6 days in Loire Valley Itinerary

Orléans is a city in north-central France, about 111km southwest of Paris. On the 30th (Fri), don't miss a visit to Place du Martroi, take in the spiritual surroundings of Orléans Cathedral, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Centre-ville, then walk around Parc Floral Orleans, and finally contemplate the long history of Hotel Groslot.

To see maps, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Orleans trip planner.

Paris to Orleans is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 76°F in August, and nighttime lows around 56°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Chinon.

On the banks of the Vienne River, Chinon offers access to a rich wine area in the Loire Valley.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Sat): learn about winemaking at Chateau du Petit Thouars, then do a tasting at Ackerman, then explore the fascinating underground world of Cave Museum, Village Troglodytique de Rochemenier, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Manoir de Clairefontaine. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Maurice Dufresne Museum, explore the historical opulence of Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, and then do a tasting at Pierre et Bertrand Couly.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Chinon trip site.

Traveling by car from Orleans to Chinon takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Chinon can reach 77°F, while at night they dip to 58°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) to allow time to drive to Tours.

Famous for its original medieval district, Tours is famous for its cafes that serve regional wines and interesting architectural bridges crossing the river Loire.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Mon): contemplate the long history of La Forteresse de Montbazon, take in nature's colorful creations at Jardin Botanique de Tours, and then examine the collection at Musee du Compagnonnage.

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Tours trip planning app.

Drive from Chinon to Tours in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 71°F, and evening lows to 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Tue) to allow enough time to take a train back home.