Romantic train trip in the Loire Valley

From Montparnasse station in Paris, catch a train to Chartres. It’ll take less than two hours to reach Chartres, the perfect gateway to your exploration of the Loire Valley. 

Once there, you can start by sampling the delicious chocolates at Mentchikoff, before visiting the Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage feature. You can then stroll hand in hand through the streets lined with half-timbered houses in the medieval centre nearby. 

Treat yourself to a delicious sandwich prepared by  Cyril Avert, for a romantic picnic in one of the city’s parks.

Rent out a bike at the Maison du Vélo and cycle along the banks of the river Eure. Stop to admire the mosaics of the Maison Picassiette, in the Saint-Chéron district of Chartres, then head for Bel-Air to see the monumental frescoes. 

If you’re making this trip in summer, continue to the Château de Maintenon to admire the superb gardens created by Le Nôtre. 

Head back into town to choose a café terrace, order drinks, then sit back and enjoy that street concert.

For dinner, we highly recommend the Amphitryon where the boiled chicken is divine. They also have guestrooms here.

Second train, this time to Orléans! Joan of Arc left her mark on this modern city steeped in history. Taste the famous Cotignac quince jelly, 

before going to see the enormous cathedral that protects the relics of the True Cross and has hosted the coronation of many a French king.

For lunch, Le Bec à Vin should appeal with its relaxed atmosphere and authentic bric-a-brac decor. Raise a glass to love, then tuck into a meal of traditional baked eggs or a deliciously tender osso buco.

Spend the afternoon admiring the gardens in the Floral Park of La Source, home to some rare plants.

In the evening, go to La Parenthèse for a meal packed with flavour. We recommend the roast scallops with saffron. Stay overnight at the Empreinte, a boutique hotel in the heart of Orléans’ historic district.

Head for Blois to visit the Royal Château, a favourite residence for many kings and queens of France. 

Then go to Diffa for lunch. Try the deliciously tender duck-breast fillet.

Afterwards, how about making romantic memories on a bike ride along the Loire riverbank? Although hopeless romantics might prefer a boat trip on the river!

You can then have dinner and spend the night at the Hôtel Fleur de Loire. This elegant establishment has a warm, friendly atmosphere and the feel of a family home. It also has two restaurants, one of which serves gourmet meals from a menu that’s all about sustainability and local produce.

After less than an hour’s train ride, you'll find yourself admiring the half-timbered houses of Tours. 

At lunchtime, you can find a bucolic picnic spot on the Loire riverbank. But first, visit Les Halles to stock up on local products like fouée tourangelle, rillettes of fish from the Loire or goat’s cheese from Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. 

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a Vouvray wine tasting session in a troglodyte cellar at the Domaine Bourillon Dorléans! 

Then head for Place Plumereau to relax on one of the square’s many terraces, before spending the evening at a  guinguette on the banks of the Loire. 

Savour a night of love and romance at the Maison Jules, in the town centre.

Welcome to Bourges for the last day of your romantic getaway! Start with a sightseeing tour of the town centre to admire the buildings of white stone. Then, head for the Jacques Cœur Palace, which pays homage to a man of exception who was a merchant, an explorer and financier to the king, Charles VII. 

Have a light lunch at the Cave des Beaux-Arts, then head for the Bourges marshes to visit the secret gardens! 

To reach your hotel on foot, simply follow the blue street lights. They’ll show you the town from a whole new angle. 

For dinner and a bed for the night, try the gourmet brasserie and hotel, Les Bons Petits Plats du Bourbon, an unusual establishment occupying an old abbey. 

Will you dare propose?

• Visit le Val de Loire

Further reading : 

• La Vallée de la Loire en mode «slow»
• 5 idées pour des vacances romantiques en Val de Loire