Stamps in My Passport

✨Loire Valley Day Two: Highlights & travel tips

Our second day in the Loire Valley was nothing short of enchanting—an intoxicating blend of royal grandeur, secret discoveries, Renaissance history, and a finale of light and sound that made the past come alive. ✨

Stop 1: Château de Chambord – The Granddaddy of Them All

We arrived at Château de Chambord early, and to our delight, were among the first on the grounds. Walking up to this massive Renaissance palace with no one else in sight was surreal—like stepping back into a royal dream.

The château is colossal, boasting over 400 rooms and 80 staircases, yet its beauty is in the details: ceilings carved with intricate flourishes, towering fireplaces, and of course, the masterpiece at its heart—the double helix spiral staircase, believed to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci himself.

Climbing up to the rooftop terrace left us speechless. Ornate towers, spires, and chimneys rose around us like stone lacework, while the morning sun cast long shadows across the lawns and gardens. Chambord wasn’t just a château—it was an entire world of splendor.

Stop 2: Château de Villesavin – A Quiet Treasure

From grand to intimate, our next stop was the charming Château de Villesavin, often called “the wedding chest of Chambord” since it was built to house those overseeing Chambord’s construction.

The château lies in partial ruin, yet what remains is pure magic. On the day of our visit, we had the rare joy of sharing a private tour with just two other visitors. The quiet, homelike feel was unlike anything else we had experienced in the Loire.

We marveled at the kitchens, surprisingly equipped with ingenious heating systems—pipes in the walls connected to fireplaces below, lifting warmth to the upper rooms. This early form of central heating was nothing short of brilliant!

The peace, the authenticity, and the hidden history made Villesavin an unforgettable discovery. Finding the dove cote’ was a fun surprise and leisurely strolling through the well preserved out buildings was thrilling as well. We left grinning, thrilled to have had such a treasure all to ourselves. I highly recommend adding this amazing gem to your list, it was one of the highlights of our time in the Loire Valley!

Stop 3: Château de Cheverny – Hounds & History

After a quick snack in the car, we made our way to Château de Cheverny, famous for its striking façade, rich Renaissance interiors, and perhaps most famously, its pack of hunting hounds. We were lucky to arrive in time to see the hounds being fed—an incredible sight that felt straight out of history.

Armed with pamphlets for a self-guided tour, we wandered through rooms adorned with tapestries, paintings, and grand furniture, all while learning the stories of the noble families who once called Cheverny home. Its balance of stateliness and warmth made it both impressive and inviting.

Dinner in Blois – Crêpes & Charm

By evening, we returned to Blois and tucked into a cozy crêperie, indulging in sweet and savory delights that tasted like comfort wrapped in tradition. We finished our dinner with delicious ice cream sundaes as the sun sank low and and darkness began to settle in.

Nighttime Magic: Château Royal de Blois – Son et Lumière

As night fell, we entered the courtyard of Château Royal de Blois for its famous Son et Lumière (Sound and Light) show.

The château’s façades came alive with a breathtaking 360° projection of light, color, and music. Voices of French actors narrated tales of love, drama, and secrets that once unfolded here, as history danced across the walls in dazzling visual storytelling.

It was spectacular, immersive, and moving—a reminder that these châteaux are not frozen relics, but living witnesses to centuries of triumph, tragedy, and artistry.

✨ Final Thoughts

Day two in the Loire Valley was a perfect balance of scale and intimacy: from Chambord’s overwhelming grandeur to the quiet charm of Villesavin, from Cheverny’s hounds to Blois’ illuminated spectacle. Each stop held its own kind of magic, leaving us even more captivated by this fairytale region of France.

And the journey was only just beginning.

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With joy and sunlight,

Krista

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