From Paris: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting
About This Tour
- FREE cancellation: Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later: Book your spot and pay nothing today
- Duration 13 hours: Check availability to see starting times
- Skip the ticket line
- Live tour guide: English
Highlights
- Visit 2 fairytale Loire Valley castles in a day’s round-trip from Paris
- Visit the most recognizable Renaissance French Chateau, Chambord
- Listen as your tour guide provides entertaining commentary
- Taste local wines at the "Ladies" Chateau of Chenonceau
- Enjoy free time for lunch in the quaint town of Blois
FULL DESCRIPTION
Discover iconic castles on this bus day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley and explore Château de Chambord on a self-guided tour. Have free time in the charming town of Bloise and visit Château de Chenonceau for a self guided tour and wine tasting experience. From Paris, head to Château de Chambord. Disney fans will find this castle’s turrets familiar; it was the inspiration for the castle in “Beauty and the Beast.” Though originally conceived as a royal hunting lodge, it was built to a scale that must be seen to be believed.
Learn all about the castle’s captivati... Read more
Discover iconic castles on this bus day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley and explore Château de Chambord on a self-guided tour. Have free time in the charming town of Bloise and visit Château de Chenonceau for a self guided tour and wine tasting experience. From Paris, head to Château de Chambord. Disney fans will find this castle’s turrets familiar; it was the inspiration for the castle in “Beauty and the Beast.” Though originally conceived as a royal hunting lodge, it was built to a scale that must be seen to be believed.
Learn all about the castle’s captivating history from your guide before entering the castle. You can then visit the inside at your own pace on a self-guided visit. Climb a staircase supposedly designed by Da Vinci, enjoy spectacular turret-framed rooftop views, and glimpse wild deer around the grounds. Having worked up an appetite, get back on the bus and continue on to the next stop: the quaint town of Blois. Take some free time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense) in one of the restaurants located around the beautiful and vibrant Square Louis XII.
Last but not least is the elegant Château de Chenonceau. The chapel, bedrooms, and magnificent vaulted kitchens are still furnished and decorated from times gone by, showing off the castle’s many sweeping stone carvings.
Don’t miss the impressive main hall, which spans the river Cher, or the gardens cultivated by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici — 2 of the famous owners that earned Chenonceau the nickname “the Ladies’ Château.”
After a your visit, continue exploring or indulge in a wine tasting in the castle’s vaulted wine cellar. Your tour leader will entertain you between stops with insights and stories about the countryside and the nobility who once reigned over the region.
Three uniquely beautiful French castles and a wine tasting, all amid the stunning scenery of the Loire Valley — this memorable day trip from Paris will delight all the senses.
Included
- Round-trip transportation from Paris by air-conditioned bus
- English Guide
- Château de Chambord skip-the-line entry ticket
- Château de Chenonceau skip-the-line entry ticket
- Wine tasting at the Château de Chenonceau
- Free time in Blois
Availability
Know Before you go
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- If you are traveling with an infant, it is strongly recommended that you bring your own infant or child seat as it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of their child
- Tips for guides providing excellent service are appreciated but never obligatory
- Not allowed: Baby strollers, luggage or large bags
FEATURED REVIEW(S)
4.5/5 stars – based on 710 reviews
A great and relaxing excursion with enough time to explore the two castles of Chambord and Chenonnceau! Raimond is a funny and knowledgeable guide who bridged the travel times between spots with entertaining and interesting stories! Thank you for that!! Only the weather could have been better 😏
It was an incredible experience, despite being a bit rushed. In reality, we didn’t spend 2 hours in Chambord (as stated in the tour description), we only spent 1 hour and 20 minutes. For me, those 40 minutes would make a difference. Other than that, everything went very well. The guide Thelma is very prepared and made a total difference.
Great guides, but it’s all very busy and there’s no time to see anything properly. Tiring. I came back disappointed for not being able to see everything better. an hour just to see a castle…. an hour to stay in Blois was a disappointment. I only had lunch. I would have liked to have seen the city. all the stores closed because it was lunch time…. a shame, I dreamed a lot about this trip.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many castles are there in the Loire Valley? There are over 300 châteaux in the Loire Valley, with around 40 of them being major tourist attractions.
What is the most famous castle in the Loire Valley? The most famous castle in the Loire Valley is arguably Château de Chambord, known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and vast grounds.
Are all the castles in the Loire Valley open to the public? No, not all castles in the Loire Valley are open to the public. While many are open for guided tours or self-guided exploration, some are privately owned and not accessible to the public.
Are there any special events or festivals held at the castles in the Loire Valley? Yes, many castles in the Loire Valley host special events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. These events often showcase the cultural heritage and history of the region.
Are there accommodations available within the castles in the Loire Valley? While some castles in the Loire Valley have been converted into hotels or bed-and-breakfasts, most do not offer accommodations. However, there are plenty of charming hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals available in the surrounding towns and villages.
What is the history behind the construction of the castles in the Loire Valley? The construction of the castles in the Loire Valley began in the 10th century, with many of the most famous châteaux built during the Renaissance period as royal residences and symbols of power and wealth.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Loire Valley? Yes, the Loire Valley is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and the historic town of Amboise.
What are some must-see attractions near the castles in the Loire Valley? In addition to the castles themselves, must-see attractions near the Loire Valley include charming towns and villages, vineyards, gardens, and scenic cycling routes along the Loire River.
You Might Also Like
Paris Catacombs: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Special Access
Get fast-track entry to the underground cemetery of the Paris Catacombs, composed of miles of underground tunnels lined… read more
Louvre Museum Paris: Priority Entry Ticket + 3hr Guided Tour
There are museums, and then there’s the Louvre. With over 35,000 items on display at any given time,… read more
Eiffel Tower: Lunch at Madame Brasserie
Enjoy a luxurious lunch at Madame Brasserie, the iconic restaurant located on the first level of the Eiffel… read more