A Grand Tour of France: Paris, the Loire Valley, Versailles & Montmartre

A Grand Tour of France: Paris, the Loire Valley, Versailles & Montmartre

This travel guide provides a comprehensive itinerary exploring the quintessential highlights of Northern France, from the romantic boulevards of Paris to the majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley and the opulent Palace of Versailles.

Itinerary Overview

This journey is designed as a 6 to 8-day loop, starting and ending in Paris. It seamlessly blends urban sophistication with royal history and rustic charm.

Days 1-2: Exploration of Paris's core landmarks.
Day 3: Day trip to the Palace of Versailles.
Days 4-5: Journey to the Loire Valley to discover Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.
Day 6: Return to Paris and explore the artistic enclave of Montmartre.
Day 7: Final day in Paris for last-minute discoveries and departure.

Paris: The City of Light

Paris, the capital of France, is a global epicenter for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. Its history spans over two millennia, evident in its architecture, from Roman ruins to Haussmann's grand boulevards and contemporary marvels.

The Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel)

Constructed for the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower was initially criticized by some of Paris's leading artists and intellectuals but has since become the most iconic symbol of the city. Gustave Eiffel's iron lattice tower stands at 330 meters (1,083 ft) tall.

Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris.

Getting There: Métro lines 6 or 9 to Bir-Hakeim; line 8 to École Militaire; RER C to Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel.

Tickets & Tips: Book tickets online weeks in advance to avoid extremely long queues. Tickets are available to the second floor and the summit. Consider stairs to the second floor for a shorter line and a unique experience. The Trocadéro Gardens across the Seine offer the classic panoramic photo opportunity.

The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

Housed in the Louvre Palace, a former royal residence, the Louvre is the world's largest and most-visited art museum. Its collection spans from antiquity to the mid-19th century, featuring iconic works such as the

Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.

Getting There: Métro lines 1 or 7 to Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre.

Tickets & Tips: Purchase timed-entry tickets online to guarantee admission. The museum is vast; plan your route beforehand focusing on specific wings (e.g., Denon for Italian paintings and Greek antiquities). It is closed on Tuesdays.

Day Trip: The Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles)

A symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Anci Régime, the Palace of Versailles was the principal royal residence from 1682 under Louis XIV until the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789 under Louis XVI. It is renowned for its Hall of Mirrors, lavish State Apartments, and sprawling gardens.

The Palace Interior

The main palace contains the King's and Queen's State Apartments, the most famous room being the

Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces). This 73-meter-long gallery features 17 mirror-clad arches reflecting 17 arcaded windows overlooking the gardens. The Treaty of Versailles, ending World War I, was signed here in 1919.

The Gardens of Versailles

Designed by André Le Nôtre, the gardens cover 800 hectares and are a masterpiece of formal French garden design. They are adorned with meticulously manicured lawns, parterres of flowers, sculptures, and fountains. The Grand Canal is a centerpiece stretching 1.5 kilometers.

The Trianon Estates & Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet

Located within the park are the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, smaller palaces used as retreats from the formality of court life. The Queen's Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine) is a rustic village built for Marie-Antoinette, where she could experience a simplified, pastoral life.

Location: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles.

Getting There: Take the RER C line from central Paris (stations like Invalides, Musée d'Orsay) to the "Versailles Château Rive Gauche" station (approx. 45 minutes). From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the palace.

Tickets & Tips: Buy a "Passport" ticket online for access to the entire estate (Palace, Trianons, Hamlet, Gardens on fountain show days). Arrive early to avoid the worst crowds. The palace is closed on Mondays. Wear comfortable shoes as the estate is enormous. Check the schedule for the spectacular Musical Fountains Shows or Musical Gardens events.

The Loire Valley: A Journey into the Renaissance

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Loire Valley is known as the "Garden of France" and the "Cradle of the French." During the Renaissance, French kings and nobles built elaborate châteaux along the Loire River, transforming the region into the heart of French politics and culture.

Château de Chambord

The largest and most majestic château in the Loire Valley, Chambord was built as a hunting lodge for King Francis I. It is an architectural masterpiece of the French Renaissance, blending traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. Its most famous feature is the spectacular

double-helix staircase, reputedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci, which allows two people to ascend without meeting.

Location: Château de Chambord, 41250 Chambord, France.

Getting There from Paris/Tours:
By Car: The most flexible option. The drive from Paris takes about 2-2.5 hours via the A10 motorway.
By Train + Shuttle: Take a train from Paris Austerlitz to Blois-Chambord station (approx. 1.5 hours). From Blois, a seasonal shuttle bus (Navette Châteaux) operates to Chambord.
By Tour: Many organized day trips from Paris or Tours include transportation to multiple châteaux.

Tickets & Tips: Purchase tickets online. Allocate at least 3-4 hours to explore the château and its vast domain (a walled park larger than central Paris). Don't miss the rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of the spires, chimneys, and the surrounding forest.

Château de Chenonceau

Known as the "Ladies' Château," Chenonceau's history was shaped by a succession of influential women, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. The château is celebrated for its elegant arches that span the River Cher, its beautiful gardens (the Diane de Poitiers Garden and the Catherine de' Medici Garden), and its exquisite interior decorations. It is one of the most-visited and photographed châteaux in France.

Location: Château de Chenonceau, 37150 Chenonceaux, France.

Getting There:
By Train: The most direct way. Take a train from Paris Austerlitz or Montparnasse to the "Chenonceaux" station, which is located at the gates of the château (approx. 1.5-2 hours from Paris).
By Car: From Chambord, it's about a 1-hour drive.

Tickets & Tips: Buy tickets online. The château is less sprawling than Chambord but requires 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. The flower arrangements inside the château are renowned. The best photos of the château spanning the river can be taken from the opposite bank or from a rented rowboat on the Cher.

Loire Valley Base City: For a multi-day stay in the Loire Valley, consider using the city of Tours or the town of Amboise as a base. Both are centrally located with good train connections and a wide range of accommodations and restaurants.

Montmartre: The Village of Artists

Perched on a hill in Paris's 18th arrondissement, Montmartre retains a distinct village-like atmosphere. Historically a hub for artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec, it is now famous for the gleaming white Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur and its bustling artist square.

The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur)

This Romano-Byzantine basilica, constructed between 1875 and 1914, is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Its brilliant white travertine stone constantly exudes calcite, ensuring it remains white even with weathering. The dome offers one of the highest panoramic views over Paris.

Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris.

Getting There: Métro line 2 to Anvers or line 12 to Abbesses. From Anvers, you can walk up or take the funicular (which uses a regular metro ticket).

Tips: The basilica is free to enter (a fee applies for the dome climb). Be vigilant for pickpockets and scam artists on the steps leading up to Sacré-Cœur.

Place du Tertre

Just a few streets away from Sacré-Cœur, this small square is filled with artists painting portraits and landscapes for tourists. While it can be very touristy, it captures the artistic spirit that has defined Montmartre for over a century.

© 2023 A Grand Tour Guide. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official websites for the latest opening hours, ticket prices, and travel advisories before your visit.