Explore the stunning scenery, cuisine and local customs of the Loire Valley on a guided tour from Paris.
(Photo: 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.
Fairytale Loire Castles with Wine Tasting
For excellent value and a well-balanced itinerary, this 12-hour coach tour from Paris takes in the castles and wine of the Loire Valley. Visit the town of Blois, where you’ll have some free time to explore, in between visits to two different French châteaux. For example, Château de Chambord, whose turrets are believed to be the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. At the final castle, Château de Chenonceau, you’ll also get to have a wine tasting in the castle’s cellar. From €149 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 in not included in this tour. Wed and Sat departures only. From €188 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Small-Group Loire Valley Castles Full-Day Tour from Paris
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 from Paris
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.