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Loire Valley Tours & Trips

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10 best Loire Valley tour packages

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Melissa Loire Valley travel expert at TourRadar

The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)

Cycle the loire valley, castles on the river loire: la route royal, loire valley cycle, cycle the loire - nevers to orléans, loire valley: walks, wine & chateaux, cycling the chateaux of the loire - upgraded, from the châteaux of chambord and chenonceau to the loire valley (7 destinations), andalusia guided-ebiketour | spain: andalusia at its best | 8 days.

• River Cruise
• Taste wine at Brissac Castle cellars
• Tour Nantes and the Dukes' Castle
• Cruise on the beautiful Erdre River

“Fabulous leaders and incredible route - pathways along the river or back country roads.” Maureen Jennings, traveled in June 2022

• Tour the famous Chateau de Villandry gardens
• Cycle through the Loire Valley's scenic routes
• Visit the unique Chateau de Chenonceau

• Self-Guided Cycling
• Visit Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance gem
• Discover Chambord, the grandest Loire palace
• Tour the stunning Chenonceaux over the river

• Visit Villandry Castle and its gardens
• Admire the medieval monastery in Fontervraud
• Tour the magnificent Castle of Chenonceaux

“The cycle routes mainly along cycle paths and country roads were usually well marked and the route notes & overview maps provided helped me to find my way.” E Nikol, traveled in September 2014

• Cycle through Mesland vineyards to Chaumont
• Discover Chateau of Chambord's grandeur
• Taste Vouvray wine at local vineyards

“Bike was good. Hotels were good. First half of the route (Nevers to Sancerre) was good.” Trevor Mansfield, traveled in September 2022

• Cycle through the Loire Valley Nature Reserve
• Taste Sancerre wine and Chavignol cheese
• Explore historic Nevers and its Ducal Palace

• Wine tasting
• Visit Château de Villandry's renowned gardens
• Explore the Château de Chenonceau's galleries
• Tour the royal Château d'Amboise

• Road Cycling
• Explore riverside towns and impressive chateaus
• Discover the furnished Chateau of Cheverny
• Walk the gardens of Chateau de Chenonceau

• Taste Muscadet wine in medieval Clisson
• Dine at Noces de Jeannette in Paris
• Tour the Saint-Nazaire shipyard

• Mountain Bike
• Visits and entrance fees to the most famous chateaux of the Loire
• Guided tours in the old towns of Tours and Saumur
• One of the most beautiful cycle tracks of France in the Loire Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

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Discover the best Loire Valley tours with authentic local guides

Join our day trips from Tours, Amboise or Paris: English or French speaking semi-private, half or full day guided tours by minivan, by E-Bike or with your own car. Visit the must-see castles and experience the French art de vivre feeling like a King! Immerse yourself in the royal splendor of the Loire Valley castles and savor local gastronomy and wines !

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Chambord, Chenonceau & lunch at a chateau - Full-day

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. One of the highlights will definitely be a restful lunch away from tourist groups in a beautiful privately-owned chateau still inhabited by the family, Château of Villesavin.

Loire Valley wine tour to Vouvray - Afternoon

Explore the Loire Valley wine route and its vineyards, full of tradition and passion! Visit a local winery of the Vouvray Appellation, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes and learn how to taste these elegant wines produced from one of the most well-known terroir of the Val de Loire area!

Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau & Vouvray wine tour - Full-day

Enjoy a complete discovery of Loire Valley with the visit of must-see Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and Château de Villandry and its remarkable gardens. Benefit from your guide's thrilling historical anecdotes and feel part of these old days. In the afternoon, learn everything about Loire Valley wines by visiting a local winery of the Vouvray Appellation, well-known for its sparkling and white wines. A fun adventure you will always remember!

Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau châteaux - Morning

Enjoy the famous French Art de Vivre with this delightful morning including the visit of the elegant chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and the Chateau de Villandry and its unique gardens. An experience you will never forget ! Your passionate guide will stay with you all along sharing many anecdotes that will make you feel part of those royal days.

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We had a wonderful day touring Chenonceau and Chambord with our guide Marion! She had lots of great information about each chateau and was very friendly. The lunch was also fantastic, an original French meal.

Trip Advisor

WOW! This tour is amazing. We had a lovely combination of guided tours and plenty of free time to explore the grounds of the chateaus that we visited. The lunch was exquisite and superb by every measure - local food and wine in a private chateau dining room prepared to perfection

Amazing well organized tour!! Our tour guide Merrion was awesome and we learned so many interesting stories and facts about the castles history - we were engaged the whole time! Lunch at a smaller family chateau was a great inclusion and had enough time to explore the chateau’s! Highly recommend this tour!!

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How to Plan the Perfect Loire Valley Itinerary

Article written by Elisa This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

About the Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley is the region around the Loire River’s middle stretch in Central France. Comprising about 800 km2, this is France’s most extensive area ever to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful destinations in France, a delicate blend of nature, history, and French elegant art-de-vivre . Here, you can enjoy vibrant medieval towns, fairytale castles, stunning gardens, delicious food, and some of France’s best wines.

There is such a variety of stunning places to see in the Loire Valley that it is difficult to choose only a few of them!

Do you plan on visiting the Loire Valley, France? This Loire Valley Trip Planner is here to help you plan the perfect Loire Valley itinerary. Read what to do in the Loire Valley, the best time to go, itinerary suggestions, and our best tips.

Is Loire Valley worth visiting? The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful regions of France, which perfectly combines nature, history, and French art-de-vivre.

Table of Contents:

• Best Time to Visit the Loire Valley
• How Many Days in the Loire Valley?

How to Visit Loire Valley

Defining the perfect loire valley itinerary, best cities in the loire valley.

• Stay in One of the Château hotels in the Loire Valley

Best Châteaux of the Loire Valley to Visit

Best medieval towns in the loire valley.

• Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley
• Other Fun Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Best Time to Visit Loire Valley

The Loire Valley sits right in the center of France, dividing north and south, so it gets relatively hot in summer (around 25°C in July) and cold in winter (around 7°C in January).

The best time to visit Loire Valley to have good weather is from April to October. Spring is a great time to visit the chateaux’s gardens, all in full bloom.

The best seasons for outdoor activities are spring and autumn. The shoulder seasons in the Loire Valley are perfect for walking and cycling.

The months of July and August see the crowds in the Loire Valley, especially around the main sites. For the best accommodation and prices, it will be key to book well in advance. Also, we recommend buying skip-the-line tickets online in advance for the main Châteaux of the Loire Valley.

The season to avoid for a Loire Valley trip is winter. The winter months see rain and cooler temperatures, and some châteaux may be closed.

How Many Days in Loire Valley

The Loire Valley has so many things to see and do that you could spend all your French holiday in this region.

To get the most out of the Loire Valley, we recommend a minimum of 3 full days, but ideally 5-to 6 days. If you spend 5 to 6 days in the Loire Valley, you will have time to visit a couple of towns and cities, explore some of the best Châteaux of the Loire Valley, wine tasting and shopping, and perhaps a relaxing boat trip.

Loire Valley tours from Paris are also popular amongst people with tight schedules and they are perfectly planned to see a bit of everything.

1. Loire Valley Tour from Paris

Thanks to its proximity to the French capital, the Loire Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Paris .

There are many Loire Valley tours with an expert guide worth considering, but you can also book a customized Loire Valley day tour with the places you like.

Most of the Loire Valley tours are focused around the main Châteaux and towns. If you are more interested in vineyards than stones, check out this Loire Valley wine tour from Paris .

Have a look at this article on how to plan a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris (self-guided or with a guided tour) and get the most out of your day in the Loire Valley!

2. Take a Loire Valley Road Trip

For extended trips to the Loire Valley, we recommend taking a road trip. A French self-drive holiday will allow you to visit the main sites and also other stunning châteaux and medieval towns, which are more difficult to reach by public transportation.

