loire valley day tours from paris

The 5 Best Loire Valley Tours From Paris [2024 Reviews]

Spanning a whopping 280 kilometres, the Loire Valley is a magestic UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates countless visitors every year.

While it is largely known for its delicious wines, its gorgeous gardens and charming villages make for a fantasy-like atmosphere worth visiting more than once.

No matter what your interests are, we’re sure you’ll find something to love about the area. If you’re in Paris, we highly recommend checking out one of the top Loire Valley tours that will show you all the best places to visit.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Loire Valley Day Trips From Paris

Quick answer: the 5 best rated loire valley day tours for 2024.

• Best Small Group Tour : Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip
• Best Private Tour : Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise
• Best Budget Tour : Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting
• Best Full Day Tour : Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris
• Best Tour With Lunch : Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

Loire Valley Tours From Paris Reviews

1. best small group tour: loire valley 3 best castles & wine tasting small-group day trip from paris.

• Duration: 12 hours
• Departure:  La Flamme, 6 Av. de Wagram, 75008 Paris
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes: Driver/guide, entrance tickets into Chambord Castle, entrance tickets into Chenonceau Castle, entrance tickets into Amboise Castle, fuel, parking fees, highway toll fees, transport by luxury van with air conditioning, wine tasting of 3 different French wines or 1 full glass of 1 French wine

Cracking things off, we bring you the Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip from Paris Tour . If you’re looking for a way to escape the city for a day and explore serene, fairytale-like scenery, you’re in for a real treat.

This tour provides all-day adventure where you’ll get to see everything from the largest chateau in the valley to the colorful gardens.

Ideal for small groups of 8 people of less, get ready for a day of personalized attention and seeing hidden gems larger groups aren’t able to. Lasting 12 hours long, the professional guides make sure everything goes on without a hitch.

You’ll meet at La Flamme in Paris at 7am and hope on board your private, luxury transportation. Your first stop will be at Chateau de Chambord, which is the largest in the entire Loire Valley.

With countless spires and a breathtaking double-helix staircase, you’re sure to enjoy walking around and taking some photos of this incredible architecture. Here, you’ll learn about Chambord and have time to walk around on your own.

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Chateau de Chenonceau or “the Ladies’ Chateau” as it’s called due to its history of being run by powerful women, offers a uniquely feminine touch.

Learn all about its unique history before heading to Chateau Royal d’Amboise – one of the oldest castles in the country. With magnificent views overlooking the wild Loire River, you’ll learn about its equally-wild history.

Head over to the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, where you’ll see the tomb of the legendary Italian artist, Leonardo Da Vinci. He actually spent the last years of his life serving the French King, and his architectural prowess was crucial to the Renaissance Chateau here.

Then, head down to the town of Amboise, with its charming homes and winding walkways. Here, take a break for a delicious lunch, with plenty of local restaurants and bakeries to enjoy.

After refueling, you’ll then see Place Michel Debre where you’ll visit a little wine vendor where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting of 3 different local wines.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other paris experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best private tour: loire valley castles vip private tour: chambord, chenonceaux, amboise.

• Duration: 13 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Includes: Private, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pick-up and drop-off, fees and taxes, local expert art historian guide

We know that the Loire Valley is impressive, no matter what kind of tour you take. However, a lot of the larger tours involve standing around or missing out on certain aspects due to the quantity of people in the group. If you want to make the most of your time there, we highly recommend checking out the Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise .

This tour is VIP in every way, starting out with a convenient hotel pickup bright and early in the morning. All you have to do is make sure you’re down in the lobby on time, and be ready to board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle!

Bring some nice walking shoes as you’ll be doing plenty of exploring of the grounds and inside the castles. Rather than a big coach, you’ll have a personal chauffeur in a car take you to each stop. Many of these stops aren’t possible in vans, so this is ideal!

The first stop of the day will be the Chateau Royal d’Amboise. This castle is most well-known for being the final resting place of da Vinci. However, many famous – if not notorious – French royals lived here throughout the 15 th through 19 th centuries.

With a local expert art historian to guide you, there’s no question you’ll learn all the ins and outs about this area throughout the centuries. Take a moment at Clos Lucé, known as the former official residence of da Vinci, and is a wonderful example of Renaissance art using brick and local tufa stone.

Next is the Chateau de Chenonceau, famous for bridging the Cher River. This chateau is the most famous in the valley, representing an architectural transition from Gothic to Renaissance.

It really looks like something out of a fairytale, with elaborate details and equally as detailed grounds. Chateau de Chambord is the next stop where you’ll take a tour of the grounds and inside, learning about the country’s 16 th -century architectural revolution.

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3. best budget tour: loire valley chambord & chenonceau castles day trip with wine tasting from paris.

• Departure: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
• Departure Time: 7:30 AM
• Includes: English-speaking tour guide, wine tasting in Château de Chenonceau, entrance ticket to Chambord and Chenonceau Castles, return transportation in an air-conditioned coach, free time in the town of Blois

Next, we bring you a slightly longer tour: the 13-hour Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting from Paris . If you love castles and stunning architecture, you’ll love this one as well.

Perfectly balancing tour time with free time, you’ll learn a lot but have the freedom to focus on what interests you most, as well. Your day will start off with you meeting your guide and the rest of your group outside the Paris Catacombs.

It’s time to take a day off from the hustle-and-bustle of the thriving capital and into the beautiful Loire Valley. You’ll board a private, air-conditioned coach with plenty of room and large windows for optimal viewing.

Your first stop will be Chateau de Chambord with this tour as well. Many will already feel familiar with the architecture, given that the turrets were the inspiration for the Beauty and the Beast Castle! Learn all about the architecture’s history, along with a staircase supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Now it’s time to head to Blois, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch in one of the many delicious restaurants around the fascinating Square Louis XII. We highly recommend checking out the Royal Castle of Blois, showing off various types of gorgeous architecture.

After refueling, head on over to the classy Chateau de Chenonceau, where you’ll be able to not only explore around the many rooms and stone carvings but enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting.

The area is known for its white wines, and you’ll get to enjoy these while checking out the main hall that spans the nearby river Cher.

If you’d like, you can elect to partake in an additional wine tasting down in the chateau’s vaulted wine cellar!

4. Best Full Day Tour: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris

• Duration: 12.5 hours
• Departure: 20 Pl. des Vins de France, 75012 Paris
• Departure Time: 7:00 am
• Includes:  Round trip by luxury coach from Paris with licensed guide (if option selected), round trip by luxury coach from Paris with audio guide (if option selected), entrance to 3 Loire Valley castles: Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny

One of the most stressful things about traveling is dealing with the crowds and waiting around. What if we told you that you could skip all of that and head straight to the good stuff? You can do just that with the Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris tour !

This 12.5-hour tour may last the entire day, but the way it’s planned out makes it perfect for the entire family – even kids! With round-trip transportation by a spacious, luxury coach, it’s very comfortable and easy to get around.

Start out first-thing in the morning by meeting your guide, and you’re off to the first stop on the tour! Thanks to the skip-the-line tickets, once you get to Chateau de Chambord, you’ll all head straight inside without the wait.

Your guide will offer an educational commentary on the royals that lived there, French aristocracy gossip, and the fascinating architecture. You’ll have plenty of time to roam around on your own, as well, taking photos and videos of one of the most famous castles in the world.

While the castle’s façade and estate are certainly impressive, when you come across the infamous double-helix staircase at the Domaine National de Chambord, you’ll become enamored like everyone else. It makes sense, then, that Leonardo da Vinci is rumored to be the brains behind the design!

The Chateau de Chenonceau is another favorite – known as the “ladies’ castle” due to the heavy female influence of those who lived and ruled here. Constructed in the early 1500s, it was the sight of many royal scandals, festivities, and in the 19 th -century, converted into a military hospital.

Learn about and enjoy some fine wine and French royal history before heading to Chateau de Cheverny.

This grandiose estate has been in the same family for over an impressive 6 centuries, originally buit by the Hurault family in the early 1600s. Learn all about the Cheverny wines, and try their delicious reds and whites.

5. Best Tour With Lunch: Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure Time: n/a
• Includes:  Lunch, driver/guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan, snacks

Last but certainly not least, we bring you the Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle ! If the other tours on our guide look enticing but you want something slightly shorter, check this one out.

Clocking in at 9 hours, it gives you plenty of time to learn and explore this picturesque area. There are two pickup spots available to make it easy to access, no matter where you are located in Paris.

However, the guides are very understanding and try to make things as easy as possible for everyone. You’ll board your air-conditioned coach with your guide/driver who will offer interesting commentary as you cruise through the beautiful valley.

Your first stop along the way will be to the Chateau de Chenonceau, which you’ve learned quite a bit about already!

The Renaissance architecture is captivating, no matter who you are. Sitting right over the Cher river, it’s unlike any other castle we’ve seen and is no wonder why it’s the most photographed in all of France.

Your guide will ensure you see the little nooks-and-crannies – the best views from spots most tourists don’t get to see. This guide is definitely one to remember, offering funny stories and vast knowledge of the area.

Make a stop in town to enjoy a relaxing lunch. You can go off on your own or stay with your group to chat about what you’ve seen so far before heading over to Chateau de Villesavin. This family-owned chateau also gives you the option of a traditional French lunch so the group can decide.

Don’t forget the Chateau de Chambord, where you’ll notice the clear influence of King Louis XIV, drawing many parallels to the Palace of Versailles.

You’ll be taken on a journey by a passionate local guide who will paint a picture – or movie, really – of what took place here. Then, follow it up with a tasty French aperitif.

Your Guide For Day Trips to the Loire Valley From Paris

Five must see destinations in the loire valley.

• Château de Chambord : This fairy-tale like castle is a must see for anyone visiting the Loire Valley. It was built for King Francis I, Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of design and engineering that has over 400 rooms. It has a double helix staircase with a stunning rooftop terrace that has panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
• Clos Lucé : Step inside the home of the genius Leonardo da Vinci where he lived and worked during his final years. This 15th-century chateau is a glimpse into the life and work of one of world’s greatest inventors and artists. Explore the gardens and visit the museum which houses a collection of models and drawings of da Vinci’s inventions.
• Chenonceau : Known as the “Château des Dames” for its association with a series of powerful women who owned and inhabited it over the centuries. Chenonceau is one of the most stunning chateaux in the region. Built on a bridge over the River Cher it boasts a unique and elegant design, beautiful gardens plus an impressive art collection.
• Villandry : With its magnificent gardens and beautifully restored Renaissance architecture, Villandry is a true gem of the Loire Valley. The chateau’s extensive gardens are a true feast for the senses that features terraces, fountains and an array of colorful flowers and plants arranged in intricate patterns.
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau : This charming castle, set on the banks of the Indre River is a perfect example of French Renaissance architecture. Its graceful design and tranquil setting make it a peaceful retreat.

One Day Itinerary For the Loire Valley From Paris

It can be challenging if you’re coming from Paris. We would recommend you spend the night in Amboise and start your journey in the heart of the region. The Loire Valley is two hours southwest of Paris by car so it will take some planning to see the highlights in one day.

A guided tour will take you from Paris to some of the Loire Valley’s most popular destinations. Most tour companies have day trips that include stops at several chateaux, such as Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise, as well as some of the region’s picturesque towns and villages. We highlight our favorites above!

If you want go on your own here is a sample itinerary that takes you to some of the area’s most beautiful and significant sites.

9:00am : Start your day in the picturesque town of Amboise where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the many charming cafes lining the streets. Be sure to try some of the local pastries such as croissants or pain au chocolate for an authentic taste of France.

10:00am : Head to the nearby Château Royal d’Amboise which is a stunning castle that was once the home of French kings. Walk through the castle and admire the incredible views of the Loire River from its terrace.

11:30am : From Amboise, take a short drive to the Château de Chenonceau that is one of the most beautiful and iconic chateaux in the region. With its unique location spanning across the River Cher, this chateau is a true architectural masterpiece.

1:00pm : It’s time for lunch! Check out one of the many restaurants in the area for a traditional French meal. Be sure to try some of the region’s famous wines such as Sancerre or Chinon to accompany your meal.

2:30pm : After lunch, head to the Château de Villandry which is known for its impressive Renaissance gardens. Take a walk through the gardens that has fountains, terraces and a wide variety of colorful flowers. The chateau is worth exploring with its beautiful architecture and history.

4:00pm : Finally, head to the nearby town of Tours, known for its charming streets and vibrant cultural scene. Take a walk through the historic center of the town, and explore the many shops, galleries and cafes that line the streets. Don’t forget to see the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Gatien which is a beautiful Gothic cathedral that is a true masterpiece of French architecture.

6:00pm : Head back to Amboise for dinner at one of the many restaurants. Enjoy some of the local specialties such as seafood or cheese from the nearby Loire Valley. Then head back to Paris to rest after an amazing whirlwind tour of the Loire Valley!

Tour Guides

The 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip is our Editors Choice for the best Loire Valley tour from Paris

Robert Baker

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Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris with Chambord & Chenonceau Castles and Wine Tasting

Viator Experiences Awards: Top 20 Experiences - Western Europe

• Castles, rolling hills, beautiful meals, and wine, are what comes to mind when you think of the French countryside and you will find them all in the Loire Valley ! Meet our enthusiastic English-speaking guide and private air-conditioned coach in the city center of Paris and join us on a journey to visit two castles and much more.
• Our first stop, Château de Chambord , sparks the imagination in all of us. Discover its rich history, including the staircase said to be built by Da Vinci and hear how it was the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Then, head for some free time to the beautiful town of Blois, home of the Château de Blois.
• Next we visit Château de Chenonceau with its beautiful gardens and original interiors. After the tour you can choose to join a delicious  wine tasting , because, after all, we are here to enjoy all that France has to offer!

Tour Description

What's included.

• Expert, English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance ticket and reservation fee for all sites visited
• All transfers in an air-conditioned coach
• Wine tasting
• Free time in Blois
• Entrance to Blois Castle
• Hotel pick up/drop off

Sites Visited

• Château de Chambord
• Château de Chenonceau
• Town of Blois

Discover Fairy-Tale Castles with our Loire Valley Tours

Explore the heart and soul of the French countryside on our Loire Valley Tours, taking you directly from Paris into this stunning region to explore fairy-tale castles, sample local foods and wines, and experience some of France’s most beautiful scenery.

Feel like Beauty at Château de Chambord

Our day trip from Paris starts at a central location, from where you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with your expert, English-speaking tour guide. We’ll travel out of the city and towards our first site – Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the valley. Disney fans will recognize this castle as the inspiration for ‘Beauty and the Beast’. You’ll hear about the strange history of this castle, once intended as a hunting lodge for a king, and climb the staircase that was supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. After your guided tour, you’ll have some free time to explore more of the castle yourself, climb to the roof for spectacular views among the turrets, or even take a stroll around the grounds, home to a huge population of wild deer.

