Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Blois is the perfect starting point for exploring one of France’s most beautiful regions. Day trips from Blois offer easy access to world-famous castles, scenic bike routes, and authentic Loire Valley experiences.
This historic royal city sits between Orléans and Tours, making it ideal for visitors who love Renaissance architecture, outdoor adventures, or traditional river culture.
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Transportation Options from Blois: How to Get Around
Train Travel: The Convenient Choice
Blois has great train connections, making it perfect for car-free travel. The main train station, Gare de Blois-Chambord, is just a 10-minute walk from the city center.
Key Train Routes:
- From Paris: Direct trains run every 2 hours (1 hour 30 minutes, €25-35)
- To Tours: Regular trains (40 minutes, €12-18)
- To Orléans: Frequent service (30 minutes, €10-15)
Money-saving tip: Book train + castle entry packages through the SNCF Connect app for discounts, or get your train tickets early for guaranteed seats during busy season.
Car Rental: Maximum Flexibility for Château Hopping
Renting a car in Blois gives you the most freedom for castle hopping and finding hidden gems.
Car Rental Spots:
- Europcar and Hertz: Both near Gare de Blois-Chambord station
- Daily rates: €35-55 for small cars
- Free parking at most castles (€5-8 at popular ones like Chambord)
Smart tip: Compare car rental prices across all major companies to find the best deals for your Loire Valley trip.
Drive Times from Blois:
- Château de Chambord: 20 minutes (16 km)
- Château de Cheverny: 25 minutes (18 km)
- Château de Chenonceau: 45 minutes (42 km)
- Tours city center: 50 minutes (60 km)
Seasonal Shuttle Services to Major Châteaux
During peak season (July-August), dedicated shuttle buses connect Blois to major châteaux:
- Navette Châteaux: Runs to Chambord and Cheverny (€8 return)
- Loire Valley Shuttle: Limited service to Chenonceau (€15 return)
- Advance booking required through Blois Tourist Office
Loire à Vélo: The Best Cycling Experience
The Loire Valley’s top attraction for active travelers, the Loire à Vélo bike route passes right through Blois. This route offers 900 kilometers of dedicated bike paths along Europe’s last wild river.
Top Bike Rental Companies in Blois
Détours de Loire (Best Choice)
- Where: 39 Avenue du Dr Jean Laigret
- Prices: €25/day (regular bike), €35/day (electric bike)
- Services: Hotel delivery, one-way rentals, GPS units
- Hours: April-Sept (9:00-19:00), Oct-March (10:00-18:30, closed Sun/Mon)
Bike In Blois
- Where: City center, near castle
- Prices: €20/day (regular), €30/day (electric)
- Good for: Same-day rentals, no booking needed
Most rental companies offer hotel delivery for €5-10, perfect for early morning starts.
Easy Cycling Routes from Blois
Route 1: Blois to Chambord Loop (32 km, 2-3 hours) Great first ride for Loire cycling. Follow marked bike paths through Blois Forest, visit Château de Chambord, and return on quiet country roads. The land is mostly flat, good for all fitness levels.
Route 2: Loire Valley Castle Circuit (65 km, full day) A longer route connecting Blois-Chambord-Cheverny-Blois. This route mixes dedicated bike paths with quiet roads and has medium difficulty with some gentle hills.
Route 3: Chaumont-sur-Loire Discovery (45 km, half day) Follow the Loire downstream to the beautiful Château de Chaumont and its famous International Garden Festival. This flat, pretty route follows river paths throughout.
Equipment Included: All rentals come with helmet, repair kit, lock, and detailed route maps. GPS tracks available for download.
Must-have cycling gear: Consider bringing your own comfortable bike shorts and water bottle for longer rides, especially during summer months.
Best Château Day Trips from Blois
The Big Three Combination: Chambord + Cheverny
Chambord + Cheverny (Full Day)
- Total time needed: 6-7 hours including travel
- By car: Most efficient option (45 minutes total driving)
- Recommended schedule: Chambord (9:00-11:30), lunch in Cour-Cheverny village, Cheverny (14:00-16:30)
- Cost: €31 combined entry (€14 Chambord + €17 Cheverny)
Book in Advance: Skip-the-line tickets for major châteaux are essential during peak season (May-September) to avoid disappointment.
