Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris with Small Group

Paris , France

Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris with Small Group

Active

(3 reviews)

14h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Escape Paris and explore the fairytale castles of the Loire Valley. Start at the Castle of Chambord, where your guide gives a short introduction outside before exploring the royal apartments at your own pace. Continue to the charming town of Blois, then visit the Chenonceau Castle. With up to 2.5 hours on site, wander its floral galleries, royal kitchens, and gardens—and even meet the castle's animals for a magical countryside moment.

- Visit Chenonceau and Chambord, two iconic castles
- Free time in Blois to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant of your choice, or grab a quick bite on the go and purchase optional tickets on site to the Château of Blois instead
- Entry tickets to Chambord and Chenonceau included
- Comfortable round-trip transport in small-group air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided commentary during the drive and short introductions at each stop

Why travelers book this tour:
More time at each stop, skip-the-line entry, no rushed visits, and flexible time in Blois.

Available options

Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris with Small Group

What's included

Entrance Ticket Chambord Castle

Air Conditioned Vehicle

Small Group Tour

Professional Driver

English Speaking Tour Guide

Entrance Ticket Chenonceau Castle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin your journey at Château de Chambord, the largest and most extravagant castle in the Loire Valley. Designed to impress, this architectural marvel features grand staircases, ornate ceilings, and sweeping rooftop views that once awed kings and queens. You'll have 1.5 hours—more than most tours allow—to wander through royal apartments, climb the legendary double-helix staircase (believed to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci), and lose yourself in the vast forested grounds. This is your moment to escape the crowds, feel the history under your feet, and take the kind of photos that make people say, “Where is that? ”

Your next stop is the picturesque town of Blois, perched above the Loire River and steeped in royal history. Your guide will show a few points of interest. Here you choose how to spend your time.
You can enjoy a relaxed, authentic French lunch in the heart of the old town. Stroll down Rue du Bourg Neuf or settle into one of the inviting terraces on Place Louis XII, where the scent of fresh baguettes, bubbling cheese, and roasted meats fills the air.
Prefer to dive deeper into history? Get lunch on the go and visit the Royal Château of Blois, one of the Loire’s most architecturally diverse castles. This often-overlooked gem was home to seven French kings and features Gothic towers, Renaissance galleries, and richly decorated rooms. Tickets can be purchased on-site.

Whether you want to relax over a meal or continue your castle adventure, this stop offers something few tours do: freedom to choose your experience, without compromise.

Stop 3

End your day with over two hours at the fairytale-like Château de Chenonceau, gracefully stretching across the River Cher. Known as the "Ladies' Castle," this romantic retreat was shaped by powerful women like Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici—and it shows in every elegant detail.
With up to 2.5 hours of time on site, you’ll step into lavish halls, wander the manicured gardens, cross the grand river gallery, and peek inside the royal kitchens. Your guide will give you an engaging introduction outside to help you explore meaningfully on your own.

This is more than a castle—it’s a moment of beauty, peace, and inspiration. Most tours rush you through in under an hour. You get the time to truly experience it.

What's not included

Optional entrance to Blois Castle during lunch time

Gratuities (but appreciated by our guides)

Food and Drinks (Time will be given for Lunch at a local restaurant)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

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

Not recommended for travelers who experience difficulty walking

Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues

Meeting point

Meeting point:
Near the Trocadéro Square, in front of the building on the right when facing the Eiffel Tower from the side walk. Look for your guide with a pink flag and name tag.
Please arrive 30 minutes early. Transport departs on time and cannot wait for late arrivals.

Important notes

On the day of your tour, please present your booking voucher with the QR code to your tour guide for check-in. Entry tickets to the monuments will be provided during the tour.

About Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.

Top Attractions

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours €17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Museum 3-4 hours €17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)

Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.

Historical Full day €18-€28 (depending on the pass)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Baguette

A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains gluten

Steak Frites

A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat

Crêpes

Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.

Snack/Dessert Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest Kayaking on the Seine Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden Boat tours on the Seine Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a cabaret show

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon

By bus

Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot

Getting around

Public transport

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, G7

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Marais Montmartre Latin Quarter Saint-Germain-des-Prés Champs-Élysées

Day trips

Versailles

17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.

Giverny

75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day

Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.

Château de Fontainebleau

55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual) Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual) Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely