Road Trip in France ; 7 Days Between Beauval and Troyes

This 7-day road trip in France sets off from Lausanne towards Beauval, the Loire châteaux, Orléans, Vaux-le-Vicomte and Troyes.

Road Trip in France ; Heading for the Loire Valley

Seven days are enough to link Lausanne to the treasures of central France. A zoo, royal châteaux and historic towns punctuate the itinerary.

Days 1 and 2 ; ZooParc de Beauval

The trip begins with two days at the ZooParc de Beauval (in French), in Saint-Aignan. From the entrance, the park transports visitors from one continent to another. Pandas, great apes, big cats and birds line the route. These two days allow you to explore each world at your own pace. The experience offers total immersion in the heart of the animal world. The road then resumes towards the Loire châteaux.

Day 3 ; Châteaux of Chenonceau and Cheverny

First stop of the day, the Château de Chenonceau elegantly spans the Cher. Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici left their mark on the history of this Renaissance jewel. This heritage earned it the nickname “Château des Dames”. Its fairy-tale architecture and gardens instantly charm visitors. Built from 1513, it is among the most visited private châteaux in France. The magic works in front of this setting between river and stone. Its two French formal gardens still bear the names of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici.

Chenonceau also surprises with its role during the two world wars. About sixty metres long, its gallery housed a military hospital during the first conflict. During the second, it became a clandestine crossing to the free zone. Each room thus tells a fascinating story in the heart of Touraine.

The Château de Cheverny, Inspiration for Marlinspike Hall

After Chenonceau, the road trip continues towards the Château de Cheverny. The estate combines classical elegance with the world of comics. This monument inspired Hergé to create Marlinspike Hall in Tintin. Its 17th-century architecture charms with its perfect symmetry. The same family has owned the estate for more than six centuries. A wooded park and gardens surround its dazzling white facade.

Inside, the château houses some of the richest furnishings in the Loire Valley. The site carries on age-old traditions with its pack of around a hundred hounds. A permanent exhibition also delights Tintin fans.

Road Trip in France ; Day 4 at the Château de Chambord

The fourth day leads to the Château de Chambord. This colossus embodies all the excess of the French Renaissance. Francis I launched its construction in 1519 to assert his power. The site stands at the heart of the largest enclosed forest park in Europe. More than thirty kilometres of walls surround this exceptional park. Its extraordinary dimensions and sculpted rooftops immediately captivate the eye. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the estate offers a striking immersion in royal history. The panoramic terraces reveal a spectacular view of the estate.

Inside, the famous double-helix staircase is a source of wonder. Often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, it lets you go up and down without ever crossing paths. During the Second World War, the estate protected thousands of national artworks, including the Mona Lisa. The royal apartments and French formal gardens also enchant visitors. The château has more than 400 rooms, nearly 300 fireplaces and some 80 staircases. Figures that give the measure of this dream in stone, a highlight of this road trip in France.

From Orléans to Champagne

The second part of the trip gradually leaves the banks of the Loire. Art towns and exceptional châteaux line the road home.

Days 5 and 6 ; Orléans and Vaux-le-Vicomte

After Chambord, the journey continues to Orléans, a town of art and history on the Loire. The city reveals an authentic charm with its cobbled lanes and half-timbered facades. Closely linked to Joan of Arc, the town charms with its elegance and its majestic Sainte-Croix cathedral. The lively quays and pedestrian centre lend themselves to a pleasant stroll. Renaissance facades thus sit alongside the peaceful rhythm of the river.

The capital of the Loiret surprises with its rich cultural offer. It is home to magnificent mansions and an important Museum of Fine Arts. A former major river port, the town played a decisive role during the Hundred Years’ War. The house of Joan of Arc traces this historical heritage. Gourmet breaks and strolls in the Parc Pasteur ideally set the pace of this stop.

In 1429, Joan of Arc freed the town besieged by the English, a decisive turning point in the conflict. Every spring, the Fêtes johanniques still celebrate this episode, with parades and shows. Sainte-Croix cathedral also lights up during summer projections on its facade. Rue Jeanne-d’Arc offers an ideal perspective on the building from the town centre.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

The next day, the road leads to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, in Seine-et-Marne. This 17th-century masterpiece embodies perfect harmony between architecture, painting and French formal gardens. Nicolas Fouquet called on the greatest artists of his time to design this exceptional estate. The result immediately aroused the jealousy of the young Louis XIV. The king drew directly on Vaux-le-Vicomte to create the Palace of Versailles.

Fouquet brought together the architect Louis Le Vau, the painter Charles Le Brun and the gardener André Le Nôtre. On 17 August 1661, he offered the king a sumptuous party at his new estate. Three weeks later, Fouquet was arrested on the orders of Louis XIV by the famous d’Artagnan. He spent the rest of his life in prison. In summer, candlelit evenings give the château back the splendour of that legendary night.

Inside, the state rooms reveal painted ceilings and remarkable gilding. The grandiose dome offers a panoramic view of the whole estate.

Outside, André Le Nôtre shaped immense parterres and spectacular water features. A walk in this majestic park ends the day beautifully.

Road Trip in France ; Day 7 in Troyes

A quieter stop marks the journey to Troyes, the former historic capital of Champagne. The city remains famous for its historic heart shaped like a champagne cork. A maze of lanes reveals magnificent 16th-century half-timbered houses. The town is an ideal stop for a break and a meal on the road. Its churches house superb stained glass and its factory outlets attract many visitors. Birthplace of the famous andouillette, Troyes also appeals to food lovers. The narrow, cobbled Ruelle des Chats is among its most photographed passages. The Maison de l’Outil et de la Pensée ouvrière presents a unique collection of old tools. The adventure ends on this peaceful note, before returning to Lausanne. For another getaway in France, Alsace (in French) offers an equally gourmet journey.

Preparing Your Road Trip in France

From Lausanne, Saint-Aignan is about six hours by road, via Geneva or Dijon. French motorways have tolls, so a toll budget is a must. Booking château tickets online often avoids queues in high season. Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord are less than an hour from each other. Staying near Blois or Amboise therefore makes the visits easier. With a little planning, this road trip in France goes smoothly and at a pleasant pace.

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Road Trip in France