Ready for the ultimate European adventure? This 7-day castle road trip takes you from the fairytale peaks of Bavaria to the Gothic grandeur of the Loire Valley and the tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel.
This isn’t just a trip—it’s a journey through 1,000 years of European history, architecture, and legend.
Overview
Total Distance: ~1,200 km (745 miles)
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Best Time: May-June or September-October (avoid summer crowds)
Starting Point: Munich, Germany
Ending Point: Paris, France
What You’ll See:
- 🏰 Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)
- 🏰 Château de Chambord (France)
- 🏰 Mont Saint-Michel (France)
- Plus: Rhine Valley castles, medieval towns, and stunning countryside
Day 1: Munich → Neuschwanstein Castle
Distance: 120 km (1.5 hours)
Overnight: Füssen, Germany
Morning: Pick Up Your Rental Car in Munich
Start early to beat traffic. We recommend renting from Munich Airport for convenience.
Afternoon: Neuschwanstein Castle
Arrive in Füssen by early afternoon. Your pre-booked tour of Neuschwanstein is at 3 PM (book this at least 2 weeks in advance!).
Must-Do:
- Walk to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) for THE iconic photo
- Visit Hohenschwangau Castle (Ludwig’s childhood home) if time permits
- Explore the charming town of Füssen
Where to Stay: Hotel Hirsch or Altstadthotel zum Hechten (both walking distance to restaurants)
Dinner Recommendation: Try traditional Bavarian food at Zum Hechten.
Day 2: Füssen → Romantic Road → Heidelberg
Distance: 350 km (4 hours)
Overnight: Heidelberg, Germany
Morning: Drive the Romantic Road
Take the scenic B17/Romantic Road route north. Stop in:
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1.5 hours) - Medieval walled town, perfect for lunch
- Walk the city walls and visit the Medieval Crime Museum
Afternoon: Arrive in Heidelberg
Check into your hotel and explore Heidelberg Castle perched above the old town.
Must-Do:
- Take the funicular up to the castle
- Walk across the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke)
- Stroll the Philosopher’s Walk for sunset views
Where to Stay: Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg (historic building in the old town)
Day 3: Heidelberg → Rhine Valley → Luxembourg
Distance: 280 km (3.5 hours)
Overnight: Luxembourg City
Morning: Rhine Valley Castles
Drive along the Rhine River (B9 road) and stop at:
- Burg Rheinstein - Stunning views, 30-minute tour
- Marksburg Castle - The only hilltop castle on the Rhine never destroyed
Lunch: Stop in the wine village of Rüdesheim for Riesling and schnitzel.
Afternoon: Cross into Luxembourg
Arrive in Luxembourg City by late afternoon.
Must-Do:
- Explore the Casemates (underground tunnels)
- Walk the Chemin de la Corniche (“Europe’s most beautiful balcony”)
Where to Stay: Hotel Le Place d’Armes (central location)
Day 4: Luxembourg → Reims → Château de Chambord
Distance: 450 km (5 hours)
Overnight: Chambord area (Blois or Chambord village)
Morning: Drive Through Champagne Country
Stop in Reims for a champagne house tour (Taittinger or Veuve Clicquot - book ahead).
Afternoon: Arrive at Chambord
Check in and visit Château de Chambord before it closes (last entry 5:30 PM).
Must-Do:
- Climb the double-helix staircase
- Rent a bike to explore the massive grounds
- Watch the evening light show (summer only)
Where to Stay: Relais de Chambord (right next to the castle) or Hotel de France in Blois
Day 5: Loire Valley Castle Hopping
Distance: 100 km (local driving)
Overnight: Same location (Chambord area)
Full Day: Explore the Loire Valley
Visit 2-3 more châteaux:
Morning:
- Château de Chenonceau (1 hour from Chambord) - The “Ladies’ Castle” built over a river
Afternoon:
- Château de Amboise - Where Leonardo da Vinci is buried
- Clos Lucé - Da Vinci’s last home, now a museum
Dinner: Splurge on a Michelin-starred meal at L’Orangerie du Château in Blois.
Day 6: Chambord → Mont Saint-Michel
Distance: 280 km (3.5 hours)
Overnight: Mont Saint-Michel or nearby Pontorson
Morning: Drive to Normandy
Leave early to maximize your time at Mont Saint-Michel.
Afternoon: Mont Saint-Michel
Arrive by 2 PM. Park at the official parking area (€14.50) and take the free shuttle.
Must-Do:
- Tour the Abbey at the top (book online to skip lines)
- Walk the ramparts at sunset
- Stay overnight to experience it after the day-trippers leave
Where to Stay:
- On the island: Auberge Saint-Pierre (pricey but magical)
- Nearby: Hotel Gabriel in Pontorson (budget-friendly)
Pro Tip: Check the tide schedule. Visiting during a spring tide (grandes marées) is spectacular.
Day 7: Mont Saint-Michel → Paris
Distance: 360 km (4 hours)
End Point: Paris
Morning: Final Mont Saint-Michel Moments
Wake up early to see the island in the morning mist before the crowds arrive.
Afternoon: Drive to Paris
Return your rental car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or a city location.
Optional: Stop in Giverny to see Monet’s Gardens (if it’s spring/summer).
Essential Planning Tips
Car Rental
- Book: At least 2 weeks in advance for best rates
- Type: Compact car (easier for narrow European streets)
- Insurance: Get full coverage - European roads can be tricky
- Tolls: Budget €50-80 for French autoroute tolls
Accommodation Booking Strategy
- Book Neuschwanstein area and Mont Saint-Michel 1-2 months ahead
- Other stops can be booked 2-3 weeks out
Castle Tickets
Must Pre-Book:
- Neuschwanstein (2+ weeks ahead)
- Chambord (can book day-of, but pre-booking saves time)
- Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (book online to skip ticket line)
Budget Estimate (Per Person)
- Car Rental: €350-500 (split between travelers)
- Fuel: €150-200
- Accommodation: €400-700 (€60-100/night)
- Food: €300-500
- Castle Tickets: €100-150
- Total: €1,300-2,050 per person (mid-range)
What to Pack
- ✅ Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll climb a LOT of stairs)
- ✅ Light rain jacket (weather is unpredictable)
- ✅ Power adapter (Type C/F for Europe)
- ✅ Offline maps downloaded (Google Maps offline mode)
- ✅ Reusable water bottle
Alternative Routes
If You Have More Time:
- Add Burg Eltz in Germany (Day 3)
- Include Château de Chantilly near Paris (Day 7)
- Extend to Alcázar of Segovia in Spain (+3 days)
If You Have Less Time (5 Days):
- Skip Luxembourg and Rhine Valley
- Go directly: Munich → Neuschwanstein → Chambord → Mont Saint-Michel → Paris
Final Thoughts
This road trip combines the best of European castle tourism: German romanticism, French Renaissance grandeur, and Norman island magic. You’ll drive through some of Europe’s most beautiful countryside, eat incredible food, and step into 1,000 years of history.
Ready to start planning? Book your flights to Munich, reserve your castles, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. 🏰🚗✨