One Week in France Itinerary: the Very Best for First Timers

3. Three Days in the Loire Valley

Time to jump back in the car and drive west to even more magnificent châteaux and great wine! The Loire Valley, holding a spot in UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 2000, will welcome you with its charming landscapes and traditional rural life. Most parts of the region are so utterly peaceful that you can’t go wrong no matter where you go to, but for some romantic cobblestone streets, medieval vibe and delicious wines Chinon, Loches, and Montresor would be good destinations to start with; you could also pick a town to stay for three nights and take day trips to the various châteaux. There are dozens of pretty towns and villages all over the valley, and there will be spectacular scenery almost all along as you drive — rich landscapes with vine-covered slopes, charming little villages, castles, churches, and natural parks. One of the most fascinating areas in France, the Loire produces fine wines even if they aren’t as famous as those of Burgundy, so prepare your taste buds for some serious wine tasting!

Now that you’ve enjoyed different regions of the country, it’s time to head back to Paris for your flight back. Start planning your next trip to France immediately!