Loire Valley Castles Guided Day Trip from Paris in minivan

Paris , France

Loire Valley Castles Guided Day Trip from Paris in minivan

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(41 reviews)

13h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A guided tour from Paris with only 8 participants (max) especially designed to discover the three of the most prestigious castles of the Loire Valley: Chenonceau, Cheverny a private castle and Chambord, jewel of the Renaissance.
Air conditioned and comfortable minivan for a reduced transfer time, dedicated guide for the small group.
The Chenonceau Castle is an architectural masterpiece, one of the most romantic castle in the Loire Valley.
Considered as the largest and most majestic castle of the Loire Valley, Chambord Castle was commissioned as a hunting lodge by François I. The 365 chimneys, 440 rooms, 14 staircases and 800 turrets and capitals give an insight of the magnificent period's architecture.
You can admire Cheverny Castle which is also remarkable because of the inspiration for Hergé's famous Moulinsart castle in the Tintin comics.

Available options

Loire Valley Castles Guided Day Trip from Paris in minivan

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance tickets to the castles (Visit at your own pace the 3 castles and their gardens)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Model of the Renaissance traditions, the Chenonceau Castle is an architectural masterpiece. Known as the "Château des Dames", five women played a part to the interior decoration, making Chenonceau one of the most romantic castle in the Loire valley. The guide will introduce you to the history of the castle before your free time to stroll at your leisure through the sumptuous gardens.

Stop 2

Considered as the largest and most majestic castle of the Loire valley, Chambord Castle was commissioned as a hunting lodge by François I. However he only spent 42 days of his 32-year reign in this royal residence. The 365 chimneys, 440 rooms, 14 staircases and 800 turrets and capitals give an insight of the magnificent period architecture. The main attraction remains the intricate "double revolution" staircase attributed to Leonardo de Vinci.

Stop 3

The Cheverny Castle is the private property of the Vibraye family. During the visit, you could admire its wonderful 17th century furniture. Before leaving, you could go for a stroll through the gardens and find the kennels. The castle is also remarkable because of the inspiration for Hergé's famous Moulinsart castle in the Tintin comics.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

25 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

FRANCE TOURISME / PARIS TOURISM Agency

Important notes

Departure at 7.15 am

Please arrive strictly at 7.00 am

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