Free Time for French Food and Blois Town

The next stop is the town of Blois – , home of the Château de Blois., one of most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France. where you’ll have two hours to enjoy some free time. With gorgeous gothic scenery that looks delightful whatever the weather, you’ll enjoy two hours two strolling stroll through the streets or sitting sit down for some delicious French food. Just in case two isn’t enough to satisfy your fairytale dreams, here you can visit the Royal castle of Blois on your own, notable for its unique mix of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Classical architecture. This Royal castle once was the home of kings Louis XII and François I and presents a tragic history, as the place where Joan of Arc went to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before departing with her army to drive the English from Orléans.

Wine Tasting at Château de Chenonceau

Last but not least, we’ll head to the Château de Chenonceau for wine tasting - discover a wide range of white and red wines, and even a sweet dessert wine, with tasting notes from a real expert. Following this, enjoy the chance to tour the so-called “Ladies’ Château,” Château de Chenonceau. This elegant 16th-century castle makes a lasting impression. The detailed, painted wooden door and smooth stone exterior are breathtaking. Inside, you'll be able to admire original stone carvings, large tapestries, and beautiful period features and visit the chapel and bedrooms, furnished as in times gone by. Take some time to go downstairs and see the magnificent vaultedmagnificent, vaulted kitchens, including a pantry, a butcher’s room and the staff dining room.

There is even a landing platform for the servants to bring supplies up the river. Admire the huge oven, copper pans and cooking implements, it’s easy to imagine these kitchens bustling with activity so many centuries ago! Don’t miss the spectacular and beautiful bridge that spans the river Cher. Originally used to hold balls and parties, it served as a hospital in WWI and was in use again in WWII, this time helping people escape from occupied France, crossing over the bridge and into free France on the other side.

The grounds, cultivated by the famous ladies who owned the home (hence its name), are just as beautiful as the Château itself. Enjoy the gardens of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, as well as the wonderful fruit and vegetable garden, planted to feed those living in the chateau. You now have a difficult but delightful choice: you can continue to tour the castle, orcastle or indulge in a second wine tasting (three wines from the chateau’s vines) led by your guide in the Cave des Domes, a lovely, vaulted cellar full of wine barrels.

Three French castles, each uniquely beautiful, and two wine tastings… All amid the stunning scenery of the Loire Valley. This memorable day trip from Paris will delight all the senses! If you’re interested in wine tasting, check out our wide range of  Wine Tasting Tours in Paris .

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Important Notes

• Please note that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics from July 26th to August 11th, followed by the Paralympics from August 28th to September 8th. This may have an impact on our travel plans. While we are committed to minimizing any sort of inconvenience, please be aware that unforeseen issues may arise. We will make every effort to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth experience for you.
• We strongly recommend all clients who are traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of their child.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

Yes. The tour includes round trip transportation from and to Paris, so if you wish to stay at Loire you must inform your guide during the tour so they are aware you will not be coming back with the group. You will need to organise your own return transport to Paris. Please note that it’s not allowed to bring any luggages on the tour.

On the regular tour, you will taste a Brut "Méthode traditionnelle”, Sauvignon Blanc sec; Rosé "Les Meuriers", Cabernet Rouge "Les Meuriers" and Le Côt, Chenin Blanc (Moelleux 2009).

Please note that the selection of wines may be different on the day of your visit depending on the vineyard’s availability.

On our Loire Valley Tour you will see two of the most visited castles – Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau. You will also have a short outside visit of a third castle where you will stop for lunch.

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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Paris tours, loire valley castles tours, get to know city wonders.

A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

• All of our guides are experts in their field
• We only hire fluent English-speakers so nothing is ever lost in translation
• We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make City Wonders so special

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Discover the best Loire Valley tours with authentic local guides

Join our day trips from Tours, Amboise or Paris: English or French speaking semi-private, half or full day guided tours by minivan, by E-Bike or with your own car. Visit the must-see castles and experience the French art de vivre feeling like a King! Immerse yourself in the royal splendor of the Loire Valley castles and savor local gastronomy and wines !

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Chambord, Chenonceau & lunch at a chateau - Full-day

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. One of the highlights will definitely be a restful lunch away from tourist groups in a beautiful privately-owned chateau still inhabited by the family.

Loire Valley wine tour to Vouvray - Afternoon

Explore the Loire Valley wine route and its vineyards, full of tradition and passion! Visit a local winery of the Vouvray Appellation, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes and learn how to taste these elegant wines produced from one of the most well-known terroir of the Val de Loire area!

Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau & Vouvray wine tour - Full-day

Enjoy a complete discovery of Loire Valley with the visit of must-see Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and Château de Villandry and its remarkable gardens. Benefit from your guide's thrilling historical anecdotes and feel part of these old days. In the afternoon, learn everything about Loire Valley wines by visiting a local winery of the Vouvray Appellation, well-known for its sparkling and white wines. A fun adventure you will always remember!

Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau châteaux - Morning

Enjoy the famous French Art de Vivre with this delightful morning including the visit of the elegant chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and the Chateau de Villandry and its unique gardens. An experience you will never forget ! Your passionate guide will stay with you all along sharing many anecdotes that will make you feel part of those royal days.

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By minivan or by e-bike, explore the best of the Loire Valley region with our friendly and professional local guides.

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We had a wonderful day touring Chenonceau and Chambord with our guide Marion! She had lots of great information about each chateau and was very friendly. The lunch was also fantastic, an original French meal.

Trip Advisor

WOW! This tour is amazing. We had a lovely combination of guided tours and plenty of free time to explore the grounds of the chateaus that we visited. The lunch was exquisite and superb by every measure - local food and wine in a private chateau dining room prepared to perfection

Amazing well organized tour!! Our tour guide Merrion was awesome and we learned so many interesting stories and facts about the castles history - we were engaged the whole time! Lunch at a smaller family chateau was a great inclusion and had enough time to explore the chateau’s! Highly recommend this tour!!

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Loire Valley Day Trip with Castles & Wine from Paris

Visit fairy tale castles and drink delicious wine in the picturesque french countryside.

Looking to step back in time and discover the magnificent interiors and expansive gardens of Chambord and Chenonceau Castles without having to organize transport, tours, and tickets yourself? That's why we've put together this day trip to the Loire Valley, complete with wine tastings, guided walks, and time to explore on your own. Our guides love sharing stories of bygone times and surprising you with little-known tales, which means you'll feel like a VIP guest on an enchanting fairytale.

• Roundtrip transport from Paris ​
• Fairy-tale Castle
• Beautiful, landscaped gardens​
• Fun, expert tour guide​
• French history​
• Leonardo da Vinci staircase​
• Ladies' Château: Chenonceau Castle​
• Idyllic wine tastings​

After meeting your guide and fellow group members in the heart of Paris, you’ll begin your enchanting Loire Valley day trip with a scenic transfer to Château de Chambord. Deemed the inspiration for ’Beauty and the Beast’, you’ll be wowed by the castle’s sprawling lawns, spiring staircase, and unique roof features during a guided tour.

Your journey then continues to the equally impressive Château de Chenonceau, where you’ll begin your tour with a wine tasting. Next, explore the castle’s elegant rooms, magnificent kitchens, and staff rooms before wandering the charming gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Round off the day with another optional wine tasting before concluding your wonderful day back in Paris.

Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris Tour Description

Your 13-hour tour includes:

Guided tour of Château de Chambord

Free time to wander Château de Chambord at your leisure

Free time for lunch in Blois

Tour of Château de Chenonceau

Entrance ticket and reservation fee for all sites visited

Information tasting of four French wines

Transport in an air-conditioned coach

Expert, friendly, English-speaking tour guide

Meet at Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy

Your journey begins bright and early in the heart of Paris, at the Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy. Here, you’ll meet your guide and fellow group members for the day. Take a moment to soak in the charm of this historic street brimming with French resistance history and charming cafés before boarding a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Settle in and watch Paris stir to life around you, and begin the two-hour journey through the romantic French countryside to the magnificent Château de Chambord.

Tour Château de Chambord

You’ll feel like you’ve landed yourself in a fairytale as Château de Chambord appears on the horizon and its stunning towers and sprawling lawn come into view. The inspiration for ‘Beaty and the Beast’, Château de Chambord boasts impressive French Renaissance architecture and stands proud amongst a sprawling wildlife reserve.

With your knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll discover fascinating tales about the castle's days as a hunting lodge for King Francis I and climb stairs Leonardo da Vinci supposedly designed. Then, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Perhaps you'll delight in a peaceful stroll through the grounds in search of wild deer or head up to the roof to explore its towers and turrets. You’ll also have time for lunch in Blois, a historic town nested in the Loire Valley.

Sample Wines at Château de Chenonceau

Next, you’ll hop back on the coach bus for a relaxing hour-long drive to Château de Chenonceau. Known as the “Ladies’ Château” due to its delicate features and finely decorated interior, there’s no doubt you’ll be left speechless by the elegance of Château de Chenonceau the moment it comes into view. But before touring this grand castle, enjoy a delightful experience sampling a range of white and red wines, topped with a sweet dessert wine, alongside a wine expert. Sample Wines at Château de Chenonceau

Next, you’ll hop back on the coach bus for a relaxing hour-long drive to Château de Chenonceau. Before heading there, you will have some free time for lunch in Blois, an historic town nested in the Loire Valley. Known as the “Ladies’ Château” due to its delicate features and finely decorated interior, there’s no doubt you’ll be left speechless by the elegance of Château de Chenonceau the moment it comes into view. But before touring this grand castle, enjoy a delightful experience sampling a range of white and red wines, topped with a sweet dessert wine, alongside a wine expert.

Explore Château de Chenonceau

Feeling like a real-life prince or princess, you’ll then tour the castle’s interior, filled with original stone carvings, impressive tapestries, and stunning period features. Many of the bedrooms and chapels have been furnished in a perfect 16th-century rendition, and you’ll certainly want to take time to visit the awe-inspiring vaulted kitchens and butcher’s room. Also, don’t miss an opportunity to admire the spectacular bridge spanning the Cher River, which has been used to host parties, as a hospital, and as an escape route in its long history.

Next, head out to the ground and soak up the fresh air while touring the perfectly manicured gardens of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Then, before you continue exploring the castle, join your guide for a second wine tasting in Cave des Domes, an impressive vaulted cellar full of wine barrels.

As your fairytale day comes to an end, you’ll enjoy a leisurely ride back to Paris and say your goodbyes to your newfound friends with a camera and a heart full of lifelong memories.

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What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

3 total reviews

Loire Valley day trip with castles and wine

This trip was not exactly what I paid for. I signed up for the 2 castles and lunch at a vineyard with wine. We went to the two castles but did not go to a vineyard and we had to buy our own lunch. There was no wine either. My guide Addie was great. The castles were fabulous. Just disappointed that the tour said lunch and wine included and a vineyard and it was not. I’ve always had great experience with the tour guy but this one is a bit disappointing

I want to go back!

Love seeing the French Countryside on this tour. Would love to move there! If you have the chance to see it, I would definitely take it and this tour is the way to do it!

The best day by far during our trip to Paris. Of course Paris was beautiful as well but wow the Loire area was amazing. I'm a huuuuuuggggeee Disney fan so seeing the Beauty and the Beast castle brought me to tears of joy! The winery was also wonderful, the French countryside is so Romantic!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for a good portion of the tour. A hat and a water bottle are also recommended.

Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for a good portion of the tour. A hat and a water bottle are also recommended.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Paris.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand. This tour includes walking on uneven terrain and navigating sometimes steep staircases, and unfortunately, it cannot accommodate guests with wheelchairs.

What happens if it rains?

We run our Loire Valley Day Trip From Paris tours rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and we cannot proceed with the tour, we'll let you know as soon as possible.

Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?

On the rare occasions the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.

Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?

No, but snacks will be served during wine tasting. You’ll also have free time for lunch in Blois, and our guides are always happy to point you in the right direction.

Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?

Yes, everyone is welcome on our Loire Valley Day Trip From Paris tour. Infants (0 to 1 year old) are free, and we offer a reduced price for children 14 and under. Please choose accordingly when booking. Kindly note that this tour cannot accommodate strollers or baby carriages.

Where does this tour end?

This tour ends at Place Denfert Rochereau in Paris.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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The Perfect Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris

Published on September 25, 2023

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

The Loire Valley is a beautiful area of France, with numerous magnificent châteaux dotting the vineyard-filled countryside lining the calm Loire River that’s perfect for kayaking. But you don’t have to spend a week in the Loire to enjoy it; to get a feel for the area, you can have a great Loire Valley day trip from Paris to get out of the city and into the real France.

By train, bus or car, you can visit a château, taste the crisp white wine the area is known for and spend time in one of the most intriguing museums in France: da Vinci’s House. And you can do it all in just one day!

Table of Contents

How to Get from Paris to the Loire Valley

There are several ways to reach the Loire Valley from Paris, depending on how much freedom you want, who you want to travel with and whether you mind arranging your day out based on public transport schedules. Let’s look at a few options in detail.

By Organised Tour

If you want to take a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley but don’t want to organise everything yourself, or you’d like some company, there are some excellent Loire Valley tours.

On this full-day tour or this full-day tour you will be taken on a comfortable coach from central Paris to some of the highlights of the Loire, including the magical Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceaux, including wine tasting as well as a stop in the lovely town of Blois.

Or if you’re looking for a more intimate tour this small group tour or this guided tour will skip Blois and head to the famous Château and quaint town of Amboise where you can also visit the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. This way you can see some of the most iconic Loire Valley castles.

You can also organise a private tour if you prefer a more personalised tour.

It’s hard to fit all of the highlights into one day in the Loire Valley, but these tours do a good job and can be a great option instead of travelling alone.

There are several options to get to the Loire Valley from Paris by train, but by far the easiest is to the city of Tours.

This journey takes just over one hour, and there are trains leaving Paris Austerlitz and Montparnasse Stations approximately every half an hour throughout the day, so this is the best way to do your day trip from Paris by public transport.

There are also regular return journeys to Paris from Tours main station Gare De St-Pierre-Des-Corps, with the last train around 10.30 pm. You can view train schedules here.

Once you’ve arrived in Tours to start your day trip, you can take trains to most of the locations on our itinerary, however, taking local buses may be easier. Or, simply enjoy a day trip to Tours, as there’s plenty to see and do within the city.

If you do travel out of the city, you can head back to Paris from Amboise or Blois-Chambord via Orléans – although the last trains back are before 8 pm so try not to lose track of time.

The last stop on our itinerary is Chenonceaux, to get back to Paris, you’ll need to take the train back to Tours first, although this journey just takes 25 minutes.

Bus isn’t the most practical way to reach the Loire Valley from Paris as it can take from 3 to 3 and a half hours from Paris Bus Station to Tours. So if you want to make the most of a day trip to the Loire Valley, you’ll have to get up early and get back late so you don’t spend your whole day on the road.

