The Loire Valley Castles

With its 800 sqkm, the Vall de Loire is actually the largest site to be listed by UNESCO. We really recommend to visit 2 castles if you only have one day departing from Paris. If you wish to visit a 3rd castle, you will need one overnight in the Loire Valley.

The Unique Château of Chenonceau :

Your Licensed English-Speaking Guide will wait for you in the lobby of your hotel or apartment in Paris at 7.00 am  and you will depart immediately to the wonderful region of the Loire Valley. Upon your arrival, you will be given an introduction by your private guide to the history and geography of the region (all our guides are equipped with the appropriate maps, photos and documents for better explanations). Enjoy a quick stop half-way for coffee and croissants. About 2 hours from Paris, you will begin your day with the visit of the Château of Chenonceau known as ‘the Ladies Castle’ because it is related to important French Rennaissance women (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medicis…). The unique architecture of the castle, with the gallery over the River Cher makes it one of the most original Chateaux of the Loire Valley and definitely the most romantic of all. Enjoy a private, guided visit inside (see the Chapel, the Mistress and Queen’s bedroom, the Green study, the Library, the Gallery and the vaulted kitchens) before strolling through the remarkable French-style gardens of the Châteaux.

Leonardo Da Vinci and Amboise :

Following your wishes and time you will have the opportunity to visit a second castle: the Château du Clos Lucé (better with kids) or the Château d’Amboise. The Château du Clos Lucé is located in the middle of the town of Amboise, 400 metres from the Royal Château.THere you can enjoy an unforgettable encounter with Leonardo da Vinci, at the heart of his life and work.Discover the fantastic castle of Amboise, ideally situated along the Loire. This castle will amaze you with its elegant gardens, its medieval and renaissance architecture, added to the breathtaking view of the ‘Royal River’. Thanks to your guide, you will learn about the history of the Château (it was a place to live and stay for all the Valois and Bourbons Kings) and discover the St Hubert Chapel famed as a resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who died in Amboise on the 2nd of May, 1519.

Lunch and Wine Tasting in a Local Producer :

Time for a great lunch in Amboise ! Following your wishes, we will make a booking at the best place. Our guide knows all the authentic and local restaurants far from the tourist crowds. After the discovery of the medieval town of Amboise, with its narrow streets and half-timbered old houses, you will continue your tour with a visit of a small, local wine producer of the region and enjoy the appropriate tastings (red, white, rosé and sparkling).

The Impressive Château de Chambord :

After this wine tasting, enjoy the scenery whilst driving along the Loire River to reach the most impressive and extravagant castle of the Loire : Chambord, with its 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces and 426 rooms. Despite these vast dimensions, from the outside the Château still appears delightfully graceful and well-balanced. Chambord, built to be a hunting lodge and used exclusively as a hunting lodge, was ordered by François I to Leornardo da Vinci and his architects. After this delightful and enjoyable day, you will be dropped off at your hotel around 7.00 pm.

Depending on your wishes and interests, we can also organise visits to other castles with your private guide : Blois, Cheverny, Chinon, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau. Please ask us if you have any further enquiries.

Tickets to the castles are not included

Optional – Ballon Rides in the Evening

The Châteaux of the Loire Valley never cease to enchant visitors from around the world. Can you imagine drifting slowly over these architectural masterpieces in a hot air balloon guided by the winds ? The Loire Valley has become our most popular balloon rides bases, where we take off from the Chateau of Chenonceau, Blois, Château of Chaumont, the Chateau of Azey-le-Rideau and Villandry to name but a few. Balloon rides in the Loire valley are scheduled every day in the evening when the weather conditions are optimal, seven days of the week, including national holidays, from April to October. The total excursion time is 3 hours with a flight time of approximately 1 hour. This includes the balloon preparation and inflation, the flight, the traditional « toast des Aéronautes » at the landing and the return by vehicule to the starting point.

Category : All our destinations, Full-day tour, Loire Valley, Private tours

Tags: Amboise, Castles, Chambord, Chenonceau, Loire Valley