If you need some inspiration to craft your itinerary, have a look at this 5-day Loire Valley road trip . You will also find this road trip in our France by Car e-book , complete with the best places to eat and sleep for each day and our recommendations on customizing this driving holiday for shorter or longer trips.

If you don’t have a car in France, we recommend booking one with  Discover Cars . This site is great because it takes all major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, and more, and compares prices for you. If this is your first time driving in France, check out our best  tips for renting a car in France .

If you land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you can pick up your rental car at the airport and start your Loire Valley road trip from there. The drive from CDG Airport to Orléans takes less than 2 hours (200 km) – Click here to rent a car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

If you plan to visit Paris before heading to the Loire Valley, you can take a train from Paris to Tours, Blois, or Orléans and then pick up your rental car in one of these cities.

• Rent a car in Orléans
• Rent your Car in Tours
• Rent your Car in Blois

3. Loire Valley by Train

Cities and towns like Tours, Beaugency, Orléans, Blois, and Amboise are easy to reach by train. Here’s a list of train distances and times from Paris for reference:

• Train Paris – Tours : 1h 12 min (fast train)
• Train Paris – Orléans : 1h 52 min (fast train)
• Train Paris – Blois : 1,5-2hrs (direct or via Orléans)
• Train Paris – Amboise : 2-2,5hrs (direct or via Orléans)

Thanks to the Train Loire à Vélo (Train Loire by Bike) system, you can board trains on the Interloire line with your bicycle, from mid-June to mid-September. The service is free and has dedicated personnel to take care of your bike from the moment you board to when you get it back when you get off.

This train is great for La Loire à Vélo and the Itinéraire Vélocéan bike routes and allows you to easily skip stages or return to your point of departure.

The Loire Valley is more than fairytale castles. The region is also known for its vibrant cities, medieval towns, and natural wonders, so the perfect itinerary Loire Valley combines a little bit of all these things.

If you visit the Loire Valley for the first time, you may want to stick to the main sites. However, the most memorable Loire Valley trip usually begins when you leave the beaten path.

So what should include the perfect Loire Valley itinerary?

• One of the Loire Valley’s main cities
• One or two of the Loire Valley’s medieval towns
• Two of the most popular Châteaux of the Loire Valley
• One of the Châteaux off the main tourist track
• A stay in one of the stunning château-hotels in the Loire Valley
• A Loire Valley wine tour with tastings
• One or two outdoor activities

The list of things to do in the Loire Valley can be longer or shorter depending on the duration of your holiday. For example, for a Loire Valley 3-day itinerary , stay in one of the cities mentioned below. From there, visit a medieval village, one or two top castles, and take a wine tour. For a Loire Valley 5-day itinerary or longer, add at least one night in one of the stunning château-hotels nearby.

The Loire Valley’s main cities are a good place to put down your suitcases for a couple of days. Enjoy the city’s atmosphere and main sights and explore the rest of the Loire Valley on day trips. Here are the cities in the Loire Valle not to miss:

1. Orléans

Orléans is the capital of the Centre-Val-de Loire region . Orléans is famous as the city of  Jeanne d’Arc , a French heroine who, on the 8th of May 1429, played a decisive role in the town’s liberation from the occupying English.  

Over recent years, this dynamic city has engaged in major conservation projects to reveal all its former splendor. Orléans is a good base to explore the medieval towns of Beaugency, Meung-sur-Loire, and the castles of Chambord and Cheverny.

Blois  is a beautiful city with remarkable architectural and cultural heritage. Its Old Town is very compact, and you can easily explore it on foot. In Blois, don’t miss visiting the  Château de Blois , the Loire’s finest in-town château and home to seven French Kings!

Blois is a good base to explore the medieval town of Beaugency, the city of Amboise with its Royal Castle and the Clos de Lucé, and the castles of Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont sur Loire, and Chenonceau.

Tours is a historic city with a rich heritage. Tours was the capital of the French kingdom, even if for a short time. It is also a student city, with a lively city center populated by many restaurants and bars that pop up their terraces outside as soon as the beautiful days arrive. 

Tours is an excellent base to explore the medieval towns of Chinon, and Langeais, the city of Amboise with its Royal Castle and the Clos de Lucé, and the castles of Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry.

Sitting on the River Loire banks, in the region of Pays-de-la-Loire, the city of  Saumur  has a pretty medieval Old Town to explore crowned by a fairytale medieval castle and plenty to see and do.

Saumur is a good base to explore the medieval towns of Chinon and Langeais, the city of Angers with its imposing medieval castle, the magnificent Abbey of Fontevraud – the burial place of the Plantagenets in France – and the castles of Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry.

Stay in One of the Château Hotels in the Loire Valley

For a total Loire Valley experience, stay a couple of nights in one of the wonderful château hotels in the Loire Valley.

Many Châteaux of the Loire Valley have found new lives as château hotels and now offer accommodation with discerning five-star service that will treat you like a royal, if only just for the night. Explore the best Castles of the Loire Valley during the day, and choose your particular château to rest your head at night.

Click here for the best chateau-hotels in the Loire Valley . Other château hotels in the Loire Valley worth considering are:

• Château de Noizay , near Amboise
• Domaine des Hauts de Loire , near Chaumont-sur-Loire
• Château d’Artigny  near Tours
• Château de Beauvois , near Villandry
• Château de Chissay , near Château de Chenonceau
• Château de la Menaudière , near Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Gizeux , near Tours
• Château de Marçay , near Chinon
• Château de Troussail , in Cheverny
• Château Belmont , in Tours
• Les Sources de Cheverny , in Cheverny
• Château de Perreux , near Amboise
• Château des Arpentis , near Amboise
• Château de Rochecotte , near Villandry, Rigny-Ussé and Chinon
• Château de Pray , near Amboise

In the Loire Valley, you will find some of the most beautiful French castles to visit . Most of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley were built during the Renaissance, so they are very different from the Château de Versailles and other  castles near Paris .

As there are several hundred châteaux in the Loire Valley, with about 100 open to the public, it’s quite difficult to choose only a few for your itinerary!

If you don’t know what castles to visit, this list of the best Châteaux of the Loire Valley may help. For a perfect Loire Valley itinerary, we recommend visiting only 2-3 castles a day and completing the rest of the days with other activities.

If you plan on visiting the Loire Valley during the high season, we recommend buying skip-the-line tickets to the most popular castles online. Below we list the Loire Castles you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• Château de Chambord
• Château de Blois
• Château d’Amboise
• Château du Clos de Lucé (in Amboise)
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Château de Villandry
• Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Chaumont sur Loire
• Royal Fortress of Chinon

If you want to visit more than two Châteaux during your Loire Valley trip, consider one of the following Châteaux de la Loire Passes with skip-the-line access to save time and money:

• Leonardo da Vinci Loire Valley Pass – Château du Clos Lucé + Royal Château d’Amboise + Château de Chambord
• Loire Valley Châteaux Pass – Château de Chambord + Château de Chenonceau + Château de Blois (or Château d’Amboise, or Château du Clos Lucé)
• Touraine Château Pass – Château de Villandry + Château d’Azay-le-Rideau + Royal Fortress of Chinon

The Loire Valley is dotted with some of the most beautiful medieval towns in France and other picturesque villages accredited with labels like “Plus beaux villages de France” (Most beautiful villages in France) or “Petites Cités de Caractère” (Small towns of character). You will certainly be charmed by their tuffeau stone houses, flower-filled streets, and medieval remains!

Here’s the list of the best small towns and villages in the Loire Valley:

Along the banks of the Loire River

• Meung-sur-Loire

Along the banks of the Vienne and Indre Rivers

Along the banks of the Cher River

• Montrichard

Other Loire Valley Villages Worth Exploring

• St-Florent-le-Vieil
• Yèvre-le-Châte
• Candes-Saint-Martin
• Crissay-sur-Manse
• Trentemoult

Taste the Wines of the Loire Valley

If you like French wine , we recommend visiting one or two wineries in the Loire Valley Wine Region , where you’ll learn about the history of the land and get to taste several local wines, sometimes paired with delicious cheeses. 

