Day excursions

Our team will accompany you to visit the Fontevraud Abbey, an exceptional Bourgueil winery, and Villandry (castle & gardens) aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, exclusively for you! Your quest for authenticity will begin with a visit to the royal Fontevraud Abbey. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it continues the ideal city vision set by its founder, Robert d’Arbrissel. In the Bourgueil wine region, you will have the privilege of enjoying lunch amidst the vines in the only picnic barrel in France, in an enchanting setting. The meal will be made from local seasonal products and paired with organic wine from the estate. The highlight of the day will be the visit to the Château de Villandry, and especially its gardens, some of the most renowned and appreciated in France. Return approximately at 6:00 PM.

We will start our day with Acco Dispo by visiting the French Gardens of the Chateau of Villandry, that makes it one of the most beautiful gardens in France. It is divided in 3 patios: the 1st one is a mix of vegetables, fruit trees and vines, the 2nd one is made of sculpted bushes, and the last one is a water garden. Then, we will visit the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, its elegant facades are like a jewel trapped between sky and river. You will discover its 500 years old framework, as well as furniture and tapestries from different periods, in the living rooms. After the lunch break, we will continue our memorable day by visiting the Chateau of Chenonceau, also known as the « Ladies’ Chateau » which was embellished by famous women, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. This elegant structure built on the river will mesmerize you with its unique Renaissance architecture, furniture and gardens that will make you daydream. We will finish our excursion by visiting the Royal Chateau of Amboise, which was Francis the 1st’s main residence. With its Gothic and Renaissance styles, the chateau will make you fall in love its panoramic view on the valley. And you must not forget about the St. Hubert’s chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci rests in peace.

A day to visit the 3 châteaux of Amboise and the not-to-be-missed Château de Chenonceau. Departing from Tours, you will head for Amboise to discover: Château de Chenonceau (visit & lunch: 3h15): majestically set on the Cher, this masterpiece of the French Renaissance is famous for its elegant arches spanning the river and its gardens set in breathtaking natural surroundings. Lunch at leisure in the château's restaurants or in the village. Château Royal d'Amboise (visit: 1h30): majestically overlooking the Loire Valley, the château combines medieval splendour with Renaissance elegance, testifying to its historic role as the residence of the kings of France and a place of artistic creation. Clos Lucé (visit: 1h30): the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci, is a place steeped in history where you can discover the fascinating world of the Italian genius through his inventions, his works and his magnificent gardens. Morning tour operated by Touraine Evasion.

VinoLoire has been offering wine tours in the Loire Valley since 2016. Your professional guide will share their wine knowledge, take you on personal tours of vineyards, caves and wineries, and answer your questions. This full day wine tour is a great introduction to the exceptional diversity of Loire Valley wines with a visit to 3 wineries, including a gastronomic 3-course Pic-Nic made from local farm to table products. Program 9:00 am: Pick up at the tourist office of Tours. Transport in a comfortable minivan. Visit a Family Wine Estate in Vouvray First stop in a vineyard in Vouvray : introduction to ‘terroir’ and making wine Visit of a rock-hewn cellar (several kilometers long) Tasting of different white wines typical from Vouvray (dry, half-dry, sparkling…) Pairing with local cheeses Visit a Bourgueil Wine Estate, including lunch Visit around the estate and vineyards Tasting of a wide range of white, red, sparkling wines from different terroirs Gastronomic 3-course pic-nic “farm to table” style lunch, with a 0 kilometer philosophy of a green Michelin starred chef A Great and Unique Visit in Chinon Visit an organic wine estate Discover a very original cellar dug by the winemaker himself over 30 years! Large tasting of red wines Pairing with local charcuteries (rillettes, saucisson sec…) Around 6:00 pm: Drop off at the tourist office.