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The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours 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.
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1. Loire Castles Private Day Trip from Paris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Enjoy a private Loire valley tour from Paris by visiting the charming castle of Chenonceau, the "Castle of the Five Ladies" You will then have a guided tour of the castle of Chambord (the largest of the Loire valley castles) a sumptuous Renaissance Palace created for King François 1st discover the double revolution staircase inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci Lunch in the historic town of Amboise (not included) where Da Vinci lived his last years and passed away.
Inclusions: Pickup and drop-off from your Paris hotel, Private guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By tjdotson
My husband and I were on a short trip to Paris for his work. On the day he had mostly off, we had Frederic drive us to Bruges since we had never been to Belgium and the pictures looked amazing. After a very comfortable ride there, Frederic started a walking tour with us in the morning and we quickly realized the pictures did not do this quaint city justice! We felt like Disney had created this perfect little town for people to see. Frederic walked us around before we stopped for lunch together. He was going to leave us to dine alone but we asked him to join us because we enjoyed his company so much and we wanted to hear more about the city. After lunch, he gave us the option of having him continue to walk us around or we could explore on our own. We chose to explore on our own since we felt he had given us such a good overview that morning. We had plans to tour the Chocolate Museum but when we arrived, it was closed due to the time of year. We actually didn't mind much and we just spent the day wandering the beautiful streets around the canals and stopping for hot chocolate and waffles. I would highly suggest a visit to Bruges to feel like you have stepped back in time. Speaking of time, we toured in January and lucked out that it wasn't extremely cold. The crowds were very low so it was easy to wander the streets and sometimes we found ourselves the only ones exploring the small alleyways. I would definitely return to Bruges one day and would highly suggest taking this tour especially if it is your first visit or if you have very limited time in the city.
2. 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
3. Day Tour Loire Valley Wines and Castles
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Eat. Drink. Love. Based in the royal city of BLOIS, we welcome you to our 19th century Maison Bourgeoise for a journey back in time. Our accommodation is the central point from where we will stroll around. Eat: Enjoying lunch in a typical French restaurant, taking in splendid views of the Loire river. Drink: Sylvain GAMARD is a 3rd level WSET graduate with expertise in wine. Wander in the vineyards of the greatest, where you will be explained the wine process, proper wine selection and tasting. It's an opportunity to discover some hidden gems you’ll want to take back home! Love: A stay on the banks of the Loire must include visits to the largest castles! Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau are must sees! We will narrate the History of France by its wines, which have been the main contributor to the Greatness of France.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, Lunch, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Taxi to and from airport (optional at 60 euros per person one-way)
4. 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.
5. 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT Tour Loire Valley Wines and Castles
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Eat. Drink. Love. Based in the royal city of BLOIS, we welcome you to our charming 19th century Maison Bourgeoise for a journey back in time. Our accommodation (French breakfast included) is the central point from where we will stroll around. Eat: Enjoying Michelin-star restaurants, taking in splendid views of the Loire and its castles. Drink: Sylvain GAMARD is a 3rd level WSET graduate with expertise in wine. Wander in the vineyards of the greatest, where you will be explained the wine process, proper wine selection and tasting. It's an opportunity to discover some hidden gems you’ll want to take back home! Love: A stay on the banks of the Loire must include visits to the largest castles! Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, but also many other wonders ... we will narrate the History of France by its wines, which have been the main contributor to the Greatness of France.
Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, 1 night accommodation, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Taxi to and from airport (optional at 60 euros per person one-way)
6. Private tour to Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau from Blois
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Specialized in the tourist transport of travelers by private vehicle, I propose you to let yourself be transported by a multilingual driver (French, English, Spanish, Portuguese) recognized for his sympathy and his professional fluency.