The Loire Valley is one of the largest wine regions in France. If you are looking for lighter wines, the wines of Loire Valley are right up your alley. There are great selections of lighter red wines, delicate, fruity white wines, sweet roses, and a large production of sparkling wines (named Crémants de Loire).

The Loire Valley Wine Region has different production zones. The production area closest to the main Châteaux of the Loire Valley is Touraine , located around the city of Tours.

East of Tours, the production is focused on white wines from Chenin grape variety (e.g. AOC Vouvray). West of Tours, is the land of red wines from Cabernet Franc grape variety (e.g. AOC Chinon, AOC Borgueil). The AOC Touraine produces light wines in three colors (white, red, rosé).

All these Loire Valley wineries offer top-rated tours and tastings in French and English. A visit to these wineries is also a great opportunity to buy excellent wines directly from the producers. Book your visit online in advance.

• Domaine Thierry Cosme  – AOC Vouvray
• Domaine Les Pièrres d’Aurèle  – AOC Touraine
• Domaine Cahterine et Michel Langlois  – AOC Pouilly Fumé
• Domaine Jean-Marc et Mathieu Crochet  – AOC Sancerre

If you don’t have a car, here are some suggestions for wine day tours in the Loire Valley:

• Loire Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Driver (departs from Tours and Amboise)
• Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis (departs from Tours)
• Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting (in Amboise, no transportation)

Other Fun Things to Do in the Loire Valley, France

Of course, the Loire Valley offers much more than sightseeing. If you are visiting the Loire Valley for more than two or three days, consider one of these fun activities for adventure lovers:

1. See the Loire Valley Castles from Other Points of View

A visit to the interior of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley is a must, but it’s worth viewing the Castles from other perspectives for more magnificent views.

Take a boat trip to see the Château de Chenonceau from the water . The Canoë Company  offers different boat tours that are guided or self-guided, with different itineraries.

You can also admire the Châteaux de Chenonceau (and the Loire Valley) from a hot-air balloon with  France Montgolfières . Our trip with them over Fontainebleau was an incredible experience that we recommend. You can check our review  here .

Another unique way to explore the Châteaux of the Loire Valley is a micro flight with a professional pilot . Flights last from 30 min to 1,5 hrs, depending on the chosen option. The departure point is 40km from Tours, and you will be able to admire the Châteaux de Chenonceau, Loches, Chaumont, and Amboise.

2. La Loire à Vélo (The Loire Valley by Bike)

Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Loire Valley by following part of the famous Loire Valley bike route . We have covered different sections already, and it’s always a fun experience!

3. Taste the Regional Food

France is well-known for its great food, and the Loire Valley region is no exception. Here’s a list of some delicious specialties from the Loire Valley:

• Game Meat  – Wild boar (sanglier), deer (cerf), duck (canard), quail (caille), pigeon and rabbit (lapin)
• Fish  – Commonly served fish in this region include pike perch/zander (sandre), bream (brème), and eels (anguilles). They are usually served with a butter sauce (beurre blanc)
• Goat Cheese  (chèvre) such as Saint Maure, Pouligny-St-Pierre, Selles-sur-Cher and Crottin de Chavignol
• Rillettes  – usually made using pork, it’s a textured pâté and served spread on bread
• Touraine Rillons  (Rillons de Touraine) – slow-cooked pork belly cubes
• Caramelized Apple pie  (Tarte Tatin) – this famous dessert comes from this region, and more specifically from Sologne

4. Shopping

Most of the Châteaux open to visitors have impressive souvenir shops with interesting history books and medieval-related merchandise.

If you take a wine tour, don’t miss the opportunity to buy a couple of your favorite bottles. Prices are always cheaper than in the wine shops in the city.

Look for the local markets for regional produce, cheese, rillettes, and local sweets.

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The 5 Best Loire Valley Tours From Paris [2024 Reviews]

Spanning a whopping 280 kilometres, the Loire Valley is a magestic UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates countless visitors every year.

While it is largely known for its delicious wines, its gorgeous gardens and charming villages make for a fantasy-like atmosphere worth visiting more than once.

No matter what your interests are, we’re sure you’ll find something to love about the area. If you’re in Paris, we highly recommend checking out one of the top Loire Valley tours that will show you all the best places to visit.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Loire Valley Day Trips From Paris

Quick answer: the 5 best rated loire valley day tours for 2024.

• Best Small Group Tour : Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip
• Best Private Tour : Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise
• Best Budget Tour : Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting
• Best Full Day Tour : Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris
• Best Tour With Lunch : Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

Loire Valley Tours From Paris Reviews

1. best small group tour: loire valley 3 best castles & wine tasting small-group day trip from paris.

• Duration: 12 hours
• Departure:  La Flamme, 6 Av. de Wagram, 75008 Paris
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes: Driver/guide, entrance tickets into Chambord Castle, entrance tickets into Chenonceau Castle, entrance tickets into Amboise Castle, fuel, parking fees, highway toll fees, transport by luxury van with air conditioning, wine tasting of 3 different French wines or 1 full glass of 1 French wine

Cracking things off, we bring you the Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip from Paris Tour . If you’re looking for a way to escape the city for a day and explore serene, fairytale-like scenery, you’re in for a real treat.

This tour provides all-day adventure where you’ll get to see everything from the largest chateau in the valley to the colorful gardens.

Ideal for small groups of 8 people of less, get ready for a day of personalized attention and seeing hidden gems larger groups aren’t able to. Lasting 12 hours long, the professional guides make sure everything goes on without a hitch.

You’ll meet at La Flamme in Paris at 7am and hope on board your private, luxury transportation. Your first stop will be at Chateau de Chambord, which is the largest in the entire Loire Valley.

With countless spires and a breathtaking double-helix staircase, you’re sure to enjoy walking around and taking some photos of this incredible architecture. Here, you’ll learn about Chambord and have time to walk around on your own.

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Chateau de Chenonceau or “the Ladies’ Chateau” as it’s called due to its history of being run by powerful women, offers a uniquely feminine touch.

Learn all about its unique history before heading to Chateau Royal d’Amboise – one of the oldest castles in the country. With magnificent views overlooking the wild Loire River, you’ll learn about its equally-wild history.

Head over to the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, where you’ll see the tomb of the legendary Italian artist, Leonardo Da Vinci. He actually spent the last years of his life serving the French King, and his architectural prowess was crucial to the Renaissance Chateau here.

Then, head down to the town of Amboise, with its charming homes and winding walkways. Here, take a break for a delicious lunch, with plenty of local restaurants and bakeries to enjoy.

After refueling, you’ll then see Place Michel Debre where you’ll visit a little wine vendor where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting of 3 different local wines.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other paris experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best private tour: loire valley castles vip private tour: chambord, chenonceaux, amboise.

• Duration: 13 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Includes: Private, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pick-up and drop-off, fees and taxes, local expert art historian guide

We know that the Loire Valley is impressive, no matter what kind of tour you take. However, a lot of the larger tours involve standing around or missing out on certain aspects due to the quantity of people in the group. If you want to make the most of your time there, we highly recommend checking out the Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise .

This tour is VIP in every way, starting out with a convenient hotel pickup bright and early in the morning. All you have to do is make sure you’re down in the lobby on time, and be ready to board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle!

Bring some nice walking shoes as you’ll be doing plenty of exploring of the grounds and inside the castles. Rather than a big coach, you’ll have a personal chauffeur in a car take you to each stop. Many of these stops aren’t possible in vans, so this is ideal!

The first stop of the day will be the Chateau Royal d’Amboise. This castle is most well-known for being the final resting place of da Vinci. However, many famous – if not notorious – French royals lived here throughout the 15 th through 19 th centuries.

With a local expert art historian to guide you, there’s no question you’ll learn all the ins and outs about this area throughout the centuries. Take a moment at Clos Lucé, known as the former official residence of da Vinci, and is a wonderful example of Renaissance art using brick and local tufa stone.

