Top Things to do in Loire Valley
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The 10 Best Day Trips from in Loire Valley, Centre-Val de Loire
Old world villages and storybook chateaux bedeck the Loire, once fought over by Gauls, Romans, Visigoths and even Attila the Hun. Rent bikes and roll through the lush valley, visiting fortresses in Amboise and Angers, UNESCO-designated Chartres Cathedral and the Gothic cathedral in Nantes. Musee Jules Vernes houses replicas of inventions designed by the futuristic author. Pay respects to other former residents: the Romans in Tours, the cave dwellers of Touraine, and the liberator of Orleans, Joan of Arc.
Restaurants in Loire Valley
1. Wine tasting tour in Loire Valley with castle visits and lunch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The history of the Château d'Amboise dates back to the 11th century, when the Count of Anjou built the castle on the promontory, surveying the Loire River, as a defence strategy. Between the 15th and 16th centuries , under the orders of Charles VII, Louis XII and Francois I, the castle was refurnished. Its magnificent facade can be attributed to Charles VIII and Francois I, and their love for Italian art and style. It was because of this passion for Italian art that Francois I invited Leonardo Da Vinci to come and reside in Amboise as his first painter, architect and engineer. Da Vinci arrived in 1516 and spent the remaining three years of his life living and working in the nearby Chateau du Clos Lucé (connected to the royal chateau by an underground passage). Leonardo Da Vinci died in Amboise and was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert (on the ramparts of the Chateau d'Amboise). Visit few wineries and enjoy a delightful 3-course lunch during this wonderful tour.
Inclusions: Enjoy a delicious three course lunch at a local restaurant including starter main and desert, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Skip the line, Visit the Amboise castle and get to know its history with an audio-guide, Air conditioned mini-van
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By 773daudp
Went on a tour with this company few days ago, it was my first time in Paris and I enjoyed the experience very much! Really recommend. It’s a good activity in any weather!
2. Loire Valley Two Castles in One Day Chambord & Clos Lucé Day Trip from Paris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Take this tour and explore the one of the largest castle in France, Château de Chambord, a French Renaissance architecture, built by a plan of Leonardo da Vinci and visit his last three years official residence, the beautiful castle in Amboise, Clos Lucé or Château de Cloux. Château de Chambord is the largest castle in Loire Valley and was constructed by King Francis I of France (1515-1547) to serve as a hunting lodge. Clos Lucé is now a museum and reflects the prestigious history of the region and includes 40 models of the various machines designed by Leonardo. The museum also includes a copy of the Mona Lisa. You may also enjoy his beautiful park and Leonardo's Garden.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Entrance Fees
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By Sharon S
First, let me emphasize that we thoroughly enjoyed the beaches and American cemetery. It was very moving, and if you are familiar with history at all you realize what a sacrifice these men made. The reason for the terrible review was our guide. This man texted while he drove, drank alcohol at 2 different stops, along with the following: 1) There was a couple with us in the van that was sick and I asked the guide if he could open the window so we could get fresh air circulating and not have to breathe the same air that the sick people were. He became very irritated, saying he didn't want the wind blowing on him as he would get sick from that. He then opened it a tiny bit and said we couldn't have the air conditioning on at the same time, so he turned it off until it became unbearable for him. Music was blaring the entire time, without asking us if it was okay to play. He insisted on stopping in Rouen (more beer), even though I said we didn't want to go as it wasn't part of the tour description. He brought his friend along, and they spent the whole time speaking a Slavic language so we could not sleep (it was a 3.5 hour drive from Paris, and 4.5 hours on the way back). He did give some statistics at Point du hoc and Omaha beach, but no commentary at Utah, just dropped us off, and pointed the way to where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen, while he had beer with his friend. He also complained that he had to drop us off at our hotel in the heart of Paris which took him 40 minutes longer.
