Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Complementary Wine
Description
Step out of Paris and into the storybook landscapes of the Loire Valley, traveling in air-conditioned comfort through one of France’s most historic regions. Discover two iconic châteaux Chambord and Chenonceau with included entry, enjoy free time in the charming town of Blois, and savor a complimentary local wine experience at Chenonceau Castle. Along the way, your expert English-speaking tour leader brings the journey to life with stories of French royalty, Renaissance architecture, and the countryside that inspired them.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the Loire Valley at a relaxed, unhurried pace on this full day escape from Paris. Rather than rushing through multiple castles, this thoughtfully designed itinerary gives you more time to explore two of France's most iconic châteaux, Chambord and Chenonceau, while also enjoying free time in the charming town of Blois and a complimentary local wine experience.
From Paris, you’ll head first to Chambord Castle. Disney fans will find this castle’s turrets familiar; it was the inspiration for the castle in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Though originally conceived as a royal hunting lodge, it was built to a scale that must be seen to be believed. You’ll learn all about the castle’s captivating history from your guide, before getting your own chance to explore. Climb a staircase supposedly designed by Da Vinci; enjoy spectacular turret-framed rooftop views; glimpse wild deer around the grounds; and work up an appetite for the next stop.
Arriving in Blois, pass by the impressive Château Royal de Blois, a former royal residence that showcases four distinct architectural styles. Your guide will point out its highlights and share insights into its role in French royal history.
Having worked up an appetite, we'll get back on the bus and on to our next stop - the quaint town of Blois, where you’ll get some free time to enjoy lunch in one of the restaurants located around the beautiful and vibrant Square Louis XII.
Last but not least is a visit to the elegant Chenonceau Castle. Your visit starts with a complementary wine tasting in the castle’s vaulted wine cellar. Then, carry on with a self-guided visit of the chapel, bedrooms and magnificent vaulted kitchens which are still furnished and decorated from times gone by, showing off the castle’s many sweeping stone carvings. Don’t miss the impressive main hall, which spans the river Cher, or the gardens cultivated by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici – two of the famous owners that earned Chenonceau the nickname ‘the Ladies’ Castle
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Clients traveling with young children whose security cannot be ensured by a seat belt shall bring their own child restraint system to ensure the safety of their child. Please note that our coaches aren’t equipped with ISOFIX anchor points and have limited availability for 3-point seat belts. By booking this tour, parents/guardians acknowledge these requirements and accept responsibility for ensuring their children are properly restrained.
- Infants and children, no matter how young, must have a tour purchased for them in order to join the visit.
Reviews(4,586)
Had an amazing day exploring the Chateau Chambord, City of Blois and Chateau Chenonceaux. Maja was awesome. She made the trip and visits fun and informative. Totally recommend her!!!
Raymond was a superior guide providing extra historic background which enriched the trp.
This is a very special experience. Raymond is the best guide! He has all the magic to make you feel you're living all the stories that lives inside that beautiful castles! You will enjoy every second of this tour! Don't forget to buy a bottle of wine. Thanks Raymond!!
Two beautiful castles, beautiful views, and a beautiful town. Raymond the tour guide was very informative and professional.
This was my favorite adventure. All day was comfortable on the tour bus and well timed stops. Enjoyed the castles, local food and spectacular wine that can only be bought at the last castle
Beautiful chateaus! Could have had a little more time at each spot. Tour guide was very knowledgeable!
It was good. My guide, Goren, made it an unforgettable experience. I'm glad that I chose to use the TripAdvisor app this time. The details were very meticulous, and when I encountered an issue with a meeting spot, my guide was there to help in an instant. Highly recommended!
The whole day was amazing, our guide made it even more wonderful he explained every part in detail with full passion which made listening to historical events enjoyable and peaked our intrests!! Would definitely do it again.
It was nice and cute, but the time to visit the main points was a bit too short.
Our tour guide, Goran (sp?), was friendly, very informative, and did a fabulous job keeping us on schedule. Two castles were definitely enough to see, as they’re huge. They’re quite different from each other. The medieval town was interesting to see too. The wine tasting, contrary to other’s reviews, was good as well, considering we only had 1/2 hour and the sommelier was catering to a diverse group. It was held in the queen’s wine cellar at the last chateau. Lots of fun. Our only beef with the tour was the coach. It had the least leg room of any we’ve been on, and the ride back is 3 hrs. I suppose if it was more roomy, that would be less paying customers, and the price would go up. I’d pay a little more for more leg room. Again, Goran was fabulous. Remember to bring cash for tipping him and the driver. We are usually cashless, and regretted not remembering before the tour to get some. There is no way to tip via the operator (City Tours) afterwards.