Next is the Chateau de Chenonceau, famous for bridging the Cher River. This chateau is the most famous in the valley, representing an architectural transition from Gothic to Renaissance.

It really looks like something out of a fairytale, with elaborate details and equally as detailed grounds. Chateau de Chambord is the next stop where you’ll take a tour of the grounds and inside, learning about the country’s 16 th -century architectural revolution.

Search For Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best budget tour: loire valley chambord & chenonceau castles day trip with wine tasting from paris.

• Departure: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
• Departure Time: 7:30 AM
• Includes: English-speaking tour guide, wine tasting in Château de Chenonceau, entrance ticket to Chambord and Chenonceau Castles, return transportation in an air-conditioned coach, free time in the town of Blois

Next, we bring you a slightly longer tour: the 13-hour Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting from Paris . If you love castles and stunning architecture, you’ll love this one as well.

Perfectly balancing tour time with free time, you’ll learn a lot but have the freedom to focus on what interests you most, as well. Your day will start off with you meeting your guide and the rest of your group outside the Paris Catacombs.

It’s time to take a day off from the hustle-and-bustle of the thriving capital and into the beautiful Loire Valley. You’ll board a private, air-conditioned coach with plenty of room and large windows for optimal viewing.

Your first stop will be Chateau de Chambord with this tour as well. Many will already feel familiar with the architecture, given that the turrets were the inspiration for the Beauty and the Beast Castle! Learn all about the architecture’s history, along with a staircase supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Now it’s time to head to Blois, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch in one of the many delicious restaurants around the fascinating Square Louis XII. We highly recommend checking out the Royal Castle of Blois, showing off various types of gorgeous architecture.

After refueling, head on over to the classy Chateau de Chenonceau, where you’ll be able to not only explore around the many rooms and stone carvings but enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting.

The area is known for its white wines, and you’ll get to enjoy these while checking out the main hall that spans the nearby river Cher.

If you’d like, you can elect to partake in an additional wine tasting down in the chateau’s vaulted wine cellar!

4. Best Full Day Tour: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris

• Duration: 12.5 hours
• Departure: 20 Pl. des Vins de France, 75012 Paris
• Departure Time: 7:00 am
• Includes:  Round trip by luxury coach from Paris with licensed guide (if option selected), round trip by luxury coach from Paris with audio guide (if option selected), entrance to 3 Loire Valley castles: Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny

One of the most stressful things about traveling is dealing with the crowds and waiting around. What if we told you that you could skip all of that and head straight to the good stuff? You can do just that with the Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris tour !

This 12.5-hour tour may last the entire day, but the way it’s planned out makes it perfect for the entire family – even kids! With round-trip transportation by a spacious, luxury coach, it’s very comfortable and easy to get around.

Start out first-thing in the morning by meeting your guide, and you’re off to the first stop on the tour! Thanks to the skip-the-line tickets, once you get to Chateau de Chambord, you’ll all head straight inside without the wait.

Your guide will offer an educational commentary on the royals that lived there, French aristocracy gossip, and the fascinating architecture. You’ll have plenty of time to roam around on your own, as well, taking photos and videos of one of the most famous castles in the world.

While the castle’s façade and estate are certainly impressive, when you come across the infamous double-helix staircase at the Domaine National de Chambord, you’ll become enamored like everyone else. It makes sense, then, that Leonardo da Vinci is rumored to be the brains behind the design!

The Chateau de Chenonceau is another favorite – known as the “ladies’ castle” due to the heavy female influence of those who lived and ruled here. Constructed in the early 1500s, it was the sight of many royal scandals, festivities, and in the 19 th -century, converted into a military hospital.

Learn about and enjoy some fine wine and French royal history before heading to Chateau de Cheverny.

This grandiose estate has been in the same family for over an impressive 6 centuries, originally buit by the Hurault family in the early 1600s. Learn all about the Cheverny wines, and try their delicious reds and whites.

5. Best Tour With Lunch: Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure Time: n/a
• Includes:  Lunch, driver/guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan, snacks

Last but certainly not least, we bring you the Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle ! If the other tours on our guide look enticing but you want something slightly shorter, check this one out.

Clocking in at 9 hours, it gives you plenty of time to learn and explore this picturesque area. There are two pickup spots available to make it easy to access, no matter where you are located in Paris.

However, the guides are very understanding and try to make things as easy as possible for everyone. You’ll board your air-conditioned coach with your guide/driver who will offer interesting commentary as you cruise through the beautiful valley.

Your first stop along the way will be to the Chateau de Chenonceau, which you’ve learned quite a bit about already!

The Renaissance architecture is captivating, no matter who you are. Sitting right over the Cher river, it’s unlike any other castle we’ve seen and is no wonder why it’s the most photographed in all of France.

Your guide will ensure you see the little nooks-and-crannies – the best views from spots most tourists don’t get to see. This guide is definitely one to remember, offering funny stories and vast knowledge of the area.

Make a stop in town to enjoy a relaxing lunch. You can go off on your own or stay with your group to chat about what you’ve seen so far before heading over to Chateau de Villesavin. This family-owned chateau also gives you the option of a traditional French lunch so the group can decide.

Don’t forget the Chateau de Chambord, where you’ll notice the clear influence of King Louis XIV, drawing many parallels to the Palace of Versailles.

You’ll be taken on a journey by a passionate local guide who will paint a picture – or movie, really – of what took place here. Then, follow it up with a tasty French aperitif.

Your Guide For Day Trips to the Loire Valley From Paris

Five must see destinations in the loire valley.

• Château de Chambord : This fairy-tale like castle is a must see for anyone visiting the Loire Valley. It was built for King Francis I, Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of design and engineering that has over 400 rooms. It has a double helix staircase with a stunning rooftop terrace that has panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
• Clos Lucé : Step inside the home of the genius Leonardo da Vinci where he lived and worked during his final years. This 15th-century chateau is a glimpse into the life and work of one of world’s greatest inventors and artists. Explore the gardens and visit the museum which houses a collection of models and drawings of da Vinci’s inventions.
• Chenonceau : Known as the “Château des Dames” for its association with a series of powerful women who owned and inhabited it over the centuries. Chenonceau is one of the most stunning chateaux in the region. Built on a bridge over the River Cher it boasts a unique and elegant design, beautiful gardens plus an impressive art collection.
• Villandry : With its magnificent gardens and beautifully restored Renaissance architecture, Villandry is a true gem of the Loire Valley. The chateau’s extensive gardens are a true feast for the senses that features terraces, fountains and an array of colorful flowers and plants arranged in intricate patterns.
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau : This charming castle, set on the banks of the Indre River is a perfect example of French Renaissance architecture. Its graceful design and tranquil setting make it a peaceful retreat.

One Day Itinerary For the Loire Valley From Paris

It can be challenging if you’re coming from Paris. We would recommend you spend the night in Amboise and start your journey in the heart of the region. The Loire Valley is two hours southwest of Paris by car so it will take some planning to see the highlights in one day.

A guided tour will take you from Paris to some of the Loire Valley’s most popular destinations. Most tour companies have day trips that include stops at several chateaux, such as Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise, as well as some of the region’s picturesque towns and villages. We highlight our favorites above!

If you want go on your own here is a sample itinerary that takes you to some of the area’s most beautiful and significant sites.

9:00am : Start your day in the picturesque town of Amboise where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the many charming cafes lining the streets. Be sure to try some of the local pastries such as croissants or pain au chocolate for an authentic taste of France.

10:00am : Head to the nearby Château Royal d’Amboise which is a stunning castle that was once the home of French kings. Walk through the castle and admire the incredible views of the Loire River from its terrace.

11:30am : From Amboise, take a short drive to the Château de Chenonceau that is one of the most beautiful and iconic chateaux in the region. With its unique location spanning across the River Cher, this chateau is a true architectural masterpiece.

1:00pm : It’s time for lunch! Check out one of the many restaurants in the area for a traditional French meal. Be sure to try some of the region’s famous wines such as Sancerre or Chinon to accompany your meal.

