Where to stay in the Loire Valley: 8 dreamy escapes (2025)

The Loire Valley is one of the best regions to visit in France, that I keep going back to again and again. Over my countless trips, I’ve gotten to know the villages and cities, the countryside inns, and more than one place that made me want to drop my keys and move in forever.

Because it is so great, it can be tricky to figure out where to stay in the Loire Valley. Each corner of this region has a personality. Whether you dream of sleeping beneath a château’s shadow, strolling into a lively market, or waking up in a cave (yes, really) with fresh bread waiting, there’s a place that fits you. This list is built from real adventures and honest advice – I want you to find the base that suits your trip like a well-chosen bottle of Chinon. Let’s find your perfect Loire Valley stay.

Anya

Hi! I’m Anya, founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris which focuses on underrated cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but above all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love.

After 10 years and 70+ destinations, I can help you plan your European trip: book a call with me. It includes a full itinerary with unique destinations, transportation, accommodation and activities.

Fun fact, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.

Choose your Loire Valley travel base according to your travel style

With so many tempting bases, choosing gets tricky. Go by your travel style:

• Castle-Hopping Addicts: Pick Amboise, Blois, or Tours. You’ll be within easy reach of the big-hitters and smaller surprises.
  
• Countryside Fans: Book a château hotel or manor just outside the main towns – you’ll need a car for most, but the peace is unmatched.
  
• Romantics: Azay-le-Rideau, Montsoreau, Bonneval, or riverside B&Bs in Saumur offer gentle days and slower pace.
  
• Families: Amboise and Tours balance fun with comfort. Look for suite-style hotels, pools, and nearby playgrounds.
  
• City-Lovers: Tours, Angers, and Nantes keep things lively, with easy train access and dining after dark.
  
• Adventurers and Story Seekers: Try the offbeat – troglodyte suites, converted mills, or vineyard guesthouses.
  

Travel Tips:
If you want maximum flexibility, rent a car – country inns and far-away castles are often easier reached on your own wheels, and parking is rarely a headache outside the main cities. Trains connect Tours, Angers, Blois, and Nantes, so you can skip the car if you stay in these bigger hubs. For a first trip, give yourself at least three nights (ideally a week).

The 8 best areas to stay in the Loire Valley

Let’s break it down by travel style and true local atmosphere – because the Loire isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Bonneval – The Small Venice of the Beauce

Bonneval is a hidden gem in the Loire region, often overlooked but full of charm. This small town sits along peaceful canals, with picturesque stone bridges and flower-lined streets that invite slow strolls. Its medieval heart feels like a step back in time, crowned by the old abbey and friendly bakeries offering fresh pastries each morning.

The pace here is truly relaxed – perfect for anyone seeking quiet days and a break from crowded tourist spots. Bonneval is also close to Loire Valley châteaux and scenic cycling routes, making it an ideal base for exploring the area without the stress of busy hubs. If you want authentic French atmosphere, simple comforts, and a taste of slow village life, Bonneval is a wonderful pick.

Castles and attractions to visit:

• Château de Châteaudun is a remarkable castle that was the property of Jean de Dunois, a compagnon of Joan of Arc during the Hundred Years’ War.
  
  
• Chartres Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and well-preserved stained glass windows. It’s considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic art and attracts visitors from around the world.
  
  
• Loire Valley Cycle Route. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy many scenic bike routes following the Loire River, connecting Bonneval to various towns to explore the region’s natural beauty.
  

Amboise – For castle lovers and families

Amboise has an enchanting buzz. The old streets along the Loire River twist up to a castle that once hosted Leonardo da Vinci himself, while he’s buried in the neighboring castle. Amboise suits families and anyone tracing royal footsteps. Kids get space to roam the riverside, and the Royal Castle is a crowd-pleaser.

Boutique hotels and welcoming chambres d’hôtes abound. Everything sits within walking distance – local boucheries, riverside ice cream stands, and cafés perfect for a slow breakfast. You’re also just a quick drive or bike ride to Chenonceau and Clos Lucé, so castle fans, take note.

Nearby castles:

• Château Royal d’Amboise, a former royal residence renowned for its Renaissance architecture and as the burial site of Leonardo da Vinci in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert.​
  
  
• Château du Clos Lucé was Leonardo da Vinci’s residence during his final years. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to his life and works.​
  
  
• Château de Chenonceau: This elegant castle is renowned for its distinctive architecture and history, particularly its association with influential women like Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici. Its beautifully maintained gardens and art collections make it one of the most visited châteaux in France.
  

Tours – The ideal central hub

Tours is the heart of the region, and its biggest city – charming without being sleepy, busy but not overwhelming. It gives you the biggest slice of Loire life, from cobbled old-town alleys to modern shops and lively markets. I love its covered food market (try the goat cheese and rillettes), and the evening buzz in Place Plumereau is fantastic.

Tours has a train station, so if you want to skip the car or hop between châteaux with minimal fuss, this is your place. Hotels run the game: classic city stays, hostels for budget travelers, and even self-catering apartments. It’s just an easy jump to Villandry, Amboise, and the rest.

Nearby castles:

Almost all castles are accessible through trains.