The Royal Route: Amboise + Clos Lucé
Amboise + Clos Lucé (Half Day)
- Distance from Blois: 30 minutes by car, 1 hour by bike
- Combined visit time: 4 hours
- Highlights: Royal Château d’Amboise with Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb, Clos Lucé mansion with his inventions
- Cost: €28 combined entry
- Family bonus: Interactive exhibits at Clos Lucé make history come alive
The Romance Route: Chenonceau + Villandry
Chenonceau + Villandry (Full Day)
- Distance from Blois: 45 minutes to Chenonceau, additional 30 minutes to Villandry
- Schedule: Chenonceau morning (avoid crowds), Villandry afternoon (gardens best in afternoon light)
- Cost: €32 combined entry
- Photography tip: Visit Chenonceau at opening (9:00) for crowd-free photos
Hidden Gem Castles Near Blois
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
- Distance: 20 minutes from Blois by car, 45 minutes by bike
- Special feature: International Garden Festival (April-November, €19)
- Best photo spot: From the Loire riverbank below the castle
Château de Beauregard
- Distance: 15 minutes from Blois
- Unique feature: Gallery of 327 historical portraits
- Entry: €12, often missed but great for history lovers
Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre
- Distance: 25 minutes from Blois
- Medieval fortress with original defensive features
- Entry: €7, perfect for those wanting real medieval architecture
Charming Towns and Villages Near Blois
Amboise: More Than Just a Castle
Turn your castle visit into a full cultural experience.
Must-See in Amboise Town:
- Market days: Friday and Sunday mornings (Place Michel Debré)
- Leonardo da Vinci Park: Free outdoor space with full-size copies of his inventions
- Underground wine cellars: 15th-century cellars with tastings
- Riverside walk: Pretty path along the Loire with castle views
Where to eat lunch: Le 36, overlooking the Loire (€25-35 lunch menus)
Stay nearby: Find the perfect Amboise hotel to make your castle trip last longer than a day.
Chaumont-sur-Loire Village
Often overshadowed by its famous château, this riverside village offers authentic Loire Valley charm.
Village highlights:
- Traditional port: Historic boarding point for Loire boats
- Artisan workshops: Local pottery and crafts along Rue du Port
- Café de la Loire: Riverside terrace perfect for sunset drinks
- Historic church: 12th-century Église Saint-Nicolas with Loire Valley views
Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire: Gateway to Chambord
This small village serves as the traditional entrance to Château de Chambord’s estate.
Activities:
- Val des Châteaux water sports center: Canoe and kayak rentals for Loire exploration
- Village walk: Preserved Renaissance architecture
- Chambord approach: Walk or cycle the final 3 km through the estate to the château
Active Adventures and Outdoor Activities
Traditional Loire River Boat Tours
Traditional Fûtreau Boat Tours Experience the Loire as medieval travelers did aboard traditional flat-bottomed boats.
Observatoire Loire (Blois departure)
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Highlights: Wildlife spotting (herons, egrets, possible beaver sightings), island stops
- Schedule: Daily departures at 10:00, 14:00, and sunset (seasonal)
- Cost: €15 adults, €10 children
- Booking: Essential, especially for sunset tours
Millière Raboton (Chaumont-sur-Loire)
- Specialty: Themed evening tours with local product tastings
- Duration: 2-3 hours including island picnic
- Cost: €25 including refreshments
Canoe and Kayak Adventures on the Loire
Val des Châteaux Water Sports Center (Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire)
- Routes: 2-hour to full-day Loire descents
- Popular route: Saint-Dyé to Blois (12 km, 3 hours, €28)
- Equipment: All equipment provided, waterproof bags available
- Season: April-October, advance booking recommended
Hot Air Balloon Flights Over Loire Valley
Loire Montgolfières
- Launch sites: Multiple locations around Blois depending on wind conditions
- Duration: 3 hours total (1 hour flight)
- Best time: Early morning flights (6:00-7:00 departure)
- Cost: €230 per person
- Advance booking: Essential, 48-hour cancellation policy due to weather
Blois Royal Forest Adventures
Blois Royal Forest Just west of the city, this historic royal hunting ground offers marked trails and outdoor activities.
