Autumn in France: A 5-Night Escape to the Loire Valley & Paris

After landing in Paris, we picked up our rental car and drove toward the Loire Valley. Midway, we stopped for lunch in Orléans, a beautiful and historic city known for its ties to Joan of Arc. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs and ease into the slower pace of the French countryside.

Later that afternoon, we arrived at Les Sources de Cheverny, our home base for the next two nights. The property is a dream—nestled in the forest, filled with calm energy, and surrounded by walking trails that make you feel like you’re in your own private woodland. That evening, we ventured into Blois for dinner at Petite Honfleur, a cozy bistro with a regional menu and great atmosphere.

We started the morning with a peaceful stroll around the hotel’s grounds—the trails are gorgeous and feel like you’re wandering through a storybook forest. Then we hopped on bikes and pedaled into the nearby town of Cheverny, home to a charming château and beautifully manicured gardens. After exploring and grabbing lunch at a nearby café, we continued our biking adventure to Domaine le Portail, where we tasted some delicious local wines.

Before dinner, we spent some time at the spa—the perfect way to unwind after a day of biking and exploring. We wrapped up the day with dinner at L’Auberge, the refined yet relaxed restaurant at Les Sources de Cheverny. A perfect end to our time in the Loire—earthy, elegant, and unhurried.

Travel tip: If you’re staying at Les Sources, take advantage of their free bikes. The surrounding villages are quiet, scenic, and perfect for exploring at your own pace.

On our way back to Paris, we made a stop at the majestic Château de Chambord. Even in the drizzle, the castle’s scale and intricate design were breathtaking. We explored the gardens before continuing our journey to the city.

We dropped off the rental car, checked in at Hôtel Adèle & Jules — a boutique hotel in a quiet pocket of the 9th arrondissement — then headed out for dinner at what was to be our favorite restaurant in Paris, Le Christine. The atmosphere is romantic and the food is excellent. Afterward, we grabbed cocktails at Da Nico, a moody speakeasy with creative, beautifully crafted drinks.

After a slow morning, we walked to Kozy for brunch, then headed north to spend the afternoon in Montmartre. We wandered through the artsy streets, admired the view from Sacré-Cœur, and ended up purchasing a painting from one of the many local artists found in the nearby square—a lovely, personal souvenir from a neighborhood that never loses its charm.

We ended the night with drinks and live jazz at Le Caveau de la Huchette—an underground cave bar with incredible vibes and a timeless, electric energy.

On our last full day, we woke early and grabbed pastries from Du Pain et des Idées — highly recommend the chocolate pistachio pinwheel (still dreaming about it). We strolled past the Notre Dame, then lingered in the sunshine at a corner café with wine, watching the world go by. We crossed the Pont Alexandre III on our way to the Eiffel Tower, then relaxed in the park nearby before continuing on foot to the Champs-Élysées. We finished the day in the La Madeleine neighborhood with dinner at Maison de la Truffe—a decadent, delicious end to our Paris adventure.

Before heading to the airport, we grabbed a final breakfast at Holybelly, a delicious and well-priced spot. Then it was off to catch our flight, already dreaming about our next visit.