Loire Valley Chateaux Pass?

[fritters]

Has anyone visited the Loire Valley? Thinking of taking a day trip for paris in March, and I cannot find any information on a pass that covers multiple chateaux. I know it's a lot to see in one day, but DH and I would really like to make the drive! Wondering if you can see the chateaux easily from the road, or if tickets are needed to get on the grounds. I don't expect to see all of them in one day, but I would like to hit the big ones (Chenonceau, Chambord, etcetera), and then maybe do a flyby on some others. Really trying to convince DH to do a hot air balloon ride, too. Thanks in advance for any info!

[mdgirl]

We went a few years ago. I think it would be long day as a day trip. We stayed a few days and that was probably overkill, but I think even staying there one night would be worthwhile. As far as chateaux, we did Chenonceau and I was done with them. I don't remember if you had to pay to get on the grounds but I think you do, and it was quite expensive, and the interiors just aren't that interesting. We decided our time was better spent on wine. Unfortunately the place we stayed has since closed (it was amazing), but we did spend one night in Amboise and it was nice.

[Myrrhine]

We signed up for a day trip from Tours and saw a number of the big ones. That might be your best option for seeing a number of them in a short time frame. I believe they all had admission fees at least to see the interiors.

I would be surprised if you could get a pass to visit a number of them though.

[Deleted]

No advice on a pass but I would warn you to be wary of trying to hit a lot in a short number of time. I studied abroad over there and we did a trip of 6 (8?) chateaux in 2 days and honestly, they just start blending together when you rush them into a lump like that. Of them all, my favorite was Villandry with Chenonceau and Amboise close seconds.

[fritters]

Thank you for the advice! I think we'll probably just hit two since we're just going for the day. Chenonceau is definitely my number one choice, and then trying to decide between Chambord and Amboise for the second. Hopefully this will leave time for us to see the area, too, and even sample the wine without being too overwhelming for one day!

[Deleted]

Dec 29, 2014 15:06:38 GMT -5 fritters said:

Thank you for the advice! I think we'll probably just hit two since we're just going for the day. Chenonceau is definitely my number one choice, and then trying to decide between Chambord and Amboise for the second. Hopefully this will leave time for us to see the area, too, and even sample the wine without being too overwhelming for one day!

I haven't been to Chambord but the gothic sculpture in Amboise is INCREDIBLE and I love the little historical touch that it's the burial site of Leonardo da Vinci.

Turns out we're going to France next year (the hubby has never been) so looking at our own list of chateaux.