Walking trails:
- Val des Cigognes: 3.5 km loop (45 minutes) from Hôtel Pasquier parking
- La Pinçonnière: 7.5 km trail (1.5 hours) from Stade des Allées
- Mountain bike loops: 15-23 km circuits for experienced cyclists
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide for Day Trips from Blois
Spring (March-May)
Advantages:
- Château gardens in bloom
- Fewer crowds at popular sites
- Ideal cycling weather
- Rose garden at Jardins de l’Ancien Évêché opens May 15
Considerations:
- Variable weather, pack layers
- Some water activities not yet operational
Summer (June-August)
Peak season benefits:
- All activities operational
- Extended opening hours at châteaux
- Shuttle bus services available
- Festival season in full swing
Challenges:
- Crowds at major châteaux (visit early morning)
- Higher accommodation prices
- Hot weather (temperatures can reach 40°C/104°F)
Autumn (September-October)
Ideal conditions:
- Warm days, cool evenings
- Harvest season in vineyards
- Stunning fall colors along cycling routes
- Comfortable temperatures for active pursuits
Winter (November-February)
Limited but charming:
- Reduced opening hours and services
- Many outdoor activities unavailable
- Peaceful château visits
- Christmas markets in December
Planning Your Day Trips from Blois: Practical Tips
Loire Valley Day Trip Combinations
For First-Time Visitors: Day 1: Blois château + Chambord + Cheverny Day 2: Amboise + Clos Lucé + Chenonceau
For Active Travelers: Day 1: Cycling Blois-Chambord-Cheverny circuit Day 2: Loire boat tour + Chaumont-sur-Loire visit
For Château Enthusiasts: Day 1: Chambord + Cheverny + Beauregard (hidden gem) Day 2: Chenonceau + Villandry + Azay-le-Rideau
Budget Planning for Loire Valley Day Trips
Daily Budget Estimates (per person):
- Budget traveler: €45-65 (cycling, picnic lunches, standard châteaux)
- Mid-range: €85-120 (car rental, restaurant meals, premium châteaux)
- Luxury: €150-250 (private tours, fine dining, premium accommodations)
Money-saving tips:
- Château passes: Multi-château tickets offer 10-15% savings
- Off-season visits: Reduced rates November-March
- Cycling vs. driving: Save €30-50 daily on transport costs
- Picnic supplies: Local markets offer fresh ingredients at fraction of restaurant costs
- Château hotel packages: Many Loire Valley château hotels offer package deals including château entries and meals
Sample Loire Valley Itineraries from Blois
Half-Day Options (4 hours):
- Chambord visit + estate cycling
- Amboise château + town exploration
- Chaumont-sur-Loire + garden festival
Full-Day Adventures (8-10 hours):
- Chambord + Cheverny château circuit
- Loire cycling: Blois to Chaumont-sur-Loire and return
- Chenonceau + Villandry gardens combination
Multi-Day Experiences:
- Day 1: Blois exploration + Chambord
- Day 2: Cycling Loire à Vélo route to Amboise
- Day 3: Chenonceau + return via Chaumont-sur-Loire
For an authentic Loire Valley experience, consider staying in one of the region’s magnificent château hotels to truly immerse yourself in royal French history.
Booking Information and Travel Resources
Advance Reservations Required
- Château entry tickets: Purchase online to skip lines, especially May-September
- Bike rentals: Book 24-48 hours ahead during peak season
- Hot air balloon flights: Minimum 1 week advance booking
- Traditional boat tours: Essential for sunset and themed tours
Useful Resources
- Official Loire Valley cycling maps: Free from tourist offices
- Loire à Vélo app: GPS navigation and points of interest
- Château combination tickets: Available through individual château websites
- Weather updates: Critical for outdoor activities, check Loire Valley tourism website
Emergency Contacts
- Tourist Emergency: 112 (EU emergency number)
- Blois Tourist Office: +33 2 54 90 41 41
- Bike breakdown assistance: Most rental companies provide 24/7 support
Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Blois
Transportation & Logistics
Q: Can I visit Loire Valley castles from Blois without speaking French? A: Yes! Most major castles offer audio guides and information in English. Many staff members speak basic English. Bike rental companies in Blois work with international visitors often. Download translation apps like Google Translate for restaurant visits and local talks.
Q: Are there luggage storage options at Blois train station? A: Yes, Gare de Blois-Chambord has automatic luggage lockers (€3-7 depending on size). Many bike rental companies also offer free luggage storage during your bike day trips. Some hotels keep your luggage even after checkout.
Q: What’s the best way to visit multiple castles in one day? A: The most popular combinations are Chambord + Cheverny (by car, 6-7 hours total) or Amboise + Clos Lucé (half-day option). With a car, you can visit 2 major castles per day. By bike or public transport, focus on 1 castle per day so you don’t rush.
Q: Can I bring my own bike on trains to/from Blois? A: Yes, through the Train Vélo Loire service with special bike cars. You must book on weekends and holidays (€1 fee), booking suggested on other days. Regular trains also take bikes for free, but space is limited and not promised during busy times.