However, travelling by bus is the cheapest option to reach the Loire, with tickets to Tours under 10 euros, and many buses making the journey each day at all hours, so you’re not stuck travelling at inconvenient times. You can view bus schedules here.

Bus rides to Blois are slightly more expensive, but it does cut your journey down to 2 and a half hours to save you a bit more time on your day trip.

Driving is the easiest way to spend one day in the Loire Valley as a day trip from Paris, as you have the freedom to travel on your own schedule. However, you’ll want to leave Paris relatively early and get back late if you’re travelling during weekdays, as the traffic around Paris can be a nightmare.

Most of the time it’s manageable, however, when there are roadworks – as are common outside of the holiday season in France – navigating the roads to leave the city can be a bit complicated.

Google Maps has live traffic information, so it can be more useful than your car sat-nav for avoiding traffic, as well as avoiding toll roads.

There are many toll roads in France, which explains why the roads are in excellent condition, however, if you want to keep the cost of your trip down and take the scenic routes, you should avoid the main routes out of Paris.

The easiest way to reach Tours from Paris for the start of your day trip to the Loire Valley is to head towards Orléans on the A71 and turn off to Tours on the A10. However, this is a toll road and can cost you up to €36.00.

The best way to avoid it is by taking the N20 through Châteaudun, followed by the N10 to Tours. You should also be aware that Paris has a low emissions zone to reduce pollution, so some cars will be given an extra charge for driving through. Bear this in mind before bringing your own car or renting one from Paris.

Usually, the journey takes around 2 and a half hours from Paris to Tours, and there are car parks all over the city. Parking Relais, for example, is located in the centre of Tours and is open 24 hours, so you don’t need to worry about rushing back to your car in the evening.

If you need to rent a car for your time in France, you can browse Rentalcars.com which compares prices across major companies.

Loire Valley Day Trip Itinerary

There’s plenty to see in the Loire Valley , so ideally you’d spend a week or more in the area rather than just have a day trip.

However, since it’s so close to Paris , if you want to nip down for a glimpse of a château and a sip of white wine, you can structure your day to make the most of a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris by sticking to one area – perhaps around the famed Chateau de Chambord.

If you have a car, the journey will be a lot easier as you can move around as you please, but it is possible to reach each location via train and bus.

Our Loire Valley day trip itinerary will take you from Tours to Chenonceaux, which is just a distance of 40 km, so you can easily drive there in a day, as well as take the train, bus, or even taxis to make the most of your time.

Arriving by train, bus or car into the centre of Tours, start your morning wandering around the old town. These beautiful city streets lined with colourful half-timbered houses make a wonderful backdrop for a morning stroll as well as a quick breakfast in a patisserie or little café.

Amble from the delightful Place Plumereau to the extravagant Basilica of Saint Martin via the Tours clocktower before heading for more sightseeing to see the wonderful architecture of the Tours Opéra and taking a stroll along the Loire River to see the 11th-century Château de Tours – one of the beautiful Loire castles.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Tuesday to Sunday, you can enjoy the large Tours street market where you can try the local speciality nougat and dried pears while perusing the fresh produce and seeing the locals go about their business.

One of the most important activities to do while in the Loire Valley, whether you’re there for a day trip or a week-long holiday, is wine tasting, and there’s nowhere more iconic than Vouvray. The town itself is rather small but is surrounded by vineyards, châteaux and caves where the locals have been making wine for centuries.

Take a bus, taxi, guided tour or drive to any of the fantastic vineyards for a great experience tasting the crisp whites and sparkling wines that Vouvray is famous for.

Visit the spectacular Musée de la Vigne et du Vin du Château de Moncontour, just 3 minutes driving from Vouvray centre for a wine experience like no other, tasting and learning about the local wines in the Château’s museum.

10 minutes north of Vouvray, you can have a more unique local experience, visiting the 26-hectare vineyard of Vigneau-Chevreau and exploring the troglodyte caves where the wine is aged and you can taste the local produce.

All wine-tasting experiences will provide a spittoon if you need one, or make sure you have a designated driver for the rest of your day trip.

Arriving in Amboise we approach lunchtime, so either pick up a sandwich in a bakery in the centre to keep moving quickly, or stop in one of the many excellent bistros, restaurants, brasseries and fine dining restaurants for a great experience of the Loire cuisine.

But Amboise is by no means just a food stop; it’s one of the many must-see places of the Loire Valley – and for good reason! Depending on how much time you have, you can choose from two spectacular sites in the town to visit: Amboise Château or Leonardo da Vinci’s House.

Built in the 11th century and turned over to the crown in the 15th, Amboise Château is an incredible sight to behold from the town centre as it sits on a hilltop, overseeing the land and watching out for approaching attackers.

Decorated in the Renaissance style, Amboise Château was once the royal residence of famous French kings, notably François I, who invited da Vinci to live and work for the remainder of his life in a beautiful home just 400m away.

Wander around the castle and its grounds, and make sure to stop over in the château’s chapel, where da Vinci was laid to rest 500 years ago.

Perhaps more exciting than the King’s residence, is that of the legendary Italian artist and creative Leonardo da Vinci.

Da Vinci lived in the Château du Clos Lucé for just 3 years, although these were perhaps some of his most active years as an inventor for the King, as he designed everything from bridges to water transportation devices and war machines.

Inside the house, you can see where the artist lived upstairs, while on the lower floor, you can see small recreations of da Vinci’s designs amongst his drawings and plans, and videos explaining how each creation worked.

The most exciting part of the da Vinci property is located in the grounds. As you walk around the large wooded grounds with a river flowing through, you’ll come across recreations of da Vinci’s paintings hidden away in the treetops, as well as life-size models of his inventions.

Walk across the bridges, step inside the wooden tank and play with the many other intriguing inventions that the creator was working on for the King of France.

You could easily spend a few hours here, but keep an eye on the time as there’s one more stop on your Loire Valley day trip itinerary.

Chenonceaux

Just a 20-minute drive south of Amboise is one of the most beautiful and iconic châteaux of the Loire Valley: the Château de Chenonceau.

The huge castle stretches out over several arches onto the Cher River and is as remarkable to look at as it is to learn about as you explore the interior rooms. You can  organise tickets here.

The Château de Chenonceau has changed hands many times in its nearly 600-year life, although almost always remaining in the hands of powerful women of France, from Diane de Poitiers to Catherine de Medici to Louise of Lorraine, each of whom made their own mark on the château.

Having fallen into disrepair in the 19th century, the castle became a military hospital before being restored and opened for visitors all across the world to explore and learn of the long history of the wives, mistresses and daughters-in-law of the Kings of France.

Wander through the great hall and large ornate rooms designed by Catherine de Medici, and stop by the dark, funerary chamber of Louise of Lorraine where she mourned her husband, before wandering around the incredible topiary in the castle gardens.

Depending on how much time you have left, you can stop by the town of Chenonceaux for dinner, or start to make your way back to Paris by train or bus via Tours or Blois, or drive back on the country roads to avoid the tolls near Orléans.

Where to Stay in Paris

La Planque Hotel – Mid-range visitors to the French capital will love this cosy hotel. Located in a great central area perfect for day trips, they have a number of lovely rooms to choose from along with breakfast available each morning. Click here to check availability

Hôtel Jardin de Cluny – Those after a luxury option in Paris will love this chic hotel in the Latin Quarter. Whether you’re looking for a great base in the city or a good jumping-off point for some day trips, they have plenty of plush amenities to enjoy. Click here to check availability

My Maison In Paris Montmartre – These apartments in Paris’ Montmartre neighbourhood are an excellent choice for those after a self-catering option in the French capital. There are a range of flats to choose from that come equipped with all you may need during your time in the city and its surroundings. Click here to check availability

The People Paris Marais – If you’re looking for a great hostel in Paris will love this centrally-located option. They have both private rooms and dorm beds available and there’s also breakfast on offer in the mornings. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Paris hotels!

The Loire Valley is bursting with fun, historic and cultural activities, but fortunately, lots of the highlights are concentrated in a small area so you can have an excellent day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris, without spending too much time travelling.

Are you planning to visit the Loire Valley? Have any questions about this day trip? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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Home > Side Trips from Paris > How to Plan a Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris – Things to Do & Travel Tips

How to Plan a Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris – Things to Do & Travel Tips

Is a day trip to loire valley worth it.

The Loire Valley , in Central France, is a wonderful area to explore. Follow the Loire River while visiting pretty medieval towns, awesome Renaissance châteaux, and tasting great food and wine.

The Loire Valley is best explored on a weekend getaway from Paris or – even better – on a Loire Valley Road Trip . But, with the Loire Valley close enough for a day trip, you really don’t want to miss out on seeing some of the most beautiful castles in the world. And the good thing is, it’s easy to do it without a car!

A day trip to the Loire Valley can also be an opportunity to discover and taste some of France’s most prestigious wines, like Pouilly-Fumé, Chinon, Sancerre, Bourgueil, Touraine, and Vouvray.

The Loire Valley is one of the most visited places in France. Here’s how to visit Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris and my top tips to make the trip smooth and memorable.

Table of Contents:

Take a Loire Valley Tour from Paris

Take a loire valley tour from tours.

• Loire Valley Day Trip by Car
• Paris to Loire Valley by Train

Best Castles to Visit on a Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris

• Best Towns to Visit on a Day Trip to Loire Valley
• Loire Valley’s Wine Producing Areas to Visit on a Day Trip from Paris

Loire Valley Travel Tips

The Loire Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Click here for the list of best day trips from Paris

Loire Valley tours from Paris are the most comfortable and effective way to visit Loire Valley for a day. Sit on the air-con van and enjoy the landscape without having to worry about directions, transfers, or train connections.

There is a good variety of Loire Valley tours of all sizes, mainly focused on the most famous Loire Valley Castles. Some of the tours only include transportation and entrance tickets, while others also include lunch and wine tastings.

Recommended Loire Valley Tours from Paris

>> This small-group tour by minibus is always top-rated and visits Château de Chenonceau , Château d’Amboise , and Château de Chambord with a wine-tasting in Amboise. You can’t do better than this on your own! – Click here to book this Loire Valley small-group tour

>> If you are more interested in wineries than castles, check out this Loire Valley wine tour from Paris with a local expert guide, which explores the wine regions of Pouilly and Sancerre with wine tastings

>> Welcome Pickups offers customized day tours from Paris to Loire Valley with their drivers. You can visit all the places from the suggested list or pick only the ones you like. During the stops, you can do whatever you want and as long as you want within the overall time limit of the trip.

Sitting on the lower reaches of the Loire River, between Orléans and the Atlantic Ocean, Tours is the prefecture of the Indre-et-Loire department. Nicknamed “Little Paris,” Tours boasts a historical center (Vieux-Tours) listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

The train ride from Paris to Tours (fast train) only takes 1 hour 15 minutes (vs. 2 hours 15 minutes by car or minivan) and spares you the hassle of Paris’ traffic jams to leave the city. Once in Tours, you can take a full-day guided tour or combine a half-day guided tour with some sightseeing in Tours.

Recommended Loire Valley Tours from Tours

Fast trains from Paris to Tours leave Paris Montparnasse at 6:05 a.m., and the last train from Tours to Paris leaves at 20:29 p.m.

Loire Valley Day Trip by Car (self-guided)

This is the best and most flexible option for a Loire Valley day trip from Paris. Loire Valley by car is a good option to explore the towns or Loire Castles off the beaten path or not well connected by public transportation.

If you need to rent a car for this day trip, I recommend picking it up the day before so you can do the paperwork and car check without stress and leave Paris as early as possible the day after (ideally before rush hour). Ideally, your hotel in Paris has private parking, or there’s public parking nearby.

As with train tickets, booking early is a safe bet for finding the best car rental prices in France. As you get closer to your travel date, availability dwindles, and prices get more expensive ( search for your dates and compare car rental agencies in Paris ).

Driving Distances to Loire Valley from Paris

Here’s a sampling of distances from Paris to popular Loire Valley Castles using the toll roads:

• Paris to Château de Chambord: 1h 48min
• Paris to Château de Blois: 1h 45min
• Paris to Château d’Amboise: 2h 09min
• Paris to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: 2h 39min
• Paris to Château de Villandry: 2h 30min
• Paris to Château de Chenonceau: 2h 26min
• Paris to Château de Chaumont sur Loire: 2h 04min

The Loire Valley Castles usually have their own car parks (free or metered parking) near the castle entrance. Parking is definitely more complicated in towns or small cities like Amboise or Blois.

Loire Valley Driving Itinerary Ideas

Paris > Chambord Castle > Cheverny Castle > Chenonceau Castle > Paris

Paris > Amboise (town + Amboise Castle + Clos de Lucé) > Chenonceau Castle > Paris

Paris > Blois (town + Blois Royal Castle) > Chambord Castle > Paris

Paris to Loire Valley by Train (self-guided)

If you want to travel from Paris to Loire Valley by train, your best bet is the areas around Amboise and Blois . Both places are lovely, have a château on-site, and you can combine them with a visit to Château de Chambord (Blois) and Clos de Lucé (Amboise).

Paris to Blois by Train

• Train Paris – Blois : 1,5-2h one way (direct or via Orléans)
• Visit the Royal Château of Blois
• Bus Blois – Château de Chambord: 30min one way ( check out the bus schedule )
• Visit Château de Chambord

Paris to Amboise by Train

• Train Paris – Amboise : 2-2,5h (direct or via Orléans)
• Visit Château d’Amboise (16-min walk from Amboise’s train station)
• Visit Clos de Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci’s last home and burial place)

TIP: Save time and money with this bundle Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé !

In the Loire Valley, you will find some of the most beautiful French castles to visit . Most of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley were built during the Renaissance, so they are very different from the castles near Paris like the Palace of Versailles , Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, or Château de Pierrefonds .

If you don’t know what castles to visit during your day trip to Loire Valley, this list of the best Loire Valley Castles will be helpful. For a Paris to Loire Valley day trip, I recommend choosing only 1 or 2 castles.

If you want to visit Loire Valley in one day, don’t waste your time waiting in line to buy tickets to the castles. Below I list the Loire Valley Castles you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• Château de Chambord
• Château de Blois
• Château d’Amboise
• Château du Clos de Lucé (in Amboise)
• Bundle Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Château de Villandry
• Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Chaumont sur Loire

TIP: Save money with the combo passes Leonardo da Vinci Loire Valley Pass (Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé + Château de Chambord) and Loire Valley Châteaux Pass (Château de Blois + Château de Chenonceau + Château de Chambord).

Best Towns to Visit on a Day Trip to Loire Valley from Paris

Beaugency is a small town in the Loiret department along the Loire River. It has a pretty medieval center and some interesting sites, such as the old bridge over the Loire River or the 15th-century Château de Dunois .

Situated on the edge of the Loire River in the Loir-et-Cher department, Blois was once home to the French Kings. Visit the Royal Château of Blois – a must in the Loire Valley – and explore the Old Town, with beautiful medieval architecture and interesting sights.

Amboise is a pretty small town in the Indre-et-Loire department. It is best known for the Royal Château d’Amboise , home to King Charles VIII, and for the Clos de Lucé , the residence where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. If you want to visit both sites, buy this convenient bundle Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé and save money.

Wine Producing Areas to Visit on a Day Trip from Paris

The Loire Valley is not only about Renaissance châteaux or medieval towns. A day trip to the Loire Valley can also be an opportunity to discover and taste some of France’s most prestigious wines .

The Val de Loire Wine Region stands all along the longest river in France, crossing the Centre to the Atlantic Ocean and offering all styles of wines of great diversity. The Val de Loire Wine Region is divided into four main areas. Going down the river, you will find, from east to west, the following wine production areas: Centre-Loire, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur , and Pays Nantais . Centre-Loire and Touraine are the closest wine production areas to Paris.

Centre-Loire corresponds to the vineyards around the towns of Sancerre, Pouilly-sur-Loire, and Menetou-Salon. It only produces dry wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grape varieties.

Touraine corresponds to the vineyards around Tours. The area is divided into two parts: the east of Tours produces white wines mainly from the Chenin grape variety, while the west of Tours produces mainly reds from the Cabernet Franc grape variety.

If you are based in the French capital and looking to experience the wine culture of France, consider this Loire Valley wine tour from Paris , or just visit one of the many wineries in Loire Valley yourself on a self-guided wine tour by car.

Best Wineries to Visit in the Loire Valley

All these Loire Valley wineries offer top-rated tours and tastings in French and English. A visit to these wineries is also a great opportunity to buy excellent wines directly from the producers. You must book your visit online in advance.

• Domaine Thierry Cosme – Vouvray
• Domaine Les Pièrres d’Aurèle – Touraine
• Domaine Cahterine et Michel Langlois – Pouilly Fumé
• Domaine Jean-Marc et Mathieu Crochet – Sancerre

Check out this map of the Loire Valley with the best wineries to visit pinpointed.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE LOIRE VALLEY

The Loire Valley during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) is ideal because there are fewer tourists, and the gardens are especially beautiful with the first blooms or under the fall colors.

In the summer , the best Loire Valley Castles see the crowds (skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended), and you may enjoy the visits less. However, summer is also the season of many beautiful festivals in the Loire Valley. Some of the Loire Castles also host music festivals, garden festivals, or sound and light night festivals.

Winter is the less interesting season to visit Loire Valley, and some of the lesser-known Loire Castles may be closed to the public. However, in wintertime, skip-the-line tickets are not necessary, and you can enjoy the best Loire Valley Castles without the crowds.

LESS IS MORE

Choose only 1-2 castles to visit for your Loire Valley day trip from Paris. Consider an average of 1-2 hours of visit per castle, but some of them have such beautiful grounds that you could easily spend the full day there!

For the perfect day trip to Loire Valley from Paris, try combining small towns, Loire Valley Castles, and food and wine tasting. Guided day tours are usually good at this.

TRAVEL LIGHT, WITH GOOD WALKING SHOES

Bring good walking shoes, you are going to walk a lot! And don’t forget your refillable bottle of water to keep you hydrated.

A camera is a must. Some châteaux, like Château de Chambord, don’t allow tripods. You are warned!

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Loire Valley Castles: Guided Visits and Sightseeing Tours

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Day trip on your own to Loire castles with transportation from Paris

Take a day Trip to the Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris. Visit at your own pace the majestic Chateaux de Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord. Discover the Renaissance art and the lovely Loire region.

All day trip audioguided tour of Loire castles with transportation from Paris

Enjoy a real unforgettable day in the Loire Valley with an accompanist to go on a tour in total peace. You will immerse yourself into an enchanting universe that offers the majestic Loire Valley Castles. Enjoy a nice audio guided tour of the chateau de Chambord, the chateau de Chenonceau and the chateau de Cheverny.

All day trip guided tour of the Loire Valley Castles with transportation from Paris

During this excursion, you will visit majestic castles of the Loire Valley, masterpieces of the Renaissance, theaters of great scenes of French history. You will discover the charming castle of Chenonceau on the Cher river: a remarkable building by its architecture and its history and surrounded by beautiful gardens. You will also discover the castle of Cheverny, a seigniorial property belonging to the same family for over six centuries. Then the castle of Chambord, a grandiose creation of King François I with its famous double revolution staircase.

2 Day Guided Trip to Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris, with transport

Two days for a guided tour of the Mont Saint-Michel and its abbey, including a sight-seeing tour of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley: Langeais and Chenonceau. Accommodation included, transport by bus from Paris.

3 Day Guided Trip to Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris, with transport

Enjoy a three-day guided French tour of discovery. Visit the legendary Mont-Saint-Michel, the landing beaches of Normandy, and the typically local towns of Rouen, Honfleur and Saint Malo. Immerse yourself in royal history with a visit to the Loire Castles of Langeais, Chambord and Chenonceau. 

5-DAY TOUR IN FRANCE : round-trip airport/hotel transfers + 2-day guided tour of Mont Saint Michel/Chateaux de La Loire + guided tour of Versailles

Enjoy a complete experience combining the discovery of Paris, the rich history of Normandy, the splendor of the Loire castles, and the magnificence of Versailles.

6-DAY TOUR IN FRANCE : round-trip airport/hotel transfers + 3-day guided tour of Normandy, Mont Saint Michel/Chateaux de La Loire + Versailles palace and gardens guided

 Enjoy a complete experience combining the discovery of Paris, the rich history of Normandy, the splendor of the Loire castles, and the magnificence of Versailles.

5-DAY TOUR IN FRANCE : round-trip airport/central Paris hotel transfers + 2-day guided tour of Mont Saint Michel/Chateaux de La Loire + Versailles palace and gardens guided

Private guided Tour to the Loire castles with roundtrip transportation from Paris (1-7)

During this private excursion, you will visit majestic castles of the Loire Valley, masterpieces of the Renaissance, theaters of great scenes of French history.

Discover the most beautiful castles in France

Paris City Vision tours allow you, from your hotel or place of residence in Paris, to leave by bus with a guide interpreter to discover the most beautiful castles. Children and adults will be seduced among other treasures by the famous castles of Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord or the castle of Tour, Cheverny, the gardens of Villandry, the Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, the estate of Chaumont, a jewel of the Renaissance, or that of Fougères-sur-Bièvre.

Monuments with unique architecture

The castles of the Loire Valley each have their own history and are distinguished above all by the uniqueness of their architecture. Chambord Castle, fashioned according to the wishes of Francis I between the 16th and 17th centuries, has an admirable geometric architecture mixing French and Italian influences. Francis I did not have the opportunity to enjoy the completed Chambord Castle, as its construction was not completed until several years after the date of his death. But his involvement made him the emblematic figure of the castle, in which we find many tributes to the king. However, the latter will see the castle of Azay-le-Rideau built under his reign, a true masterpiece of 16th century architecture. As for the Chaumont-sur-Loire castle, it received the first prize in the lighting competition awarded by the SERCE for the specificities of its architectural lighting. Its lighting allows for a precise vision of its details seen up close, while a more powerful cold light highlights the building and makes it easy to discern in the distance.

A family visit to the Loire castles

These extraordinary buildings lend themselves perfectly to family tourism: children and adults alike appreciate the beauty and enchantment of the places, but also the secrets they hold and the history they tell. Everyone takes as much pleasure in admiring the different exterior facades as in discovering the different details inside each room. Summer, spring, autumn or winter, each period has its advantages: the forests of Sologne or Loir-et-Cher are for example magnificent in autumn and highlight the parks and residences. The tours we offer are also an opportunity to get a breath of fresh air, each park offering a real green setting.

Your tickets will allow you to access the different sites freely and to visit the castles with priority access, without having to face the inevitable queues of these tourist sites which welcome more than five million visitors each year.

Discover our multi-day tour offerings

Multi-day tours will allow you to visit a wider variety of sites south of Paris and appreciate the specificities of each castle, both architecturally and in terms of context: hunting park, landscaped gardens, banks of the Cher River... A Loire Valley sightseeing tour is also the ideal way to optimize your travels, while ensuring a restful night in a comfortable 3-star hotel. This type of tour is especially recommended if you are traveling with your children. To taste all the aspects of the region, why not take advantage of your visit to do a Loire wine tasting? Play the card of originality! You can even book your tickets at the best rate on the dates of your choice, for small groups or privatize the tour combining the wine discovery and the guided tours of the castles of Chenonceau and Chambord.

Find all our excursions from Paris

Finally, if the length of your stay allows it, don't hesitate to check out the Paris City Vision offers to take a 2, 3 or 4-day tour from Paris, and go on a discovery of both the most beautiful Loire Castles , but also of Normandy, the cities of Rouen, Saint Malo and Honfleur, the D-Day landing beaches and the Mont-Saint-Michel , another curiosity accessible in a short time from Paris, famous for its green coast and its abbey. Book your dates now and get the best price for your ticket!

Sightseeing tour in the Loire: visiting the must-see

Find a list of some of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley and enjoy an exceptional stay that promises a real trip back in time to the era of the French royal court. We particularly recommend the following visits:

• Chambord Castle
• Cheverny Castle
• Chenonceau Castle
• Castle of Villandry
• Clos Lucé
• Amboise Castle

Prepare your visit

Paris to the Loire Valley: Best Tours, Excursions & Itineraries

Last Updated on 14th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my  privacy policy  and  disclosure  for more information.

If you want to experience the best of French châteaux, then there is no better place to head than the Loire Valley . And while, of course, this stunning region of France is best-explored over the course of several days, if you’re short on time, then you might consider going from Paris to the Loire Valley in a single day.

Here’s your ultimate guide for the best tours, excursions, and itineraries for the Loire Valley, as well as travel tips and things to know before you go! If you’re planning a self-guided visit over the course of several days, check out our Loire Valley itinerary .

From Paris: Castles of the Loire Valley Full-Day Tour

From paris: day tour of loire castles with lunch, tour of a vineyard, winery & cellar with wine tasting in vouvray, loire valley, picnic in the vines, hot-air balloon ride over the loire valley, from amboise & chenonceau, stop 1: château de cheverny, stop 2: château de chambord, stop 3: lunch stop at blois, stop 4: château de châteaudun, stop 5: chartres, france travel information, best tours from paris to the loire valley.

One of the best ways to experience the Loire Valley, AKA the garden in France in a short amount of time is by guided excursion from Paris. This way, you don’t have to worry about the stress of driving back to Paris after a long day of exploring and can simply focus on enjoying the sights.

Taking a guided visit to the Loire Valley will also ensure you to pack in the most amount of Châteaux possible: public transport is limited and so if you visit by yourself with a bus or train, you’ll only be able to see one or two attractions.

For those who are looking for a guided tour of the Loire Valley, this tour offers the chance to enjoy three of the most famous Loire Valley Châteaux. Visit Château de Chambord, Cheverny, and Château de Chenonceau. Included in the day excursion is lunch (with a drink), entry to the three châteaux, and a visit to Amboise. Check prices and availability here.

This Loire Valley tour is easily one of the best that you can hope to enjoy as a day trip from Paris. Included in the visit is the chance to visit both Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.

The excursion also offers the chance to discover Amboise , a place where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked. Lunch and return transport is included. Check prices and availability here.

Cultural and food experiences in the Loire Valley

If you enjoy wine tasting, then you’ll particularly love this Loire Valley experience. Taking place on a family-run vineyard in the heart of the Loire Valley, this guided vine visit offers the opportunity to learn all about wine production in the Loire Valley, as well as sample some local produce, and of course, the local tipple! Check prices and availability here.

One of the most unusual and unique things to do in the Loire Valley is to enjoy a romantic picnic amongst the vineyards. This tour from Chinon includes a guided visit to a vineyard, as well as a picnic lunch (with a bottle of wine and vegetarian options available), and the chance to learn about how the Loire wines are created. Check prices and availability here.

If you’re searching for an unforgettable experience while in the Loire Valley, you simply must book this hot air balloon ride. Available for departures from up to 15 km away from Amboise, this hot air balloon flight includes a glass of champagne or sparkling grape juice and bird’s eye views of the Loire Valley. Check prices and availability here.

Self-guided drive: day trip to the Loire Valley itinerary from Paris

Five towns, three châteaux, two churches and a cathedral, my recent road day trip to the Loire Valley with some friends was packed with fairytale moments amid downpours of rain.

Just over two hours drive away from the centre of Paris lies the Loire Valle. And with around fifty French châteax lining the river Loire and its tributaries, there are many to pick and choose from, allowing you to form your own day fairytale road trip itinerary.

Featured in Tintin novels as Marlinspike Hall and famed for its beauty, the first château we visited was that of Cheverney (pronounced sheeverney and not to be confused with Giverny).

The smallest of châteaux on our day trip, the castle was built in the mid-1600s by Henri Hurault, the military treasurer for Louis XIII. Six centuries later, one of his direct descendants is now the present day owner.

Opening times: Open 365 days a year, the castle has only been closed three times since its opening to the public (once for the queen’s visit, once for a wedding and once due to a death). As such, you can even visit the Château on days when much of the rest of France is closed, such as

So large is the domain of Château de Chambord that you end up driving along the tree-lined boulevard leading to the castle for at least ten minutes, passing many ‘beware of the deer signs on the way’ before the highly decorated pointed turrets suddenly loom up above the horizon. It is quite a sight to behold!

Built in the French Renaissance style in the first half of the 16th century and originally intended for use as a hunting lodge for Francis I, the castle has seen many changes during its history.

Although it is unclear whether the rumour is true, it may well be the case that  Leonardo da Vinci himself – you know, painter of the Mona Lisa –   had a hand in designing the castle (especially some of the spiral staircases).

After the end of the French revolution in the late the 18th Century, Château de Chambord then lay empty and abandoned for a long time before its renovation in the 20th Century.

Today, the castle is equipped with spiral staircases, roaring fires and furnishings aplenty. The little hamlet beside Château de Chambord is absolutely dwarfed in comparison with the enormity of the old hunting lodge. It is equipped with a church and Hôtel de Ville.

Opening times: Every day of the year except bank holidays: April September 9 am -6 pm, October- March 9 am- 5 pm

There is little in the way of food around the castles themselves and considering we didn’t want to sit down and pay for a meal in a  restaurant, we ended up stopping at a Quick by the side of the autoroute.  Note to self: We definitely should have fuelled up at this point as we were almost out of diesel by the time we finally reached Châteaudun!

Built on the side of a mountain, Châteaudun was definitely the most ‘fortified’ of the castles that we visited. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, the visit includes a keep from the 12th Century, one of only seven Sainte Chapelles left in France (the main one is in the centre of Paris  and another at Château de Vincennes ).

