During our visit to France, we squeezed in one of the most rewarding day trips we’ve ever done:
a train ride from Paris to the Loire Valley, a rental car, and a full day visiting two of the region’s most iconic castles — Château de Chenonceau and Château d’Amboise, along with Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final home.
It was history, beauty, and countryside all packed into one incredible day.
We caught a morning train from Paris Montparnasse to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (just outside Tours).
The ride is easy and fast — just over an hour — and drops you right near the heart of the Loire Valley.
As soon as we arrived, we picked up a Hertz rental car at the train station.
It was quick and convenient — perfect for the kind of flexible day trip we had planned.
The roads in this part of France are scenic and relaxed. With GPS (or Google Maps), getting around was no problem at all.
Our first destination was Château de Chenonceau, and honestly, it might be one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen.
Built across the River Cher, this château is famous for its long arched bridge and reflection in the water. Inside, it’s just as stunning — tapestries, floral arrangements, stone fireplaces, and views for days.
Next, we drove about 25 minutes to Château d’Amboise, perched on a hill above the Loire River.
This castle is grand in a different way — full of royal history and with incredible panoramic views over the town below.
Just down the hill from Amboise is Château du Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci.
This smaller manor is full of his inventions, models, and exhibits about his life in France.
The gardens are peaceful, with full-scale versions of his designs and lots of interactive areas.
We ended our day with dinner in Tours, a lively student town with a great food scene.
We picked a café near the old town, sat outside, and reflected on the day while watching the evening settle in over the cobbled streets.
After dinner and exploring Tours, we returned the car and hopped the train back to Paris — tired, happy, and full of castle photos and Loire Valley charm.
Train: Paris Montparnasse → Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (~1h15)
Car Rental: Reserve in advance, pickup right at the station
Timing: Leave Paris by 8–9am to maximize sightseeing time
Chenonceau First: Gets more crowded later in the day
Picnic or Lunch: Bring snacks or eat in Amboise between castles
One day isn’t enough to see all the Loire Valley — but it’s definitely enough to fall in love with it.
From water-spanning castles to da Vinci’s workshop, this little loop was packed with beauty, history, and unforgettable moments.
If you’re looking for a perfect day trip out of Paris, this is it.