From Tours or Amboise: Chambord and Chenonceau Castle Day Tour with Optional Lunch

Begin your journey in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan from Tours or Amboise, meeting your expert guide who will share fascinating stories along the way. Upon arrival at each site, tickets will be arranged, and any necessary ID checks will be handled smoothly.

What to expect

Chenonceau Castle

• A masterpiece of the French Renaissance, known for its graceful arches spanning the Cher River and its history shaped by powerful women.

• Stroll through the Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers gardens, each reflecting the legacy of its royal namesake.

• Walk the gallery bridge stretching over the river, once used as a hospital during World War I.

• Visit the Marques Tower, a remnant of the medieval fortress that stood before the château.

Lunch at the Chateau of Villesavin

• Enjoy an intimate meal in a privately owned Loire Valley castle, hosted by a French Countess.

• Discover the history of this 16th-century chateau, built by Jean le Breton.

• Savor a homemade lunch featuring regional specialties and local Loire Valley wines.

• Walk through the estate’s peaceful gardens, a hidden gem away from the crowds.

Chambord Castle

• A symbol of French Renaissance grandeur, famous for its vast size and intricate double-helix staircase, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.

• Marvel at the 440-room layout, with ceilings adorned with royal emblems.

• Climb the double-helix staircase, where two people can ascend without ever crossing paths.

• Admire the panoramic terrace views, overlooking the vast Chambord estate.

Wrapping up

The tour concludes with a relaxed drive back to Tours or Amboise, giving you time to reflect on your day in the Loire Valley.

From Tours or Amboise: Chambord and Chenonceau Castle Day Tour with Optional Lunch

Dive into the Loire Valley’s regal allure, visiting two of its most illustrious châteaux—Chambord and Chenonceau—in a day brimming with historical narratives and architectural marvels. Crafted for explorers of Renaissance grandeur, devotees of French history, and seekers of romantic landscapes, this tour unveils the intricate tapestry of royal life through the lens of Chambord’s towering towers and Chenonceau’s elegant gallery. With an expert guide leading you through each nook and cranny, this journey weaves a tale of opulence and intrigue that offers unforgettable encounters while understanding the complex layers of history that have shaped these châteaux.

Discovering Chambord Architectural Majesties

Experience Chambord during the tour’s highlight segment where its grandeur is most pronounced. Access Chambord included in the tour package enabling a deep dive into its Renaissance splendor, from Leonardo da Vinci-inspired designs to vast royal hunting grounds that extend for miles around. Marvel at the château double-helix staircase as it twists upwards, offering breathtaking views over the lush forests and verdant meadows below. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Chambord stands not just as a testament to architectural prowess but also as a living museum of 16th-century French royalty.

Wandering Through Chenonceau Dreamy Gallery

Explore Chenonceau as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring its unique river-spanning gallery, which is both an engineering marvel and an art lover’s paradise. Experience Chenonceau showcasing the tour’s architectural appeal where each room narrates tales of its royal occupants through intricate frescoes and ornate furnishings. Stroll along the gallery that stretches across the Cher River, offering picturesque views of the Loire Valley in all its splendor. This château stands as a bridge not just between two banks but also between centuries past and present.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Chambord observation point highest viewpoint
• Experience Chenonceau’s river gallery breathtakingly authentic
• Explore Chambord’s double-helix staircase architecturally impressive
• Discover royal hunting grounds vast and meticulously maintained
• Include round-trip transportation convenient and seamless
• Upgrade with 3-course lunch locally sourced exclusive

Mystic for explorers of French heritage, enchanting for devotees of Renaissance architecture, and captivating for seekers of serene landscapes, this day tour weaves a narrative as intricate as the châteaux themselves. Crafting memories that are like whispered secrets in the wind, each stone and arch tells its own story, inviting you to step into another era where elegance meets history.