2-Day Loire Valley Castles Tour from Paris

Depart from central Paris by air-conditioned coach and head through the Aquitaine countryside to the town of Blois in the Loire Valley, where the Royal Château de Blois awaits. Tour the beautiful castle with your guide and learn of the many French kings who once called it home.

Enjoy free time in Amboise for lunch, then discover the spectacular Château du Clos Lucé, famous as the final residence of painter and inventor Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century. Head on to explore the beautifully manicured Gardens of Villandry with your guide.

On the second day of your tour, enjoy guided tours of Chenonceau, Cheverney and Chambord — three of the Loire Valley’s finest castles. Marvel at the blends of architectural styles you see and admire the fine arches of the Château de Chenonceau stretching across the Cher River.

At the end of your castle visits, travel back to Paris by coach where your tour will conclude.

Day One: Paris – Château d'Amboise – Château du Clos Lucé – Gardens of Villandry – Tours (D)

Hop aboard your air-conditioned coach in the morning in central Paris, and head south out of the city to begin your castle country tour.

Travel through the Aquitaine countryside to the town of Amboise for your first visit — the Royal Château d'Amboise in the famous Loire Valley. 

Continue onward to Amboise and enjoy a little free time in this attractive town for lunch (own expense). Afterward, take a guided tour of the nearby Château du Clos Lucé and the Gardens of Villandry, made famous as Leonardo da Vinci's final place of residence in the early 16th century.

Head on to the historic town of Tours with your guide, for your evening meal and first night’s accommodation.

Overnight: 3-star hotel in Tours

Day Two: Tours – Château de Chenonceau – Château de Cheverny – Château de Chambord – Paris (B, L)

After a buffet breakfast at your hotel, depart from Tours and head on to the spectacular Château de Chenonceau, widely considered to be among the very finest of all France’s castles. An intriguing blend of late Gothic and early Renaissance architectural styles, the castle dates back to the 16th century and its four archways span the length of the Cher River. During your guided tour, hear of Chenonceau’s interesting heritage from your guide and take in beautiful views out along the river.

Head on from the Château de Chenonceau for a guided visit of the magnificent 17th-century Château de Cheverny, first opened to the public in 1914. Cheverny is renowned for its ornate interiors, and its impressive collection of antique furniture, paintings, sculptures and tapestries is a joy to behold.

Depart Cheverny and head to the nearby Hotel Saint-Hubert for a farewell lunch, then conclude your tour through the Loire Valley with a visit to the imposing Château de Chambord. Constructed by King Francis I of France, this French Renaissance castle is widely considered one of the most impressive in the world and blends medieval building styles with classical Renaissance architecture to perfection.

At the end of your guided visit of the Château de Chambord, hop back aboard your coach for the 2.5-hour journey back to central Paris where your castle country tour will come to an end.