Inclusions: Skip the line acces
Exclusions: Entrance fees to the castles
Reviewed By Mmarcello11
My girlfriend and I visited Blois-Chambord in March of 2020 to sight see and visit Chateaus. We took a taxi ride from a gentleman named Bruno Gaio to our AirBnB and he became our personal hero. He gave us exceptional recommendations on restaurants and useful travel tips and was extremely polite/respectful. The next day, we missed our train to Bordeaux so we decided to stay in Blois-Chambord one more day. Bruno was there to pick us up and take us anywhere we chose that day. He really went the extra mile for us- he drove us around all day and waited for us to explore the chateaus. He also took us to places we were unaware of (such as Leonardo de Vinci’s home-highly recommend). Bruno gave us mini history lessons on the castles and just made the day fun for us. We are extremely grateful for him and the company, Royal Connection. Don’t think twice about using this company and ASK FOR BRUNO!
7. Amboise Discovery Segway 45mn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
At the controls of your Segway Segway, enjoy a fun and unusual experience! Follow your guide to discover the hidden stories of the city of Amboise! Effortlessly explore all the emblematic sites of the city. This circuit lasts 45 minutes and always begins with 15 minutes of initiation.
Inclusions: Use of Segway
Exclusions:
Reviewed By NovaDawn B
We had a great time (90 minute) touring the city of Amboise. Segways are always a lot of fun, but this had a varied terrain—climbing up narrow streets and then down steep, narrow paths. David showed us some sights we would never have seen on our own. Highly recommend this tour.
8. Self-ride E-bike tour to Chenonceau through the forest from Amboise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Enjoy Loire Valley landscapes and a masterpiece of its Unesco listed heritage thanks to this self-drive E-Bike itinerary designed (and tested!) by our passionate local team! After cycling along the lovely streets of Amboise and its timbered-houses, immerse into the great forest of Amboise where the French Kings used to hunt ! On the way, you will cycle near local farms and fields before arriving to the must-see Chateau de Chenonceau. Discover its fascinating history as well as its unique architecture as it is built on the river Cher. You will also have a chance to learn everything about the vineyards surrounding Chenonceau and producing some open and fruity white and red wines. You will also have the opportunity to stop to visit Château d’Amboise and Clos-Lucé during your ride (not included)
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Helmet, Entrance tickets to Château de Chenonceau, Entrance fees, guided visit and wine tasting at a family-run wine estate (at 3.00PM only)
Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off is not included, A deposit to pick-up the E-Bikes will be required, it will be given back at drop-off time, Lunch and snacks are not included
Reviewed By Freedom263832
This tour was wonderful. It was great to have a small group and Agethe made it both interesting, enjoyable and a touch of the “real” France. Loved the two castles and lunch at the private castle was delicious. Thank you to Agethe. Highly recommend this tour.
9. Loire Valley Day Tour: Chambord & Chenonceau including lunch at a private castle
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 100 reviews
Jump into the heart of French history by visiting the 2 most prestigious châteaux of the Loire Valley. Feel the intimacy of a lesser known private family-owned château and enjoy a typical French lunch away from tourist groups. Let yourself be guided by your local expert and learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived in Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day.
Inclusions: Lunch, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By carolinevbailey
What a wonderful day! The bike path along the river Cher was simply idyllic. Chenonceau castle is beautiful and the wine tasting was informative and welcoming. Picking up the bike and the using the navigation app was very straightforward. I was tired by the end; this was a full day activity. I enjoyed dinner in the charming centre of Amboise.
10. Day tour of Chateaux of Azay le Rideau Langeais Villandry, organic wine tasting
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 7 reviews
Enjoy a full-day tour in the heart of the Royal Valley where you will visit three of the major chateaux of the region and taste some of the excellent local wines. Today, you will discover the Castle of Azay-Le-Rideau, the Chateau of Langeais, and the Gardens of Villandry, a piece of French art. Enjoy as well a wine tasting at an organic vineyard.
Inclusions: Professional driver-guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Wine tasting
Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Other drinks, Lunch
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.
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