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Loire Chateaux Tours
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Loire Chateaux
The Loire Valley is located in the historic heart of France and is renowned for its many chateaux, classic architecture, rich history and warm hospitality.
The River Loire runs westward for over 600 miles before reaching the Atlantic Ocean and is France's longest river. The Loire and its tributaries, the Rivers Cher, Indre, Vienne and Loir (without the "e") link the chateaux, vineyards, farmlands, forests and ancient towns that rest on their banks. It is said that "The Loire is a Queen and Kings have loved her". The Loire has been the home of Kings since the 10th century. From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, the Kings and Queens of the Loire Valley championed intellectual and artistic creation. The result is an endowment of accomplishments for all time in the arts and literature, as well as extraordinary examples of magnificent architecture and landscaping.
The drive from Paris to the Loire Valley takes about two hours journey through lovely countryside.
In the "Valley of Kings" there are 1000 chateaux and more than 100 are open to the public. If your time is limited or you are prone to "Chateau Burnout", it is perhaps worth considering limiting your visits to those you think you will enjoy the most or are closer to your interests and perhaps just "driving by" others.
Famous Chateaux
Amboise
One of the first royal defensive medieval castle overlooking the Loire and its charming city; a combination Gothic and Renaissance. Interesting furniture.
Cheverny
Cheverny is the perfect example of a Louis XIII Chateau, elegant and of unusually unified style with a magnificent decor. The staircase and furniture (King's Room) are exceptional; interesting Musee de la Venerie (Hunting Museum). Herge (the
author of Tintin) used it as a model to draw Moulinsart.
Chambord
The largest of the Chateaux of the Loire built as hunting grounds for Francois Ist. Impressive and majestic, it has architecturally innovative terraces with the famous "double revolution" staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci: 'an abridged version of human industry', as Charles V said.
Chenonceau
A stunning fairytale bridge castle stretching across the River Cher with Renaissance and Classic architecture of rare elegance.
Loire Valley Wine
Vineyards flank the Loire Valley along much of its length. Degustations or wine tastings (and buying, of course) at the vineyards themselves abound.
The Loire Valley wines are light, fresh and relatively low in alcohol. White wines predominate, based on the Chenin Blanc, Muscadet and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, from the Muscadet of the Nantais area, perfect with shellfish, to fine Vouvrays and Sancerres further east. (One of the oldest wineries in the Loire Valley is Chateau Moncontour which overlooks the village of Vouvray. The 13th century estate surrounds the castle which dates from the 15th century). Of the rose wines, Rose d'Anjoy is the best known, and the Cabernet Franc grape, special to this region, makes a number of good reds. Look out for the fruity reds of Chinon and Bourgeuil. In Saumur, look for sparkling wines (methode champenoise or champagne method) which are also produced at Vouvray and Mountlouis. Also there are the sweet dessert wines of the Coteaux du Layon.
Tours of the Loire Chateaux
Only 2 hours from Paris and you are in the magnificent Loire Valley where you can tour the magical chateaux and gardens. During the summer some of the Chateaux hold concerts. If you would like a private tour or hotel in the area for a self-drive tour just email us for a recommendation.
Chateaux Tour
Cheverny Castle. 
Chambord Castle
Chenonceau Castle.
Minivan Departure: 6.45 am Wednesday & Sunday.
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179€ p/p
Duration : Approx 12 hours
179 euro
book online tour CL+
Reaching the Loire valley on to Chenonceau, you will begin your "Renaissance" day by a visit of this Castle built over the river Cher in pure traditional renaissance style and equally made famous through the "Royal Dames" who lived there. Then you visit the Castel of Cheverny, a private property which has kept its 17th century furniture. After lunch (drinks included), you are off to Chambord to discover this magnificent castle, the impressive undertaking of Francois Ier, with its famous double revolution staircase. Entrance tickets included.
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Chateaux Wine Tasting Tour
Coach Option
April 1st to October 31st: 7.15 am Sunday
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152€ p/p
Duration : Approx 12 hours
152 euro
book online tour CWL+
Castle of Chambord Cheverny Castle Lunch Château de Troussay 4 wine commented tasting.
This excursion will allow you to know better the history, the gastronomy and the wines of the Loire valley. The day starts with the guided visit of the Castle of Chambord: The largest of the Loire Castles. You will admire the great work of Francois Ier. This castle was built from 1518 as hunting grounds for him. You walk up to the terraces with the famous "double revolution" staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Then a guided visit of Cheverny Castle. It is the most beautifully furnished Castle of the Loire. It is still inhabited. You will be stunned by its genuine charm and magnifi cent decor. For lunch, you will eat at a traditional restaurant near the chateau. Afternoon guided tour of the Chateau de Troussay, a typical example of a residence in the Val de Loire and Sologne regions with its smaller Renaissance castle, richly decorated and picturesque outhouses which now feature a museum of old rural life. To conclude the day you will participate to a commented tasting session of 4 wines of the Loire Valley in the outbuildings of the castle.
Entrance tickets and tasting session included included.
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Castles & Wines of the Loire
Minivan Tour Option
Nov1 to March 31: 6:45am Friday.
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179€ p/p
Duration : Approx 12 hours
179 euro book online tour CW+
Amboise Castle Clos LuceChenonceau CastleMonmousseau Cellars
The day starts with a visit of the Amboise Castle, symbol of a new style of architecture: the French Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci gave life to the castle. You will see all his inventions when you visit the Clos Luce, his residence.
At the end of the morning, you leave for Chenonceau where lunch (included) is served in the castle’s Orangerie (summer) or in the village (winter).
At the beginning of the afternoon, there is a visit of the Chenonceau Castle, called the “Château aux Dames” built on the Cher.
The last stop is Montrichard for a visit of Monmousseau Cellars –an important wine producer in the region– where you will taste 3 vintages.
Entrance tickets included.
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Private Tours to the Loire
Take a private tour with our highly exprerienced bilingual licensed driver guide to the Loire and visit the famous chateaux, do a wine tasting or even a balloon adventure.
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750€
Full Day 12 hrs
Inquiry FormAfter 2 hours drive a visit (guided) of Chambord , François I's dream château (the largest château in France before Versailles) with Leonardo de Vinci's double spiral staircase and the exceptional top floor terrace, then drive along the Loire towards Amboise (on the road you pass Blois) and Le Clos Luce to visit (guided) the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci and the gardens where the inventions of the genious are displayed. Stroll through the old city of Amboise where you are free for lunch.
After lunch, drive to Chenonceau for a guided visit of the "château of the Dames" followed by an optional wine tasting at the cellars of the chateau.
Drive back to Paris (arrival around 19h00)
Other itineraries possible based on your interests. Just ask!