2:30pm : After lunch, head to the Château de Villandry which is known for its impressive Renaissance gardens. Take a walk through the gardens that has fountains, terraces and a wide variety of colorful flowers. The chateau is worth exploring with its beautiful architecture and history.

4:00pm : Finally, head to the nearby town of Tours, known for its charming streets and vibrant cultural scene. Take a walk through the historic center of the town, and explore the many shops, galleries and cafes that line the streets. Don’t forget to see the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Gatien which is a beautiful Gothic cathedral that is a true masterpiece of French architecture.

6:00pm : Head back to Amboise for dinner at one of the many restaurants. Enjoy some of the local specialties such as seafood or cheese from the nearby Loire Valley. Then head back to Paris to rest after an amazing whirlwind tour of the Loire Valley!

Tour Guides

The 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip is our Editors Choice for the best Loire Valley tour from Paris

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], 🍷 the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

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For a truly memorable stay in Touraine, see our irresistible offers in order to discover, explore and savour the region! Châteaux, gardens, art, vineyards and gastronomy, you'll find the essence of your stay here…

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Duration : 1h30 - Price : 10€ The Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office and the city of Tours offer a thematic tour of the Old Town of Tours, led by a guide. A guided tour of the emblematic Vieux Tours district around Place Plumereau, led by an expert guide.  Medieval half-timbered and stone houses stand side by side with exceptional townhouses. These mansions bear witness to the prosperity of this part of town, which grew up around a huge collegiate church dedicated to Saint Martin. Once home to the saint's body, it was the center of one of the oldest pilgrimages in Christendom. This tour has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label.

Explore the enchantment from 2 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, when seven of the most prestigious historic jewels - Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Langeais, Loches and Villandry - light up to celebrate the festive season. Immerse yourself in magical settings and discover the magic of Christmas, a captivating experience for all ages. For the duration of the event, take advantage of special rates with the 3, 5 and 7 Châteaux Pass to explore these magnificent sites, and grab exclusive offers from our local partners. Let yourself be carried away by the enchantment of Christmas and create magical memories at every turn.

Enjoy the destination's must-see attractions: Castle and Gardens of Villandry, Castle of Azay-le-Rideau, Castle of Tours, Centre of Contemporary Creation Olivier Debré, Fine Arts Museum, « Compagnonnage » Museum, Natural History Museum, Saint-Cosme Priory, Psalette Cloister and a guided tour of Tours. This 48h Pass also includes bike hire, access to the little tourist train (available end of March 2024) and exclusive benefits from our partners (e.g. €3 discount per player with Escape Yourself, 10% discount in the pub « Au temps des Rois »)

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. Program: 9.30am: Departure from Tours. Meet your friendly guide in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours (just in front of the train station). Everybody's here? Let’s start the day! 9:30am: Start in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours, and get into our minivan, off to Chenonceau! Next step is Château de Chenonceau! On the way, get a good look at lovely privately owned châteaux but also other must-see castles of Loire Valley such as: Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise, Montrichard... Chenonceau: this is the most visited historical monument in France after Château de Versailles. Admire this stunning chateau and its unique gallery, built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens à la Française named after the famous ladies who lived there: "Catherine de Médicis" and "Diane de Poitiers". Once inside, take your time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that prevails in each room of this renowned chateau, all decorated with beautiful antiques and the most divine fresh flower arrangements. The kitchens, the Queen bedroom, the Gallery... your tour guide will show you all the beautiful rooms of this incredible place. Lunch will take place off the beaten path. You will enjoy a typical French lunch in a lovely private château of Loire Valley, built by Jean le Breton! Start with the visit of this unique familly Château, meet the family and discover all the authentic rooms and lovely surroundings of this haven of piece. After the visit, hosted by the French Countess who lives there permanently, indulge in the nice and cozy atmosphere with tasty food and local Loire Valley wine. This experience will make you feel like the owner of the place! More than a chateau, this work of art is a glorious historical place that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley and the Renaissance era. Your guide will make this trip back in time a fun and captivating experience. He will tell you everything about the history of the castle, built by the famous King François 1er. Unforgettable! Once inside, your guide will select for you the most emblematic rooms to visit: the double helix staircase, the chapel, the terrace...He will also share with you memorable anecdotes and point at hidden details of interest and breathtaking views of the château. So get ready to travel back in time of French Renaissance! After this exceptional visit, your tour-guide will advise you some spots to get a impressive view of the chateau. A spectacular day you will never forget. 5.30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours

Duration : 45mn - Price : from 50 € Come aboard a tuk-tuk for an original tour of the city of Tours! For 45 minutes, Pascal will be delighted to take you to discover the city's most emblematic sites: the old town of Tours, Les Halles, the Quartier des Arts, the Basilica Saint-Martin and, of course, the riverside of the Loire.

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Here, events come and go and none is alike other ! The metropolis know how to cultivate its art of living. Numbers of events from traditionnal and old music, to gastronomy or sport are organized throughtout all seasons. This eclectic program also allows to discover some nice historic, or out the ordinary, places.

Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

How to come? What weather in Tours? Where to leave my luggage? Find all practical information here.

The Tourist Office is located: 78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy, 37000 Tours.

Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 7pm Sundays and public holidays: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm

For any information, please reach our team +33(0)2 47 70 37 37

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Embark on a Timeless Journey: Discover the Soul of the Loire Valley

Unveil the secrets of ancient châteaux and savor the enchanting landscapes with our expertly guided tours. Your story in the heart of France begins here

Uncover the Hidden Gems of the Loire Valley and Immerse yourself in an Experience Beyond the Ordinary

Embark on a memorable journey through France’s most captivating castles and gardens with our expert-guided tours. Venture with us, discovering tales as timeless as the Loire Valley’s châteaux and leave with memories that will last a lifetime. The beauty, history, and allure of the region await

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“Loire Valley Chateau Tours was born out of a passion for sharing the profound heritage and allure of the Loire Valley. We wanted to create a unique, enriching experience, far removed from the generic, crowded tours, allowing travellers to truly immerse themselves in the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.”

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“To provide you with seamless, insightful, and captivating journeys, unlocking the secrets and tales of the Loire Valley, and helping you to create unforgettable memories.”

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“We specialise in organising meticulously curated, small-group, slow travel tours, led by expert, bilingual guides passionate about bringing the history and romance of the Loire Valley to life. From the towering châteaux to the exquisite gardens, we unveil the hidden gems and lesser-known treasures, enriching your experience with in-depth insights and fascinating anecdotes.”

We really look forward to meeting you. Graham and Jacqueline

Every journey should be as unique as you are. Contact us to craft your personalized, bespoke tour of the Loire Valley, tailored to your interests and desires. Reach out today, and let’s start designing your perfect adventure!

Don’t hesitate! Drop us a message and step closer to your dream journey through the enchanting world of the Loire Valley’s châteaux and gardens. We’re eager to hear from you and to help you uncover the many treasures awaiting you!

Home » Itineraries » 4 Days: Paris & Loire Valley

Best of Loire Valley in Four Days

Private tours, free refunds & rescheduling, customizable itineraries, 4 day itinerary of the loire valley wine region.

Welcome to our 4-day guided itinerary through the enchanting Loire Valley, a region celebrated for its exquisite wines, breathtaking châteaux, and rich history. 

This itinerary invites you to savor the finest vintages, explore architectural marvels, and immerse yourself in the lush landscapes that have inspired poets and artists alike. Each day unfolds with new discoveries, blending the art of winemaking with the timeless beauty of the French countryside, ensuring a memorable escape into the heart of France’s most renowned wine region.

Tour highlights:

• Blois Day Tour
• Chenonceau & Wine Tasting
• Loire Villages

What is included:

• Certified English-Speaking Expert Local Guides
• Complimentary Bespoke Tour Itinerary
• Select Central Luxury Accommodations
• Luxury Air Conditioned Vehicles for Tours & Transfers
• Unbeatable Refund Guarantee
• Skip-The-Line Tickets & Entrance Fees
• 24-7 In-Country Support

Day 1: Arrival in the Loire Valley

Your 4-day Loire Valley adventure begins with collection at Charles de Gaulle Airport by your private driver-guide or directly from your accommodation, offering a seamless transfer to the heart of the Loire Valley. 

