Château de Châteaudun Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Wander
At the gentle threshold of the Loire Valley, Château de Châteaudun invites a slower rhythm of travel- one rooted in history, light, and reflection. While this excursion is easily enjoyed as a day trip from Paris, those wishing to linger will find quiet, understated accommodations nearby. These hotel selections honor simplicity, comfort, and proximity, allowing the experience of place to remain the true luxury.
HOTELS
Honestly, this day trip is so short, you do not need to book a hotel. However, this is the first castle at the gates of the Loire Valley. If you intend on traveling deeper into the Loire, here are some nearby lodging options.
Tips for a Successful Stay - Seasonal considerations
SPRING
Dodging rain showers is common this time of year. Going in and out? Don’t forget that in France, the ground floor is considered level ZERO. Booking a flat up on the fifth floor? That’s SIX flights of stairs!
SUMMER
Sensitive to heat? Consider booking a location with aircon. Heatwaves are common, with temperatures rocketing to over 40°c/100°f.
AUTUMN
With the beautiful weather, you’ll want to throw open your doors to greet France every morning. But be careful about street-facing flats. In the larger cities, late night bars and the sounds of scooters can keep you awake all night.
WINTER
Time to bundle up! France can be very chilly in the winter. If booking a private flat, be sure that the owner doesn’t put a governor on the heat and that it has adequate facilities.
Where to Eat Nearby
Aux Trois Pastoureaux : For three centuries, this gourmet restaurant has been serving clientele in the heart of Chateaudun. Jean-François Lucchese and his team offer you a cuisine with local flavors that vary with the seasons, which has earned recognition from numerous gastronomic guides and the title of master restaurateur. Online reservations available & recommended.
La Bonne Adresse : Casual and affordable meals with French comfort-food inspired recipes. I suggest calling to reserve a table in this small establishment.
L'Etoile de Marrakech : If you are tiring of French food, consider this location with decor and recipes from Morocco. Good quality tangines, merguez sausage and skewers, and traditional cakes.
Boulangerie L'Atelier De L'Ozanne : Cakes, quiches, sandwiches, croissants, macarons, and more! Anything you need for a carb-filled lunch to-go can be found at this bakery.
A curated day - Château de châteaudun
For me, a perfect day includes quiet spaces (little to no crowds), romantic and inspired places, beauty, gardens, books, coffee, and a light meal.
I prefer a pace that is calm and easy, not rushed.
And I enjoy and find peace in surroundings that include nature, art, history, and a spot or two where I can relax and reflect on my experiences.
Note that this itinerary is intended for primarily walking and train as transportation.
Shannon’s Itinerary
Noir Coffee
Noir is an independent chain of coffee shops in Paris. They roast their own beans and each location is superb, consistent, comfortable, and modern. You’ll find one nearby in almost every neighborhood in Paris.
Château de Châteaudun
Next, I’d jump onto the regional train to head out to Château de Chateaudun, arriving around the opening hour (10 AM) to maximize the quiet spaces and make the most of my time. Please note that they close at 12:30 PM part of the year.
Lunch
For me, I’d be headed to Aux Trois Pastoureaux for an regional and locally sourced lunch in a lovely setting. It’s a great opportunity to explore some of the specialities of the Loire Valley.
Jardin des Plantes
I’d head back to Chateaudun to finish my tour and then return to Paris. Next to the train station is one of my favorite gardens in all of France - Jardin des Plantes. I’d wander through at the end of a lovely afternoon.
Île Saint-Louis
Time for happy hour? Leaving Jardin des Plantes, I’d brief little stroll along the River Seine, only about 8 minutes, to Ile Saint Louis. Grabbing an outdoor table at Saint-Regis, I’d have a nice glass of rosé and watch as the world slips by.
