Loire Valley Castles Walking Tour with Audioguide
Active
2d
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Our audio guide is a mobile companion designed to assist you in planning a self-guided journey through the castles of the Loire Valley. It includes brief walking tours of the major towns in the valley, along with audio commentary on renowned castles and the historical events linked to them. Admire the exteriors of the majestic castles and make an informed decision about whether to venture inside.
The audio guide provides narration about the following castles (please note that actual visits to the castles are not included):
Meung-sur-Loire, Beaugency, Chambord, Blois, Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chenonceau, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Montrichard, Tours, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Usse, Chinon, Abbey of Fontevraud, Breze, Saumur, Brissac, Angers, and other ancient sights.
A convenient map in the mobile app, powered by GPS, will guide you to your destination. The tour includes 50 audio recordings, all written by a professional historian.
Available options
Spanish
French
German
English
What's included
Offline map featuring routes for effortless GPS navigation
One-year access to the tour in your preferred language
Audio guide app for iPhone and Android
50 audio recordings narrated by a professional historian
Landmark illustrations
What's not included
In-person tour guide
Smartphone and headphones
Entry tickets and audio guides for inside the castle
Transportation
Food and Beverages
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The audio guide is available through a mobile app for iOS and Android
Entry tickets to the castles and museums are not included, please purchase them separately in advance
The audio guides inside the castles are not included
The tour does not cover all the castles in the Loire Valley
This is a self-guided tour ― you will need to download the audio guide mobile app, activate your purchase, and follow the route on the app's map (without a human guide)
The audio guide is available at any time, the date and time during checkout are merely approximate
Meeting point
- The tour begins at Place du Martroi in Orleans
- This is a self-guided tour, so there will be no guide present at the meeting point
- Open the TouringBee app, initiate the Loire Valley Castle Tour, and proceed along the designated route
Important notes
To get audioguide:
- Open Viator Ticket
- Find Viator Booking ref - it should start with BR-####
- Find your Viator Booking on https://activate.touringbee.com/?partner=viator
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
