Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise
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13h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Take away the hassle out of planning your day trip to the Loire Valley, the birthplace of French Renaissance with more 120 châteaux (estates), on this private luxury tour with roundtrip transportation from Paris. Highlights include visits to Leonardo da Vinci's home and tomb, outstanding Gothic architecture, and plenty of time to enjoy three of the Loire Valley's most impressive and famous châteaux.
Available options
Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Local expert art historian guide
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Luxury and very confortable vehicle, perfect for long tours
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
After departing Paris in the morning, enjoy a spacious, luxury ride to the first stop of the day, Chateau Royal d'Amboise. The royal château is famous for being the last resting place of Leonardo da Vinci.
French royalty resided at Amboise from the 15th to the 19th century, and with its spectacular view over the Loire River, Saint Hubert Chapel, and Gothic architectural details, you can easily imagine knights galloping off into the distance as you breathe in fresh air from impressive vantage points.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Near Amboise, there will be a quick stop for pictures at Clos Lucé, which used to be the official residence of Leonardo da Vinci, between 1516 and 1519.
3
Stop 3
Next is a real jewel of a château, and the most famous of the Loire region: Chenonceau with its magnificent gardens.
Chenonceau is a unique castle, situated above the Cher river, that is also known as “Chateau des dames.” It’s a beautiful mixture between Gothic and Renaissance styles with ornateness that one might only imagine seeing in fairy tale books. Next to Versailles, this is the most visited castle in France.
Walks of the grounds reveal a dizzying labyrinth, and a tour of the interior with your private expert guide might take you to the chapel, Francoise I's drawing room, and the gallery over the bridge
4
Stop 4
In the afternoon, you will finally discover Chambord, a grandiose château. Set on 13,000 acres of parkland, this former royal residence represents the pinnacle of France’s 16th-century architectural revolution, and the double helix spiral staircase at the heart of the
château, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, is simply mind-blowing.
5
Spend the day visiting some of France’s most spectacular castles, and the birthplace of the French Renaissance, on this luxury tour of Loire Valley from Paris tour.
What's not included
Lunch
Gratuites (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
RU
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
29 reviews
5★
26
4★
1
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2
2★
0
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Tripadvisor
4.6
8 reviews
5★
6
4★
1
3★
1
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0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, historic châteaux, and lush vineyards. Often called the 'Garden of France', it offers a rich blend of Renaissance architecture, wine tasting, and scenic river views.
Top Attractions
Château de Chambord
One of the most famous châteaux in the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It features a distinctive double spiral staircase and stunning views of the surrounding forest.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€15.50
Château de Chenonceau
Known as the 'Ladies' Château', Château de Chenonceau is a beautiful castle built over the Cher River. It's famous for its elegant galleries and beautiful gardens.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€18.50
Château d'Amboise
Château d'Amboise is a historic castle with a rich past, including being the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. It offers stunning views of the Loire River and the town of Amboise.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€13.50
Villandry Gardens
Villandry Gardens are renowned for their beautiful and intricately designed gardens, including vegetable gardens, flower gardens, and water gardens. They are a must-visit for garden enthusiasts.
Nature
1-2 hours
€8.50
Loire River Cruises
Cruising the Loire River offers a unique perspective of the valley's landscapes, châteaux, and vineyards. There are various cruise options available, from short sightseeing tours to multi-day trips.
Adventure
1-4 hours for sightseeing tours, longer for multi-day cruises
€15-€150 depending on the tour
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rillettes
A traditional Loire Valley specialty made from slow-cooked pork, chicken, or duck, shredded and mixed with fat. It's typically served as an appetizer or snack.
Snack
Contains pork
Tarte Tatin
A famous upside-down apple tart originating from the Loire Valley. It's made with caramelized apples and a buttery pastry crust.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Selles-sur-Cher Cheese
A soft, creamy cheese with a distinctive flavor, produced in the Loire Valley. It's often enjoyed with local wine or as part of a cheese platter.
Snack
Contains dairy
Touraine Wine
The Loire Valley is known for its excellent wines, including white wines like Sancerre and Vouvray, and red wines like Chinon and Bourgueil. Wine tasting is a must-do activity in the region.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Cycling
Hiking
Kayaking on the Loire River
Wine tasting
Gardens tour
Picnicking in the countryside
Château tours
Museum visits
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and numerous outdoor events. The valley is lush and green, and all attractions are open.
18°C to 25°C
64°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, German
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
The Loire Valley is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious with ATMs and avoid using them at night
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Tours Val de Loire Airport • 10 km from Tours
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport • 250 km from Tours
By train
Tours Train Station, Blois Train Station
By bus
Tours Bus Station, Orléans Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Rémi bus network connects major towns and some tourist sites. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to travel between smaller towns.
Taxis
Available • Apps: G7, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Tours
Amboise
Blois
Chenonceaux
Day trips
Château de Villandry
10 km from Tours • Half day
Château de Villandry is known for its beautiful Renaissance gardens, including vegetable gardens, flower gardens, and water gardens. It's a must-visit for garden enthusiasts.
Azay-le-Rideau
30 km from Tours • Half day
Azay-le-Rideau is a beautiful château built on an island in the Indre River. It's known for its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens.
Sancerre
100 km from Tours • Full day
Sancerre is a famous wine region known for its white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It's a great destination for wine lovers looking to explore the Loire Valley's wine country.
Festivals
Fêtes de la Loire • June
Festival de Musique de Blois • July
Wine Harvest Festival • September to October
Pro tips
- Visit châteaux early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Consider renting a car for flexibility and to explore the region's scenic routes
- Try local specialties like rillettes, tarte Tatin, and Selles-sur-Cher cheese
- Sample the region's excellent wines, including Sancerre, Vouvray, and Chinon
- Explore the Loire Valley's beautiful gardens, such as Villandry and Chenonceau
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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