Car-Free Loire Valley Châteaux by Train & Bus
Skip the car and use trains and regional buses to connect Blois, Amboise, Tours, and five famous châteaux.
Travel from east to west via Blois, Amboise, and Tours, with each segment connected by train or bus. Chambord and Chenonceau are reached via buses with limited schedules, so only one major château is planned per day to keep the pace relaxed. Cheverny and Villandry are excluded due to poor public transport connections. Perfect for first-time visitors who prefer not to drive; be sure to check timetables in advance.
Bus schedules vary by season, and several châteaux have shorter opening hours in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Blois Château & House of Magic
Loire Valley（Château de Blois、Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin）
Take the train from Paris Austerlitz to Blois (approx. 1.5 hours). Drop off your luggage and explore the old town on foot.
Stay: Blois
Day 2 · Chambord Day Trip & Transfer to Amboise
Loire Valley（Château de Chambord）
Take Rémi Bus Line 2 from Blois Station to Chambord (approx. 35 mins). Return in the afternoon, then take the train to Amboise (approx. 20 mins).
Line 2 has very few daily departures; check return times beforehand. Some sites may close on Mondays in low season.
Stay: Amboise
Day 3 · Da Vinci's Last Home & Chenonceau
Loire Valley（Château d'Amboise、Château du Clos Lucé、Château de Chenonceau）
Explore Amboise on foot in the morning. Take Rémi Bus Line C to Chenonceau in the afternoon (approx. 30 mins), returning in the evening.
Line C has limited daily runs; confirm the last return bus before departing.
Stay: Amboise
Day 4 · Azay-le-Rideau & Tours Old Town
Loire Valley（Château d'Azay-le-Rideau、Tours Old Town、Tours Cathedral）
Take the train to Tours, transfer to the Tours–Chinon line to Azay-le-Rideau (approx. 30 mins), and walk to the château (approx. 20 mins). Return to Tours in the afternoon.
Most high-speed trains (TGV) back to Paris depart from Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station; allow enough time for the transfer.