Opening times: Times vary depending on the time of the year.  see website  for more details.

Prices: €6/Free for EU citizens under 25

After a quick look around the castle, we had a wander around the old part of Châteaudun town ; full of medieval houses and historic churches, it’s a must for any history lover! 

We then descended the steps to look at the fortifications and prisons below. We even entered one of the old prison cells- see video below) !  A highlight of the day for everyone on the road trip had to be the wine shop located in a grotto at the bottom of the town (la cave des fouleries).

The last stop of the day on our fairytale inspired trip was the historic town of Chartres . Reaching Chartres as the sun had just dipped below the horizon and night was starting to set in was a fairytale moment in itself. The cathedral is enormous; stretching up above the quaint building surrounding it, dominating the surrounding landscape.

One of my favourite moments after our Cathedral visit, which also happens to be one of the best cathedrals in France , was discovering the free outdoor lending library ( see video below ). The idea is that you borrow and return books as you please. You can also leave your favourite books and share the book lending love so to speak…

And with our last town tour of the day complete, we grabbed a couple of bottles of wine, slabs of cheese and bread and headed home for a particularly French meal! If you’d like to see more of my adventurous road trip, I made a YouTube video about it:

France uses the Euro (€)

The main language spoken in France is French . Though you can get by with English is more touristic places, it’s always a good idea to learn some of the local language. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help make your travels easier.

The capital of France is Paris . For more information and inspiration, check out our best Paris travel tips.

France uses plug types, types C and E. As such, if you’re travelling from the UK, USA, Canada, and many other destinations, you’ll need to buy an adapter. I recommend buying  a universal travel adapter  that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, you should always consider booking your accommodation well ahead of time. Check out this website for price comparison details and detailed reviews.

Be careful with your belongings. I also highly advise to avoid wearing a backpack and to instead opt for a crossbody bag  like these ones .  I personally use a crossbody bag  by this brand  and love its shape, size, and versatility.

Pin ‘Day trip to the Loire Valley’ now, read it again later!

Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond. When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading, playing video games, and going on long hikes with her husband.

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wow beautiful images and also your post thanks for sharing

Thanks for sharing, that was amazing.

I have been to France skiing a couple of times but I’d like to explore the county better. The chateauxs looks amazing!

So much beautiful architecture! You really are the best at capturing it too. 🙂

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How To Organize Your Loire Valley Day Trip From Paris

Updated 24 June 2024 by  Leyla Alyanak  — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

Trying to visit French castles in the Loire when you're short on time is a challenge, but a Loire Valley day trip from Paris is possible, whether by tour, train or car. Here are your best bets if all you have is one day.

If you've only got 24 hours to spare, can you still take a full day trip to Loire Valley from Paris?

Will you have time to experience the wonderful castles of the Loire you've heard so much about?

Absolutely! And it will be one of the best day trips from Paris you'll experience. I visit the Loire Valley about three times a year from my perch in eastern France, and I still haven't seen everything, so I keep going back.

I also know just how long it takes to go from one castle to the next, and the area is far less compact in reality than it seems on a map.

But even with limited time, you have options for a one-day visit to the Loire, one of the most popular day trips in France.

NOTE: Pages on this site may contain affiliate links, which bring in a small commission at no cost to you.

Why visit the Loire Valley, France?

1. Take a guided tour from Paris

• Recommended tours from Paris

2. Visit the Loire by train

• Sample train schedules to the Loire

3. Driving to the Loire Valley

• A one-day Loire road trip itinerary
• Map of the top chateaux

The best chateaux to visit

• Amboise and Clos Lucé

This article starts with a short explanation of why you should visit the Loire Valley chateaux, then tells you the best three ways to visit, and then looks at the best chateaux to visit. If you'd rather first read about the chateaux themselves, jump directly to that section .

Why visit the Loire Valley castles?

These castles of the Loire, which is considered the garden of France, are among the country's cultural and historical bastions: important French kings and queens lived here, crucial battles were fought here, Joan of Arc came through here, and the region just happens to be stunning to see, with its meandering rivers and more than 1000 sumptuous castles where people actually lived.

But that's only the beginning, because many of the chateaux have picturesque villages attached to them, not to mention vineyards with their excellent wines and gentle country roads that will show you some of the best French countryside.

Don't just take my word for it: the Loire Valley is so special it is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

But much as you would love to explore every nook, with only a day available, you'll have to make some difficult choices. Let me help you.

How to organize Loire Valley day trips from Paris

There are three main ways of organizing your one-day Loire Valley trip, and each has advantages and disadvantages:

1) Take a guided tour from Paris

2) Take the train

3) Rent a car

1. Here's what you can expect on a Loire castles guided tour from Paris

If you only have one day, taking a Loire Valley castles tour may be your best and easiest option.

There are plenty of excellent tours of the Loire Valley from Paris, including private tours, so you'll have to choose based on which chateaux you want to visit, how much time and money you want to spend, and what else you want to do once you get there (Lunch? Wine-tasting? Time to explore on your own?)

Advantages of a typical Loire Valley castles small-group tour

If you're a person for whom a one-day tour is just the right length, here are some of the benefits of jumping aboard:

• You can see more castles in a day tour than if you organize things yourself
• Your transportation is taken care of
• Many include either guided tours or an audio guide
• You won't waste time standing in line for tickets
• You can enjoy other activities, like wine-tasting or garden tours
• It's hassle-free and you don't have to worry about a thing
• After an early start and at the end of what promises to be a long day, you can simply sleep the exhaustion away on the ride back to Paris

Popular small group Loire Valley tours from Paris

These Loire Valley chateaux tours are among the most popular when it comes to value for money and what you actually get to see:

• Loire Valley wine and castle tours  (including Chambord and Chenonceau and lunch at Château de Nitray)
• Small-group Loire Valley castles  day trip (includes Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, plus wine tasting)
• Four Historic Castles  on the Loire in a day (bus-train combo)
• Hot-Air Balloon Ride (for something completely different, from Amboise or Chenonceau)
• Photography Tour of Clos-Lucé (includes class with an award-winning photographer)

NOTE: Not all castle tours in France offer guided commentary inside the castle: some may leave you to explore on your own, so be sure to check your tour's offering as you may prefer one over the other.

2. Here's what you can expect on a Paris to Loire Valley day trip by train

Please note: Schedules change with the seasons so be sure to check the actual schedule rather than take my word for it! You'll find train schedules and rates here .

If you truly dislike tours but don't want the hassle of driving, the train may be just the answer, although you will have to spend time figuring things out.  

Once you arrive by train to Blois (or possibly Tours), you can also use the Remi bus network to get around if there is no train to your destination. You'll find information on both the summer chateau shuttle and the regular bus lines on their website .

From Paris to Loire Valley by train

There are definite advantages to visiting the Loire Valley by train: 

• You'll have more freedom than you would on a tour and can change your mind about what to see
• Public transport in France is excellent and booking tickets is relatively simple
• Trains can be cost effective
• You can relax, as you would on a tour (which you could not do while driving)

Paris to Loire Valley train schedule examples

Sadly, not all Loire castles can be reached by train, so you'll have to limit your choices. But difficult does not mean impossible! There's plenty you can see by train.

Here are a few train-based day trips to the Loire chateaux you can organize yourself:

• Blois: the chateau is in the center of town, ten minutes downhill from the Blois train station. If you want to explore a single chateau in a leisurely manner, then Blois it is. There's enough history here to keep you busy for the day.
• Blois and Amboise: if you want to see two chateaux in a day, you can start with Blois early in the morning, then at lunchtime head for Amboise. The castle is a 15-minute walk from the train station in Amboise and the train journey is simple.
• Blois and Chambord: this is definitely a possibility but not quite all year-round. There is a shuttle bus from Blois train station ( here is the schedule ) to several castles, including Chambord, but it only runs during the spring and summer. If that fits in with your schedule, you'll be able to see quite a bit by using a combination of train and bus.
• Amboise and Clos Lucé: this is another, easier two-chateau alternative, with the advantage that you can see two castles in a single town. This can be a leisurely visit, with Amboise castle in the morning, a lovely lunch, and the Clos Lucé in the afternoon, getting you back to Paris at a decent hour in the early evening, in time for dinner.
• Blois, Amboise and Clos Lucé: this is a tight squeeze and you'll have to pore over your train schedule carefully, but again, it can be done. Start with Blois in the morning, then head for Amboise before lunch. Walk into the city, grab a sandwich to go, and head for Amboise Castle. After a couple of hours, walk 15 minutes to Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final three years.
• Chenonceau : there is a train station right next to the chateau so it's definitely achievable in a day. However, there are no other castles nearby so you'd have to limit yourself to the one. This could be a more leisurely day, as you can spend the morning on the train, have lunch in Chenonceaux (the village is spelled with an 'x' but not the chateau), and then start at the castle early in the afternoon.
• From Tours instead of Blois: you can also take the train (plus a 15-25min walk) to Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Loches and Langeais. This, however, makes for a longer day, as not all trains go into central Tours and you may have an additional connection. From Paris, Tours is also a little further than Blois, so adding all this together makes it a bit long for a single day by train.

Visiting the Loire Valley is definitely one of the more fun and rewarding Paris day trips by train, and as you can see, it can be done in one day. 

➽  Want to go beyond the Loire? Here are  22 Fabulous Day Trips from Paris by Train.

3. Here's what you can expect from visiting the Loire Valley chateaux by car 

No question, there are definite advantages to traveling Paris to Loire Valley by car:

• The freedom to be able to see what you want, leave when you want to and go at your own pace, with free time whenever you want it
• You can take full advantage of your 24 hours and plan your trip to see the maximum
• You can see more castles in a day than if you're on the train

However, it's not all roses, because if you don't know the region, you have to factor in the hassle of finding your way around and occasionally getting lost, not to mention getting used to gas pumps and toll payment booths. But if you've driven in France before , none of this will be an issue.

IF YOU NEED TO RENT A CAR IN FRANCE

Don't wait until the last minute, especially if you want one of the scarcer automatics.

🚗 Check availability at  Discover Cars  (it's what I use to compare prices).

Here's what your one-day Loire Valley itinerary for a road trip could look like

If you're driving, you'll have total freedom and can simply map where you want to go... and go.

Here is a suggested Loire Valley itinerary (1 day) for a Paris-Loire Valley day trip by car, just to give you an idea of what can be accomplished. (You can choose to structure yours through Amboise, or any other chateau, but this will give you an idea of what you could do in one – long – day.)

• Paris > Chambord > Cheverny > Chenonceau > Paris

Loire Valley trip from Paris: driving times

I've started your driving journey at the Hotel de Ville in Paris, to be a bit central, but of course the further south your starting point, the shorter your trip!

Here's a sampling of distances to popular chateaux using the autoroutes, or toll roads:

• Paris to Blois: 2 hrs 4 min
• Paris to Chambord: 2 hrs 7 min
• Paris to Chenonceau: 2 hrs 39 min
• Paris to Villandry: 2 hrs 47 min
• Paris to Azay-le-Rideau: 2 hrs 47 min
• Paris to Chinon: 3 hrs 6 min

Which chateaux can I see on a Loire day trip from Paris?

The three 'Cs' form a sort of triangle south of Blois, so what makes most sense is to start with either Chambord or Chenonceau, with Cheverny in the middle. If you think you have time, you can add Blois to the mix (it is perhaps less visited than the first two but oh so worth it!)

Which is best of the 3Cs? I prefer Chenonceau in the afternoon because the light is better, but it's also the furthest from Paris so if you're the kind of person who prefers to drive as far as needed and then work your way back, you'll want to start with Chenonceau, then Cheverny, and end with Chambord before you go home.

The map below should give you a better idea of the respective location of these three chateaux.

Sample one-day Loire Valley driving trip from Paris

The following itinerary is extremely rough – and optimistic. It depends on each chateau's opening hours, which change by the season and day of the week.

Ideally, you want to arrive at your first chateau at opening time, and leave your last one when it closes.

As I mentioned above, you can start or end at any castle of your choice but in true French fashion, lunch is NOT a moveable feast and if you want to eat sitting down, you'll only have between noon and 2pm. Don't expect food outside those hours unless you opt for a sandwich stand or snack bar.

• Leave Paris and head for the A10 (towards Orléans) – use your GPS! Take Exit 16 towards Chambord and follow the signs (2-2.5hrs)
• Park in the lot and walk to the chateau (10min) and visit (1.5hrs)
• Have an early lunch at Chambord (1hr)
• From Chambord, follow the easy signs to Cheverny (20min)
• Visit Cheverny. The dogs are located at the opposite end of the grounds from the chateau, past the Tintin museum (1.5hrs)
• 45 min: drive from Cheverny to Chenonceau – use your map or GPS as there are several routes (45min)
• Visit Chenonceau + gardens (2hrs)
• Drive from Chenonceau to Paris (2hrs 45min)

So as you can see, it is do-able, but it's a very long day if you're driving. While a car gives you more flexibility, my personal recommendation is to take a tour, or at least take the train, if all you have is one day. If you have more time, then by all means, drive – you'll see more out-of-the-way châteaux and you'll have time to get to some of the less visited (but equally beautiful) ones.

➽   Do you want to stay longer than a day? Here are the top 10 multi-day Loire Valley tours

The best Chateaux to visit if you only have one day

Of all the beautiful chateaux in the Loire Valley, we must try to be realistic about what we can see. Depending on how you plan to visit, these are the most accessible from Paris. Let's take a quick look!

The Royal Château of Blois, built by four kings

The advantage of Blois (home of many kings and queens) is that it is right in the center of town, within walking distance of the train station. It is a fascinating chateau built in four different time periods, each wing in its own style, and with one of those delightful spiral staircases we often look for in these chateaux.

This is also the chateau in which the Archbishop of Reims gave his blessing to Joan of Arc as she went off to fight the English and drive them out of Orléans, and where Catherine de Medici often received her seer, Nostradamus. (Here's more of the backstory of Blois chateau , if you're interested.)

Château de Chambord, an over-the-top hunting lodge

It took several reigns to complete (Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire) but this jewel of the Renaissance is staggering in every way – 426 rooms, 77 staircases,  282 chimneys and Europe's largest fenced-in forest. Much of the building was undertaken by François I and he meant it as a hunting lodge.  In fact, he hardly ever stayed there (no wonder: it's huge, hard to heat and there's not much else around).

Still, the chateau de Chambord is astonishing in its design and you can get lost in its features and symbolism and not notice the time go by. (Click here for a deeper look into Chambord .)

If you choose to visit independently by train or car, don't forget to  buy skip the line tickets .