Celebrated as the Garden of France, this region is adorned with lush orchards and vibrant farms, and is acclaimed for producing some of the world’s finest wines. Alongside its vinicultural prestige, the Loire Valley boasts an array of extravagant and opulent châteaux, making it a must-visit destination for discerning travelers from around the globe.

Our first stop is Blois, a stunning Medieval city filled with narrow cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses as well as an imposing chateau and cathedral.

Our private tour starts at the chateau which was built between the 13th and 17th C and home to 7 Kings and 10 Queens of France.

Each wing of the chateau represents a different architectural style as different Kings added their own extensions to the building. 

Truly spectacular is the Octagonal exterior stone spiral staircase that is housed in the Renaissance wing which consists of two interlocking but independent spirals so that it is possible for two people to ascend and descend without crossing one another’s path. It is widely speculated that Leonardo had a role in the design of this magnificent staircase.

These are not the only famous steps in Blois, your tour will also include a visit to the Denis Papin staircase which links the old to the new town. Every year the 120 steps are decorated according to the main stories in the region – recently a huge portrait of the Mona Lisa was represented on the stairs to commemorate 500 years of Renaissance Art.

Enjoy the afternoon exploring St Louis cathedral and the adjacent Jardins de L’eveche which give uninterrupted views across the whole of the valley.

Evening tour

Prior to dinner, your guide will take you back to the chateau of Blois where you can watch a ‘ son et Lumiere ‘ (light and sound) show displayed across the walls of the castle that depicts the most famous events in the Castle’s history.

Day 2: Chenonceau & Wine Tasting

Your day starts with a visit to one of the prettiest chateaus of the region – Chenonceau and the second most visited château after Versailles. Known as the Château des dames, this chateau’s building and gardens were presided over by generations of women and are a combination of Renaissance and Gothic architecture.  When Catherine de Medici first saw the chateau she fell in love with it and forced the owner ( the Duchess Diane de Poitiers ) to hand the castle over in 1560. Catherine’s son Francis II got married to Mary Queen of Scots at the castle – more recently the castle played a part in the first and second world wars and was used as a hospital as well as a refuge for people fleeing the then Nazi Germany.

One of the reasons the chateau survived the French revolution is that the chateau itself is also a bridge over the Cher and thus vital for commerce and travel given the nearest other river crossing was several miles away.

Following the tour, your chauffeur will then take you to one of the many independent wineries in the region for your own private tasting. The river Cher valley is an incredible wine region and it was in the 18th Century that vines were planted but it was only in 2011 that the region’s winegrowers got the right to use the new appellation of  ‘Touraine Chenonceaux ‘ Touraine Chenonceaux covers an area of barely 40 hectares spread over 27 villages. Less than forty winegrowers are entitled to produce wine of the appellation.

Day 3: Loire Villages

Set out this morning and explore some of the beautiful villages that can be found nestled across the banks of the river. Your day will be sure to include a visit to one or 2 of the local markets to sample local delicacies as well as a visit to a local patisserie where you will be given a private tasting with a local award-winning pastry chef.

Day 4: Chambord

No trip to the Loire would be complete without visiting the truly incredible chateau of Chambord, the park and grounds of the castle alone are as big as central Paris and it is the largest park in Western Europe covering 5440 hectares and 32 kilometers of walls.

Commissioned by King Francis I and imagined by the great Leonardo da Vinci, the Château de Chambord is the largest and most majestic castle of the Loire. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site calls the site “the architectural equivalent of the Mona Lisa.” The incredible double-helix staircase is just one reason. It is a world-renowned, architectural marvel!  The palace comprises 426 rooms, 83 staircases, 282 fireplaces as well over 4,500 objets d’art on display in superbly recreated apartments in the chateau.

In 2001 a study started aimed to replicate exactly the palace gardens as created during the reign of Louis XIV and in 2017 this study finally came to fruition with the reopening of the gardens. 

The result today is incredible and awe-inspiring with more than 800 shrubs, 600 trees, over  200 rose bushes, 15,250 border plants, and 18,874 m² of lawns. A garden fit for a King!

Your private tour will end with a visit around the gardens before heading back to Paris.

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Salut from France! I’m Debbie, founder of Luxury France Tours.

Having developed into a Francophile on a trip to the French Alps many years ago while still in school, I moved to France after a career traveling the world led to me meeting my (now) French Husband in Johannesburg. I created Luxury France Tours as a way of sharing my love of France & igniting this passion in others.

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The ultimate travel agency in the Loire Valley

• Fully guided 5 days
• Fully guided 3 days
• Fully guided over 5 days
• Loire Valley Day Tour
• Semi guided Loire Valley Tour
• Full wine tour
• Day wine tour
• Gourmet tour
• Family tour
• Cycling tour
• Romantic tour
• Garden tour
• Hot air balloon ride
• Helicopter flight
• Canoe on the Loire river
• French cooking class
• The VIP services
• Normandy tour
• Versailles or Giverny
• And beyond ...
• Loire Valley Chateaux
• Loire Valley Wines
• Travel guide

Testimonials

• 2024 Brochure

Loire Valley Tours

Ask for your own trip

Each client is unique, each tour we build is special. Get inspired by the itineraries presented on the website and request your own tour, according to your time of arrival, length of stay and interests.

Contact RiverLoire

Loire Valley Day tour

Highlights: 2 or 3 castles, wine tasting, private boat ride, cooking lesson with a private chef, visit of a goat farm, etc.... in fact everything you want ! Date: All year along Transportation: Fully chauffeured private luxury car with your guide Accommodation: N/A  

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Price & inclusions

You don’t have much time, but there is this one castle you have always wanted to see, this wine you have heard so much about, this market/church/restaurant you just need to check while in France…You don't have to worry, we will organise it for you :

We will pick you up at 9:15am in a luxury Audi or Mercedes , directly at your hotel or guest house so that you don't have  wait for others to join before departing, (Yes , we know, many visitors complains about the "small group" tours, where you must follow the pace and spend the day waiting for the others passengers, crowed in a mini van... but this is NOT the idea of a private tour with Riverloire :).

Here are some great ideas of the day tours of the Loire Valley we organize :

The icons of the Loire Valley tour :

Visit the Chateau of Chambord and Chenonce and why not add a wine tasting in a private cellar, the visit of a goat farm or a private boat ride on the river with a glass of Vouvray ?

The craddle of the Renaissance tour :

The Royal castle of Amboise and Clos lucé , the last residence of Leonardo da VInci. Our friendly guide will walk with you in the charling litlle town of Amboise for a a true discovery of the Loire Valley culture and history.

Medieval times, costumes and wines of the Loire Valley :

The castle of Villandry and its beautiful gardens, Langeai s and a tour int he wine country of Chinon and Bourgueil , some of the best wines of the Loire Valley !

A one day private cruise aboard a traditionnal boat privatized for you

The bargeman and the captain will be happy to welcome you onboard. You will discover the charm of the manual locks and you will have the opportunity to actually pass under the arches of the prestigious Chenonceau castle.

A private cooking Class with one of the best Chef of the Loire Valley. 

Yes, a Michelin star chef is a friend of us, and will share with you some of his secrets in the kitchen of a private manor ! While your "chef d'oeuvre" are baking, follow the landlord in his personnal and taste some great wine of the Loire Valley.Tell us about your secret dream and we will arrange a special day tour just for you, to make your Loire Valley dream comes true.

And many others  great sites of the Loire Valley, like Chateau de Blois, Chaumont, Cheverny or Azay le Rideau, or explore the wine areas of Vouvray , Montlouis , or Sancerre , or discover the Loire Valley from above with a hot air balloon ride or onboard an helicopter.

