History & Majesty: Private Loire Valley Castles Tour from Paris

Loire Valley Castles Tour: Chambord, Amboise, and Chenonceau

Embark on a small group private full-day tour from your Paris hotel to explore the enchanting Loire Valley and its magnificent castles. Experience the convenience of pick-up and drop-off from your Paris City center accommodation. Meet your English-speaking local guide and board our premium air-conditioned vehicle, specially designed to transport you comfortably to the Loire Valley castles, including the renowned Château de Chambord. Our expert guides will accompany you throughout our Loire Valley Tours. Please note that the order of visits may be adjusted for the most optimal tour experience, organized by your driver-guide.

Château de Chambord Visit

Begin your journey by driving to the grand Château de Chambord, a national game reserve larger than the town of Paris. This extraordinary architectural masterpiece, believed to have been influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, captivates with its sheer size and proportions. Boasting over 400 rooms, a 156-meter long facade, 282 chimneys, and a breathtaking double helix staircase, Chambord stands as a true gem of the Loire Valley. The castle, commissioned by King Francis I, is surrounded by a vast park and exquisitely renovated French formal gardens, offering a mesmerizing setting for exploration. Highlights of your Chambord visit include the double helix staircase, the vaulted rooms on the second floor, and over 60 rooms accessible to the public.

Château du Clos Lucé

After the visit of Chambord, reach the town of Amboise where you will enjoy a guided visit of the Château du Clos Lucé. At the invitation of François I, Leonardo da Vinci lived the last 3 years of his life before dying there on May 2, 1519. The Castle allows you to enter the “intimacy” of Leonardo da Vinci’s place of life. There, you will discover its apartments, the Renaissance rooms and an exhibition of inventions imagined by the Italian artist on the themes of military engineering, town planning, mechanics, flying machines and hydraulics. The Park traces all of Leonardo's passions, developed through the study and understanding of nature, through a landscaped route dedicated to the discovery of the knowledge of the Italian Master, staged by 20 giant interactive machines, 8 terminals sound and 40 translucent canvases.

Following your castle visit, enjoy some free time for lunch in the charming village of Amboise.

Château de Chenonceau Visit

Next, we proceed to the captivating Château de Chenonceau, known as the "Chateau des Dames" due to its connection with influential women throughout history. Constructed by Katherine Bohier, adorned by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, preserved by Louise of Lorraine, and saved by Mme Dupin, Chenonceau showcases a rich tapestry of feminine influence. As you arrive at the castle, the imposing entrance door, dating back to King François I, leaves a lasting impression, bearing the names of its builders, Thomas and Katherine Bohier. Above the door, the iconic Salamander, emblem of King Francis, warmly welcomes all visitors.

The Green Study: 

Step into Catherine de Medici's study, where she governed France after the death of her husband, Henri II. Adorned with an astonishing collection of paintings by renowned artists like Tintoretto, Ribera, Veronese, Poussin, and Van Dyck, the study exudes grandeur and historical significance.

The Grand Gallery: 

Perched atop the Diane de Poitiers Bridge, this impressive 60-meter long gallery once served as a majestic ballroom. It was officially inaugurated in 1577 for Catherine's son, King Henri III. Take a moment to admire the magnificent Renaissance fireplaces located at either end of the gallery, adding to its allure.

The Gardens: 

Explore Diane de Poitiers' meticulously designed gardens, featuring two perpendicular and two diagonal paths adorned with elegant santolina scrolls. The original water feature has been meticulously restored to its former glory during Diane's era. Catherine's gardens, overlooking the water and park, offer stunning views of the château's west façade. Experience the harmonious arrangement of five lawns surrounding a graceful circular pond, adorned with rounded box hedges.

After your castle visit, we will return to Paris, marking the end of our services.

Note: In the event of any necessary changes, the order of visits may be adjusted to ensure an optimal tour experience.