Hotels in Villebarou

Villebarou: Gateway to the Loir-et-Cher Plateau

Villebarou is a small commune in Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire, situated immediately north of Blois along the D957. The town sits on the plateau above the Loire valley, giving it a quieter residential character compared to its historic neighbor 3 km to the south. Blois itself anchors the area — the Château Royal de Blois, rebuilt across four distinct architectural periods from the 13th to 17th centuries, draws roughly 300,000 visitors per year and is reachable in under ten minutes by car from Villebarou.

Where to Stay

Travelers base themselves in Villebarou to access the châteaux corridor of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage corridor since 2000. Chambord lies 18 km east and Cheverny 14 km southeast. The local hotel supply is small, making it a practical overflow option when Blois fills during summer festival season, particularly the Son et Lumière light shows held at the Château de Blois each July and August.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Blois-Chambord TGV station connects to Paris Austerlitz in around 1 hour 20 minutes; Villebarou is a 5-minute taxi or bus ride north.
• Best season: May through September for château access and dry weather on the plateau.
• Local note: Pack layers for evenings — the plateau loses heat faster than the Loire riverbank below.