Day excursions

Departing from the Tourist Office in Tours, set off in an 8-seater minibus for an excursion including 3 visits. THE CASTLE OF BLOIS. One of the most prestigious testimonies of Renaissance art in France, a perfect illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. After discovering the courtyard and its famous spiral staircase, built at the time of François 1er, you can discover the residence of Catherine de Médicis and Henri III, which was the scene of the assassination of the Duke de Guise and the Gaston d'Orléans wing designed by François Mansart. Lunch in a restaurant in Blois. THE CASTLE OF CHAMBORD. More than 5 centuries after its construction, it still defies the imagination: 156 meters of facade, 56 meters high, 440 rooms... It is the dream come true of a young 25-year-old king: François I, who wanted to build the most sumptuous hunting rendezvous that history has bequeathed to us. CHÂTEAU DE CHEVERNY, which served as a model for Hergé to design Moulinsart, will surprise you with the richness and density of its furniture and the authentic and refined charm of its decoration. The Domaine de Cheverny belongs to the Hurault family, great figures and advisers to Kings Louis XII, François I, Henri III and Henri IV. This excursion is available on saturday from April to November. Depending on the programming of the minibuses, the program is likely to be modified. Departure is guaranteed from 4 people, a refund will be made if the number is not reached

Let’s go for a full-day excursion to discover: IN THE MORNING THE CHATEAU OF AMBOISE: built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries on the orders of Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I, the Chateau of Amboise was one of the first truly “royal” residences. It is a prestigious example of combined Gothic and Renaissance architecture with Saint Hubert chapel where Leonardo da Vinci rests. THE CLOS LUCE - PARC LEONARDO DA VINCI in Amboise: last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Visit of the castle, its 40 fabulous machines and the landscaped course. Lunch in a restaurant in Amboise. IN THE AFTERNOON THE CHATEAU OF CHENONCEAU: built in the sixteenth century, one of the purest early French Renaissance style works, constructed on the foundations of an ancient fortified water mill in the river bed itself. This excursion is available on tuesday and friday from April to November. Depending on the programming of the minibuses, the program is likely to be modified. Departure is guaranteed from 4 people, a refund will be made if the number is not reached  

We will start our day with Acco Dispo following the Loire river to Amboise, where you will find on the top of a spur of rock, 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 with its panoramic view on the valley. you must not forget about the St. Hubert’s chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci rests in peace. After the lunch break in the old town, we will go towards the Sologne region in order to visit the Chateau of Cheverny which has been in the same family for more than 600 years. This beautiful classical edifice inspired Hergé’s Marlinspike Hall in ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ comics. We will finish our excursion with the breath taking Chateau of Chambord. Made of more than 400 rooms, 282 fireplaces, as well as more than 70 staircases, including the famous central double helical staircase, it was Francis the 1st’s hunting lodge. This architectural masterpiece is one of the largest Chateau in France, after Versailles. Thus, throughout the day, we will show you the beautiful French countryside landscapes and the Loire and Cher valleys.

Discover the Valley of the Kings by electric bike! Between lush forests and memorable castles, you are not about to forget this day. Full day on an electric bike in Chambord Park!   Program:  2:00 pm: Start at the Tourist Office in Tours and get into our minivan to Chateau de Villesavin.   The “discovery of the Valley of the Kings” day can begin!   What better way to discover the castles of the Loire than an electric bike tour. You will visit two magnificent castles: a charming family property and the prestigious Château de Chambord. Then have lunch in Chambord Park, and stroll through the estate, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. In e-bike mode, your perception changes and this excursion will allow you to enjoy this magnificent region “à la française!”.    10:15 am: Departing from a beautiful family chateau where we will taste local products later in the day, take the time to discover the charming French countryside on this e-bike ride during 15 miles.   Cross with your guide the monumental forest of Chambord, a veritable green lung of 13.000 acres enclosed by 20 miles of walls, unique in Europe. After about 35 minutes, you will finally see the sumptuous Château de Chambord, symbol of the French Renaissance in the Loire Valley.   11:00 am: Start of the guided tour of Chambord, your guide will show you the emblematic rooms of this castle still shrouded in mystery. A free time will allow you to walk where you want and review the pieces that you have preferred.   12:30 pm: For lunch, your guide will show you the different options around the Château de Chambord: restaurant, crêpes, burgers, sandwichs…   2:00 pm: Return to Château de Villesavin, “Chambord site hut” built by Jean le Breton, minister of François 1er, and supervisor of the works of the Château de Chambord.   2:45 pm: Visit of the interior of this charming little family castle, property since the 1930s and still the main home of the Count and Countess. You will also have free time to stroll around the estate and visit the various points of interest of the property (wedding museum, dovecote, small farm, etc.)   3:30 pm: Bucolic snack under the linden tree planted in 1900 with local produce such as apple juice, strawberries and biscuits from the Chambord biscuit factory.   6:00pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours