Loire Valley Castle Tours from Paris

With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes, award-winning vineyards, and fairy-tale castles, the Loire Valley is one of France's most enchanting regions, stretching along the banks of the Loire River. Leave the busy streets of Paris behind and set out to explore the most famous chateaux (castles) of the Loire—here are your options for Loire Valley tours from Paris.

Full-Day Tours

For those short on time, the most popular way to visit is on a full-day tour from Paris, with round-trip transport and skip-the-line castle entrance. The most-visited castles include Chenonceau Castle (Chateau de Chenonceau), Cheverny Castle (Chateau de Cheverny), and Chambord Castle (Chateau de Chambord), and it's possible to visit all three on a day tour, perhaps combined with a Loire Valley wine tasting or bike tour. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group or private tour, and enjoy the undivided attention of your tour guide, plus free time to explore independently and take photos.

Multi-Day Tours

With so many Loire castles to choose from, a multi-day tour means you can add on a visit to other regional highlights such as Chateau de Blois, the royal Gardens of Villandry, or Chateau du Clos Lucé. Perhaps combine your time in Loire Valley with a tour of the island monastery of Mont St-Michel in Normandy, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Multi-day tours typically include accommodation and some meals.

Things to Know

• The Loire Valley is located in central France, about 134 miles (215 kilometers) southwest of Paris.

• The easiest way to get to the Loire castles is by road, a scenic journey of about 2.5 hours.

• Day tours from Paris typically last 12 hours or more, so prepare for a long day.

• Be sure to bring your camera, wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress according to the weather—parts of the castle and garden tours will be outside.

• Most tours provide hotel pickup and entrance fees.