3. Loire Valley Chateaux's from Paris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Become royals while visiting the most prestigious châteaux’s in the Loire Valley. You will be guided through the meticulous paths of Château Chambord with its architecture reviving the centuries of the French renaissance build by King Francis I of France.Continuing onto the Château Chenonceau designed in the 1500’s, as you stroll through its gardens and fascinating architecture. Your guide will explain all the secrets during the time of the French Renaissance and how this château became a historical building for a district day out. Venez Discover, brings the best out of each place by meticulously crafting each tour exclusively while taking care of our environment. We aim to bring the love, passion and interest for our planet in each tour or service provided to you.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By CulturalTraveller19
Myself and my wife had a fantastic time our guide was very knowledgable and accommodating. Although, it was during COVID-19 we felt safe and appreciate the precautions which were taken by Versailles and Venez Discover during our tour.
4. LOIRE VALLEY: Your selection of three castles to visit (Day-trip from PARIS)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
IT IS SAFE TO TRAVEL WITH US - All our services are privatized and without regrouping with unknown visitors coming from outside. - All our tours include a pickup and dropoff at your hotel. - Book now and pay upon arrival. THE LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES -By booking this tour, we give you the opportunity to build your own itinerary. When booking, you must specify the 3 castles you want to include in your day from the following list: 1) CHAMBORD 2) CHEVERNY 3) AMBOISE / CLOS LUCE 4) BLOIS 5) CHENONCEAU 6) CHAUMONT 7) VILLANDRY 8) AZAY THE RIDEAU. 07.30 am Pick up at your hotel (Paris) and private transfer to Austerlitz train station 08:24 am | Departure of the train for Orléans (one hour) 09:32 am | Meet with your local guide who will drive his own vehicle En route to your first stop CASTLE #1. 12h30 | Lunch in a restaurant 02:00 pm | Visit of CASTLE # 2 03:00 pm | Visit of CASTLE # 3 06:28 pm | Transfer to Orléans station 07:34 pm| Arrival in Paris and private transfer to your hotel.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, R/T train tickets to avoid the trafiic jams, Tickets admission in the 3 castles you have selected
Exclusions: Drinks and extras
Reviewed By O5141HMjonathang
We are travelling from Australia and have previously visited other countries prior to to France which had amazing service and friendlyness. However 5minutes in France we found them to be rude 10minutes in and they were pushing us, 30minutes and pickpocketed. My advice when you get off the train is get back on and try a different country. Try Ireland, England or even Amsterdam. We are counting down the minutes to get out of this thieving, smelly, rude, dirty country Cheers
5. Loire Valley Trip from Paris with Private Local Guide & Private Transportation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Discover the Loire Valley on this comfortable day trip from Paris. Let your local guide tell your tales & stories of the French Monarchy and how they shaped the river banks with hundreds of Chateaux, gardens and palaces. Let us take you Chambord, palace of Kings, Chenonceau, residence of Ladies, and Amboise, home of Leonardo Da Vinci. This is a beautiful day trip from Paris, a private tour like no others with your Local Expert guide and transportation by comfortable A/C chauffeured-van. Amazing memories of a lifetime for families, couples and group of friends!
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, 12-hour Private experience for you and your party only !, Local and Expert Guide , Entry / Admisison to Clos Lucé, Entry / Admission to Chenonceau castle, Entry / Admission to Chambord castle, Hotel / accommodation pick up and drop off in central Paris
Exclusions: Tips & Gratuities, Personal expenses
Reviewed By bellap302018
I can't recommend My Private Paris enough. What a fantastic experience! I recently went on a tour of Montmartre with Marie (one of the founders) and Raphaelle, who are brilliant guides - friendly, kind, funny and an endless source of knowledge! I learnt so much about Montmartre, its history, culture and famous figures, with amazing local info and tips too (Raphaelle lives there). Marie and Raphaelle were incredibly engaging and they packed so much in (including some delicious sweet treats from bakeries en route!), going above and beyond while still ensuring it was comfortable, fun and personal. I feel like a local now! It was such a privilege to have a tour from people who clearly just love what they do and thrive off doing it - truly an unforgettable experience. I will 100% book more tours with them when I next return to Paris - this is by far the best way to get to know the city. Merci My Private Paris et a bientôt !