Tell us your dream, what you like and don't like. Claire, Josepha or Thierry will make you great suggestions for you memorable day tour in the Loire Valley. Challenge us !

This day tour is one of our guest favorites, as it gives an overall view of the region, but once again, all our tours are custom made and we will be happy to craft a special itinerary just for you.

Willing to discover some of the greatest Loire Valley Chateaux and learn more about the French Renaissance? Then this tour is designed for you!

A RiverLoire member will pick you up at Saint Pierre des Corps train station/ or your hotel and a short drive will lead you along the Cher River. You will start the day with a privately guided visit of the icon of the Loire Valley: the Chateau of Chenonceau.

Chenonceau is a supreme example of Renaissance architecture, set on its arches of stone, withstands the challenges of time. Inside, you will discover magnificent furniture. You will then appreciate the two lovely gardens , designed by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici.

Have lunch in Amboise at the foot of the castle and take a short walk in the pedestrian streets of this renaissance town.

you will enjoy the private guided tour of the Royal Castle of Amboise . Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, this truly royal castle introduced Italian style and taste into the Loire Valley.

Then your guide will walk you to the Clos Lucé , Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence, located at 10 minutes’ walk from the castle of Amboise. The gardens and grounds display his inventions, a beautiful tribute to a genius.

Finally a short drive across the vineyards will lead us to Vouvray for a visit of a troglodyte wine cellar and a wine tasting , to beautifully finish the day !

Each day tour is different with its own compenent, but the price of a typical day tour will start at € 190,00 per person on a basis of 4 persons .

It includes:

• Welcome and pick-up at the train station or at your hotel by your private guide ( remember, with Riverloire you don't have to go to a point of collect nor wait for other people )
• All transportation in a deluxe vehicle
• All the entrance fees
• The gourmet lunch with drinks included
• Wine tasting, as per the intinerary
• Fees and taxes

If you’ve just returned from this “Loire Valley Day tour” tour we’d love to hear from you...

Jim (USA), a tripadvisor review (5 stars) - April 2024

Carel (Ireland), a tripadvisor review (5 stars) - July 2023

Elizabeth (USA), a tripadvisor review (5 stars) - June 2022

Scott (USA), a tripadvisor review (4 stars) - March 2022

Christina (USA) a review from TripAdvisor (5 stars) - December 2019

Keith (USA), a tripadvisor review (5 stars) - May 2019

Nicole (USA) - May 2019

Brad (USA) - April 2019

Courtney (USA), a tripadvisor review (5 stars) - November 2018

Tim (Italy), a tripadvisor review (5stars) - October 2018

Send us your review

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Riverloire is the first and only travel agency exclusively dedicated to luxury travel in the Loire Valley  - © 2022 RIVERLOIRE

BEST LOIRE VALLEY FRANCE TOUR

Exclusive small group tours of loire valley, by france off the beaten path tours.

RATED EXCELLENT WITH 500+ REVIEWS

2019 WINNER!! 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR!

RECOMMENDED BY FROMMER’S FRANCE!

About our Loire Valley France Tour

Come travel the back roads of Loire Valley, France during our 6 day/5 night, active, small group tour through  a region of France, called the “Centre” that offers an enriching opportunity to discover spectacular Medieval and Renaissance history through fun and factual, sizzling stories and to make many great memories meeting and spending time with our local friends.

One of our most historically rich tours, our guided, small group Loire Valley Castles and Gourmet Tour stands out as a true gem thanks to our long-standing presence in the Loire Valley region and our established local relationships with the region’s most highly recognized professionals. We have established personal relationships with our partners in the Loire Valley, who are not only renowned Michelin-star and Master Chefs, wine-makers, and specialty artisans but are also our personal friends. We cherish our local Loire Valley friends and the partnerships we’ve built over the years. Discover the Loire together with us through our eyes;  warmly welcomed to the homes, professional kitchens, and workshops of our friends. Step back in time each day of our Loire Valley Tour, enjoying racy stories of obsession, love, lust, and deception. You will truly feel like you are strolling through the pages of a storybook. Our specialist guides recount sketchy stories, the dirty dish, gossip of the kings, queens, and their courts, and factual events of French history in a unique and entertaining way.

We embark on daily visits, activities, and excursions that unveil magical and sometimes mythical and gruesome stories that, by the end of the tour, you will be wholly transformed and have a new appreciation for these historical periods and the characters who animated them.  Our years of connections and insider access to the region’s people, places, and events have earned us an exceptional reputation as authorities on everything cultural in the Loire Valley. We use our “savoir-faire” to ensure you experience the best of the region, its castles, history, and people in a fun and memorable small group environment. Through our combination of active, cultural, and personalized authentic local French experiences, you will feel like you just spent a week with a beautiful group of friends rather than having been on a tour.

WHAT MAKES OUR LOIRE VALLEY TOURS EXCEPTIONAL?

FRANCE IS OUR FOCUS AND SPECIALTY… We know France Best!

As France’s leading Loire Valley tour operator, in 2025, we will celebrate 31 years of leading small group tours in France. Our guided, small group Loire Valley Tours surpass guest expectations every time, thanks to our long-standing presence in the region and France and our established local relationships. Come meet and share convivial moments with our professional friends in the Loire Valley. We cherish our friendships, built on years of discovering France together, and delight in sharing these magical experiences with you.

• Our years of connections and insider access to people, places and events of the region have earned us a solid and excellent reputation as authorities on everything cultural in the Loire Valley.
• We use our “savoir faire” to ensure you experience the very best of the Loire Valley, its castles, history, and people in a fun and memorable small group environment.
• Through our combination of active, cultural, and personalized authentic French experiences, you will feel like you spent a week with a wonderful group of friends rather than having been on a tour.

Who are Off the Beaten Path, LLC Loire Valley France Tours designed for?

No experience necessary… Our Loire Valley France Tours are designed for active, English speaking travelers, and include a variety of engaging excursions from privately hosted cooking classes, wine tasting, artisan and castle tours, lunches, dinners, and cheese tasting to privately guided visits learning the juicy side of French history with our expert, professional award-winning tour guides. Enjoy leisure time daily, and five nights at one boutique hotel (NO HOTEL HOPPING), as well as sumptuous meals throughout. It’s vacation, and Off the Beaten Path’s Loire Valley France Tours are all about having fun, being active, and enjoying authentic experiences with our local friends!

• Enjoy guided tours and leisure time to discover the 4 BEST and most historically rich castles of the Loire Valley — Chenonceau Castle, Chambord Castle, Royal Blois Castle & Royal Amboise Castle.
• Participate in 2 private and fun, hands-on cooking classes that are more foodie experiences with our local French friends — one is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chef who works alongside Alain Ducasse, and formerly worked alongside Paul Bocuse and Joel Robuchon, and welcomes you to his family home in the French countryside, and our 2nd Chef is a Michelin rated chef, and welcomes you to his professional working kitchen.
• Indulge in a VIP winery tour & wine tasting with local friends at their family winery followed by a privately hosted lunch at their family home.
• Enjoy Classified Touraine Wines — No meal is complete in the Loire without tasting the fruits of the region, mainly those sumptuous grapes that local vintners transform into some of France’s best loved wines.
• Savor “Touraine” Foodie specialties during a hosted cocktail evening, and float on the Loire River at sunset amidst the castles sprinkled along the river banks with our friend Aurelien on his traditional flat-bottom boat.
• Learn about France’s famous cheeses with our chef friends.
• EMAIL US  or  CALL or message us at +1.717.683.2827 with your questions and requests, or  Book a Loire Valley Tour Now !
• Follow us on Facebook at France Off the Beaten Path Tours !  Follow our YouTube channel FrenchDish !

RATED 5 STARS BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY TOUR GUESTS

OVER 500 VERIFIED FIVE-STAR REVIEWS ON TRUSTPILOT

Loire Valley

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A WORD FROM Our Guests:

Exceeded our expectations.

