Loire Valley Day Trip with Castles & Wine from Paris
Visit fairy tale castles and drink delicious wine in the picturesque French countryside
Looking to step back in time and discover the magnificent interiors and expansive gardens of Chambord and Chenonceau Castles without having to organize transport, tours, and tickets yourself? That's why we've put together this day trip to the Loire Valley, complete with wine tastings, guided walks, and time to explore on your own. Our guides love sharing stories of bygone times and surprising you with little-known tales, which means you'll feel like a VIP guest on an enchanting fairytale.
- Meet your guide at Place Denfert Rochereau
- Roundtrip
- Fairy-tale Castle
- Landscaped gardens
- Expert tour guide
- French history
- Leonardo da Vinci staircase
- Ladies' Château: Chenonceau Castle
- End your tour at the meeting point location
After meeting your guide and fellow group members in the heart of Paris, you’ll begin your enchanting Loire Valley day trip with a scenic transfer to Château de Chambord. Deemed the inspiration for ’Beauty and the Beast’, you’ll be wowed by the castle’s sprawling lawns, spiring staircase, and unique roof features during a guided tour.
Your journey then continues to the equally impressive Château de Chenonceau, where you’ll begin your tour with a wine tasting. Next, explore the castle’s elegant rooms, magnificent kitchens, and staff rooms before wandering the charming gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Round off the day with another optional wine tasting before concluding your wonderful day back in Paris.
Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris Tour Description
Your 13-hour tour includes:
Guided tour of Château de Chambord
Free time to wander Château de Chambord at your leisure
Free time for lunch in Blois
Tour of Château de Chenonceau
Entrance ticket and reservation fee for all sites visited
Information tasting of four French wines
Transport in an air-conditioned coach
Expert, friendly, English-speaking tour guide
Meet at Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
Your journey begins bright and early in the heart of Paris, at the Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy. Here, you’ll meet your guide and fellow group members for the day. Take a moment to soak in the charm of this historic street brimming with French resistance history and charming cafés before boarding a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Settle in and watch Paris stir to life around you, and begin the two-hour journey through the romantic French countryside to the magnificent Château de Chambord.
Tour Château de Chambord
You’ll feel like you’ve landed yourself in a fairytale as Château de Chambord appears on the horizon and its stunning towers and sprawling lawn come into view. The inspiration for ‘Beaty and the Beast’, Château de Chambord boasts impressive French Renaissance architecture and stands proud amongst a sprawling wildlife reserve.
With your knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll discover fascinating tales about the castle's days as a hunting lodge for King Francis I and climb stairs Leonardo da Vinci supposedly designed. Then, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Perhaps you'll delight in a peaceful stroll through the grounds in search of wild deer or head up to the roof to explore its towers and turrets. You’ll also have time for lunch in Blois, a historic town nested in the Loire Valley.
Sample Wines at Château de Chenonceau
Next, you’ll hop back on the coach bus for a relaxing hour-long drive to Château de Chenonceau. Known as the “Ladies’ Château” due to its delicate features and finely decorated interior, there’s no doubt you’ll be left speechless by the elegance of Château de Chenonceau the moment it comes into view. But before touring this grand castle, enjoy a delightful experience sampling a range of white and red wines, topped with a sweet dessert wine, alongside a wine expert. Sample Wines at Château de Chenonceau
Next, you’ll hop back on the coach bus for a relaxing hour-long drive to Château de Chenonceau. Before heading there, you will have some free time for lunch in Blois, an historic town nested in the Loire Valley. Known as the “Ladies’ Château” due to its delicate features and finely decorated interior, there’s no doubt you’ll be left speechless by the elegance of Château de Chenonceau the moment it comes into view. But before touring this grand castle, enjoy a delightful experience sampling a range of white and red wines, topped with a sweet dessert wine, alongside a wine expert.
Explore Château de Chenonceau
Feeling like a real-life prince or princess, you’ll then tour the castle’s interior, filled with original stone carvings, impressive tapestries, and stunning period features. Many of the bedrooms and chapels have been furnished in a perfect 16th-century rendition, and you’ll certainly want to take time to visit the awe-inspiring vaulted kitchens and butcher’s room. Also, don’t miss an opportunity to admire the spectacular bridge spanning the Cher River, which has been used to host parties, as a hospital, and as an escape route in its long history.
Next, head out to the ground and soak up the fresh air while touring the perfectly manicured gardens of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Then, before you continue exploring the castle, join your guide for a second wine tasting in Cave des Domes, an impressive vaulted cellar full of wine barrels.
As your fairytale day comes to an end, you’ll enjoy a leisurely ride back to Paris and say your goodbyes to your newfound friends with a camera and a heart full of lifelong memories.
What you get with this tour
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See what people are saying
3 total reviews
Leave a reviewLoire Valley day trip with castles and wine
Sharon Kolodynski
This trip was not exactly what I paid for. I signed up for the 2 castles and lunch at a vineyard with wine. We went to the two castles but did not go to a vineyard and we had to buy our own lunch. There was no wine either. My guide Addie was great. The castles were fabulous. Just disappointed that the tour said lunch and wine included and a vineyard and it was not. I’ve always had great experience with the tour guy but this one is a bit disappointing
I want to go back!
Unverified Review
Love seeing the French Countryside on this tour. Would love to move there! If you have the chance to see it, I would definitely take it and this tour is the way to do it!
Beautiful!
Unverified Review
The best day by far during our trip to Paris. Of course Paris was beautiful as well but wow the Loire area was amazing. I'm a huuuuuuggggeee Disney fan so seeing the Beauty and the Beast castle brought me to tears of joy! The winery was also wonderful, the French countryside is so Romantic!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for a good portion of the tour. A hat and a water bottle are also recommended.
What to bring?
Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for a good portion of the tour. A hat and a water bottle are also recommended.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Paris.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand. This tour includes walking on uneven terrain and navigating sometimes steep staircases, and unfortunately, it cannot accommodate guests with wheelchairs.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Loire Valley Day Trip From Paris tours rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and we cannot proceed with the tour, we'll let you know as soon as possible.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On the rare occasions the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.
Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?
No, but snacks will be served during wine tasting. You’ll also have free time for lunch in Blois, and our guides are always happy to point you in the right direction.
Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?
Yes, everyone is welcome on our Loire Valley Day Trip From Paris tour. Infants (0 to 1 year old) are free, and we offer a reduced price for children 14 and under. Please choose accordingly when booking. Kindly note that this tour cannot accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends at Place Denfert Rochereau in Paris.