A journey through France: Exploring Paris & the Loire Valley

It was thanks to my mom, Bea, that my passion for traveling was awakened. We would visit her side of the family in France twice every year, connecting us to our French roots making it my second home. This spark, alongside the twists and turns of life, led me to create my very own travel agency—a dream come true! And I couldn’t think of a better place for my first traveler’s log than France, where my love for travel truly began!

From the dazzling architecture to the tranquil countryside to its rich history to the vibrant food and wine culture, France offers something for every traveler. In this travel log, I’ll take you through a trip my mom organized for my brother, sister, and me—one of our last family adventures together.

The journey began in Paris, the country’s vibrant capital, and ended in the picturesque Charente-Maritime region. I’ve decided to split this trip into two parts, as I believe that when visiting such a vast and beautiful country, it’s important to focus your goals in order to truly appreciate and absorb everything it has to offer. For this log, we’ll focus on Paris and the Loire Valley—the “Garden of France!” In these areas, you can experience everything from the famous landmarks and monuments of Paris to the stunning 300+ castles the Loire Valley boasts. I’ll lay out the must-see castles my mom brought us to and hopefully inspire your own trip to this captivating region.

Each stop on this journey had its own charm—rich in history, full of local culture, and bursting with authentic flavors. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a history buff, or someone seeking to relax in a peaceful village, this trip will appeal to all types of travelers.

Depending on your travel style, this trip can be extended to suit your preferences. I’ll share the minimal time it would take to comfortably explore each region. So, let’s dive right in!

3-4 Days visiting Paris

There is no "one-size-fits-all" way to experience Paris. Depending on where you stay and your personal travel goals, you can organize your days in countless ways. That being said, I recommend dedicating at least 3 full days to Paris. If you have an extra day, you can easily add more museums, galleries, and unique spots. Below is the itinerary my family followed, grouped by location and the logical flow of sightseeing.

Day 1: Trocadéro, Eiffel Tower + Parc du Champ de Mars, Assemblée Nationale, Hôtel des Invalides, Bateaux Mouches, Luxembourg Gardens (Boulevard St. Michel), Pantheon

Start the day by heading to the Trocadéro for stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. From there, take a stroll across the Champ de Mars park towards the iconic tower. Afterward, visit the Assemblée Nationale, Hôtel des Invalides, and wander through the peaceful Luxembourg Gardens. From there, take a walk along Boulevard St. Michel towards the Pantheon. To cap off the day enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Seine at night with a Bateaux Mouches cruise.

Day 2: Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Opera House, Montmartre

Begin your day by visiting the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Now, fully rebuilt after the diastrous fire in 2019. From there, head to the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows. Next, make your way to the Palais Garnier, the famous Opera House. This grand building is an architectural gem and offers a glimpse into Paris' artistic history.

In the afternoon, head to Montmartre, a charming and historic district known for its artistic history. Explore the bohemian streets, visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for breathtaking views over the city, and wander through Place du Tertre, where artists display their work. This district is the perfect place to wrap up your second day in Paris, soaking in its vibrant atmosphere.

Day 3: Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Gardens, Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde

Day three is dedicated to some of Paris' most famous landmarks. Start with the Arc de Triomphe and the grand Champs-Élysées avenue. Afterward, stroll through the Tuileries Gardens, visit the Louvre Museum (don’t forget to check out the Mona Lisa), and finish your day at Place de la Concorde, one of the city's most historic squares.

Day 4 (Optional): Hôtel de Ville, Beaubourg/Les Halles, Fashion Stores, Galeries Lafayette

If you have an extra day, you can explore even more of Paris through high-end fashion stores, hidden passages quarters, or the tunnels of underground Paris! My family did a shopping day!

You can start at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), then wander through Beaubourg/Les Halles, home to the Centre Pompidou and trendy shopping areas. Spend some time browsing the high-end fashion stores around the area, and make sure to visit Galeries Lafayette for a fabulous shopping experience and panoramic views from its rooftop terrace.

1 day visiting Versailles

We spent an unforgettable day visiting the magnificent Palace of Versailles. While it’s possible to stay overnight on the grounds of the castle or in the city of Versailles, we opted to take a day trip from Paris, which was both convenient and enjoyable.

To make the most of the visit, I highly recommend booking a guided tour with private access. While it may be a bit pricey, it’s absolutely worth it for the opportunity to explore the castle’s hidden passageways and restricted areas, offering a unique glimpse into the lavish world of French royalty. Walking through the Hall of Mirrors, is an awe-inspiring experience, with its dazzling chandeliers, gilded decor, and breathtaking views of the gardens.

