Visit two of the most renowned castles in the Loire Valley—aka French château country—on a day trip from Tours. Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord are known for their Renaissance architecture and picturesque riverside settings. With a knowledgeable guide, enjoy views from little-known panoramic spots, and hear historical details and amusing anecdotes about the French kings and other nobles who have lived here. As a bonus, enjoy a relaxing lunch away from the crowds at a private, family-owned château.

Loire Valley castles tour from Tours
Visit Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, two of the most popular in the region
Marvel at the ornate Renaissance architecture and French gardens
Enjoy a relaxing lunch at an off-the-beaten-path family-owned château
Hear insider tips and information from a guide

What's Included

Lunch
Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

Type to search

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Chateau de Chenonceau

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Chateau de Villesavin

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Chateau de Chambord

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Not wheelchair accessible
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Near public transportation
Infant seats available

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travellers can participate
You must respect the selected meeting point during your order
Please be there 5/10 minutes before the departure time
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

Traveller Tips

Not only do you get to see two amazing chateaus on most tourist’s wish list, but you also get an amazing lunch served at a private Chateau only available to this company’s clients.

I found this your to be very worthwhile despite the long day as we travelled from Paris.

This day trip was well planned out and break for lunch was needed after all of the walking!

Reviews

5.0

234 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 234 reviews

Very nice chateau tour in Loire valley

Patrick_H, Oct 2023

Excellent tour, from pickup to drop off. Our guide Camille was knowledgeable and very friendly. The private lunch was a great way to break up the long day, and was an interesting (and delicious) visit in its own right.

Wow, what a magical day at the Loire Valley! 🌟

Victor, Sept 2023

From the awe-inspiring architecture of Chambord and the elegant charm of Chenonceau, it was like stepping straight into a fairy tale. The history behind each castle was fascinating, and our guide made every tale come alive with their vivid storytelling. But the highlight? Lunch at a private castle! The food was exquisite, the ambiance regal, and the company delightful. It's not every day you get to dine like royalty in such an authentic setting. I've left with a heart full of memories and a camera full of stunning photos. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in France! 🏰✨

Camille was a perfect guide. When we got to the castle, she always took us to the best photo shot

Wayne_N, Sept 2023

Camille was the best tour guide we ever have had as she did both guided & free time for us & tour included lunch at private castle

A Perfect Day

Arlene_R, Sept 2023

Our guide Marion was excellent, she presented the information in a fun and informative manner. Highlights include: Visiting the three chateaus, especially Chenonceau A lovely regional lunch prepared by the owner of the Chateau in Tour Sologne (private castle).

Magnificent experience with fantastic guide, Marian

Natalie_S, Sept 2023

A brilliant way to experience Chateaux in the lovely Loire Valley. Marian was absolutely gorgeous. She was fun, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We appreciated her close attention to historical detail. Her commentary gave us invaluable insights into the life and times of those connected to the Chateaux. It was fascinating! On the day of our tour, our small group of 4 (2 Australians, 2 Americans) did not visit a third chateaux for lunch but instead enjoyed a beautiful 2 course meal - with amazing wine- at a restaurant outside Chateau Chambord. Honestly, this was a wonderful tour and worth every cent. Thanks again to Marion for helping to make our day so memorable.

Exceptional Chateau Experience

robbie_b, Aug 2023

My husband and I have always had great experiences with Viator and today.s outing with local supplier A la Francaise was no exception. Nicholas was an awesome guide that made our visit to Chenonceau and Chambord interesting and fun. The group lunch at a private castle was truly memorable. Nic gave us the perfect blend of history, anecdotes about chateau life and time to explore on our own.

Wonderful Day

kwarlum, Aug 2023

Marion our guide was fabulous! she was funny and passionate, and her knowledge was outstanding. We visited 2 amazing chateaus and had a lovely private lunch in a castle. The food and wine was delicious and we were also provided free time to explore during the day. We had a wonderful day with Marion and our small, international group of 5. I highly recommend doing this tour with a la francaise.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thank you for your excellent comment ! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the A la Française experience with our guide Marion Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you come to France, to visit Loire Valley again or another "A la Française" region: Bordeaux, Provence, Champagne adn Burgundy. Sincerely, Loire Valley A la française team

Great Day

larainefrahm, July 2023

tour guide was Friendly and knowledgeable guide/driver. Loved both Chateaux’s and the lunch was excellent.

Response from Host, July 2023

Thank you for your excellent comment ! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the A la Française experience with our guide. Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you come to France, to visit Loire Valley again or another "A la Française" region: Bordeaux, Provence, Champagne adn Burgundy. Sincerely, Loire Valley A la française team

A great day with insights into French history and culture.

John_S, July 2023

The chateaux were superb, but they really came to life with our guide’s commentary. The lunch was good country food served in relaxing surroundings after the excitement of Chenonceau. It was interesting to share the experience with a small group of travellers from other countries.

Response from Host, July 2023

Fantastic tours, not enough time.

Jaime_B, June 2023

We were fortunate enough to have a guide that was born and raised in the valley. Marian provided excellent background and historical facts, as well as fun tidbits about the region. The van was comfortable and perfectly fitted our small intimate group. The drive to the locations were lackluster; however, our guide tried her best to keep it interesting. All 3 chateaux were absolutely breathtaking. We met the owner of Chateau Villesavin, who graciously prepared a delicious lunch for the group. The only reason for the four stars is the fact that my husband and I felt rushed during the free time that was given to explore the castles after the initial introduction.

