Page 187 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

Châteaux of
the Loire 14

JULIAN ELLIOTT / ROBERTHARDING / GETTY IMAGES ©

For centuries, France’s longest river has been a backdrop for royal
intrigue and extravagant castles. This trip weaves nine of the
Loire Valley’s most spectacular and sublimely beautiful châteaux.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
5 DAYS
189KM / 118 MILES
189 km
Chambord GREAT FOR…
France's château
superstar, a royal hunting
lodge on steroids GB
120 km
Amboise BEST TIME TO GO
Charles VIII's Loire-side May and June for
birthplace and Da m K good cycling weather;
Vinci's last home Blois #
# # #
9
# July for gardens and
special events.
# # #
# ESSENTIAL
6
# Villandry I PHOTO
# # #
#
5
# Château de Chenon­
4
# # #
ceau’s graceful arches
l L River.
reflected in the Cher
#
Chinon
Chenonceaux BEST TWO
Azay-le-Rideau Wander a fairy-tale K DAYS
A Renaissance landscape of reflected
jewel on a lovely arches and riverside The stretch between
island gardens Chenonceau and
52 km 107 km Chambord takes in the
true classics.
Chenonceaux Château de Chenonceau
Location Caption details to go here 185