Travel journal · Updated on 15 September 2026
A Loire quayside, houses beneath a fortress, roses lining an entire street… Around Blois, each village gives a day out a different character. Here are six ideas for excursions that take you beyond the major monuments for a few hours, with time to appreciate their surroundings.
Saint-Dyé fits into a trip towards Chambord. Lavardin takes you towards the Loir. Montrichard and Saint-Aignan follow the Cher, while Montrésor and Chédigny take you further into Touraine. These six places are not intended as a single circuit: choose one direction and leave time to enjoy your destination.
1. Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, Chambord’s former port
In Saint-Dyé, start by heading to the river. This is where materials for the construction of Chambord were unloaded during the Renaissance. Seeing the quay before visiting the château connects the monument to a more tangible history: boats, goods and working life on the Loire.
Then return towards the church and the village lanes. To learn more about the river, check the activities offered by the Maison de la Loire du Loir-et-Cher. Guided outings depend on the programme; a self-guided stroll along the quay is also a lovely way to explore.
Our suggestion: allow a relaxed half-day for Saint-Dyé, or stop after Chambord if you still have some energy. With young children, a short walk through the lanes and a riverside break may be enough. For a boat trip, book with the operator and check the departure point.
Explore Saint-Dyé’s history on the village website (in French) ↗
2. Lavardin, lanes beneath the fortress
The bridge over the Loir, old houses and the outline of the castle form your first view of Lavardin. Listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, the village rewards a slow wander from the water’s edge to the hillside streets.
Before you go: as of 15 September 2026, the tourist office reports that the fortress is closed for restoration. It can still be seen from the village; do not plan on visiting inside.
Saint-Genest church and its wall paintings are another stop. If you enjoy walking, the “Rotte aux biques” path offers views of the village and passes cave dwellings. The route climbs, so choose it according to your mobility and the day’s conditions.
Our suggestion: allow half a day, including breaks. Start in the village, then decide whether to continue along the path. A rewarding visit does not have to include every stop.
Lavardin access, walks and updates (in French) ↗
3. Montrésor, a walk beside the Indrois
In Montrésor, the river invites you to slow down. The Balcons de l’Indrois walk lets you admire the castle from below before exploring the village streets. Reflections, gardens and old houses give this stop a different feel from the great royal residences.
The castle tells, among other stories, that of Xavier Branicki and his Polish family. If you would like to visit, set aside enough time for the interiors and collections. The collegiate church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the market hall add to the village visit: pick up a map to link the stops without repeatedly retracing your steps.
Our suggestion: allow a full day, including travel, for this excursion further from Blois. Start with the riverside walk, have lunch locally, then choose the visit that appeals to you. In summer, check which events are scheduled for your date; they do not take place every evening.
Plan your visit to Montrésor (in French) ↗
4. Chédigny, streets that become a garden
In Chédigny, plants line the façades and accompany you through the streets. This Touraine village holds the Jardin remarquable designation. Visitors come for the combinations of colours and roses, and for the pleasure of exploring a village whose streets have been designed as a garden.
Flowering changes with the seasons and the weather. If the roses are your main reason for visiting, check the village’s latest news before choosing your dates. The jardin de curé, or priest’s garden, is an additional visit with its own opening arrangements.
Our suggestion: take time to look at the planting rather than walking straight through the village. Enjoy gardening? Note the combinations you like. For a more varied outing, consider a second stop towards Loches after checking the journey times. From Blois, save this excursion for a day when you have plenty of time.
Discover Chédigny and southern Touraine (in French) ↗
5. Montrichard Val de Cher, from the keep to the quays
Montrichard offers a pleasing mix for a day out: an old town, the River Cher and a fortress overlooking the rooftops. Start in the town centre, then head towards the keep if you would like to add a visit to your walk.
The fortress and its museums follow a seasonal opening calendar. The official website describes the route and access conditions: check it before planning the climb. Steps are part of the visit and should be considered if you have a pushchair or reduced mobility.
After the heights, a break beside the Cher changes the pace. If you would like to do a water activity, choose an operator and a specific departure; activities, swimming conditions and lifeguard provision vary with the season.
Our suggestion: combine a town-centre walk with one visit, then leave time for lunch. The wine cellars and other sights in the Cher valley can be explored on a separate outing.
Check Montrichard fortress visitor information (in French) ↗
6. Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, worth exploring in its own right
Saint-Aignan deserves a walk of its own, beyond its proximity to Beauval. From the banks of the Cher, make your way up to the old centre and explore the streets around the collegiate church. The slopes and historic façades are part of this small town’s charm.
For a first visit, pick up a map from the Sud Val de Loire tourist office. It will help you find access to the monuments, available visits and any restrictions on the day. Do not assume that the castle interiors are open to the public.
Our suggestion: if you are spending a day at Beauval, do not automatically add a full visit to Saint-Aignan. Save the town for another time, or take a short stroll if your group feels like it. Our Beauval guide (in French) helps you plan a day at the park without packing in too much.
Maps and visit ideas from Sud Val de Loire Tourisme (in French) ↗
Which village should you choose?
- For the atmosphere of the Loire: Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire.
- For lanes, frescoes and hillside views: Lavardin.
- For a riverside walk and a castle visit: Montrésor.
- For gardens and flowers: Chédigny, depending on the season.
- For an old town and the Cher valley: Montrichard or Saint-Aignan.
Planning an excursion from your holiday home
Check the route from your exact address in Blois or Chitenay. Driving time varies with your accommodation and traffic. Then check that your main visit is open and book lunch if you are travelling as a large group. Restaurant closing days can make an unplanned arrival less straightforward in a small village.
With children, choose one main stop and a break. In rainy weather, opt for an indoor visit confirmed to be open; with a pushchair, ask about steps and slopes. For parking, follow local signs rather than assuming spaces are free everywhere.
Prefer to leave the car behind for a day? Explore our walking route around Blois and our ideas for family outings (in French).