Explore the stunning scenery, cuisine and local customs of the Loire Valley on a guided tour from Paris.
(Photo: ParisCityVision / Courtesy GetYourGuide.com)
The Loire Valle is a long stretch of central-northern France that surrounds the Loire River, along which, vineyards and huge fairytale castles can be found. Highlights of the central part of the Loire Valley were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2000. At around 150-200km away from the French capital, a central Loire Valley day trip is a great way to get a brief introduction to the area. Here are the best four tours to the Loire Valley from Paris.
Small-Group Loire Valley Castles Full-Day Tour
Of the many tours available to the Loire Valley from Paris, there are only a few that keep the tour group sizes down to eight people, in order to maximize the time that guests get with the guides, and to travel by minibus, rather than a coach. During this 12-hour round-trip, three of the best castles in the region are visited. See the Château d’Amboise and the tomb of the great Leonardo da Vinci, who died nearby. Visit the manicured gardens of Chenonceau, and the whimsical curves of Chambord. From €210 per person.
Small-Group Tour of Loire Castles
(Photo: ParisCityVision / Courtesy GetYourGuide.com)
Another small group tour takes in some of the less obvious castles, such as Cheverny castle, where many valuable artworks, such as the Mona Lisa, were safely hidden during WW2. You’ll also get to visit the big two of Chenonceau and Chambord castles, with entrance fees to each included in the fee. These small group tours run on Wed and Sat, although it is possible to run private tours on any day of the week through the booking form. From €259 per person.
Loire Valley with Chenonceau, and Chambord Castles
This full-day tour, which has been running for many years now, focusses on spending more time at the castles themselves. Get skip-the-line tickets to Chambord and Chenonceau castles, (although the former is occasionally switched for Amboise castle on Saturdays). You’ll have a wine tasting in at least one of these locations, while having plenty of time to explore the gardens, halls and stairways of the castles. Lunch is not included in this tour. Wed and Sat departures only. From €188 per person.
Mont St Michel and Loire Valley 2 Day Tour
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If you have the time and budget, this 2-day tour allows you to explore even more of the Loire Valley. Over the course of the trip, you’ll visit the Loire Valley castles including Chambord and Chenonceau, as well as enjoy the magnificent architecture of the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey during a guided tour. Along the way, your expert guide will be on hand to offer fascinating insights on the region’s rich history, with a focus on two key periods: the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Your overnight accommodation will be in a 4-star hotel, with breakfast included. From €475 per person.
Private Day Tour to Loire Valley Castles & Wines from Paris
For a more intimate and exclusive experience, this private full-day tour may well appeal. In the company of your select group of family or friends, you’ll travel from Paris to the scenic environs of the Loire Valley. On arrival, you’ll head to Chambord Castle, with its impressive architecture, where you’ll enjoy an audio-guide tour. Back in your air-conditioned minivan, you’ll pass through local vineyards while admiring the colourful landscapes before stopping at a family-run wine estate, where you’ll meet the winemaker and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional food, paired with a wine tasting, before your return transfer to Paris. From €1,715 per person.