Castle of Chenonceau, the ladies' château of the Loire Valley

To get the inside story of the Château de Chenonceau and why it's called the Ladies' Castle, click here . But first, look at its beauty. It is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite of the many exquisite Loire chateaux, but there's something special about the way it shimmers over the Cher River (no, that's not actually the Loire but one of its tributaries). There are some interesting stories behind this castle and the River Cher too...

Amboise and Clos Lucé, Leonardo's legacy

Not many people realize Leonardo da Vinci lived his last years at the Clos Lucé. He did so at the request of François I (King Francis I), who lived down the road at the Château d'Amboise, another royal chateau along the banks of the Loire River. Amboise stands over the city, looking positively urban, yet go behind and a completely different castle unfurls.  Explore more of its history  here.  As for the Clos Lucé, it is a delightful manor house a ten-minute walk from Amboise.

If you visit independently, you can  buy a skip-the-line ticket  to Clos Lucé.

Cheverny, hunting dogs and Tintin memories

More Classical than Renaissance, Cheverny is a lovely chateau and one that is still very much lived in, not to mention lovingly cared for. Apart from the perfectly decorated rooms inside, this castle is a bit unusual. It has a pack of 150 hunting dogs (arrive at feeding time for some crazy moments) as well as a Tintin museum, if you're a fan. Legend has it that Cheverny inspired the creation of Tintin's fictional chateau de Moulinsart (Marlinspike in the English editions).

FAQ Loire Valley day trip from Paris

What is the cheapest way to get from paris to chateaux of the loire valley.

The cheapest way to visit the Loire Valley chateaux from Paris would be by train, even if you factor in the cost of buying entrance tickets. You will see less than if you took a tour or drove yourself, but if you buy your train tickets well ahead of time ( see above ), the cost will be quite low.

How far is it from Paris to chateaux of the Loire Valley?

The distance from Paris to Blois, your first suggested jumping off point, is 185 km/115 mi. By car, the trip should take around two hours

Is Loire Valley worth visiting?

Absolutely! If you love culture and history and are curious about France's monarchy, a day trip to Loire Valley from Paris might just be the highlight of your trip, from the architectural wonders of centuries-old castles to the ornate furnishings that populate them. You'll leave with a strong sense of what France was like long ago.

What is the best time to visit Loire Valley?

There is no BAD time to visit – although if you come in February, wear warm clothing because remember, castles didn't have central heating, and warmth escapes quickly from those giant fireplaces. The best time to visit is outside the freezing winter or crushing summer: come in spring, early summer or fall.

What are the most popular Loire Valley tours?

There are so many! This  tour to Chambord and Chenonceau  includes a wine tasting, while  this one  includes lunch and a visit to Amboise. Both are among the most popular and sell out quickly.

Where to stay when visiting Loire Valley? What is the best town to use as a home when visiting the Loire Valley?

I alternate between two towns, both excellent locations. From Blois, you can easily reach the chateaux of Blois (it's right downtown), Chambord, and Cheverny. From Tours, you can easily reach Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Le Clos Lucé, Langeais, Loches, or Villandry. Do note that we're not talking about major distances here – the two towns are 45 minutes from one another, both by car or train.

Before you go...

The Renaissance, which is when most of these chateaux were built or enhanced, was a time wild artistic and intellectual ferment in France. All you have to do is look at Versailles under Louis XIV to see the extent to which some of these trends were taken...

Essential France travel resources

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS I use booking.com : for their huge inventory and for their easy cancellation policies

FLIGHT DELAYED OR CANCELED? AirHelp can get you compensation (it works, I've used it)

DO YOU NEED A SIM CARD FOR FRANCE? Here's the one I use  when I travel abroad

PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS Keep pickpockets away with an anti-theft purse  or an  infinity scarf  - and your identity with a VPN (I'm using Nord VPN )

TRAVEL INSURANCE I recommend Visitors' Coverage or SafetyWing . for health away from home

GETTING FROM A TO B I use Discovercars to rent cars and either Omio or RailEurope for train tickets

TO READ ABOUT FRANCE Here's my long list of books about France

AND DON'T FORGET YOUR GUIDEBOOKS! ➽ Lonely Planet's  Best Road Trips France ➽ DK Witness  Road Trips France ➽ Any of the  Green Guides series ➽ And, while you're at it, why not a  map of France ?

Did you enjoy this article? I'd love if you shared it!

Bonjour! I’m Leyla! I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad in Canada, Spain and Switzerland as a journalist and a diplomat － and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles － I am French, after all!

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Dreamer at Heart |

5 Best Loire Valley Tours From Paris

Last Updated: January 11, 2024 By Alison Browne

The Loire Valley, located in central France, is a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Nestled along the banks of the majestic Loire River, a visit to this valley encompasses exquisite châteaux, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages. It’s no wonder the Loire Valley is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Organised Loire Valley tours from Paris are one way to visit this region that will create unforgettable travel memories.

I am often asked, “Can you do a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris?” If you don’t have a car, organised Loire Valley tours from Paris are the perfect day trip. They promise a seamless way to experience the magnificent châteaux, Loire Valley wineries, and a glimpse into the fascinating world of French history. Relax on the 2-hour trip to the Loire Valley and let your guide lead the way to some of the most exquisite Renaissance castles in France

Why You’ll Love These Best Loire Valley Castle Tours From Paris

• these tours give you the opportunity to visit the Loire Valley from Paris without renting a car
• sit back and relax during the day as the guide leads the way
• tour guides are often full of anecdotes and stories that will enhance your one-day Loire Valley tour from Paris
• all guided tours enter the châteaux with skip-the-line entrance tickets
• if you’ve never been to the Loire Valley, the UNESCO World Heritage site is full of history and amazing architecture
• wine lovers will enjoy the Loire Valley tours from Paris that include a visit to a Loire Valley winery

Considerations For Picking Your Loire Valley Tours From Paris

• Which Loire Valley châteaux are you dying to visit?
• How many Loire Valley châteaux would you like to visit?
• How much time is allocated at each castle?
• Is an audio guide included?
• Is there time to see the gardens?
• Do you want to be on a small group tour?
• Do you want a tour that includes a Loire Valley winery?
• Do you want a tour that includes lunch?

Pro Travel Tips For Your Loire Valley Castles Tour  From Paris

• all of these tours include the magnificent Château de Chambord and the elegant Château de Chenonceau
• some of these Loire Valley Tours from Paris also include either the Château d’Amboise or the Château de Cheverny
• several of these Loire Valley Tours from Paris include visits to wineries and/or wine-tasting

Read More | 10 Enchanting Loire Valley Castles

For more details on these Loire Valley castles:

• the Château de Chambord – the largest and most visited castle with its double helix staircase and a splendid rooftop forest of chimneys, lanterns, and turrets
• the Château de Chenonceau – the magical and graceful castle with its arches spanning the River Cher that has been owned by women throughout history
• th e Château d’Amboise – perched overlooking the Loire River, it is the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci

1. Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 4.5 /5 stars (559 reviews), loire valley castles day trip with wine tasting.

Check Prices And Availability

On this day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris, the group will discover the stunning Renaissance castle of Chambord, have lunch and free time in the little town of Blois and then continue on to the “Ladies” castle of Chenonceau. There is time to visit the elegant Château de Chenonceau and then partake in the wine tasting at Chenonceau.

This Tour Includes:

• 2 Castles : the Château de Chambord and the Château de Chenonceau, a visit to the town of Blois, and wine-tasting
• Full-day tour ( 13 hours )
• A live tour guide who you will meet at the Catacombs of Paris
• An air-conditioned coach for the 2-hour journey to the Loire Valley
• Skip-the-line access to the Château of Chambord and Chenonceau
• Self-guided tours inside the castles
• Exclusive wine tasting at the Château de Chenonceau
• Free time in the town of Blois

Please note : The wine tasting is not available on Sundays

5-Star Review:

This has been the best tour I have been on. The difference between this tour and other tours was that we had 2 guides, Saeed and Raymond, who were both highly intelligent, and funny. They brought history to life and created a fun environment. At the end of the tour they went from group to group to ask if they had any questions and helped people with the next step in their journey. A Traveller from the U.S.A.

2. Small-Group Loire Valley Castles Full-Day Tour

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 4.9/5 stars (81 reviews), small-group loire valley castles full day tour.

This organized tour from Paris to the Loire Valley includes three castles . Meet your guide in Paris near the Arc de Triomphe and embark on a trip to the historical and beautiful Loire Valley. You’ll love exploring the Château de Chenonceau with its arches spanning the Cher River. From there you will visit the Château de Chambord, the largest and most magnificent Renaissance castle. And finally, this one-day Loire Valley Tour will stop at the Château d’Amboise where you will visit the castle and see the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.

• 3 castles : the Château de Chenonceau, the Château de Chambord, and the Château d’Amboise,
• Full-day tour ( 12 hours )
• Small group (maximum 8 participants)
• Skip-the-line access to all three châteaux
• Live tour guide outside of each castle
• About 90 minutes to explore each castle on your own

Gabe was an amazing guide – he was hospitable, knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about what he did. Loved the whole structure of the day and what we learned about French history as much as the amazing sights we saw. If you want a more personal touch, this tour is the way to go.

A Traveller from the USA

3. From Paris: Full-Day Loire Valley Chateaux Tour

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 4.2 /5 stars (437 reviews), from paris: full-day loire valley chateaux tour.

This organized tour from Paris to the Loire Valley includes three castles . Hop into your coach in Paris and set out to enjoy some French history, some stunning châteaux, and gorgeous manicured gardens all in the splendid Loire Valley.

• 3 castles : the Château de Chenonceau, the Château de Chambord, and the Château de Cheverny
• Full-day tour ( 12 – 12.5 hours )
• Travel in an air-conditioned coach
• Skip-the-line access to all three castles
• Live tour guide
• Self-guided time in the castles

Please Note: On Mondays and Saturdays in the summer season this Loire Valley tour from Paris will go to the Chateau d’Amboise instead of the Château de Chambord

This is our first visit in France/Paris and so we weren’t sure whether to take a day out of our week in Paris to see something different. We LOVED it! The Loire castles are so beautiful and have such a different vibe from the Paris sites. The tour was very well put together and the 3 castles well chosen. We thought the time allocated to Chambord was just fine but would have liked at least 30 min more at Cheverny (shorten the time at Chenoncean). The gardens there are beyond belief with so many colorful tulips in spring! Oh and if you can spare some time for the wine tasting and shop at this last castle!

A Traveller

4. From Paris: Loire Valley Chambord Castle, Wine Tasting & Lunch

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 4.6/5 stars (51 reviews), from paris: loire valley chambord castle, wine tasting & lunch.

Start your one-day tour of the Loire Valley with a hotel pickup. The castle of the day is the spectacular Château de Chambord, a Renaissance masterpiece! Explore the Château de Chambord with its splendid rooftop forest of chimneys, lanterns, and turrets. Next, visit a Loire Valley winery and enjoy a lunchtime meal with wine pairings!

• Full-day tour ( 11 hours )
• Round-trip transportation in a van
• Skip-the-line ticket to the Château de Chambord
• Audio guide to explore the castle
• Wine tastings
• Lunch with wine pairings

Please Note: Hotel drop-off is not included.

The tour was very fun and informative. The castle was a treat to explore, especially with the audio guide with an iPad. The architecture was gorgeous. Our guide, Bastien, was knowledgeable about wines and full of energy. We enjoyed the tour of the winery with the limestone cave storage. That was neat. We even had some wine shipped home.

A Traveller from the U.S.A

5. Paris: Top Loire Castles with Lunch and Wine

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 5/5 stars (4 reviews).

Top Loire Castles with Lunch and Wine

This organized tour from Paris to the Loire Valley includes two castles and starts off with the ultimate in convenience, a hotel pick-up! From there you will head through the beautiful Loire Valley to the Château de Chenonceau. After visiting this iconic Loire Valley castle, you will have a guided tour of a Loire Valley winery. After lunch, the afternoon will be spent at the second castle either the Château de Chambord or the Château d’Amboise.

• 2 castles : the Château de Chenonceau, and either the Château de Chambord or the Château d’Amboise
• Winery tour with tastings
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Round-trip in air-conditioned transportation
• Skip-the-line ticket to the two châteaux
• Audio Guides for the châteaux

The trip was excellent, Benoit was the guide, he had good information, he was a very safe driver and he made the experience better. The lunch quality was excellent The sightseeing and the chateau’s were very special .

A Traveller from Australia

Love Guided Tours From Paris?

Sit back and visit the Château de Versailles with one of these 7 Best Guided Tours to Versailles from Paris.

Which of these Loire Valley day tours from Paris will you take as an introduction to the splendour and magic of the Loire Valley?

Until next time,

FAQs About The Loire Valley In France

Is the loire valley worth visiting.

When planning a vacation to France, it is hard to choose where to go. Normandy , Brittany and Provence are all filled with terrific sights. And the Loire Valley is too! The Loire Valley offers a truly unique experience for those travellers seeking to immerse themselves in French history and culture!

How much time do you need in the Loire Valley?

The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filled with French history that oozes from the walls of the magnificent châteaux. The Loire Valley also offers breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, vineyards and wineries, and hundreds of kilometres of bike trails. Spending a day in the Loire Valley will give you the perfect introduction to this interesting region of France. There would be plenty to do and see if you spent a week exploring the Loire Valley.

Can I access the Loire Valley from Paris by train?

Independent travellers can take the train to the Loire Valley and plan their castle visits. Trains run from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Amboise (via Tours), to Chenonceaux (via St-Pierre-des-Corps) and to Tours. From Paris Gare d’Austerlitz, trains run to Blois (via Orléans). B ook my train ticket

If planning a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris by train, spend time carefully figuring out the train and shuttle bus times.

Where should I be based in the Loire Valley to visit the châteaux?

If you choose to stay in the Loire Valley, Blois, Amboise, and Chenonceaux make good bases for exploring. It is easiest to have a car in the Loire Valley but there are shuttle buses that run from Blois and Amboise making it possible to visit different châteaux. For example, there is a 25-minute shuttle that runs from the Blois train station to the Château de Chambord in peak season.

Are there day trips of the Loire Valley from Tours?

There are plenty of organised day tours of the Loire Valley from Tours such as this half-day tour to Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry and this popular full-day tour .

More Travel Info

Planning Your Trip to Paris?

Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner.

Book a transfer from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport with Welcome Pick Ups .

Reserve a car (not for Paris) but for a road trip in France

Reserve train tickets for further travels in Europe with Trainline (my go-to)

Where To Stay In Paris:

Check out these 13 Affordable Hotels in Paris and these Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views .

Near Ile de la Cité : The Hotel Bourg Tibourg in the Marais. Find other Boutique hotels in the Marais.

Near the Arc de Triomphe : The stylish 4-star Hotel Keppler

With an Eiffel Tower View : This 3-star Hotel with excellent reviews

Near the Louvre : The charming 4-star Relais du Louvre

Be sure to book in advance for the most popular things to do. Book your ticket to the Eiffel Tower , a one-hour Seine cruise , a timed-entry ticket to the Louvre , and a skip-the-line ticket to the top of the Arc de Triomphe . And don’t forget a skip-the-line ticket to Disneyland !

