A day to discover the best of the Loire Valley, with or without transport, tickets for the sites or lunch, find the offer that suits you!
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
Guided wine-tour to discover the exceptional diversity of Loire Valley wines with a local passionate guide from VinoLoire Wine tour company. This day tour include visits in great vineyards but also a gastronomic Pic-Nic in the vineyard (or at the winery) made from local products in a farm to table spirit. 9:00 am: Departure from the tourist office in Tours. Transport in a comfy and fully equipped Mercedes minivan. Visit in Vouvray vineyard Start your day with a first stop in the vineyard to learn about the vine-grower work Visit of an impressive rock hewn cellar used to age sparkling wine called “Méthode traditionnelle” Taste a large range of white and sparkling wines from a family estate in Vouvray This first will be paired with local cheeses (goat, sheep, cow cheeses, ...) Visit in Bourgueil vineyard Visit a second winery working organically Enjoy the visit of this very different family estate Learn more about Bourgueil red wines and the different style of Cabernet Franc produce in this area Gastronomic Pic-Nic in the vineyard Enjoy your Pic Nic in the heart of the vineyard (or at the winery) Meal prepared by a Chef using only local products : “Farm to table” style lunch Other wines from Bourgueil are included On your way, discover the quaint town of Chinon Visit in Chinon vineyard Explore an outstanding underground cellar Very unique place made with "passion and heart" Taste a range of organic red and rosé wines from Chinon Wine tasting could be paired with other local products (charcuteries, rillons, ...) Around 6:30pm: Drop off at Tours tourist office
We will start our day with Acco Dispo following the Loire river to Amboise, where you will find on the top of a spur of rock, 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 with its panoramic view on the valley. you must not forget about the St. Hubert’s chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci rests in peace. After the lunch break in the old town, we will go towards the Sologne region in order to visit the Chateau of Cheverny which has been in the same family for more than 600 years. This beautiful classical edifice inspired Hergé’s Marlinspike Hall in ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ comics. We will finish our excursion with the breath taking Chateau of Chambord. Made of more than 400 rooms, 282 fireplaces, as well as more than 70 staircases, including the famous central double helical staircase, it was Francis the 1st’s hunting lodge. This architectural masterpiece is one of the largest Chateau in France, after Versailles. Thus, throughout the day, we will show you the beautiful French countryside landscapes and the Loire and Cher valleys.
Discover the châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau and a wine cellar from Tours. Depart from the Tourist Office in Tours in an 8-seater minibus for an excursion including 3 visits. 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. Lunch in a restaurant in Chambord. IN THE AFTERNOON The castle of Cheverny, which served as a model for Hergé's Moulinsart. You'll be amazed by the richness and density of its furnishings and the authentic, refined charm of its decor. The castle of Chenonceau. Built in the 16th century, a true masterpiece of the French Renaissance, built on the peaceful waters of the Cher, "the Château des Dames" evokes the idea of perfect harmony between a nature made of water, air and greenery and a unique architecture, an invitation to grace.