7 Classic Days — Paris + Loire Valley

Itinerary Overview

This 7-day classic route combines the best of Paris with the Renaissance magic of the Loire Valley — designed for smart travellers with geographic logic that minimises transfers.

Estimated budget (couple, mid-season): €1,800–€2,400 per person, excluding international flights.

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Day 1 — Arrival in Paris (Le Marais)

Morning: Arrive CDG/Orly. RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles (€11.80). Check-in and rest 2 hours against jet lag.

Afternoon: Walk Le Marais — Place des Vosges, Rue des Rosiers. Stop at Poilâne bakery.

Evening: Dinner at Bistro Paul Bert (from €35). Book ahead.

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Day 2 — Hidden Paris: Art & Gardens

Morning: Musée de l’Orangerie (Monet’s Nymphéas) — book online, arrive at 9am (€12.50).

Afternoon: Latin Quarter → Saint-Germain → Luxembourg Gardens → Shakespeare and Company.

Evening: Seine cruise at 9pm.

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Day 3 — Icons with Anti-Queue Strategy

Morning: Eiffel Tower at 9:30 (pre-booked). Photo from Trocadéro.

Afternoon: Arc de Triomphe → Champs-Élysées → Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur at sunset.

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Day 4 — TGV to the Loire

Morning: TGV Paris Montparnasse → Tours (1h10, from €25). Drive to Amboise.

Afternoon: Château d’Amboise & Saint-Hubert Chapel (€14.50).

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Day 5 — Chambord & Cheverny

Full day: Chambord (3 hours) → lunch → Cheverny (Tintin inspiration).

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Day 6 — Chenonceau & Villandry

Morning: Chenonceau at opening (9am).

Afternoon: Villandry Renaissance gardens (€13).

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Day 7 — Return to Paris & Departure

Morning: TGV back. Last shopping Rue de Rivoli or Galeries Lafayette terrace.

Afternoon: Musée Rodin. Transfer to airport 3h before intercontinental flights.

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Practical Tips

• Paris Visite Pass (2–3 days) for metro/RER.
• Book TGV 60–90 days ahead on sncf-connect.com.
• Castle pass if visiting 3+ châteaux.