- Paris
Start time: 07:30
Duration: 13h
Max group size: 25
Live guide: English
Meet your guide and fellow travellers at the designated central location in Paris.
Board the air-conditioned coach for a comfortable journey into the Loire Valley.
Take a break from the journey to stretch your legs and grab a snack.
Explore the Loire Valley's largest castle, known for its distinctive architecture and the staircase possibly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy some free time to explore the castle grounds and views
Stroll through the charming streets of Blois, enjoy a meal at local eateries (not included), or visit the Royal Château de Blois on your own.
Enjoy a tasting of a variety of wines, including white, red, and dessert wines, with insights from a knowledgeable expert.
Explore the elegant "Ladies' Château," known for its beautiful interior, gardens, and historic significance.
Relax on the coach as you journey back to Paris. A brief rest stop will be included along the way
Arrive back in Paris and conclude your day trip exploring the Loire Valley
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, traffic and other circumstances.
Two French castles, each uniquely beautiful and a wine tasting with more than a splash of good French wine. All amid the stunning scenery of the Loire Valley. This memorable day trip from Paris is a fairy-tale feast for the senses!
Explore the heart and soul of the French countryside, starting at Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the valley. If you think it looks familiar, you might be thinking of Disney's ‘Beauty and the Beast’, which was inspired by this very place. Climb the staircase that was supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci, and don't miss the spectacular views from the turrets, where you can look for the wild deer that roam the grounds.
Having worked up an appetite, it's on to your next stop: the quaint town of Blois, where you’ll get some free time to enjoy lunch at your own expense in one of the restaurants around the vibrant Square Louis XII. After that, head to Blois, known for its unique mix of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical architecture... and some pretty tragic history - gulp.
From here, it's on to the so-called 'Ladies’ Château', Château de Chenonceau. This elegant 16th-century castle was designed and owned solely by women. It has all the storybook trimmings, from painted wooden doors and a smooth stone exterior to stone carvings, huge tapestries, and beautiful period furniture. Not an IKEA sofa in sight.
Downstairs, you'll see the impressive vaulted kitchens and 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! These women really thought of everything!
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.
Explore the gardens and the rest of the castle, then quench your thirst with a wine tasting (three wines from the château's vineyard) led by your guide in the Cave des Dômes. This vaulted cellar full of barrels is every wine lover's dream!