Air Touraine

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.

Duration: 3 hours - Price: 260€ And if you go out of the ordinary for a half-day with family or friends ? Take the wheel of one of our 2CVs and admire the Loire Valley in an unusual way! Set off on the roads of Touraine to (re)discover its landscapes, its heritage and its gastronomy. Take advantage of our road books which will guide you between emblematic sites and unusual places.

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: 9.30am: 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: Free time 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. 5.30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours

Price: €15.90 (public price: €16.90) Imagine a palace delicately poised above the Loire, with gardens suspended between heaven and earth... It's hardly surprising that Amboise was a favorite site for the kings of France as they transformed their country during the Renaissance. Charles VIII and François I, Leonardo da Vinci and the iconic Queen Anne de Bretagne are all familiar faces here. Even today, the view is breathtaking! A 360° panorama of landscapes listed as a World Heritage Site. A castle open to nature, a haven of peace for birds, Amboise is also a place of innovation, where innovations such as the HistoPad enhance the experience. LPO Refuge.