visiting the Loire Valley, let me know in the comments below!
If you’re planning a trip to France, don’t miss…
For more information on things to see and do in Lyon, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinfrance” or under my highlights for “Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “France” highlight
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Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
