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Skip the Line
Discover Fairy-Tale Castles with our Loire Valley Tours
Explore the heart and soul of the French countryside on our Loire Valley Tours, taking you directly from Paris into this stunning region to explore fairy-tale castles, sample local foods and wines, and experience some of France’s most beautiful scenery.
Feel like Beauty at Château de Chambord
Our day trip from Paris starts at a central location, from where you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with your expert, English-speaking tour guide. We’ll travel out of the city and towards our first site – Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the valley. Disney fans will recognize this castle as the inspiration for ‘Beauty and the Beast’. You’ll hear about the strange history of this castle, once intended as a hunting lodge for a king, and climb the staircase that was supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. After your guided tour, you’ll have some free time to explore more of the castle yourself, climb to the roof for spectacular views among the turrets, or even take a stroll around the grounds, home to a huge population of wild deer.
Free Time for French Food and Blois Castle
The next stop is the town of Blois, home of the Château de Blois, one of most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France. where you’ll have two hours to enjoy some free time. With gorgeous gothic scenery that looks delightful whatever the weather, you’ll enjoy strolling the streets or sitting down for some delicious French food. Just in case two isn’t enough to satisfy your fairytale dreams, here you can visit the Royal castle of Blois on your own, notable for its unique mix of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Classical architecture. This Royal castle once was the home of kings Louis XII and François I and presents a tragic history, as the place where Joan of Arc went to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before departing with her army to drive the English from Orléans.
Wine Tasting at Château de Chenonceau
Last but not least, we’ll head to the Château de Chenonceau for wine tasting - discover a wide range of white and red wines, and even a sweet dessert wine, with tasting notes from a real expert.
Following this, enjoy the chance to tour the so-called “Ladies’ Château,” Château de Chenonceau. This elegant 16th-century castle makes a lasting impression. The detailed, painted wooden door and smooth stone exterior are breathtaking. Inside, you'll be able to admire original stone carvings, large tapestries, and beautiful period features and visit the chapel and bedrooms, furnished as in times gone by. Take some time to go downstairs and see the magnificent vaulted kitchens, including a pantry, a butcher’s room and the staff dining room. There is even a landing platform for the servants to bring supplies up the river. Admire the huge oven, copper pans and cooking implements, it’s easy to imagine these kitchens bustling with activity so many centuries ago!
Don’t miss the spectacular and beautiful bridge that spans the river Cher. Originally used to hold balls and parties, it served as a hospital in WWI and was in use again in WWII, this time helping people escape from occupied France, crossing over the bridge and into free France on the other side.
The grounds, cultivated by the famous ladies who owned the home (hence its name), are just as beautiful as the Château itself. Enjoy the gardens of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, as well as the wonderful fruit and vegetable garden, planted to feed those living in the chateau. You now have a difficult but delightful choice: you can continue to tour the castle, or indulge in a second wine tasting (three wines from the chateau’s vines) led by your guide in the Cave des Domes, a lovely, vaulted cellar full of wine barrels.
Three French castles, each uniquely beautiful, and two wine tastings… All amid the stunning scenery of the Loire Valley. This memorable day trip from Paris will delight all the senses! If you’re interested in wine tasting, check out our wide range of Wine Tasting Tours in Paris.