Response from Host, July 2023

Thank you for your excellent comment! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the A la Française experience with our guide Marion. Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you come to France, to visit Bordeaux again or another "A la Française" region: Provence, Bordeaux, Champagne. Sincerely, Bordeaux A la française team

A Great Day of Castles

John_Y, June 2023

Marion is a kind, fun, and knowledgeable guide. It was the perfect blend of structured time vs unstructured, of pace, and of factual knowledge vs fun social stuff with the other travelers. Really good.

Response from Host, July 2023

Awesome trip into Loire Valley. The shared luncheon sealed the deal.

Leah_B, June 2023

Sophie was the absolute greatest guide. She had 5 Americans & a French couple. She did an outstanding job translating in English & then speaking French to the additional couple. A very long day for her but she was amazing. She was a very safe driver & explained so much to us about the history of the area & places we were visiting. The lunch at the private castle was fabulous with locally grown food & cheeses. The trip was fantastic. Our group meshed well together, laughed a lot and we all ended up helping with small gestures to help with the luncheon which made us all feel bonded and of like mind. Sophie, you were awesome.

Response from Host, July 2023

Thank you for your excellent comment! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the A la Française experience with our guide Sophie. Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you come to France, to visit Bordeaux again or another "A la Française" region: Provence, Bordeaux, Champagne. Sincerely, Bordeaux A la française team

Chanonceau and the...

Victoria_L, June 2023

Chanonceau and the private lunch at Chateau de Villesavin were amazing! Our tour guide was exceptional!

Response from Host, July 2023

Top notch tour of the Chateau country along the Loire

Vincent_G, May 2023

A well curated three-Chateau tour of Loire Valley. Our guide Camille was excellent, very knowledgeable and very flexible with our mixed group of strangers from all over the US. The private chateau with lunch was extra special.

Response from Host, July 2023

Thank you very much for visiting us in the Loire Valley and thank you for your excellent comment! We are delighted that our guide’s advice, Camille, met your expectations. Sincerely, Loire Valley A la française team

Dimitri, the super star tour guide!

Pamela_M, May 2023

My husband and I just had one full day in the Loire Valley as part of a week long vacation in France. We loved, loved Chenonceaux. The day we visited was a national holiday and was super crowded. However, our tour guide, Dimitri, saved the day! He managed to guide (there was small group of 6) us through the castle with his very witty anecdotes on the history of the chateaux despite the huge crowds. Dimitri is one of those rare tour guides that makes the facts of history come alive with his sense of humor. He is a gem and we were so lucky to have a guide that was so much fun! We then went to Chateuax Villeseverin for a private lunch cooked by the Countess herself. What an amazing experience as we were the only group while the Chateaux was close dto the public. The food, wine, and company were all great! Our last stop was Chateaux Chamboard. It was huge and despite the crowds, Dimitri again guided us through the famous Da Vinci staircase and allowed us to explore the chateaux at leisure. Book this tour with Dimitri if you can!

Response from Host, July 2023

Thank you for your excellent comment! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the A la Française experience with our guide Dimitri. Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you come to France, to visit Bordeaux again or another "A la Française" region: Provence, Bordeaux, Champagne. Sincerely, Loire Valley A la française team

Three enjoyable visits

DianeRuth_E, May 2023

Well planned and enjoyable day. Lovely stop for a home cooked French lunch in a castle. Our guide was very knowledgeable and travelling with a small group worked well. Also glad that we had ‘ skip the line tickets’ as there were lengthy queues at both chateaux.

Response from Host, July 2023

Thank you very much for your comment! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour! It was a great pleasure to welcome you Sincerely, Loir Valley A la française team

Nice visit to the castles in Loire

Pablo_E, May 2023

Excelent guide Camila is very kind and knows a lot Congratulations The lunch in the castle was regular, not so good

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for your excellent comment ! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the A la Française experience with our guide Camille Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you come to France, to visit Loire Valley again or another "A la Française" region: Bordeaux, Provence, Champagne. Sincerely, Loire Valley A la française team

Excellent Experience

hoffac, May 2023

Sophie was a great guide - perfect blend of in-depth history, interesting stories, and just enough free time to explore.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for your excellent comment ! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the A la Française experience with our guide Sophie Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you come to France, to visit Loire Valley again or another "A la Française" region: Bordeaux, Provence, Champagne. Sincerely, Loire Valley A la française team

Excellent tour with charming host

Donald_H, Apr 2023

Our tour was excellent. Both Chateau were extremely different, but both were a historical experience. Our lunch at the Chateau Villesavin was outstanding and a special treat. Our tour guide, Sophie, was both charming and professional. She explained all of the facts we needed to know for the tour. We highly recommend this tour for a wonderful day in the Loire!

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for your excellent comments! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the A la Française experience with our guide Sophie Do not hesitate to contact us the next time you come to France, to visit Loire Valley again or another "A la Française" region: Bordeaux, Provence, Champagne. Sincerely, Loire Valley A la française team

So beautiful

Donna_H, Apr 2023

So delightful. Had great Knowledge about everything in the area. She went out of her way to point out sites they was not part of the tour The lunch was so fabulous at the chateau. Highly recommend our tour guide.

Response from Host, May 2023

Dear Donna, Thank you very much for visiting us in Loire Valley and thank you for your excellent comment! We are delighted that our guide’s advice met your expectations. Sincerely, Loire Valley A la française team

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