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)

Touraine Val de Loire – ADT de la Touraine EN

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Visit Tours, the gateway city of the Loire Valley

Home › Discover › Tours and the finest cities in Touraine › Visit Tours, the gateway city of the Loire Valley

Beautiful, vibrant and lively, Tours is a pretty stopping point during a couple of days in the middle of the Loire Valley Chateaux . Tour its historic quarters with their half-timbered houses, the bustling Place Plumereau and Saint-Gatien Cathedral, as well as the new Olivier Debré Contemporary Art Centre.

On sunny days, the star of Tours is the River Loire! The now famous ‘Tours-sur-Loire’ guinguette  and the Tours beach extend the city limits to the banks of the river. Numerous activities are offered.

Tours is packed with gourmet bistros featuring fresh, locally sourced produce on their menus. You should taste the nougat of Tours , the potted rillettes of Tours, the saffron , or the "poires tapées" (dried pears). Genuinely unique!

Tours – A tale of two cities

In a perfect location, Tours is the great capital of the Loire Valley, a Unesco world heritage site, but it is far more than just a gateway to the Loire Chateaux. Indeed, Tours delights in being charming and doesn’t think twice about playing a double game in order to do so.

Visit Tours and its architecture full of history

First of all, there is its historical heritage. The birthplace of  Balzac   (more than fifty books to read) is proud of its old quarters , which take visitors on a wonderful journey back in time in France. Explore the narrow cobbled streets,  half-timbered french houses and the stone façade of the monumental  Saint-Gatien Cathedral , which give the city a charming medieval air.

The architecture of the Fine Arts Museum , the Hotel Gouïn  (Renaissance architecture),  Tours castle , the ‘la Psalette’ cloister and the Saint Martin Basilica (near the “tour Charlemagne” and the “tour de l’horloge”) is of great interest! You will enjoy those monuments through a illuminated walking experience , and of course with a guided tour proposed by the tourist office.

Tours - Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Château de Tours - Illuminated walking experience

Tours, a beautiful city in France

In addition to the built heritage, large green spaces perfectly enhance the french city. Designed in the 19th century and classified as a remarkable garden, the Prebendes d’Oe garden is a perfect example, as is the botanic garden and the Gloriette park . Attached to the latter, the practice of La Gloriette Golf may allow you to make your first swing!

You have a few days ahead of you?   Renting a bike , you will cycle from Tours to :

• the St Cosme priory (4km / 14 min),
• the Montbazon fortress (15km / 56 min),
• Vouvray wineries ( Château Gaudrelle , Vigneau-Chevreau …).
• the gardens of Villandry (19km / 1h03),
• the Valmer gardens (19km / 1h06).

The gardens of Villandry castle. France

It is also very pleasant to go shopping, to have a look at the exhibitions at the new  Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre and at the Arts district , to relax at the summer ‘guinguette’, situated along the banks of the Loire River from which you can see the traditional boats (belonging to the Boutavant association ). You may also like to go on board for a fifty minute cruise on the river !

Tours - Boutavant boat on the River Loire

Visit Tours - Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre

For night owls , a stopover in Tours also gives them an opportunity to treat themselves to a show, an evening in one of the many bars and cafés in the Old Town or a front seat at the free sound and light show  projected onto the Fine Art Museum façade every evening in the summer.

Some more pictures of Tours:

The Plumereau square

The Art Deco American Memorial

The Monster of Xavier Veilhan

The Jean Jaurès Square, with the Tours City Hall.

Visit Tours in video

Tours is the ideal place to spend a night as it is situated close to the main Loire Valley chateaux, along the Loire by bike trail , along the GR3 pedestrian route and on the way to Santiago de Compostela !

Practical: Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office

Book tickets, guided tour, day trip, activities for groups: www.tours-tourisme.fr/en +033 (0)2 47 70 37 37

Visit Amboise and Chenonceau, jewels of the Renaissance

Find your accommodation, visit loches, town of art and history., visit chinon and azay-le-rideau, lands of sharing, discover beautiful villages, "the mag': inspirations and magical experiences", accommodation: find out what’s new.

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Loire Valley Wine Tour

Loire valley wine tour.

Private Wine Tours / Vineyard Tours / Chateaux Tours / Tour Guides

Top Loire Valley Tours

Our most popular private wine tours at a glance.

Touraine-Chenonceau tour

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Wine Tasting a la carte

Taste and discover a wide selection of the wines of the Loire Valley, one of the major wine-producing regions of France.

• Bourgueil Red
• Cheverny Red, white, rosé
• Chinon Red, white
• Cour-Cheverny White
• Montlouis-sur-Loire White, sparkling, sweet
• Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Red
• Touraine Red, white, rosé, sparkling
• Touraine-Amboise Red, white, rosé
• Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau White
• Touraine-Chenonceaux Red, white
• Touraine-Noble-Joué Rosé
• Touraine Oisly White
• Valençay Red, white, rosé
• Vouvray White, sparkling, sweet
• Pouilly-Fumé White
• Quincy White
• Reuilly Red, white
• Sancerre Red, white

Discover the Loire Valley, its sights and tastes from €220

Exclusive, tailor-made and private guided tours for the discerning visitor.

Sightseeing tour booking

Aristocratic chateaux, classic and modern gardens, ancient churches, quaint villages, caves housing mushrooms, wine and people; not for nothing is the Loire Valley a UNESCO world heritage site. Let us show you some of the famous and lesser known treasures of the region.

Wine tour booking

Wine is at the heart of the Loire Valley and we have discovered many splendid vineyards, wineries and wine makers which we would love to share with you. We are on hand to explain the appellations and grape varieties of the wine areas, and to organise the tastings.

Tour guide booking

Travel professionals sometimes just need a guide to accompany their clients and help them get the best from the region. If you have organised transport and accommodation, we can handle the rest. Vineyards, castles, gardens and restaurants. Let us be your local experts.

Holiday cottage booking

Attached to our Loire Valley home are two holiday cottages, available for weekly rental. Ideally placed for exploring the region with a heated swimming pool waiting at the end of a busy day. The cottages date back to the 16thC but have been recently restored to a high standard.

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Some good reasons.

Loire Valley Wine Tour - your first choice for private tours of the Loire Valley

Premium tours

All our tours feature high quality vehicles and a personal guide. Tours are in English. Lunch and entrance fees are included in the tour price.

Happy Customers

Off the peg tours? Of course. Made to measure? No problem. Clients rate us highly on Trip Advisor because we try harder.

Helpful Support

We respond rapidly to your enquiries. We reply to emails promptly and courteously. Or you can contact us by telephone.

Get started with your Loire Valley Wine Tour

Booking a tour could hardly be easier. Just follow these simple steps and you could be visiting the region in the hands of an expert guide in the very near future.

• 1 Select your preferred tours
• 2 Select dates and options
• 3 Contact us to confirm availability
• 4 Pay your deposit and book

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Srn member links, 8 spectacular loire valley wines up to 91 points.

Explore this leading French wine region with new reviews of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, sparkling wine and more from Sancerre, Vouvray and beyond, with most prices under $35

• Kristen Bieler

As summer transitions into the early days of fall, I find myself craving white wines that offer a little more body in addition to plenty of refreshment. The Loire Valley's Vouvray appellation is a source of exactly this type of wine. Made from Chenin Blanc and offering a delicious mix of warm apple, spice and salt notes, this white channels an autumnal spirit.

Some wine drinkers still dismiss Vouvray, as it was once thought of as a source of lesser-quality sweet wines; but the region is reclaiming its regal status thanks to an ambitious new generation of producers crafting terroir -driven Chenin Blancs. The father-and-son team of François and Julien Pinon are definitely on that list. François took over his family’s generations-old estate three decades ago, and the Pinons now craft a range of styles, including their standout sec (meaning "dry") version.

This lineup also includes Hubert Brochard's Sancerre Château de Thauvenay Terres Blanches 2023, a medium-bodied white with melon and white cherry notes. Read on to get our score and full tasting note for this fantastic Loire Valley wine and seven others.

Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent ratings—including scores and full tasting notes—to WineSpectator.com members.

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Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

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