Top 5 Scenic Drives in the Loire Valley

The landscape in the Loire Valley transforms beautifully at every turn.

Golden-hued villages transition to grand castles, while vineyards border the verdant banks of the Loire, France’s longest river. Although trains connect the main destinations, exploring by car offers the best way to enjoy the area’s stunning natural beauty.

Discover the five most scenic drives in the Loire Valley.

1. The Vineyard Route

Ideal road trip for wine enthusiasts and breathtaking scenery

Chinon to Bouchemaine; approximately 145km (90 miles); 2-3 days

Blending renowned wines with stunning views, this journey takes you through charming white tufa (limestone) villages perched above the Loire and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Begin in Chinon, a historic city featuring timber-framed houses and a commanding royal fortress, then travel towards Saumur, where the red grape vines dominate the landscape, producing the celebrated Chinon wine.

Pause along the way at Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, which was once the largest monastic city in Europe, before spending the night in Saumur and indulging in some wine tasting. The troglodyte cellars of Bouvet-Ladubay and Ackerman both offer exquisite Crémant (a sparkling white wine).

The following morning, cross the Pont du Cadre Noir and follow the D952 alongside the Loire. This route offers breathtaking views that never grow old. Beige sandbanks contrast with the grey-blue water, and on clear days, the river mirrors the sky and clouds, separated only by a green band of trees. After 45 km, you’ll reach Les Ponts-de-Cé, a southern suburb of Angers. From here, connect with the sunlit slopes of the Aubance valley, known for producing sweet, liqueur-like white wines such as Bonnezeau. Sample some at The Domaine de la Petite Croix.

In the afternoon, venture further into the countryside to arrive at the village of Rablay-sur-Layon. Here, the dessert wine coteaux-du-layon is crafted. With its half-timbered homes and stone mansions, the village seems to be stuck in time. Yet, the contemporary arts and crafts gallery tells a different story. The locals proudly call this a 'village of artists' featuring permanent artisan boutiques and rotating exhibitions. As the sun sets, head towards Chalonnes to drive through the vineyards during the golden hour.

On day three, explore the hills between Chalonnes and Bouchemaine. Enjoy the river’s closeness as you sail on a toue (a traditional wooden boat) in La Possonnière. Then make your way to Savennières, renowned for its namesake white wine. Have lunch at Le Chenin, a charming restaurant with a red facade facing the church, where the chef highlights local ingredients and the wine list showcases the terroir's diversity. Conclude your day in Bouchemaine, an ancient fishing village, and savor a peaceful evening by the riverbank.

Detour: The Aubance Valley is home to the seven-story Château de Brissac, the tallest castle in France. This property includes its own vineyard and produces exceptional rosé wines.

2. An expedition through French literature

Ideal road trip for cultural enthusiasts

Tours-Montsoreau; 78 km (49 miles); 2 days

For centuries, the Loire Valley has inspired countless writers. This road trip begins at La Riche, near Tours, tracing the footsteps of various French authors and poets. Start at Prieuré Saint Cosme, the final residence of Renaissance poet Pierre de Ronsard, whose works reflect the region's natural beauty. From there, journey through the valley's expansive flatlands, which transition to woodlands near Saché, where you can visit Château de Saché—a castle-turned-museum dedicated to novelist Honoré de Balzac, who wrote here when not in Paris. His novel, The Lily of the Valley, is set in this very location.

Next, travel to Chinon, the childhood home of another Renaissance writer, François Rabelais. His most famous work, Gargantua, tells the story of a giant, with Rabelais’ childhood abode, La Devinière, serving as the fictional birthplace of Gargantua. Proceed to Montsoreau, where its castle inspired Alexandre Dumas' novel The Lady of Montsoreau, famous for The Three Musketeers. The terrace offers stunning views of the swift Loire River below.

Detour: If you have an additional day, take a two-hour drive to Nantes, the birthplace of author Jules Verne. Les Machines de l’île serves as a tribute to Verne's imaginative mechanical world.

3. Journey Along the Loire

Ideal road trip for nature enthusiasts

Tours-Saint Florent le Vieil; 170 km (105 miles); 3 days

This road trip invites you to immerse yourself in nature. It begins in Tours and follows the D16 to Ussé, where the Loire flows majestically before you. Take a break in Ussé, home to a fairytale castle that inspired Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty, before continuing to Candes-Saint-Martin, where the Vienne and Loire rivers meet. At sunset, the white stone houses of this former fishing port glow with a golden hue, making it a perfect picnic spot.

