Full description
Embark on a Scenic Journey Through the Loire Valley
Imagine the idyllic French countryside – picturesque castles, rolling hills, delectable meals, and exquisite wines – and you’ll find yourself in the enchanting Loire Valley. Our guided tours offer an immersive experience, guiding you from Paris into the heart of this region, where you'll explore captivating castles, savor local delicacies, and enjoy the natural beauty that defines this part of France.
Begin Your Journey
Our adventure begins in the city center of Paris, where you'll meet our enthusiastic English-speaking guide and board a private air-conditioned coach. With anticipation in the air, we'll leave the city behind and head towards our first destination: Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley. Fans of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' will recognize this castle, as it served as the inspiration for the iconic fairy tale. Your guide will regale you with intriguing stories about the castle, originally intended as a hunting lodge for a king. As you explore, don't miss the chance to climb the staircase supposedly designed by the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. After the guided tour, you'll have free time to further explore the castle, climb to the roof for panoramic views, or wander the surrounding grounds, home to a delightful population of wild deer.
Wine Tasting at Château de Chenonceau
Our next stop brings us to the Château de Chenonceau, a splendid 16th-century castle that has stood as a symbol of elegance and grace. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a wine tasting experience. Immerse yourself in the world of French wines as you sample a selection of white, red, and dessert wines. A knowledgeable expert will guide you through the tasting notes, enhancing your appreciation of these exquisite wines.
Explore the 'Ladies’ Château'
Following the wine tasting, venture inside the Château de Chenonceau, often referred to as the 'Ladies’ Château' due to the influential women who shaped its history. Marvel at the intricate details of the wooden door, the smooth stone façade, and the magnificent interior adorned with stone carvings, tapestries, and period furnishings. Visit the chapel, bedrooms, and the remarkable kitchens, which once buzzed with activity centuries ago.
Delight in the Gardens and Make a Choice
Step outside to explore the beautifully manicured gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, along with the charming fruit and vegetable garden designed to sustain the château's residents. As your senses are enveloped by the sights and scents of the gardens, you'll face a delightful dilemma: continue your castle exploration or opt for a second wine tasting experience. In the enchanting setting of the Cave des Domes, a vaulted cellar filled with wine barrels, enjoy a tasting session featuring three wines from the château's vines, expertly guided by your tour leader.
Two Distinctive Castles, Two Wine Tastings
Experience the allure of two unique French castles, each with its own distinctive charm, accompanied by two delightful wine tastings. All of this unfolds amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Loire Valley. This unforgettable day trip from Paris promises to delight every sense and leave you with cherished memories of a truly enchanting experience
Read more...
Additional information
● This service ends at Denfert Rochereau
● It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded
● Our representative will be holding a sign at the meeting point for easy recognition
● This tour involves a fair amount of walking, comfortable shoes are recommended
● We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours
● Photography is permitted throughout the tour
● Some sites visited lack shade and can be hot under direct sunlight. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water in warm weather
● France’s tourist sites are among the most popular in the world. Skip the Line Access and careful planning limit our crowd exposure, but please be aware that some locations may be unavoidably busy during standard hours
● Please note that many sections of the chateaux are not air-conditioned (as A/C is not standard practice in France)
● We strongly recommend that clients traveling with young children aged 2 or above to bring their own child seat. Infants aged 0–1 should travel on a parent’s lap. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of their child.
●Clients traveling with young children whose security cannot be ensured by a seat belt shall bring their own child restraint system to ensure the safety of their child. Please note that our coaches aren’t equipped with ISOFIX anchor points and have limited availability for 3-point seat belts. By booking this tour, parents/guardians acknowledge these requirements and accept responsibility for ensuring their children are properly restrained.
● We will do everything within our power to ensure timings and itineraries are respected; however, due to issues beyond our control, timings and sites are subject to last minute changes on rare occasions
● For the comfort of all passengers, no food or hot drinks are allowed on the bus
● IMPORTANT: A minimum of 4 participants is required for this tour. If the minimum is not met, refunds or alternative dates will be offered
Inclusions
✔ Expert, English-speaking tour guide
✔ Entrance ticket and reservation fee for all sites visited
✔ All transfers in an air-conditioned coach
✔ Wine tasting
Exclusions
✖ Hotel pick-up and drop-off
✖ Tickets, meals and drinks except if expressly specified in the tour inclusions
✖ Other services not specified
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service. Cancellations after this time limit or no show, no refund provided.
Meeting Point
Your guide will meet you at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign up to identify themselves. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit