Day excursions

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. Program: 9.00am: Departure from Tours. Meet your friendly guide in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours (just in front of the train station). Everybody's here? Let’s start the day! 9:30am: Start in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours, and get into our minivan, off to Chenonceau! Next step is Château de Chenonceau! On the way, get a good look at lovely privately owned châteaux but also other must-see castles of Loire Valley such as: Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise, Montrichard... Chenonceau: this is the most visited historical monument in France after Château de Versailles. Admire this stunning chateau and its unique gallery, built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens à la Française named after the famous ladies who lived there: "Catherine de Médicis" and "Diane de Poitiers". Once inside, take your time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that prevails in each room of this renowned chateau, all decorated with beautiful antiques and the most divine fresh flower arrangements. The kitchens, the Queen bedroom, the Gallery... your tour guide will show you all the beautiful rooms of this incredible place. Lunch will take place off the beaten path. You will enjoy a typical French lunch in a lovely private château of Loire Valley, built by Jean le Breton! Start with the visit of this unique familly Château, meet the family and discover all the authentic rooms and lovely surroundings of this haven of piece. After the visit, hosted by the French Countess who lives there permanently, indulge in the nice and cozy atmosphere with tasty food and local Loire Valley wine. This experience will make you feel like the owner of the place! More than a chateau, this work of art is a glorious historical place that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley and the Renaissance era. Your guide will make this trip back in time a fun and captivating experience. He will tell you everything about the history of the castle, built by the famous King François 1er. Unforgettable! Once inside, your guide will select for you the most emblematic rooms to visit: the double helix staircase, the chapel, the terrace...He will also share with you memorable anecdotes and point at hidden details of interest and breathtaking views of the château. So get ready to travel back in time of French Renaissance! After this exceptional visit, your tour-guide will advise you some spots to get a impressive view of the chateau. A spectacular day you will never forget. 6.30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours

Whether you're a lover of heritage, nature or simply looking for an original getaway, this day promises to be a real trip back in time! 9:30 Departing from the Tourist Office, treat yourself to a magical day on board a comfortable minibus, exploring four of the Loire Valley's most fascinating gems: Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry and Langeais. Let yourself be seduced by... ... the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a fairytale castle set in lush greenery. Its Renaissance architecture and gardens will transport you back in time, while offering exceptional panoramic views. ... the Château and gardens of Villandry, renowned for its sumptuous formal gardens. Each flowerbed and avenue of greenery tells a story, and you'll be amazed by the precision and elegance of this unique place. Lunch at the Château de Villandry restaurant. Then off to... ... the Château de Langeais, a medieval fortress that plunges you into the history of royalty. Its imposing towers and architecture will take you back in time, with fascinating stories of royal marriages and court intrigues. 16:30 Return to Tours by minibus. End of the tour. Depending on the minibus schedule, the excursion programme may be subject to change. Departures are guaranteed from 2 people, a refund will be made if the number is not reached.

We will start our memorable day with the visit of the Château of Chenonceau, also known as the « Ladies’ Château » which was embellished by famous women, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. This elegant structure built on the river will mesmerise you with its unique Renaissance architecture, furniture and gardens, that will make you daydream. After the lunch break, we will go towards the Sologne region in order to visit the breath taking Château 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 Château in France, after Versailles. Throughout the day, we will show you the beautiful countryside landscapes of the Loire and Cher valleys.

We will start our day with the visit of of the Clos Lucé - a royal present from Francis the 1st to Leonardo da Vinci, where he spent his last 3 years of his life. You will enter his privacy as you roam his study, and will discover a large collection of models based on his sketches, as well as his bedchamber where he took his last breath at the age of 67. Our second stop will be 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, we will get back to the Cher valley in order to visit 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 mesmerise you with its unique Renaissance architecture, furniture and gardens that will make you daydream.