Discover the best ways to get to the Loire Valley and explore the region’s famous châteaux, vineyards, and towns. Whether arriving by train, car, or air, learn how to get around the Loire Valley using regional trains, buses, cycling routes, or river cruises for a scenic experience.
Getting to the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is easily accessible from major cities like Paris, making it a convenient destination for travelers. Here are the main ways to reach the region:
By Train
From Paris: The most efficient way to reach the Loire Valley is by taking the TGV (high-speed train) from Gare Montparnasse in Paris. It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to get to major towns like Tours, Amboise, or Blois, depending on your destination. The TGV runs frequently and is a comfortable and fast option.
From Other Cities: You can also take regional trains from cities like Nantes, Bordeaux, or Lyon to various towns in the Loire Valley. Travel times vary, but trains are generally well-connected.
Local Trains: Once in the Loire Valley, regional trains connect many of the towns and villages, making it easy to travel between destinations like Tours, Blois, Saumur, and Orléans.
By Car
From Paris: If you prefer driving, the Loire Valley is about 2 hours southwest of Paris by car, depending on your destination. Take the A10 motorway toward Orléans and Tours. Renting a car is a good option for those who want flexibility in exploring the region.
From Other Cities: The A85 and A11 motorways provide good connections to the Loire Valley from Nantes, Le Mans, and Angers. Driving allows you to explore the more remote châteaux and vineyards at your own pace.
By Air
Tours Val de Loire Airport: While the Loire Valley doesn’t have a major international airport, Tours Val de Loire Airport serves domestic and some European flights, mainly from London and Dublin. It’s a small airport located just outside of Tours, and car rentals and taxis are available for onward travel.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: For most international visitors, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the primary entry point. From here, you can either take a train to the Loire Valley or rent a car to drive to your destination.
By Bus
Intercity Buses: While buses aren’t as fast as trains, there are intercity bus services from Paris and other French cities to towns in the Loire Valley, such as Orléans, Tours, and Blois. This is a more budget-friendly option but can take longer than the train.
Getting Around the Loire Valley
Once you arrive in the Loire Valley, you’ll find several options for getting around, whether you prefer driving, cycling, or using public transport.
By Car
Best for Flexibility: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the Loire Valley at your own pace. It allows you to visit more remote châteaux, vineyards, and villages that aren’t as easily accessible by public transport. Roads are well-maintained, and parking is generally available at major sites.
Scenic Drives: Driving through the region offers beautiful scenic routes, particularly along the Loire River, with opportunities to stop at lesser-known castles and picturesque towns.
By Train
Regional Trains: The Loire Valley has a decent network of regional trains (TER) connecting main towns such as Tours, Blois, Saumur, Angers, and Orléans. While this is a convenient option for town-hopping, some smaller villages and châteaux are not easily reachable by train.
By Bus
Local Buses: Many towns have local bus services connecting nearby châteaux and attractions. For example, there are bus routes from Tours to Château de Chenonceau or Amboise. However, buses may run less frequently, especially outside peak tourist seasons, so check schedules in advance.
By Bicycle
Loire à Vélo: Cycling is a popular and eco-friendly way to explore the Loire Valley, especially along the Loire à Vélo route, a 900-kilometer cycling trail that runs through the region, offering breathtaking views of the river and the châteaux. Many towns have bike rental shops, and some hotels even offer bikes for their guests. This option allows you to explore the countryside, vineyards, and charming villages at a leisurely pace.
Bike-Friendly Roads: The region is bike-friendly, with clearly marked cycling paths, and many of the châteaux offer bike racks for visitors.
By Boat
Loire River Cruises: One of the most scenic ways to explore the region is by taking a leisurely cruise along the Loire River. Several companies offer boat trips, ranging from short tours to full-day excursions. You’ll pass by castles, vineyards, and charming riverbanks, enjoying a unique perspective of the valley.
Walking
For Short Distances: In towns like Tours, Blois, or Amboise, walking is a great way to explore local markets, cafés, and historic sites. Town centers are generally compact, and many châteaux and gardens are within walking distance of town squares.
