Add dates

Centre-Val de Loire UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Centre-Val de Loire UNESCO sites

From Paris: Small-Group Loire Valley Castles Full-Day Tour

1. From Paris: Small-Group Loire Valley Castles Full-Day Tour

Discover some of the finest castles of the Loire Valley on a guided day trip from Paris. Transfer by air-conditioned minibus to the castles of Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise. Walk in the flower gardens of the Château de Chenonceau, and gaze at the delicate arches that cross the Cher River. Learn the extraordinary history of the building, which was run by women for much of its time in existence. Continue to Chambord to investigate the largest castle in the Loire Valley. Marvel at the extravagant architecture and double spiraled staircase of the royal Château de Chambord. See the hundreds of columns and spires that adorn its roof. End the day at the former home of King Francois I, and see the tomb of Leonardo Da Vinci at Amboise village and the Château d’Amboise. Confiscated by the monarchy in the 15th century, it was a favorite royal residence and was extensively rebuilt.

Exclusive Wine Day Trip Loire Valley from Paris

2. Exclusive Wine Day Trip Loire Valley from Paris

From Paris, set off directly for the Royal Castle of Amboise - open every day (except on 1 January and 25 December). When you arrive, take a walk in the town of the Amboise and see the beautiful castle from the outside and stroll around this historic city. This symbolic monument and its landscaped gardens offer wonderful panoramas of the Loire Valley, which rightly deserves the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the castle of Amboise with an audio guide (if the castle is closed, visits to similar castles such as Chambord or Cheverny are available). Get acquainted with French history from different angles in an exceptional location of political and artistic importance within Europe during the Renaissance. Discover what would have been the intimate moments in a sovereign's life, learn about daily life in the court, and get the chance to peek behind the scenes.  Finally, discover local gastronomy at a local restaurant. Savor a 3-course lunch which includes a starter, main, and dessert. This final stop will also give you an opportunity to learn about some emblematic French wines. Visit 2 different wineries in unique locations and explore the caves and taste up to 5 different glasses of wine. Meet the people who produce delicious bottles as you follow them to the caves and hear their stories.

Paris: Top Loire Castles with Lunch and Wine

3. Paris: Top Loire Castles with Lunch and Wine

After being picked up from your hotel in Paris, set off for the Loire Valley.The first castle the tour visits is Chateau de Chennonceau, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful castles in the France that is today only surpassed by the might of the famous Versailles in Paris. Next, visit the wine domain located next to the chateau. Stop for lunch which includes several French dishes.  After lunch, head over to the second equally famous Chambord Castle, which will impress you in all its majesty and glory. Finally, visit the romantic and refined 'Castle of Ladies' and learn about how it acquired its name due to the fact that it was mostly women who lived here. After seeing this charming castle head to the last place of the excursion - the small town of Amboise - to stroll through the charming streets. At the end of your tour, take the return transfer back to Paris where you memorable day will end.

From Tours: Half-Day Chambord Castle Guided Trip

4. From Tours: Half-Day Chambord Castle Guided Trip

Discover one of the most fascinating and beautiful castles in the Loire Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a half-day tour from Tours. Explore the Château de Chambord with a guide to learn about its history, architecture, and more. Admire the surrounding estate from the castle terraces. Meet your guide and be driven to the Château de Chambord. Upon arrival, follow your guide on a tour of the castle. Explore the main rooms, built to impress foreign visitors and ambassadors and demonstrate the power of the young King of France, Francis I (François 1er) in the early 16th century. After discovering some of the 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases the castle is home to, discover the central axis: the famous double helix staircase thought to be inspired by the world of Leonardo da Vinci. Marvel at the unusual design. Learn about the building's Italian Renaissance style. Then, head to the terraces at the top of the castle for a fantastic view of the surrounding area, including the French-style gardens. Next, enjoy some free time to discover Chambord Castle on your own before your guide drives you back to Tours.

Frequently asked questions about Centre-Val de Loire

What top attractions are a must-see in Centre-Val de Loire?

The must-see attractions in Centre-Val de Loire are:

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Centre-Val de Loire?

Other Sightseeing Options in Centre-Val de Loire

Want to discover all there is to do in Centre-Val de Loire? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Centre-Val de Loire

Overall rating

3.4 / 5

based on 5 reviews

Very good small group tour. The guide Lilya was also our driver .She was very knlowgeable, helpful and bubbly . She gave us information while driving and at each stop then we were left to explore on our own . It is a pricey excursion so it comes down to personal choice if you want to pay that price just to travel in a mini van with a small group. The company had another mini van doing the exact excursion , we met the other group at each stop. So two vans , two guides/ drivers doing the exact same tour at same time. Seems a bit wasteful to me , a slightly bigger van would cut the costs for the company and the customers . Overall it is a good experience and a day well spent in France

This was a very interesting and well organised tour. Our guide new his history and made our visit to 3 chateaus so much more informative and entertaining than if we had visited on our own. It was great to sit back and relax while being chauffeured in a very comfortable bus. The village of Amboise is very quaint with lots of choices for our lunch (not included). I would definitely recommend this tour and especially if you are short on time.

The whole tour was excellent. Our tour guide was so friendly and nice. I love the way how she explained some details about the history of each castle. The tour guide did an excellent job. The tour was hustle free and gave us enough time to explore on our own. I personally enjoyed this tour and would definitely recommend it.

Although the drive is far but the châteaux are well worth your time, especially Chenonceaux. This is the most beautiful château. I wish we have more time here. Amboise château is full of historical events. Biggest Chambord château with amazing double helix stairs with no center support and no meeting point. Amazing!

I take small group tours often ... this was one of the best! Our guide, Lilia, was passionate about the trip and made our journey so much fun. Safe, easy, clean van, well coordiated ... will book with Blue Fox again. Merci!