On the following morning, meander along the curves of the Loire via the D952, all the way to Bouchemaine. Enjoy a stroll on the path connecting Quai de Noé to the historic bargees' village of La Pointe. Keep an eye out for the gray heron, the symbol of the Loire.

Afterward, hop back in your vehicle and ascend the hills between Rochefort-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire via the D751. Follow the brown road signs that mark La Corniche Angevine, a picturesque route filled with twists and turns. At La Haie-Longue, enjoy breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see. Spend the night in Chalonnes-sur-Loire.

On the third day, take a brief detour to explore the 14-kilometer island of Chalonnes, one of the few Loire islands accessible by car. Depart via the D210 and the René-Trottier bridge, where you'll catch glimpses of charming villages nestled among lush greenery and white sandbars. Your final destination is Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, a haven of narrow streets lined with vine-covered homes. Once there, make your way to Mont-Glonne esplanade for a final stunning view from the abbey that overlooks the Loire.

Detour: Consider stopping in Bouchemaine to enjoy a canoe adventure on the Loire for a moment of tranquility on the river. You can rent one at the Nautical base, quai de la Noé.

4. The Châteaux of the Loire Valley

Best road trip for history and architecture enthusiasts

Blois to Chinon; 108km (68 miles); 4 days

Yearning for a journey through time? From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the Loire Valley served as the court for kings, queens, and nobility, leaving behind a rich tapestry of monuments. While exploring them all is a tall order, this route highlights the most remarkable examples.

First on the list is Château Royal de Blois. This striking castle is hard to overlook, with each facade showcasing a different architectural style: medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and classical. Be sure to catch the enchanting sound and light show that illuminates each side from April to September.

On the second day, make your way to Chambord, a masterpiece commissioned by François I. Its intricate carvings and brilliant white facade exude an air of elegance. Inside, Leonardo da Vinci's iconic double spiral staircase will leave you mesmerized.

Next, visit Chaumont-sur-Loire, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch by the Loire while taking in the castle’s beauty. This was once the residence of Catherine de Medici, the wife of Henri II, before she claimed Chenonceau from her husband’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Stroll through the gardens before heading to Amboise for the night.

Dedicate your third day to exploring Amboise. Narrow streets lined with half-timbered homes lead you to the imposing castle. The guards’ walkway provides the best vantage point of the Loire. If you venture around, you might discover the secret passage François I used to visit Leonardo da Vinci at Clos Lucé. Afterward, spend the night in Tours, known for its vibrant nightlife.

The following morning, explore the stunning gardens of Château de Villandry or head directly to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture, this castle is situated on an island, creating a beautiful reflection in the water. Its expansive park features exotic trees like sequoias, cedars, and cypress. From here, drive to Chinon, where the ancient Royal Fortress looms over the town, marking the site where Joan of Arc met Charles VII during the Hundred Years' War.

5. The ultimate Loire Valley road trip

Best blockbuster road trip

Sully-sur-Loire–Nantes; approximately 350km (217 miles); 10–15 days

This ultimate road trip through the Loire Valley spans about two weeks and covers all the major highlights. It traverses five départements, starting at the charming castle in Sully-sur-Loire and concluding in Nantes, where the Duke of Brittany’s castle awaits you along the river.

This journey offers travelers a wonderful opportunity to savor the local delicacies of the Loire Valley, such as fouées (baked bread balls) in Saumur, rillauds (pork belly cooked in lard) near Angers, creamy Sainte-Maure cheese in Tours, and for dessert, indulge in gâteau Nantais (rum and almond cake).

There are numerous chances to visit castles like Chenonceau or Azay-le-Rideau while staying on the main routes. Travel from Blois to Angers via the D952, a scenic road that follows the Loire. Instead of taking the motorway to Nantes, opt for the D751, where you'll enjoy the picturesque countryside filled with quaint villages.

Detour: Just south of Chinon, visit Château de la Mothe Chandeniers. After suffering fire damage that left it roofless, the castle was left abandoned for years, allowing nature to take over. However, restoration efforts since 2018 have breathed new life into it.