The Best Road Trip from Alfortville, Île-de-France to Saint-Christophe-en-Bazelle, Centre-Val de Loire
Are you planning a road trip to Saint-Christophe-en-Bazelle, Centre-Val de Loire from Alfortville, Île-de-France? Well, you’re in for a treat! The journey is approximately 200 kilometers long, and it’ll take you around two and half hours if you stick to the A10 motorway. You can expect scenic views of French countryside as you drive past charming villages and towns. There’s so much to see and do on the route, and we’ve put together a list of the top places you should visit.
Explore Magnificent Castles and Gardens
The Loire Valley is famous for its beautiful castles, stunning gardens, and historic towns that date back to the 16th century. The region has more than 300 chateaux, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find a few famous ones along the route that are worth a stopover.
- Château de Chambord: Located in the heart of Loire Valley, the Château de Chambord is one of France’s grandest castles, boasting an impressive architecture that blends French Renaissance and Classical styles. The castle is surrounded by a vast 13,000-acre forest and features stunning gardens, a moat, and a maze.
- Château de Chenonceau: The Château de Chenonceau is referred to as the “Ladies’ Castle” as it was ruled by six women throughout history. The castle spans across the river Cher with beautiful arches and is surrounded by attractive gardens and parkland.
- Château de Villandry: Château de Villandry is the last of the great Renaissance châteaux built in the Loire Valley. It’s known for its impressive Renaissance garden, which includes a water garden, vegetable gardens, and flower gardens.
Discover Medieval Villages and Towns
The route from Alfortville to Saint-Christophe-en-Bazelle is dotted with medieval towns and villages that are worth exploring. Here are a few you shouldn't miss.
- Orléans: A city full of history, Orléans is well-known for being where Joan of Arc liberated the city from the English in 1429. The city has many sights to see, including the stunning Orléans Cathedral, an impressive Gothic structure, and the House of Joan of Arc.
- Amboise: The small, picturesque town of Amboise is filled with history and culture. It’s built on the banks of the Loire River and is home to one of the most beautiful chateaux in the Loire Valley, the Château d’Amboise.
- Tours: Tours, the capital of the Loire Valley, is an ideal place to stop for a delicious meal and explore the city. Tours has beautiful medieval architecture and is renowned for its old-world charm. Check out the Gothic-style Tours Cathedral.
Enjoy Wines and Vineyards
The Loire Valley is famous for producing some of the world’s best wines, thanks to its climate, soil, and favorable grape varieties. So, while you're on the road trip, it's an excellent opportunity to visit some vineyards and taste some of the regional wines.
- Chinon: Chinon is a town that’s famous for producing red wines. Take a stroll through the picturesque town and stop to taste some of the region's best wines.
- Vouvray: Vouvray is another charming village well-known for producing delicious white wines—it’s a perfect destination for wine lovers.
- Saumur: Saumur is another great spot to enjoy wines, surrounded by vineyards, and with a beautiful chateau, it is a lovely town to explore.
Visit Natural Wonders
If you want to take a break from history and architecture, why not explore some of the natural wonders on the route?
- ZooParc de Beauval: The ZooParc de Beauval is a famous zoo and home to some rare animal species. Located in Saint-Aignan, it’s a great place to stop with family or friends.
- Grand Aquarium: The Grand Aquarium de Touraine is an excellent spot to see freshwater fish and other aquatic animals. Learn the habits of sharks and other species through fun and interactive exhibits.
- Parks and Gardens: The Parc des Mini-Châteaux in Amboise is a park filled with miniature versions of famous castles, ideal for kids or adults with a love of Lego. Also, stop by the Gardens of the Chateau of Villandry, the most famous and magnificent Renaissance gardens in the Loire Valley.
Relax at a Spa
After a long day of driving, why not kick back and relax at a spa? Here are a couple of suggestions.
- Spa de la Roche Posay: The Spa de la Roche Posay is located about 10 kilometers from Saint-Christophe-en-Bazelle and is renowned for its treatments for psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions.
- Château des Thermen: The Château des Thermen is a spa hotel that’s an excellent place to relax and refresh after a day of exploring and driving.
Conclusion
This road trip from Alfortville to Saint-Christophe-en-Bazelle is full of surprises. You'll travel through some of the most picturesque towns and villages in France, enjoy some fantastic local wines, wander around magnificent castles and gardens, relax at a spa, and observe natural wonders. So, buckle up and get ready for a memorable journey that you won't forget anytime soon.