Small group loire valley castles day trip from paris

Enjoy a full day exploring magnificent castles in the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region in central France. After pickup from your hotel in Paris, your guide will take you to the picturesque Loire Valley to discover three different châteaux. You can choose between two sets of châteaux: Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord or Villandry, Langeais and Azay le Rideau. This small-group tour is limited to 18 people, ensuring you’ll receive a more personalized experience.

After pickup from your central Paris hotel in an air-conditioned minivan, relax on the scenic drive to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wine region in central France. Below are the two sets of castles you can choose to visit on this small-group tour.

Option one: Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord
First, discover Château d’Amboise, a favored royal residence during the Renaissance. Here, in the Chapel of St Hubert, the remains of Leonardo da Vinci are buried.

Then, marvel at Château de Chenonceau. Famed for its highly decorated interior and exterior, this is one of the most popular châteaux in France. After your tour, enjoy a three-course lunch with wine (included) at the nearby 18th-century Breton-style inn (for a sample menu, please refer to the Itinerary section below).

Then, visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley and one of the most recognizable due to its astounding Renaissance architecture. Legend has it that Leonardo da Vinci contributed to the design of its famous double-helix staircase.

Option two: Villandry, Langeais and Azay le Rideau
If you choose this option, start your tour with a visit to Château de Villandry and walk around its spectacular gardens and beautiful terraces. This castle was the last great chateau built on the banks of the Loire River during the Renaissance.

Next, tour Château de Langeais, a wonderful example medieval architecture built in 1465 by Louis XI. For lunch, stop by the bakery opposite the castle (own expense) and enjoy a picnic in the lovely park of Langeais. Or, your guide can offer some recommendations for nearby restaurants and cafés.

Lastly, visit 16th-century Château d’Azay le Rideau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most elegant Loire castles, this chateau is built on an island in the middle of the River Indre and is surrounded by a wooded park.

After your Loire Valley châteaux tour, enjoy a relaxing drive back to Paris.