The Top 3 Loire Valley Day Tours – Chateaux & Wines

Famous for beautiful castles, the Loire Valley is close enough to Paris to spend a full day exploring and be back to the city for a late dinner! A day in the valley will have you visiting the sumptuous and historic castles with names like Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau. Everything is included on these full-day trips — transportation from your hotel, a leisurely lunch, wine tasting, and entrance fees.

1. Loire Valley Castles & Wine-Tasting Day Trip

Loire Valley Wines & Châteaux

This is our readers' favorite Loire Valley day trip from Paris. And why not? You discover this beautiful renaissance valley, its famous chateaux, plus taste its world-renowned wines. The day begins with Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley.

Next is a bountiful French lunch at the Château de Nitray vineyards with a selection of fresh and local Loire Valley ingredients, including the best wines. Taste your way through Loire Valley wines with your guide to explain the varietals, history and nuances of the wines.

The final stop is Château de Chenonceau (pictured), considered by many as the loveliest of the Loire Châteaux. It stretches across the River Cher and is surrounded by formal gardens and wooded grounds. The building is a classic Renaissance castle, transformed over the centuries from a modest manor into a hall of decadence. full-day Loire Valley Wine & Chateaux Tour includes transportation, wine tastings, gourmet lunch, and all entrance fees. Runs in the summer months.

2. A Day Visiting Loire Valley Castles

Clos Lucé, Chenonceau & Chambord

This Renaissance-focused day trip first stops at Chateau Amboise where you also find Clos Lucé — the house Leonardo da Vinci lived during the last years of his life.

After taking a break for lunch (included) it's on to the amazing Château Chenonceau, stretching across the River Cher. The last stop is the huge and magnificent Château Chambord (pictured here and at the top of this page). It was built in 1519 by King François I, who used it mainly as his hunting lodge. After the original castle was destroyed, it took 1800 men and two master masons to rebuild it. And no wonder it did; marvel at the architecture, luxurious furnishing, ornamental touches and the grand exterior spiral staircases.

The small group tour includes pick-up from your hotel, transportation, lunch and all entrance fees.

3. Private Loire Valley Castle Selection Tour

We like this idea because it allows you to choose what you want to see. It's also a private tour, just for you and your group. You can decide to visit the chateaux of Amboise, Chenonceau in the morning, followed by a three-course lunch with wine at a nearby 18th-century inn. Your final visit is at the Renaissance-wonder, the Château de Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Leonardo da Vinci designed the famous double-helix staircase. This tour includes a hearty 3-course lunch at an 18th-century inn.

Or you can decide to travel to the less-visited but equally stunning chateaux of Villandry, Azay le Rideau & Langeais. Start by exploring the Renaissance Château de Villandry's splendid gardens and terraces (pictured). Next is Château de Langeais, a medieval castle built in 1465 by Louis XI. After a leisurely lunch, you visit the Château d'Azay le Rideau which is built in the middle of the River Indre on an island in a forest park.

These private tours include pick-up from your hotel, transportation, a classic French lunch and all entrance fees.