Touraine and Anjou: Villandry to Fontevraud
West of Tours along the Loire, Cher, Indre and Vienne to garden, island and fairy-tale châteaux, the fortress of Chinon and Fontevraud Abbey.
- Distance
- 93 km (58 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 17 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- July 3, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 93 km (58 mi) with 8 stops, from Tours to Saumur. About 1 h 17 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
This route picks up where the classic châteaux trip ends, in Tours. Take the D7 west along the Cher to Villandry, 15 km away, whose terraced Renaissance gardens are best seen from the top of the keep. The kitchen garden is planted in two seasons, so it looks different in May and in September. The Loire à Vélo cycle path runs past the gate.
Cross to Azay-le-Rideau, an early Renaissance château set on an island in the Indre, and park in the village. Then follow the Indre on the D7 to Ussé, whose turrets against the forest are said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty. Even if you skip the visit, stop by the river for the view. The roads are flat and easy for motorhomes throughout.
Chinon is a town of slate roofs along the Vienne below a long royal fortress, where Joan of Arc met the future Charles VII in 1429. A free lift climbs from the old town to the ramparts. Chinon red wine comes from the surrounding slopes, and many cellars are dug into the tufa rock; the riverside has a large car park and a motorhome area.
Follow the D751 west to Candes-Saint-Martin, where the Vienne joins the Loire, and turn south to Fontevraud Abbey. The tombs of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart lie in the abbey church. Allow two hours before driving the last 15 km to Saumur, with its castle above the Loire and the tufa cellars of Saumur sparkling wine.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Tours
France - 218 km
Château de Villandry gardens
HistoryVillandry, FranceA Renaissance château known for its terraced gardens, including a geometric kitchen garden replanted twice a year. Climb the keep for the view over the patterns; the Loire cycle path passes the gate.
- 312 km
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
HistoryAzay-le-Rideau, FranceAn early Renaissance château built on an island in the Indre, its white facade reflected in the water. The park is flat and easy to walk; parking is in the village a few minutes’ walk away.
- 416 km
Château d’Ussé
HistoryRigny-Ussé, FranceA turreted château against the Chinon forest, said to have inspired Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. The best photo is from across the Indre by the D7, even if you do not go inside.
- 512 km
Chinon
France - 61 km
Royal Fortress of Chinon
HistoryChinon, FranceA long ridge-top fortress where Joan of Arc met the future Charles VII in 1429. The ramparts overlook the Vienne and the slate roofs of the old town; a lift climbs from the riverside.
- 718 km
Fontevraud Abbey
HistoryFontevraud-l’Abbaye, FranceOne of the largest medieval monastic sites in Europe, holding the tomb effigies of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart. Allow two hours; there are car parks by the abbey.
- 816 km
Saumur
France
FAQs
How long is Touraine and Anjou: Villandry to Fontevraud?
3-day road trip of about 93 km (58 mi) with 8 stops, from Tours to Saumur. About 1 h 17 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Touraine and Anjou: Villandry to Fontevraud?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 17 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Touraine and Anjou: Villandry to Fontevraud start and end?
It starts in Tours and ends in Saumur.
Which countries does Touraine and Anjou: Villandry to Fontevraud pass through?
France.
