Loire Valley- the name itself conjures up images of romantic castles with moats, towers, drawbridges and gardens. The entire Loire Valley has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tour of the valley is like taking a trip back in time to discover the rich history of France and explore its architecture.
Each castle of the Loire Valley has its own unique style and appeal, as is evident on a tour of the Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau castles. The Chambord castle has a fascinating double helix staircase while Cheverny is one of the most beautifully furnished castles of the region, so must so that it inspired the author of Tintin in his drawings of Marlinspike Hall. The gardens and forests of Chenonceau are also a beautiful sight to behold.
Explore the numerous castles that pandered to every whim and fancy of the French nobility and marvel at the architecture and fascinating history of France in the Loire Valley.
- Tour information
- Activity schedule
- Itinerary
When does it run?
01 Apr - 31 Oct: Daily except Friday
01 Nov - 31 Mar: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Duration
12.5 hours
Start time
0715h (07:15am)
Meeting point
The start point for the tour is 2 rue des Pyramides, 75001, Paris.
The closest metro station is Tuileries (line n°01), Pyramides (line n°14) or Palais Royal (line n°7).
Please report at the meeting point 30 minutes before the start time for check-in. This is mandatory to allow time for pre-departure briefing.
See on map
Ending point
The tour concludes at the original point of departure
- Tour information
- Activity schedule
- Itinerary
You will be picked up in an air conditioned coach to the Loire Valley, a picturesque region dotted with Renaissance chateaux and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will tell you about the history of these castles en-route, and you will be free to explore the chateaux at your leisure.
The first castle you will visit is Chenonceau Castle, which is known as the Château des Dames or Ladies Castle. Chenonceau is a fairy tale castle with moats, turrets, a drawbridge and towers. Lying on the banks of the river Cher, it has extensive gardens planted by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. Later Madame Dupin’s goodwill with the peasantry saved it from the revolutionaries.
Continue to Cheverny Castle. One of the most beautifully furnished Loire Valley Castles, it was built between 1625 and 1634 and has well-manicured gardens and a neoclassical facade. The Chambre du Roi and Grand Salon are the most richly furnished rooms and offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the French nobility. The castle is so beautiful that Hergé (the author of Tintin), used it as a model to draw Marlinspike Hall.
After visiting Cheverny Castle you have free time for lunch.
Your first visit of the day is to the Chambord Castle. One of the largest of the Loire Valley castles, it was built by François I, as a base for hunting game in the Sologne forests. See the double-helix staircase of this Renaissance chateau, attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci.
Return to Paris by coach, arriving at the original departure.