Blois – Gateway to iconic castles

Blois is one of my favorites for sheer drama. Perched on a bluff above the river, its skyline stacks gables, spires, and terraces like a pop-up storybook. The Château de Blois fuses Gothic, Renaissance, and even Classical styles, and the town’s squares buzz on market days.

This spot puts you close to Chambord and Cheverny – two titans of the Loire château world – while letting you enjoy lively nightlife and riverside walks. The town mixes classic hotels, modern apartments, and some quirky B&B finds, often with postcard views.

Nearby castles:

• Château Royal de Blois: Located in the heart of Blois, this castle showcases a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical architecture.
  
  
• Château de Chambord: Approximately 20 km east of Blois, this is the largest château in the Loire Valley, renowned for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture.
  
  
• Château de Cheverny: Situated about 15 km southeast of Blois, this château is known for its classical architecture and beautifully maintained interiors.
  

Saumur – Tradition and riverside beauty

Saumur feels timeless. The creamy stonework, the swinging bridges, and the long shadows at dusk make you wonder if you’ve stumbled onto a film set. Cavalry officers in crisp uniforms stride past ancient squares – Saumur still hosts France’s national riding academy. If you love pretty towns with tradition in every stone, this is your spot.

The river is always at your elbow here. Terraced cafés hang over the water, and you can bike or stroll for miles along the banks. Wine lovers are in luck: Saumur bubbles with small vineyards and hidden caves (the sparkling stuff here is legendary).

Nearby castles:

• Château de Saumur: Perched above the town, this castle offers panoramic views of the Loire River and houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
  
  
• Château de Brézé: Located around 15 km south of Saumur, this unique château features an extensive network of underground tunnels and cellars.
  
  
• Château de Montsoreau: Approximately 15 km east of Saumur, this castle sits at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers and hosts a contemporary art museum.
  

Azay-le-Rideau – Romantic retreats in a quiet town

Picture a château rising from a mirror-still moat, framed by wisteria and willow. That’s Azay-le-Rideau. The town radiates calm. Aside from the must-see château, there’s not much “must” – which is kind of the point. Long walks, hand-in-hand moments, and leisurely meals dominate the agenda. Trust me: it’s the easygoing, pretty base you never knew you needed.

Nearby castles:

• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: Situated in the town center, this early French Renaissance château is set on an island in the Indre River.
  
  
• Château de l’Islette: Located just 2 km west of Azay-le-Rideau, this lesser-known gem is nestled along the Indre River and offers a more intimate experience.
  
  
• Château de Villandry: Approximately 10 km northeast, this château is famed for its elaborate Renaissance gardens.
  

Angers – A blend of heritage and modernity

In Angers, one minute you’re gazing at fortress towers and medieval ramparts; the next, you’re at a street art festival, trying cocktails in a hip riverside bar, or ducking into a photo-worthy concept store.

The old and the new play nicely together here. Angers is packed with museums and classically French parks, but there’s a creative undercurrent – a student hum and a love of good food (Cointreau liqueur was born here). It draws those who appreciate art, greenery, and a taste of authentic, lived-in city life.

Nearby castles:

• Château d’Angers: Dominating the cityscape, this massive fortress houses the Apocalypse Tapestry, the largest known medieval tapestry ensemble.
  
  
• Château de Brissac: Located about 20 km south of Angers, this is the tallest château in France and is still inhabited by the Brissac family.
  
  
• Château de Serrant: Approximately 15 km west of Angers, this Renaissance château boasts a rich collection of period furnishings and a vast library.
  

Nantes – For a dynamic urban getaway

If you want a burst of city energy with your French countryside, head west to Nantes. The city goes wild with imagination – giant mechanical animals roam near the old shipyards, and street art pops up around every bend. The Machines of the Isle (imagine riding a mechanical elephant past the river…) are quirky and unforgettable.

Nantes doesn’t flaunt as many châteaux as other areas, but its food, art, and musical scene are unbeatable. Hip cafés, pop-up galleries, lively markets – great for night owls, urban explorers, and anyone with a creative streak.

Nearby castles:

• Château de Fléville is a unique blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The château is surrounded by a 20-hectare park, offering visitors a picturesque setting to explore. ​
  
  
• Often referred to as the “Versailles of Lorraine,” the Château de Lunéville is renowned for its classical architecture and expansive gardens. ​
  
  
• Château d’Haroué is an 18th-century masterpiece that uniquely incorporates elements from a previous medieval fortress, including four towers and a moat with classical design.
  

Unique and unusual lodgings in the Loire

Tired of the same old hotel? The Loire Valley rewards your curiosity. You’ll find yurts, eco-lodges, and guesthouses set in secret gardens. These places aren’t just a roof – they’re part of the adventure too.

Conclusion

The Loire Valley isn’t just a pretty postcard – it’s an experience, one that’s both bigger than you expect. Every town, castle, and humble inn has its own flavor. From riverside wine tastings to fairytale hotels and creative city stays, there’s a base for every traveler.

Book early for the best picks (especially in summer or during big events), and don’t be shy about mixing it up – a couple of nights in a château, then a few in a big city, can be the perfect recipe. If you’ve found a hidden gem or still can’t decide, drop a comment below – I’d love to swap stories or help you plan. Happy travels, and here’s to finding your perfect spot in the magic of the Loire!