Beyond the palace, the gardens of Versailles are a masterpiece in themselves. Designed by André Le Nôtre, they span over 800 hectares, featuring meticulously manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and grand avenues lined with sculptures. If visiting in April-October, you might catch the Musical Fountains Show, where water displays dance in sync with classical music. For a more immersive experience, renting a bike or golf cart is a great way to explore the rest of the grounds including the Grand and Petit Trianon, where Marie Antoinette took refuge when she needed to escape French court.

1 day visiting Senlis and the Chateau de Chantilly

Next, we visited Senlis, this medieval town who’s rich history dates back to Roman times and just 40 minutes from Paris. We took the morning to stroll through its cobbled streets and admiring the architexture of the town. Two must-visit sites while strolling around are the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis and the Gallo-Roman wall ruins. We did not do this museum but is worth visiting if time permits for you is the Musée de la Vénerie provides insight into France’s aristocratic hunting traditions.

Later, we took a short 20-minute drive (bus ride available) to the magnificent Château de Chantilly, one of France’s most beautiful castles. The château houses an impressive art collection featuring masterpieces by Raphael and Delacroix. Wander through its opulent rooms, including the grand library and the Galerie des Batailles. This castle does not disappoint! After, head to the gardens which were also designed by André Le Notre and inspired the Petit Trianon add-ons at Versailles — you’d have just visited the day before!

Before heading back to Paris, if you are a lover of sweets and whipped cream, you have to try Chantilly cream! We grabbed an afternoon snack at one of the cafe’s and was the perfect snack for the region!

Exploring the Loire Valley: A Stay in Tours

For this portion of our trip, we divided our château visits into two parts—exploring some on the way down to the Charente-Maritime region and the others on our return to Paris. To make the most of the Loire Valley, I highly recommend staying in Tours, the largest city in the region and often referred to as the "capital of the Loire."

Tours is a lively and historic city, making it the perfect base for exploring the Loire Valley. The city’s central location, combined with its rich history and lively atmosphere, makes it an ideal hub for exploring the region. The city boasts charming medieval streets, bustling squares, and a fantastic dining scene making it perfect to unwind after a day of château-hopping. I recommend spending two nights in Tours, though you could condense the visit and stay one night.

Day 1: Château de Chambord, Château de Blois, Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Begin this château tour with the Château de Chambord. One of the most famous and grandest châteaux in France, Chambord is an architectural masterpiece with its distinctive French Renaissance design, double-helix staircase (inspired by Leonardo da Vinci), and vast hunting grounds. Once you’ve finished touring Chambord, you’ll head over to Château de Blois. A fascinating château with a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles, Blois was once the residence of French kings. The château also offers incredible views of the Loire River. The final chateaux of our first day is Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Known for its fairytale-like appearance, this château sits atop a hill overlooking the Loire River. It is famous for its International Garden Festival, which showcases stunning landscape designs.

Day 2: Château de Chenonceau, Château d’Amboise, Clos Lucé 

Start with Château de Chenonceau often called the "Ladies' Château", Chenonceau is one of the most romantic and picturesque castles, spanning the River Cher with its iconic arches. The château’s history is deeply tied to powerful women, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici.

Next, make your way to Château d’Amboise – this royal château offers spectacular views of the Loire River and was once home to King François I, often credited with ushering in the French Renaissance, François I was a great patron of the arts and played a crucial role in shaping France’s cultural and architectural landscape. François I’s vision and admiration for Italian artistry influenced the architectural grandeur of many Loire Valley châteaux, including Chambord, which showcases Renaissance elegance blended with French medieval tradition.

Lastly, visit Clos Lucé – just a short walk from Amboise, this was Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence. Francoise 1 was Inspired by the artistic advancements of Italy, he invited Leonardo da Vinci to France in 1516, granting him residence at Clos Lucé, Da Vinci spent his final years here under the king’s patronage, bringing with him some of his greatest works, including the Mona Lisa, which eventually became part of France’s royal collection. Visitors can explore his home, gardens, and exhibits showcasing his brilliant inventions.

Day 3: Château de la Bussière, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Cathédrale de Chartres

Start your last day with the Château de la Bussière. A lesser-known but charming château, it features beautiful gardens, a lake, and a fascinating fishing museum. Make your way to the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, a stunning Renaissance château built on an island in the Indre River, Azay-le-Rideau is known for its elegant design and romantic reflection in the water. On the way back to Paris, a stop at the Cathédrale de Chartres is a must. This UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece is famed for its breathtaking stained-glass windows, intricate sculptures, and its well-preserved medieval labyrinth.

I truly appreciate you all taking the time to read one of my first traveler’s log. I hope this journey has inspired you to visit France and embark on your own château tour. If you’re planning a trip to France and need any recommendations or assistance in booking your adventure, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help! If you have more time to explore, stay tuned for Part 2: Trip to La Charente-Maritime, where I’ll share more about this beautiful region!