Day excursions

Whether you're a lover of heritage, nature or simply looking for an original getaway, this day promises to be a real trip back in time! 9:15 Departing from the Tourist Office, treat yourself to a magical day on board a comfortable minibus, exploring four of the Loire Valley's most fascinating gems: Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Langeais and Ussé. Let yourself be seduced by... ... the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a fairytale castle set in lush greenery. Its Renaissance architecture and gardens will transport you back in time, while offering exceptional panoramic views. ... the Château and gardens of Villandry, renowned for its sumptuous formal gardens. Each flowerbed and avenue of greenery tells a story, and you'll be amazed by the precision and elegance of this unique place. Lunch at the Château de Villandry restaurant. Then off to... ... the Château d'Ussé, a veritable fairytale castle that inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty. Its turrets, gardens and magical atmosphere will have you dreaming of princes and princesses. ... the Château de Langeais, a medieval fortress that plunges you into the history of royalty. Its imposing towers and architecture will take you back in time, with fascinating stories of royal marriages and court intrigues. 17:45 Return to Tours by minibus. End of the tour. This tour is available on Mondays and Fridays from April to November. It can be combined with :  Royal Day Renaissance Day Depending on the minibus schedule, the excursion programme may be subject to change. Departures are guaranteed from 4 people, a refund will be made if the number is not reached.

Let’s go for a full-day excursion to discover: IN THE MORNING THE CHATEAU OF AMBOISE: built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries on the orders of Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I, the Chateau of Amboise was one of the first truly “royal” residences. It is a prestigious example of combined Gothic and Renaissance architecture with Saint Hubert chapel where Leonardo da Vinci rests. THE CLOS LUCE - PARC LEONARDO DA VINCI in Amboise: last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Visit of the castle, its 40 fabulous machines and the landscaped course. Lunch in a restaurant in Amboise. IN THE AFTERNOON THE CHATEAU OF CHENONCEAU: built in the sixteenth century, one of the purest early French Renaissance style works, constructed on the foundations of an ancient fortified water mill in the river bed itself. This excursion is available on tuesday and friday 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  

Discover the Valley of the Kings by electric bike! Between lush forests and memorable castles, you are not about to forget this day. Full day on an electric bike in Chambord Park!   Program:  2:00 pm: Start at the Tourist Office in Tours and get into our minivan to Chateau de Villesavin.   The “discovery of the Valley of the Kings” day can begin!   What better way to discover the castles of the Loire than an electric bike tour. You will visit two magnificent castles: a charming family property and the prestigious Château de Chambord. Then have lunch in Chambord Park, and stroll through the estate, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. In e-bike mode, your perception changes and this excursion will allow you to enjoy this magnificent region “à la française!”.    10:15 am: Departing from a beautiful family chateau where we will taste local products later in the day, take the time to discover the charming French countryside on this e-bike ride during 15 miles.   Cross with your guide the monumental forest of Chambord, a veritable green lung of 13.000 acres enclosed by 20 miles of walls, unique in Europe. After about 35 minutes, you will finally see the sumptuous Château de Chambord, symbol of the French Renaissance in the Loire Valley.   11:00 am: Start of the guided tour of Chambord, your guide will show you the emblematic rooms of this castle still shrouded in mystery. A free time will allow you to walk where you want and review the pieces that you have preferred.   12:30 pm: For lunch, your guide will show you the different options around the Château de Chambord: restaurant, crêpes, burgers, sandwichs…   2:00 pm: Return to Château de Villesavin, “Chambord site hut” built by Jean le Breton, minister of François 1er, and supervisor of the works of the Château de Chambord.   2:45 pm: Visit of the interior of this charming little family castle, property since the 1930s and still the main home of the Count and Countess. You will also have free time to stroll around the estate and visit the various points of interest of the property (wedding museum, dovecote, small farm, etc.)   3:30 pm: Bucolic snack under the linden tree planted in 1900 with local produce such as apple juice, strawberries and biscuits from the Chambord biscuit factory.   6:00pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours

We will start our day with Acco Dispo 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 in Villandry, we will go towards the Chateau of Ussé - known as the "Sleeping Beauty’s Castle”, which inspired Charles Perrault. This property is a combination between Gothic and Renaissance architectures, as well as an expansion done in Classic style. We will finish our day with the visit of the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, its elegant facades are like a jewel trapped between sky and river. You will discover its 500 years old framework, as well as furniture and tapestries from different periods, in the living rooms.