Day excursions

The day will begin with a visit to Château de Chenonceau, a historic gem spanning the Cher River, surrounded by beautiful gardens designed by Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. You will then have free time for lunch in Amboise (not included), before visiting the Clos Lucé, the residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Finally, you'll explore the prestigious Château Royal d'Amboise, a royal retreat and the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci.   Our team will accompany you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.   After this fascinating day, Val de Loire Travel will return you to your departure point (your accomodation or the Tourist Office).

Departing from the Tourist Office in Tours, set off in an 8-seater minibus for an excursion including 3 visits. THE CASTLE OF BLOIS. One of the most prestigious testimonies of Renaissance art in France, a perfect illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. After discovering the courtyard and its famous spiral staircase, built at the time of François 1er, you can discover the residence of Catherine de Médicis and Henri III, which was the scene of the assassination of the Duke de Guise and the Gaston d'Orléans wing designed by François Mansart. Lunch in a restaurant in Blois. THE CASTLE OF CHAMBORD. More than 5 centuries after its construction, it still defies the imagination: 156 meters of facade, 56 meters high, 440 rooms... It is the dream come true of a young 25-year-old king: François I, who wanted to build the most sumptuous hunting rendezvous that history has bequeathed to us. CHÂTEAU DE CHEVERNY, which served as a model for Hergé to design Moulinsart, will surprise you with the richness and density of its furniture and the authentic and refined charm of its decoration. The Domaine de Cheverny belongs to the Hurault family, great figures and advisers to Kings Louis XII, François I, Henri III and Henri IV. This excursion is available on saturday from April to November. Depending on the programming of the minibuses, the program is likely to be modified. Departure is guaranteed from 4 people, a refund will be made if the number is not reached

We will start our day by visiting the Chateau of Langeais, the oldest forteress of the Loire Valley with its 10th century donjon (keep). Its main facade still has medieval characteristics yet, its opposite part has been renovated in the 16th century, which gives it a Renaissance charm. In 1491, Charles the 7th and Anne of Brittany’s marriage signed the annexation of the Duchy to French kingdom. A collection of tapestry, furniture and objects from the 15th century awaits you there.   We will cross over the Loire river to go to the Chateau of Villandry, known for its French gardens that makes it one of the most beautiful garden in France. It is divided in 3 patios: the 1st one is a mix of vegetables, fruit trees and vines, the 2nd one is made of sculpted bushes, and the last one is a water garden.   After the lunch break, we will continue our memorable day by visiting the Chateau of Chenonceau, also known as the « Ladies’ Chateau » which was embellished by famous women, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. This elegant structure built on the river will mesmerize you with its unique Renaissance architecture, furniture and gardens that will make you daydream. We will finish our excursion by visiting the Royal Chateau of Amboise, which was Francis the 1st’s main residence. With its Gothic and Renaissance styles, the chateau will make you fall in love its panoramic view on the valley. And you must not forget about the St. Hubert’s chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci rests in peace.

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: Free time 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