In Touraine, the stars of the show are the châteaux of the Loire Valley!
The Touraine region is home to nearly fifty châteaux that you can visit year-round. They are the stars of the region, having witnessed royal destinies, grand celebrations, and historic battles… Let’s shine a spotlight on the châteaux of the Loire Valley! Here’s a selection of 7 iconic châteaux to explore, all within an hour’s drive of Tours.
![Les jardins & château de Villandry]()
The gardens and château of Villandry
1 - Château de Villandry: the gardens take centre stage
In Villandry, it all begins in the garden! Awarded the ‘Remarkable Gardens’ label, they unfold in a series of meticulously designed sections: an ornamental vegetable garden, Andalusian-style beds, a music garden, a water garden, a sun garden, a maze… and even extend into the castle itself, where floral arrangements play a starring role in every room.
3 Rue Principale, Villandry - chateauvillandry.fr - +33 (0)2 47 50 02 09
Site certified by Tourisme & Handicap; discounts available on presentation of a disability card
![Château de Chenonceau]()
Château de Chenonceau
2 - Château de Chenonceau: the Oscar for Best Actress
Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers made it the focus of their rivalry; Louise Dupin wrote the first Code of Women’s Rights there; Margaret Wilson shone there before its ruin… The ‘ladies’ castle’ represents 500 years of twists and turns, all through the lens of women! Did you know? Its history has even inspired filmmakers across the Atlantic, with the American series ‘The Serpent Queen’, released in 2022 and filmed at the château.
Château de Chenonceau in Chenonceaux - chenonceau.com - +33 (0)2 47 23 90 07
Access for people with reduced mobility and wheelchairs available – free entry on presentation of a disability card
![Château Royal d’Amboise]()
Château Royal d’Amboise
3 - Amboise Royal Castle: a star-studded line-up
With Charles VIII, Francis I and Anne of Brittany headlining the cast and Leonardo da Vinci as a special guest, this castle takes the crown. You can round off your visit in style with a pastry at Maison Bigot at the foot of the castle, or continue on to the Clos Lucé, the former home of the Florentine genius.
The exhibition not to be missed: ‘Sur la route des princes voyageurs’ (On the trail of travelling princes), from 9 June to 20 September, which celebrates Renaissance expeditions.
Montée de l'Emir Abd El Kader in Amboise - chateau-amboise.com - +33 (0)2 47 57 00 98
Site certified by Tourisme & Handicap – for visitors with mobility impairments, an able-bodied companion is required – discounts available on presentation of a disability card
![Château d’Azay-le-Rideau]()
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
4 - Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: mirror, oh my beautiful mirror!
If the River Indre could speak, it would tell him that he is undoubtedly the most beautiful in the kingdom! This Renaissance château has been reflected in the river for over 500 years. Admire it from the shore, or from a stand-up paddleboard or canoe.
The exhibition not to be missed: the Ar(t)chipel festival, celebrating the works of Calder from 15 October to 6 December 2026.
19 Rue Balzac, Azay-le-Rideau - azay-le-rideau.fr - +33 (0)2 47 45 42 04
Site certified by Tourisme & Handicap – free entry on presentation of a disability card
![Cité Royale de Loches]()
Cité Royale de Loches
5 - Royal City of Loches: a wide-angle view of the keep
It goes without saying that this royal city is impressive, with its 37-metre-high keep! Once a seat of power, it has welcomed ‘historical figures’ such as Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel and Louis XI.
The exhibition not to be missed: “Cinema Meets the Middle Ages”, from 14 May to 11 October. From Les Visiteurs to Kaamelott, the event revisits iconic scenes from cinema set in the medieval era.
5 Place Charles VII, Loches - citeroyaleloches.fr - +33 (0)2 47 19 18 08
Partial access for people with reduced mobility – adapted tours available on request – concessions on presentation of a disability card
![Château de Langeais]()
Château de Langeais
6 - Château de Langeais: the historical blockbuster
Its façade sets the scene: a drawbridge, towers and moats right in the town centre – you’re transported back in time in a single shot. Inside, everything is designed to transport you back in time, from the fully furnished rooms to Stéphane Bern’s re-enactment of the wedding of Anne of Brittany and Charles VII. For the perfect photo: head to the huge treehouse in the park!
Place Pierre de Brosse, Langeais - chateau-de-langeais.com - +33 (0)2 47 96 72 60
Facilities available for people with visual or intellectual disabilities - free entry on presentation of a disability card - visits available for people with mobility impairments, by appointment
![La Forteresse Royale de Chinon]()
La Forteresse Royale de Chinon
7 - The Royal Fortress of Chinon: a medieval saga
Perched atop a hill on the banks of the Vienne, the Royal Fortress of Chinon brings a thousand years of history to life in a 16:9 format. Today, this medieval castle can be explored through historical re-enactments, interactive tours and family activities.
The exhibition not to be missed: ‘Royal Treasures’, from 24 May to 2 November, featuring 60 works bequeathed by the kings, queens and princes of French history.
2 Rue du Château, Chinon - forteressechinon.fr - +33 (0)2 47 93 13 45
Site certified by Tourisme & Handicap – for visitors with physical or visual disabilities, a companion is required – discounts available on presentation of a disability card
Let yourself be carried away by organised excursions
For half a day or a full day, take a trip to discover the jewels of the Renaissance. There's no need to hire a car or comb through guidebooks to get organised. Choose the castles you want to explore and the formula that suits you: with or without transport, with or without tickets, with or without lunch!
![Excursions à la demi-journée]()
Half-day excursions
![Excursions à la journée]()
Full-day excursions
Loire castles by train
If you want to visit the châteaux of the Loire Valley with your family while limiting your carbon footprint, opt for the train! Here is a selection of the main castles accessible by train from Tours:
- Amboise chateau: 20 min by train, then 20 min on foot
- Azay-le-Rideau chateau: 25 min by train, then 25 min on foot
- Chenonceau chateau: 30 min by train, then 4 min on foot
- Langeais chateau: 20 min by train, then 5 min on foot
- The Cité Royale of Loches: 1 hour by train, then 15 minutes on foot
- Islette chateau: 25 min by train, then 20 min on foot
- Montbazon fortress: 20 min by train, then 20 min on foot
- Chinon Royal Fortress: 48 min by train, then 25 min on foot
All Rémi regional trains accept bicycles (reservation required on weekends and public holidays, €1/bike). Reduced entrance fees for certain châteaux on presentation of your ticket. For information and bookings, visit ter.sncf.com.
Engineering works are scheduled for 2026 on certain lines. For more information, visit ter.sncf.comGOOD DEALS
- REMI Unlimited Transport Discovery Pass: €45/2 days or €60/3 days for 5 people.
- Unlimited train passes from Paris from €95/2 days for 1 to 5 people.
More information on: ter.sncf.com/centre-val-de-loire