If the French monarchy interests you, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Château de Fontainebleau or head to the Basilica of St. Denis to see where the kings are laid to rest.

Read More | 20 Best Day Trips from Paris . Which ones will you choose?

You might also like...

Alison Browne

Creator and Founder of Dreamer at Heart Alison, a Francophile from a young age, is following a long-held dream and has been living in Paris since 2020. Her passion for uncovering Paris and discovering the regions of France has resulted in an expertise about France that she loves to share in her articles. Also a solo traveller, Alison shares her experiences of solo travel to many corners of the world. Alison helps over 65000 readers a month plan their trips.

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Home » Itineraries » 4 Days: Paris & Loire Valley

Best of Loire Valley in Four Days

Private tours, free refunds & rescheduling, customizable itineraries, 4 day itinerary of the loire valley wine region.

Welcome to our 4-day guided itinerary through the enchanting Loire Valley, a region celebrated for its exquisite wines, breathtaking châteaux, and rich history. 

This itinerary invites you to savor the finest vintages, explore architectural marvels, and immerse yourself in the lush landscapes that have inspired poets and artists alike. Each day unfolds with new discoveries, blending the art of winemaking with the timeless beauty of the French countryside, ensuring a memorable escape into the heart of France’s most renowned wine region.

Tour highlights:

• Blois Day Tour
• Chenonceau & Wine Tasting
• Loire Villages

What is included:

• Certified English-Speaking Expert Local Guides
• Complimentary Bespoke Tour Itinerary
• Select Central Luxury Accommodations
• Luxury Air Conditioned Vehicles for Tours & Transfers
• Unbeatable Refund Guarantee
• Skip-The-Line Tickets & Entrance Fees
• 24-7 In-Country Support

Day 1: Arrival in the Loire Valley

Your 4-day Loire Valley adventure begins with collection at Charles de Gaulle Airport by your private driver-guide or directly from your accommodation, offering a seamless transfer to the heart of the Loire Valley. 

Celebrated as the Garden of France, this region is adorned with lush orchards and vibrant farms, and is acclaimed for producing some of the world’s finest wines. Alongside its vinicultural prestige, the Loire Valley boasts an array of extravagant and opulent châteaux, making it a must-visit destination for discerning travelers from around the globe.

Our first stop is Blois, a stunning Medieval city filled with narrow cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses as well as an imposing chateau and cathedral.

Our private tour starts at the chateau which was built between the 13th and 17th C and home to 7 Kings and 10 Queens of France.

Each wing of the chateau represents a different architectural style as different Kings added their own extensions to the building. 

Truly spectacular is the Octagonal exterior stone spiral staircase that is housed in the Renaissance wing which consists of two interlocking but independent spirals so that it is possible for two people to ascend and descend without crossing one another’s path. It is widely speculated that Leonardo had a role in the design of this magnificent staircase.

These are not the only famous steps in Blois, your tour will also include a visit to the Denis Papin staircase which links the old to the new town. Every year the 120 steps are decorated according to the main stories in the region – recently a huge portrait of the Mona Lisa was represented on the stairs to commemorate 500 years of Renaissance Art.

Enjoy the afternoon exploring St Louis cathedral and the adjacent Jardins de L’eveche which give uninterrupted views across the whole of the valley.

Evening tour

Prior to dinner, your guide will take you back to the chateau of Blois where you can watch a ‘ son et Lumiere ‘ (light and sound) show displayed across the walls of the castle that depicts the most famous events in the Castle’s history.

Day 2: Chenonceau & Wine Tasting

Your day starts with a visit to one of the prettiest chateaus of the region – Chenonceau and the second most visited château after Versailles. Known as the Château des dames, this chateau’s building and gardens were presided over by generations of women and are a combination of Renaissance and Gothic architecture.  When Catherine de Medici first saw the chateau she fell in love with it and forced the owner ( the Duchess Diane de Poitiers ) to hand the castle over in 1560. Catherine’s son Francis II got married to Mary Queen of Scots at the castle – more recently the castle played a part in the first and second world wars and was used as a hospital as well as a refuge for people fleeing the then Nazi Germany.

One of the reasons the chateau survived the French revolution is that the chateau itself is also a bridge over the Cher and thus vital for commerce and travel given the nearest other river crossing was several miles away.

Following the tour, your chauffeur will then take you to one of the many independent wineries in the region for your own private tasting. The river Cher valley is an incredible wine region and it was in the 18th Century that vines were planted but it was only in 2011 that the region’s winegrowers got the right to use the new appellation of  ‘Touraine Chenonceaux ‘ Touraine Chenonceaux covers an area of barely 40 hectares spread over 27 villages. Less than forty winegrowers are entitled to produce wine of the appellation.

Day 3: Loire Villages

Set out this morning and explore some of the beautiful villages that can be found nestled across the banks of the river. Your day will be sure to include a visit to one or 2 of the local markets to sample local delicacies as well as a visit to a local patisserie where you will be given a private tasting with a local award-winning pastry chef.

Day 4: Chambord

No trip to the Loire would be complete without visiting the truly incredible chateau of Chambord, the park and grounds of the castle alone are as big as central Paris and it is the largest park in Western Europe covering 5440 hectares and 32 kilometers of walls.

Commissioned by King Francis I and imagined by the great Leonardo da Vinci, the Château de Chambord is the largest and most majestic castle of the Loire. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site calls the site “the architectural equivalent of the Mona Lisa.” The incredible double-helix staircase is just one reason. It is a world-renowned, architectural marvel!  The palace comprises 426 rooms, 83 staircases, 282 fireplaces as well over 4,500 objets d’art on display in superbly recreated apartments in the chateau.

In 2001 a study started aimed to replicate exactly the palace gardens as created during the reign of Louis XIV and in 2017 this study finally came to fruition with the reopening of the gardens. 

The result today is incredible and awe-inspiring with more than 800 shrubs, 600 trees, over  200 rose bushes, 15,250 border plants, and 18,874 m² of lawns. A garden fit for a King!

Your private tour will end with a visit around the gardens before heading back to Paris.

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Get a Custom Loire Valley Guided Tour Itinerary

Contact our team for a hand-crafted Loire Valley itinerary to delve deeper into its enchanting landscapes and historical wonders. Simply reach out to request a complimentary custom itinerary tailored to your interests and timeframe.

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Meet your personal tour planner

Salut from France! I’m Debbie, founder of Luxury France Tours.

Having developed into a Francophile on a trip to the French Alps many years ago while still in school, I moved to France after a career traveling the world led to me meeting my (now) French Husband in Johannesburg. I created Luxury France Tours as a way of sharing my love of France & igniting this passion in others.

Email Debbie

[email protected]

+1 (856) 888-4286

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• Journey to the Loire Valley (38987)

Journey to the Loire Valley

Includes : International Airfare, Hotel, Tours, Transfers and More!

Land Program : Includes Full-day Guided Tours on Most Days

Start Date : October 22, 2025 (Sailing October 30, 2025)

About This Journey

If it is romanticism, grandeur and epicurean delights you crave, then travel to the heart of France to explore the rich cradle of French history that is the Loire Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this river valley is sprinkled with vineyards, gardens and fields; it is no wonder that aristocrats and artists have come to make this beautiful land their residence for centuries. Begin your Journey in Paris with a starlight dinner cruise along the Seine to put you in the “joie de vivre” spirit before heading south to your home base in the city of Tours. From here, each day you will encounter the opulent chateaux and noble states that sprinkle the landscape. From the largest chateau in the Loire Valley the extravagant Chateau de Chambord, to the Chateau de Chenonceau, iconic for its renaissance gallery spanning the river below it. Tour the fairytale castle rumored to have inspired Charles Perrault to write Sleeping Beauty and spend the afternoon wandering the lush Villandry Gardens to see why they call this region the “Garden of France.” Partake in a wine tasting in Vouvray, a region known for its Chenin blanc and sparkling varieties. You’ll enjoy the bucolic scenery and a tasting of the region’s celebrated wines while cruising on the peaceful Cher River before rolling up your sleeves for a lesson in local cuisine with a cooking class experience. You will then fly to Barcelona with a day to explore the city on your own, followed by a farewell flamenco show dinner. Then embark the Celebrity Eclipse for a relaxing transatlantic cruise home, no doubt dreaming of the glistening banquet halls, manicured gardens, delicious wines and soaring spires of the Loire Valley.

Visits: Celebrity Eclipse, Paris, Tours, Barcelona, Lisbon, Madeira (Funchal), King’s Wharf, Fort Lauderdale, 38987

Interested in the land program without the cruise? Call us for a quote.

For meals not included in your land programs, all hotels chosen include a restaurant on property where you may relax and enjoy a meal. In addition, your guide is available to make suggestions on nearby dining, shopping or sightseeing.

Included Features

• International airfare, transfers and baggage handling
• Airfare from Paris to Barcelona, including transfers and baggage handling
• Welcome Seine Dinner Cruise
• Full-day tour to Chateau Chambord
• Full-day Tours City Tour and Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Full-day tour of Chateau d’Usee and Villandry Gardens
• Full-day tour of Amboise and Vouvray Winery
• Full-day tour of Chateau de Chenonceau and Cooking Class
• Flamenco Dinner show
• Tour Leader throughout pre-cruise land program and Local Tour Hosts during included tours
• Most meals while on tour (see itinerary highlights) and all meals while onboard
• 10% off shore excursions (see “special offers”)
• Drinks and Wi-Fi are All Included on Celebrity Cruises
• Sail with up to   $1,400 Onboard Credit and a $200 Visa Gift Card with  Drinks and Wi-Fi —All Included.  Learn More ➤

What to Expect on Your Trip

5 out of 5 – Land program Includes Full-day Guided Tours on Most Days

The overall pace is active, as most days include a full-day tour. Guests should be prepared to walk a couple miles per day while on full-day tours. Breakfast is always included at the hotel. Some additional meals will be included, while other meals may be at your leisure. All hotels will have a restaurant on property where you may dine. If you wish to go out, your guide is available to make suggestions for nearby dining.

During the cruise you will have a mix of relaxing days at sea and exciting days on land to explore the port cities. You may choose from optional shore excursions, which will allow for cultural immersion, exotic meals and numerous activities.

Physical Activity

The land portion of the trip should be considered moderate to active and includes a considerable amount of walking. In the Loire Valley, many places visited are smaller towns with cobblestone streets. Roads and walkways on inclines could transform a short walk into a strenuous one. The chateaus will have stairs and may not offer accessible alternatives to other floors.

Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including air-conditioned buses and comfortable accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by coach, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators, or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Steps can be steep and uneven. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed.

Wheelchair access at many sites is limited to extremely limited. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on the bus but requires prior arrangements. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation. Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this group program.

For the cruise portion of the trip, passengers will board and leave the ship up stairways and gangways and you may have to walk a moderate distance to transfer to train, bus and car stations. Time spent on the road and traveling can be long, so you will need to be prepared for stretches of down time in between destinations.

Cultural Focus

The entire Loire Valley was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the region’s significance in French history and culture. You will encounter dishes and ingredients typical to the region that you may not have encountered before and you will be introduced to local artistry of the region. Enrichment Journeys encourages an open mind when in unique situations and meeting people abroad. Sometimes the attractions, beaches and cities themselves can be crowded, especially while on the cruise.

Unique Factors

If you have special needs or physical limitations, you will need to check in with your personal vacation manager before booking the trip. Many sites on the itinerary will not be able to accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. The temperature can vary between day and night, so pack accordingly with items that can be layered. Some guests may wish to have a light sweater or windbreaker with them.

Transportation

While on tour:

Paris – Tours: 3-hour Coach

Paris – Barcelona: 2-hour Flight

Please note that these times are approximate and only reflect the transportation time. Our trip may be longer due to stops for sightseeing along the way.

International Airfare:

Included international airfare is from select airports only. To inquire about a different airport, please contact your Personal Vacation Manager.

Enrichment Journeys is committed to providing remarkable experiences at extraordinary value. As a result, airlines and routes are selected to maximize that value and may involve multiple stops and extended layovers versus non-stop or direct flights. Passengers wishing to utilize specific carriers, direct/non-stop flights, Business Class upgrades, or to extend their time in any of our beginning or ending destination cities may do so by contacting Enrichment Journeys and inquiring about the Custom Airfare Program. There is a $100 per person charge for this service, however this charge will be applied toward any flights or upgrades you choose to purchase. The $100 charge must be paid prior to receiving a custom air quote.

Ask about receiving 10% off all shore excursions from Shore Excursions Group!

Special offer for journeys on celebrity cruises—ends 8/31.

All guests must choose the same package type. View Celebrity Terms and Conditions . Offer expires August 31, 2024 or when sold out.

1-night Paris Extension (pre)

Although everyone on the Enrichment Journey will fly into the Paris airport, the itinerary does not include any time in the city other than the first night. With this optional extension you will arrive to Paris 1 day early and stay in the city, giving you time to explore Paris on your own before the start of the Enrichment Journey program. Note: tours are not included. Call to ask for quote about the price per person (based on double occupancy) which includes:

• 1-night hotel accommodations in Paris with daily breakfast
• Private transfer from airport to hotel (applicable when air is booked through Enrichment Journeys)

2-night Paris Extension (pre)

Although everyone on the Enrichment Journey will fly into the Paris airport, the itinerary does not include any time in the city other than the first night. With this optional extension you will arrive to Paris 2 days early and stay in the city, giving you 2 full free days to explore Paris on your own before the start of the Enrichment Journey program. Note: tours are not included. Call to ask for quote about the price per person (based on double occupancy) which includes:

• 2-night hotel accommodations in Paris with daily breakfast

Prices are in USD and are based on double occupancy.

This Journey is sold out. Please call to inquire about being added to the waitlist. -->

All prices on our website and e-Journey Travel Guide are subject to change without notice. While we make every effort to provide you the most accurate and up-to-date information, occasionally, a trip or pricing category may be misprinted or unavailable at the time of booking. In the event of an incorrect price due to typographical, photographic, or technical error, or error in pricing information received from our suppliers, we retain the right to correct the price and to refuse or cancel any bookings placed at the incorrect price. In addition, all offers, prices, and conditions of sale may be subject to change without notice including tours, included features, highlights, minimum or maximum stays, itinerary, times in port, and/or other conditions/restrictions.

The following hotel list is preliminary and subject to change. Although we contract for hotels a year or more in advance, unforeseen circumstances do occasionally require a change of hotel. Should it be necessary to change a hotel, one of equal quality or value will be substituted and you will receive confirmed hotel information with your final itinerary.