Practical Day Trip Planning
Q: Should I book castle visits for specific time slots? A: Most castles don’t need specific time slots, but some special exhibits or guided tours do. Chambord’s rooftop visits and Cheverny’s hunting dog feeding shows have set times. Book skip-the-line tickets to avoid entrance lines, especially May-September.
Q: What happens if it rains during my Loire Valley day trip? A: All major castles have big indoor areas perfect for rainy days. Many have cafés, gift shops, and covered courtyards. Bike tours can be moved to another day, and most bike rental companies offer flexible policies. Consider visiting the House of Magic in Blois as rainy-day backup plans.
Q: Are there good lunch options between castles? A: Yes! Each castle area has restaurant options: Chambord has on-site dining and nearby Bracieux village, Chenonceau has a restaurant and café, Amboise offers many bistros. Many cyclists pack picnics from Blois markets. Make reservations for weekend dining, especially in busy season.
Q: How far in advance should I plan my Loire Valley day trips? A: For bike rentals and major château visits (April-October): book 2-3 days ahead. Hot air balloon rides: minimum 1 week. Last-minute visits are possible November-March, but many seasonal activities are unavailable. Always check château opening hours, as some close on specific weekdays.
Cycling Specific Questions
Q: Are the cycling routes suitable for families with children? A: Yes, but choose routes carefully. The Blois to Amboise route (25km one-way) is mostly flat and well-maintained, suitable for children 10+. Avoid the Chambord route (40km round trip) with young children. Many bike rental companies offer child seats, trailers, and smaller bikes. Consider e-bikes for parents to help keep pace.
Q: What if I get a flat tire or bike breakdown during my day trip? A: All bike rental companies provide repair kits and emergency contact numbers. Major cycling routes have designated “Accueil Vélo” service points every 10-15km offering assistance. Many cycle-friendly accommodations also help with basic repairs. Premium rental companies offer roadside assistance or bike replacement.
Q: Can I cycle between châteaux and take trains back? A: Yes! This is a popular strategy. Cycle from Blois to Amboise (25km), explore, then train back (40 minutes). Or cycle to Chaumont-sur-Loire and train return. Always confirm bike space availability on return trains, especially during peak tourist season.
Budget & Value Questions
Q: Are there free activities around Blois worth doing? A: Absolutely! Walk the Denis Papin Steps, explore the old town’s medieval architecture, visit the free sections of Jardins de l’Ancien Évêché, and enjoy Loire riverbank walks. The Saturday morning market offers great people-watching. Many church visits are free, including Saint-Louis Cathedral.
Q: Which châteaux offer the best value for first-time visitors? A: Chambord offers the most “wow factor” for its €14 entry, with iconic architecture and vast grounds. Chenonceau (€15) provides beautiful interiors and gardens. For budget-conscious visitors, Château de Blois (€13) offers excellent history and is walking distance from town. Multi-château passes save money if visiting 3+.
Q: Are there discount options for students or seniors? A: Yes! Most châteaux offer reduced rates for students under 26 with valid ID (typically 20-30% off). EU residents over 65 often receive discounts. Some châteaux have reduced rates after 4pm. Group discounts apply for 15+ people with advance booking.
Seasonal & Weather Considerations
Q: Which months should I avoid for Loire Valley day trips? A: December-February can be challenging due to reduced château hours, weather-dependent cycling conditions, and limited dining options. However, crowds are minimal and indoor château visits can be quite atmospheric. Avoid major holidays when many services close entirely.
Q: Is it worth visiting during shoulder seasons (April/October)? A: Absolutely! April brings spring blooms in château gardens, while October offers beautiful autumn colors and harvest season activities. Weather is generally pleasant for cycling, crowds are manageable, and accommodation prices are lower. Some seasonal activities may be limited, but major attractions remain fully operational.
Final Thoughts
Blois offers unmatched access to the Loire Valley’s greatest treasures, from world-renowned châteaux to active adventures along France’s royal river. Whether you choose to explore by car, bike, or boat, the memories you create in this UNESCO World Heritage landscape will last a lifetime.
The key to a successful Loire Valley experience is balancing must-see attractions with spontaneous discoveries – and from Blois, both are always within reach.
Bottom Line: With its central location, excellent transport connections, and proximity to the Loire Valley’s top attractions, Blois serves as the ideal base for exploring châteaux, cycling the Loire à Vélo route, and experiencing authentic French river culture.
Plan for at least 2-3 days to properly explore the region’s highlights, and don’t forget to book bike rentals and popular château visits in advance during peak season. For the ultimate Loire Valley experience, consider staying overnight in one of the region’s spectacular château hotels to live like French royalty.
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