Stamps in My Passport

✨ Loire Valley Day One: Castles, Hidden Gems & Leonardo’s Legacy

There’s something undeniably magical about waking up in the Loire Valley knowing an entire day of castles, history, and enchanting surprises awaits. Our first day in this dreamy region was nothing short of a fairytale, filled with royal intrigue, architectural wonders, and even a touch of Leonardo da Vinci’s genius.

Stop 1: Château de Chenonceau – The Lady’s Château

We began bright and early, arriving at Château de Chenonceau at 9 a.m. when the morning light shimmered across the River Cher. Known as “The Lady’s Château” for the remarkable women who shaped it, Chenonceau is elegant, romantic, and unlike any other castle in the valley.

For three hours, we wandered through lavish galleries, admired the sweeping arches stretching across the water, and strolled through perfectly manicured gardens once tended by queens and noblewomen. Every corner felt steeped in stories of love, rivalry, and resilience. I highly recommend walking the paths along the river to capture all the unique angles of the castle and stunning reflection photo ops.

Stop 2: Parc Mini-Châteaux – The Loire Valley in Miniature

A quick snack on the way fueled us for our next whimsical stop: Parc Mini-Châteaux. In just an hour, we walked the entire Loire Valley—at least in miniature. Over 40 meticulously crafted replicas of the region’s castles are set among beautiful gardens, making it a fun and fascinating stop, especially for families. It’s like flipping through a fairytale picture book, only you’re walking through it. There are some great areas for a picnic, photo ops and fun activities to keep the kiddos happy, as well as a cute gift shop available.

Stop 3: La Pagode de Chanteloupe – A Hidden Treasure

From there, we uncovered one of the Loire’s most intriguing hidden gems: La Pagode de Chanteloupe. Few visitors seem to know about this soaring tower, yet it stands as the last remnant of what was once the grand château of the King’s financier.

The château was destroyed in 1823 by a group known as “The Black Band” and the gardens were destroyed during the Revolution, but the whimsical Pagoda—built as a folly—still rises proudly above a reflecting pond. Climbing 149 spiral stairs up 7 floors of the tower felt surreal, a chance to marvel at sweeping views across 14 hectars of parkland to Amboise and imagine the grandeur of what once stood here. Quiet, serene, and slightly mysterious, this stop was truly unforgettable. While we were here we had the entire place to ourselves which made us love this gem even more. * Highly recommend planning your visit in the off seasons, early Spring & mid-late Fall!

Stop 4: Château Royal d’Amboise – Majesty Above the Loire

Next, we made our way to Amboise, where the royal château perches dramatically above the river. From its rooftop terrace, the panoramic views of the Loire Valley were breathtaking—rolling hills, glistening waters, and the charming rooftops of town. We were enchanted by the striking view of this royal château as we made our way up the winding path the the château. Especially while we enjoyed a snack on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Loire River.

Wandering the streets below, we stumbled upon a quaint little free library, a charming reminder that even in a town steeped in history, everyday life thrives in the sweetest ways.

Stop 5: Clos Lucé – Walking with Leonardo da Vinci

Just a short stroll away lies Clos Lucé, the final home of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Walking through its rooms was like stepping into the genius’s mind: the bed where he passed away, the cozy kitchen displaying a Mona Lisa reproduction, and dozens of his imaginative inventions on display.

The gardens extend the experience outdoors, with life-sized models of his engineering marvels scattered across the grounds. It felt as if Leonardo’s spirit still lingered in every invention, sketch, and shadow of this beautiful estate.

Evening in Amboise – Pizza Under the Château’s Shadow

We ended the day in the heart of Amboise, dining at La Florentine in the shadow of the château. Expecting pasta, I laughed when my “seafood dish” turned out to be a delicious pizza topped with salmon and artichokes—a surprising but delightful end to our adventure.

As the sun dipped low, the castle glowed golden above us, and the charming streets of Amboise buzzed softly with evening life. It was the perfect close to a magical first day in the Loire Valley.

✨ Final Thoughts

Day one in the Loire Valley was a journey through history, art, and enchantment. From Chenonceau’s elegance to Amboise’s majesty, from hidden treasures to Leonardo’s brilliance, every stop left us more captivated than the last. And this was only the beginning…

To assist you with planning your own fairytale adventure including tips while you create your perfect itinerary download my helpful list with tips, things to do, packing list, essentials to bring, reproducible lists, resources & more at the link below!

With wanderlust and fairytale dreams,

Krista

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