16 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France, 75009

Toll Free:+0-800-19271927

The Art Deco Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel, built in 1927, known as “Hotel Ambassador,” is located on Boulevard Haussmann, Paris’ vibrant cultural and shopping district, next to Opera Garnier and iconic department stores. The hotel’s chic design, defined by the authentic Haussmann facade and stylish furnishing, creates an elegant, contemporary environment inspired by Opera Garnier. The hotel features 297 modern guest rooms and suites with marbled bathrooms, elegantly furnished in various blue shades, for business travelers or family gatherings.

5 Boulevard Heurteloup, 37000, Tours, France

Telephone: + 33 02 47 05 37 12

The hotel in Tours is one of the city’s historic hotels. Since it opened in 1846, the hotel has welcomed big names, including Serge Gainsbourg, Sarah Bernhardt, Katherine Hepburn and Edith Piaf. You can admire their portraits in the impressive gallery overlooking the foyer steeped in memories. Discover the authentic hotel and La Touraine restaurant and bar, from the spa and wellness area to the rooms, where the unique decor, blending tradition and modernity, invites you to travel.

Roger de Lluria 16-18, 08010 Barcelona, Spain

Telephone: +34 932 150 052

Just steps from Plaça Urquinaona, Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia. Hotel Negresco Princess’ privileged location makes it the perfect choice for visiting Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s Cathedral, the Gothic Quarter, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and shopping at the best boutiques on Passeig de Gràcia. Whether from the avant-garde atrium, one of the 128 welcoming rooms, relaxation area, gym or terrace with privileged views of the whole city, a solarium and infinity pool, the hotel is the perfect base for discovering all of Barcelona’s secrets. Plus the great food at Nesgresco Restaurant on the ground floor and La Terrazza by Bobby’s on the seventh floor. Cool and cosmopolitan, Hotel Negresco features a free minibar in every room and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Cruise Line: Celebrity

Since its inception in 1989, Celebrity has held true to its original commitment of taking the very best aspects of classic, elegant cruising and updating them to reflect current lifestyles. In 1997, they merged with Royal Caribbean International to form Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. What sets Celebrity apart from other vacation choices today is the cruise line’s passionate dedication to providing guests with a cruise experience that embodies modern luxury. This has become the definition of Celebrity Cruises and has set the worldwide standard for today’s expression of what first made cruising famous—high quality, superior design, spacious accommodations, grand style, attentive service and exceptional cuisine. Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of contemporary spaces that are at once coolly sophisticated and warmly inviting. Where the culinary experience is influenced by global cuisines and designed by their Michelin-starred chef. Where their staff provides seamless and intuitive service that’s both personal and unobtrusive. Where everything is designed to provide an unparalleled Relaxed Luxury sm  resort at sea experience. Celebrity’s 15 award-winning ships offer unique experiences in more than 300 destinations on all seven continents.

Ship:  Celebrity Eclipse

Unwind in stylish accommodations, including Concierge Class and our spa-inspired AquaClass® with exclusive dining at Blu. And, the ultimate in luxury, exclusive sanctuary, The Retreat® which includes private restaurant dining and 24/7 lounge. Enjoy globally inspired cuisine in distinctive restaurants with menus crafted by our Michelin-starred chef. Make a toast in the Passport Bar, Martini Bar or World Class Bar. Enjoy endless ocean views, catch some sun and play your favorite outdoor games on a ½ acre of real grass at The Lawn Club. You’ll feel refreshed in The Spa, which features soothing treatments to invigorate the senses. Savor an incredible five-course meal designed by our Global Culinary Ambassador, Chef Daniel Boulud. Onboard experiences also include shopping at the finest boutiques and family fun activities, including Hot Glass classes and theatrical events. Set sail and discover a whole new level of rest and relaxation.

Celebrity Eclipse  is sailing with Starlink — the world’s most advanced broadband satellite internet — to bring you high-speed connectivity for a better onboard experience.

• Before You Go

Money Matters

How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.

ATM Machines

These are often readily available, especially in major cities. Some will charge fees on top of what your hometown bank may charge for using ATMs abroad. Look for well-marked machines that have the Visa or MasterCard symbols.

Foreign Banks

Currency can be exchanged at most banks, if needed. Ask a local host or tour manager if there is a nearby bank that is open.

Credit Cards

During your trip, you’ll find that most major credit cards are accepted. Call your specific card issuer ahead of time to find out its limitations and benefits overseas.

Incidentals

Do be aware that some additional charges for mini-bars, laundry and room service will not be included in the tour package. Plan accordingly for these extra charges.

Packing Guidelines

Pack as simply as possible for easy transfers and customs screenings. Check with your domestic and international carriers regarding baggage guidelines, allowances, and check for additional fees. All bags will be screened before boarding flights and the cruise ship.

What to pack

Basics and layers are key to a comfortable Journey. Be sure to check the weather in the destinations you will visit, and pack accordingly. There are always unpredictable variables as well, so make sure you have one sturdy jacket and an outfit for a formal occasion too, just in case.

Here are a few key items to take on your trip:

• Raincoat/poncho
• Hooded jacket/fleece pullover
• Pants with pockets
• Skirt with pockets
• Hat with visor & sunscreen/bug spray
• Sturdy sandals
• Practical shoes for walking/easy hiking
• Extra pair of prescription sunglasses and/or glasses (if needed)

Have back-ups for everything to avoid disappointment. Charge batteries in advance and bring extra film or digital memory cards. If bringing a high-end camera, consider investing in insurance to protect your asset.

Luggage Screening Process

To pass through screening, have liquids either in small containers and bagged, or in checked luggage. All valuables necessary for the trip should be on your person at all times, if possible. This includes medications and documentation. We recommend one main bag and a carry-on, per airline guidelines for weight and size.

Have all your bags labeled with your name and address clearly marked. Add something to you luggage that is recognizable in the event your bags are misplaced. You may also consider marking your bags with “Enrichment Journeys” for efficiency.

Carry-on items

In many countries, including the US, large liquid containers are not allowed in carry-ons. On the way back into The States, food or agriculture items are prohibited. If you have questions about a certain item, visit  www.tsa.gov  for a list of items that cannot be packed.

Airport transfers

Airport transfers are included as part of your Enrichment Journey. Local representatives will advise you of the departure time from your hotel the night before departure. Generally speaking, arrangements have been made to have you at the airport approximately three hours in advance of departure, though this may vary depending on local circumstances. At the end of the cruise, an airport transfer will also be provided. Please advise your Personal Vacation Manager if you do not require transfer arrangements at the time of booking your Journey.

Cell phones

Some cell phones will work overseas, but incur additional charges for the use. Choose whether you would like to add an international plan by calling your carrier, or consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone overseas. However, in some destinations, many smartphones and tablets can pick up wireless Internet for free.

Protecting the Value of Your Travel Investment

Enrichment Journeys offers a comprehensive travel insurance package you can purchase alongside your trip. It eases the mind and lets you cancel your trip for a covered reason up until the departure date with a full refund of the Journey.

The insurance covers a wide variety of incidents, including travel delay, emergency medical services, and even baggage delay. You will also receive a pre-existing medical conditions waiver if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. For a full list of coverage provided, visit the FAQ section of the website.

Medical Issues and Handicaps

As with any extensive trip abroad, our excursions with Enrichment Journeys will require some physical capabilities, including transfers from cruise ships, walking on cobblestone streets and navigating through some busy cities with guides. Although we encourage all types of travelers to join us, we do ask you are aware of your own physical limitations. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual care to those who may have walkers, wheelchairs or other aids. Enrichment Journeys also cannot accommodate pregnant women past their six month gestation period. Please speak with one of our Personal Vacation Managers to see if certain itineraries are suitable for you and your needs. We are happy to suggest other viable options for you that are more accessible.

Per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, travelers have the right to be reasonably accommodated in terms of tours in public situations. However, the laws do not apply for trips and outside the United States. So you must let Enrichment Journeys know ahead of time of any physical limitations, including information added to our questionnaire that needs to be filled out by all passengers. Failure to inform Enrichment Journeys of these limitations could result in refusal to participate, whether it be at the airport through the airline, on board the ship or at the accommodations booked.

If you have any sort of prescription medication, this should be a number one priority in packing. Bring extra, just in case. A small medical kit is also advisable for quick access to remedy minor aches and pains.

Briefing sessions

A local host or tour manager will be happy to guide you through the trip and answer all of your questions. Upon arrival to your destination, an Enrichment Journeys representative will meet with the group and go over items such as the daily schedule, weather and local customs.

All hotels booked by Enrichment Journeys are held to a high standard of comfort and quality, in accordance to international accommodation standards and rating systems. However, each accommodation varies so you may experience various types of properties throughout your excursions.

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• Regional Information

Travel Documentation

Have your passport and visas ready and available at all checkpoints. Scan and copy these documents to print out. It is recommended that you e-mail a copy to yourself and someone back home in the event these documents are misplaced. Also, it may be worth bringing an international ID or license.

Passport and Visa

To travel internationally, you must have a passport in good condition and it must be valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your trip. Visa requirements change frequently and for various reasons . As a result, our Personal Vacation Managers are not always able to provide visa information, and you should not rely on the information provided below to be the most current and accurate. The best way to obtain up-to-date information regarding visa requirements is to visit the official US government website for Americans traveling abroad,  Travel.State.Gov (Canadian citizens should visit https://travel.gc.ca/ , for all other countries please visit your government website or local embassy), which details specific information on the countries you would like to visit, including visa requirements.

You may also use a third-party visa service. These services require an additional service fee but make the process of applying for a visa much simpler.

Note: as of August 2024, U.S. and Canadian passport holders traveling to Europe’s Schengen Zone may have to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETIAS) for travel starting in May 2025. We encourage you to verify at the official website listed below as the requirements may change. More information can be found at https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias/ .

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are recommended to protect one’s health from preventable diseases abroad. It is always good to have routine vaccinations up to date when traveling for ailments such as chickenpox, measles, and the flu shot. Use your own discretion when deciding on what vaccinations to have based on your preferences and personal medical history. During your Enrichment Journeys tour, the utmost care will be taken with prepared food, atmosphere and other elements, so the likelihood of contracting diseases is scarce.

For a list of recommended vaccinations based on destination, visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or feel free to contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention directly at 1-800-232-4636.

Electric Current

You will need an adaptor for some parts of your trip.  To see what the plugs will look like at your destination, visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/ and click on each country from the right menu.

You may also need to use a converter. Most countries outside of North and Central America use 220-240 V, whereas the U.S. and Canada use 110 V. However, most chargers these days have a box which will act as a converter so that it can be used in all countries around the world. If your charger box says “Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz” then you do NOT need to use a converter (but you may still need an adaptor so that the plugs fit in the socket).

Some hotels may have two and three pronged outlets to use for various appliances. Ship cabins also have outlets for you to use with their converter. However, we recommend having at least one or two adaptors with you, as we cannot guarantee that all hotels will be able to accommodate this.

Local Currency

France, Spain and Portugal uses the Euro (€), currency code EUR

Bermuda uses the Bermudian Dollar, but as it is fixed to the U.S. Dollar, the U.S. Dollar is commonly accepted

Please visit https://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ for the current exchange rate.

How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. We suggest having at least some local currency with you during the trip, at least enough to take a taxi if needed. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is always appreciated but not always required. Expect several instances throughout the hospitality industry that allow for tipping. Have small bills ready for hotel staff, boat crew, restaurant servers, drivers, guides, and baggage handlers. If you have a meal outside the itinerary or hire a resident driver, a few dollars in the local currency is customary.

Gratuities are included for group meals, at hotels, and at airports. The host, guide, or tour manager can be tipped roughly $10-$12 USD per person, per day. Drivers can be tipped $5 USD per person, per day. To view the gratuities policy for Celebrity Cruises, please visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/gratuity-program .

For more information about when and how much to tip in each country, feel free to speak with your tour guide at the start of your Journey. A good reference for international tipping is https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2008-11-11/etiquette-101-tipping-guide .

Time Differences

Please be aware that you may be crossing through several time zones throughout your Journey. To view a time zone map, visit https://m.worldtimezone.com/m-index12.php .

With the tour covering various regions, you will most likely come in contact with warm and/or cool weather, occasional rain, wind and/or damp environments. Check the weather online before departing for an up-to-date look at the conditions in major destinations.

Many countries outside of North America use Celsius. Here is a °C to °F quick reference guide:

High/Low Temperatures in Fahrenheit:

Practice the Local Language

Knowing a few phrases in the local vernacular can be a wonderful way to connect with people and feel immersed in the culture. Here are some keywords and phrases:

France: French

• Bonjour (Boh(n)-zhoo): Hello
• Oui (wee): Yes
• Non (No): No
• Où sont les toilettes? (Oo soh(n) lay twa-let?): Where are the restrooms
• Merci (Mare-see): Thank you
• Je vous en prie (Zhuh vooz ahn pree): You’re welcome
• S’il vous plaît (Seal voo play): Please
• Pouvez-vous m’aider? (Poo-vay voo meh – day?): Can you help me?
• Au revoir (Ah reh-vwarh): Goodbye

Visit https://www.17-minute-world-languages.com/en/french/ for more phrases with sound.

Spain: Spanish and Catalan

The region of Catalonia, including Barcelona, has two official languages: Spanish and Catalan. Although the locals understand Spanish, daily activity is conducted in Catalan and there is a fierce pride in their Catalonian heritage. The same is true for both Andorra and Palma de Mallorca. In Valencia you will see and hear both Spanish and Catalan. The phrases below overlap in both languages, but many other common phrases can different.

• Hola (OH-lah): Hello
• Si (see): Yes
• No (noh): No
• Gracias (GRAH-syahs): Thank you

Visit https://www.17-minute-world-languages.com/en/spanish/ for more phrases with sound in Spanish.

Visit https://www.17-minute-world-languages.com/en/catalan/ for more phrases with sound in Catalan.

Portugal: Portuguese

• Oi (oy): Hello
• Tchau (chow): Goodbye
• Sim (sing): Yes
• Não (now): No
• Por favor (PAWR-fah-VAWR): Please
• If you are a male, say Obrigado (regardless of who you are speaking to)
• If you are a female, say Obrigada (regardless of who you are speaking to)

Visit https://www.17-minute-world-languages.com/en/portuguese/ for more phrases with sound.

Check out these interesting facts about the destinations you will visit on your Journey.

• Paris was originally a Roman city called “Lutetia”.
• The French government gives medals to citizens who have “successfully raised several children with dignity.”
• There’s only one STOP sign in the entire city of Paris.
• French toast isn’t a French cuisine. Joseph French advertised the modern toast but forgot to add the apostrophe “s.” It should have been advertised as “French’s Toast” not “French Toast.”
• Louis XIX was King of France for just 20 minutes.
• The first novel was written by a Spaniard. Cervantes’ Don Quixote , written in 1605, is considered to be the first modern novel.

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