8-Day Road Trip: Best Châteaux from Nantes to Orléans, France

Day 1: Explore Nantes

Nantes, France on May 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café La Cigale

Enjoy a traditional French breakfast in one of Nantes’ most iconic brasseries, known for its beautiful Art Nouveau decor and fresh pastries.
EUR20, 1h

10:00am

Visit Château des ducs de Bretagne

Explore this impressive fortress right in Nantes, showcasing French history and beautiful architecture from the Renaissance period.
EUR8, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Cigale

Dine on classic French cuisine including seafood and local specialties in an elegant setting close to the castle.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Walk along the Loire River and Ile de Nantes

Enjoy a relaxing stroll by the river and visit the Les Machines de l'île with its giant mechanical creatures—an artistic highlight of Nantes.
EUR9 for Machines de l'île, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at L’Atlantide 1874 - Maison Guého

Savor inventive French cuisine focusing on local Atlantic seafood, ideal to round off your day in Nantes.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 2: Châteaux in Clisson & Tiffauges

Clisson & Tiffauges, France on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maison A

Start your day with a fresh, local bakery breakfast in Clisson before visiting nearby châteaux.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Château de Clisson

Explore the medieval ruins of this Italian-inspired castle, set on a hilltop with panoramic views over the town.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Drive to Château de Tiffauges (approx. 40 mins)

Travel to the ancient fortress famously known as the 'Castle of Bluebeard'.
EUR6, 40m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Château de Tiffauges Restaurant

Enjoy hearty regional cuisine near the castle in a rustic environment.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Château de Tiffauges

Visit this medieval fortress with legends of Bluebeard, enjoying guided tours and spectacular architecture.
EUR9, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Angers (1h)

Head towards Angers for your next day’s exploration and check into accommodation.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner in Angers at Les Fils à Maman

Enjoy comforting French dishes with a modern twist in a friendly atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Angers: Château de Brissac & City

Angers, France on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Autre Salon de Thé

Delight in a quiet morning with great coffee and pastries in Angers.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Château de Brissac

Drive 20 minutes to visit the tallest château in France, famed for its grandeur and beautiful interiors.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Château de Brissac Café

Taste local specialties in the café on the château grounds, surrounded by vineyards.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Château d'Angers

Return to Angers city center to explore this 13th-century fortress famous for the Apocalypse Tapestry.
EUR9, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Terra Botanica Park

Enjoy a nature and botanical theme park that's perfect for a relaxing stroll or light adventure.
EUR22, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Favre d’Anne

Dine on elegant traditional cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients in a cozy setting.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Saumur and Château Visit

Saumur, France on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Dérive

Enjoy your breakfast at this atmospheric café with views over the Loire River in Saumur.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Château de Saumur

Tour this stunning castle perched above the Loire, with impressive art and history exhibits and extraordinary views.
EUR7, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at L'Epicerie

Taste refined local cuisine with fresh seasonal produce in a charming Saumur bistro.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Musée des Blindés (Tank Museum)

Discover one of the largest armored vehicle collections in the world, located just outside Saumur.
EUR9, 2h

5:30pm

Stroll through Saumur Old Town

Enjoy the picturesque streets, quaint shops, and riverside ambiance.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at L’Ampelio

Savor a gourmet meal featuring regional wines and French specialties in a warm atmosphere.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Montsoreau & Fontevraud Abbey

Montsoreau & Fontevraud, France on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Vigne

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at this local favorite in Montsoreau.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Visit Château de Montsoreau

Tour this unique Renaissance château located directly on the Loire River, home to a contemporary art museum.
EUR7, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Fontevraud Abbey (15 mins)

Head to the remarkable Fontevraud Abbey, one of the largest monastic cities from the Middle Ages.
EUR12, 15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Abbaye de Fontevraud Restaurant

Enjoy a light lunch within the abbey grounds, featuring regional produce and wines.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Tour Abbey of Fontevraud

Explore the extraordinary medieval abbey complex with its church, cloisters, and royal tombs.
EUR12, 2h

4:00pm

Drive to Chinon (45 mins)

Travel to Chinon, preparing for tomorrow’s château visit and historic exploration.
EUR0, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Table de Jeanne

Dine on rustic and flavorful dishes in Chinon, focusing on Loire Valley specialities and wine pairings.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Chinon and Loire

Chinon, France on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Part des Anges

Enjoy a light, local breakfast with fresh bread and coffee in the heart of Chinon.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Visit Château de Chinon

Climb up to this impressive medieval fortress where Joan of Arc met the future King Charles VII, offering spectacular panoramic views.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Lion d'Or

Savor regional specialties paired with Chinon wines in a charming restaurant near the castle.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Wine tasting at a Chinon vineyard

Visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting experience of famous Loire Valley reds.
EUR15, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll through Chinon Old Town

Explore the cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and artisan shops.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Auberge Saint Jacques

Enjoy top-notch French dishes with seasonal ingredients in a historic setting.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Blois and Château de Blois

Blois, France on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Café du Palais

Start with a fresh French breakfast in Blois city center near the château.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Château de Blois

Tour this Renaissance château showcasing several architectural styles and famous royal apartments.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Maison des Cabuches

Savor traditional Loire Valley dishes with a contemporary flair, located near the château.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the House of Magic (Maison de la Magie)

Discover a unique museum dedicated to magic, close to the château, perfect for a fun and whimsical experience.
EUR7, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk in the Old Town of Blois

Explore historic streets lined with shops, cafes, and beautiful views over the Loire River.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Larmes du Tigre

Dine on flavorful dishes using fresh local ingredients in a cozy setting to end your Blois day.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Arrive Orléans & Explore

Orléans, France on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Ducos

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the heart of Orléans with fresh croissants and coffee.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Orléans Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Croix)

See this stunning Gothic cathedral known for its beautiful stained glass and association with Joan of Arc.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Historic Old Town

Stroll through the medieval streets and shops, including Place du Martroi and the Loire riverfront.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Parenthèse

Taste regional French cuisine in this popular bistro loved by locals.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Orléans

Discover fine art collections including Renaissance paintings and modern works.
EUR6, 2h

5:00pm

Relax by the Loire River

Wind down your trip with a peaceful walk along the riverbanks or a seat in one of the riverside cafés.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Le Bouche à Oreille

Celebrate your road trip’s end with exquisite French cuisine and exceptional wines in Orléans.
EUR50, 2h
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