6. Private tour of Loire Valley most visited castles
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 5 reviews
Enjoy a private tour of the two most popular castles in the Loire Valley with a registrered guide. Discover chateau de Chenonceau, its graceful architecture and remarkable gardens. Tour Chambord, the largest and most spectacular Loire Valley castle.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Wine tasting, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Professional art historian guide, Professional guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Lunch at a cellar cave in Amboise (optional 74,00€ per person), other drinks, other meals, personal expenses, extra hour (75,00 € per hour with a maximum of 2 hours per day), train tickets (100,00 € per person from Paris)
Reviewed By Maria A
I can't thank you enough for the wonderful tour Marion our guide gave us. Besides being joyful, she show us in detail everything and much more than expected. Marion speaks English like a native but also speaks fluent Spanish. She is an excellent driver, excellent manners, with a positive attitude and knows by heart the history of the chateaux's.
7. Private Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris with Guide
Enjoy a relaxing day trip to the Loire Valley on this tour from Paris with a private driver and guide. You'll visit three of the area's famous Renaissance-era castles, including Château de Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage site erected by King Francis I. Then continue to Château de Chenonceau, overlooking the River Cher, and Château d'Amboise, a former royal residence where Leonardo da Vinci was once a guest. Select the number of people in your party when booking.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By Mexicobaby40
Marie was great to work with! TripAdvisor messed up the pricing, but Marie agreed to still do the tour at a discounted rate. The day before, she emailed to let us know that she was sick, but that she secured a replacement guide for us that did a great job. Very happy!
8. Loire Valley Castles Private Day Trip from Paris
France's Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its dozens of castles, or 'châteaux,' where French kings and nobility lived during the 15th and 16th centuries. Discover the extravagance and design styles of a few of the most famous castles on this day trip from Paris with private transportation. Learn about figures like Leonardo da Vinci who contributed to the region's artistic landscape, and see beautiful gardens, as well.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private transport
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By C95BElynnh
Had a wonderful, easy, very pleasant trip into to Paris from CDG. Communication (English) was flawless. Prompt. Clear. Don’t hesitate to book!
9. Private tour of the Loire Valley wines
Enjoy a private tour of the Loire Valley wines. With your licensed tour guide, visit small wineries of Vouvray for splendid white wines and of Chinon and Bourgueil for Cab Francs.
Inclusions: Wine tasting, Local guide, Professional art historian guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Lunch: wine tasting lunch at a local domain. (NOT INCLUDED - OPTIONAL 74,00 € per person)
Reviewed By Maria A
I can't thank you enough for the wonderful tour Marion our guide gave us. Besides being joyful, she show us in detail everything and much more than expected. Marion speaks English like a native but also speaks fluent Spanish. She is an excellent driver, excellent manners, with a positive attitude and knows by heart the history of the chateaux's.
10. Incredible Loire castles tour with wine tastings and lunch
Discover the gorgeous Loire Valley with your friends or family that is known for its fairytale castles and incredible wineries, with this day trip tour from Paris. You will visit two of the regions most iconic chateaus such as chateau Chambord and Chennonceau getting the chance to sample regional food and wine along the way. You will even get to stop in the town of Amboise, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. • Enjoy 2 most beautiful castles in the Loire valley Chennonceau and Chambord • Have a wonderful lunch in a small cozy restaurant with a beautiful view! • Includes a multi-course gourmet lunch of regional specialties which includes starter, main and desert! • Visit two different wineries in unique locations and explore the caves and taste up to 5 different glasses of wine! • Enjoy the atmosphere of a small group tour and get pick-up and a drop-off to your hotel.
Inclusions: Visit the castles and get to know its history with an audio-guide, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Discover local wineries and enjoy a tasting at each site up to 6 glasses of wine, Air conditioned mini-van, Small-group tour limited to eight people ensures personalised attention, Enjoy a delicious lunch which includes starter main and desert
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By 773daudp
Went on a tour with this company few days ago, it was my first time in Paris and I enjoyed the experience very much! Really recommend. It’s a good activity in any weather!
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