Loire Valley

Step into a fairytale

Once the favored retreat ,
of French kings

the Loire Valley is a living tapestry of Renaissance splendor, rolling vineyards, and riverside charm. Home to nearly 3,000 castles — 16 of them royal — it’s where history, art, and emotion intertwine. Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years here at the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, drawing inspiration from the same landscapes that still enchant visitors today.

Just under two hours from Paris.
Thanks to high-speed trains or a two-hour drive from Paris, the Loire is one of France’s most effortless escapes — easily combined with Normandy, Bordeaux, or Burgundy for a journey through France’s heritage heartland.

Discover the Loire beyond the castles.
We’ve wandered its gardens at dawn, met local artisans and winemakers, and shared picnics overlooking the Loire. With Beaurouge, you’ll go beyond castle hopping — to feel the region’s poetry, craftsmanship, history and cuisine.

Curated Loire Valley Tours

Top Questions About Traveling to the Loire Valley

1. When is the best time to visit the Loire Valley?

Spring and early autumn are ideal — gardens in bloom, vineyards turning gold, and mild weather perfect for exploring castles.

2. How far is the Loire Valley from Paris?

It’s just about 1 hour by high-speed train to Tours or Blois, making it one of the easiest regions to explore from the capital.

3. Which castles should I not miss?

Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise are must-sees — but Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, and Chaumont-sur-Loire offer more intimate charm and spectacular gardens.

4. Can I visit multiple castles in one day?

Yes — with our private driver-guides, you can comfortably visit two or three châteaux a day without feeling rushed.

5. Do I need to book château tickets or guides in advance?

It’s highly recommended, especially in peak season — we secure private guided tours and timed entries for a seamless experience.

6. What makes Loire wines unique?

The Loire is France’s most diverse wine region, producing everything from crisp Sauvignon Blancs in Sancerre to delicate rosés and sparkling Crémants.

7. Can I enjoy wine tastings without driving?

Absolutely — we provide private chauffeurs or transfers so you can taste freely and safely.

8. Is the Loire Valley family-friendly?

Very! Kids love exploring castle towers, cycling along the Loire à Vélo path, or even taking a hot-air balloon ride over the river.

9. How many days should I plan for a Loire Valley trip?

Two days allow you to see highlights; four or more let you savor vineyards, gardens, and hidden gems at a relaxed pace.

10. What kind of food is the Loire Valley known for?

Expect goat cheese, rillettes, freshwater fish, mushrooms, and tarte Tatin — all paired beautifully with local wines.

11. Are the castles accessible for travelers with mobility needs?

Many are — and we tailor each itinerary to ensure comfort and easy access throughout your visit.

12. Can I combine the Loire Valley with another region?

Yes — it pairs perfectly with Paris, Normandy, or Bordeaux for an extended journey through France’s royal heartlands.

Discover
the Loire beyond the castles

Paris view over the Seine and Notre-Dame

Castles & Towns

Here, more than three thousand castles tell the story of France’s royal past. Wander through Amboise, admire Chenonceau, the graceful “Castle of Ladies,” and marvel at Chambord, symbol of the last age of chivalry. Discover Villandry’s poetic gardens, Azay-le-Rideau’s mirrored beauty, and the charm of Blois, Tours, Orléans, Saumur, and Chinon — where history and elegance live on in every stone.

Wine Routes & Countryside

Follow the legendary Loire Wine Route through vine-covered hills, troglodyte cellars, and pastel villages glowing in the sun. Taste wines in family estates where generations have tended the same soil, or share an apéritif overlooking the river at sunset. For a touch of adventure, cycle from château to château, sail along the Loire’s winding current, or drift in a hot-air balloon as dawn paints the valley in gold.

Experiences That Enchant

Join a cooking class with a French chef, wander through lively local markets, or visit farms and workshops where traditional craftsmanship endures. Families can enjoy creative activities and castle treasure hunts, while couples savor romantic picnics, spa retreats, and candlelit dinners overlooking the water. Whether artisan ateliers or hands-on chocolate and perfume workshops, every experience is tailored to your rhythm — authentic, personal, and unforgettable.

Gastronomy & Lifestyle

The Loire Valley is France’s garden — and its table. From Michelin-starred restaurants and rustic auberges to farm-to-table feasts and vineyard lunches, every meal celebrates freshness, generosity, and joie de vivre. Taste the flavors that once graced royal banquets and still delight travelers today — from creamy goat cheese to wild mushrooms, orchard fruits, and crisp Loire wines.

Sample Itinerary — 1–6 Days in the Loire Valley

A realistic, well-paced journey you can personalize to your tastes and tempo.

  1. 01

    Day 1 — Royal Beginnings: Chambord, Blois & Chaumont

    Begin at Chambord, François I’s grand Renaissance dream with its famous double staircase. Continue to Blois, royal seat of intrigue, then wander Chaumont-sur-Loire, where art and gardens overlook the river in timeless harmony.

  2. 02

    Day 2 — Leonardo’s Loire: Amboise & Clos Lucé

    Start the day with a delightful sunrise hot-air-balloon flight over the Loire’s castles and vineyards, then follow Leonardo da Vinci’s footsteps at Clos Lucé before a final toast with local wine.

  3. 03

    Day 3 — The Ladies’ Castle: Chenonceau & Tours

    Explore Chenonceau, the graceful “Castle of the Ladies,” arching across the Cher River. Continue to Tours, known for its medieval streets, lively cafés, and Val de Loire cuisine.

  4. 04

    Day 4 — Garden Harmony: Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau

    Admire Villandry’s geometric Renaissance gardens and Azay-le-Rideau’s mirror-like reflection in the Indre. Picnic among the vines or visit Ussé, said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty.

  5. 05

    Day 5 — Underground Secrets: Brézé & Saumur

    Descend into Brézé’s vast troglodyte passages, then continue to Saumur, home of sparkling wines, limestone cellars, and elegant cavalry traditions.

  6. 06

    Day 6 — Flavors & Discoveries: Loire Experiences & Return to Paris

    Personalize your finale with a cooking class alongside a Loire chef, or enjoy wine tastings in Vouvray or Chinon. Visit a goat-cheese or mushroom farm, or take an e-bike ride along the river. On the way back to Paris, stop at Chartres Cathedral, or extend your adventure with a combined day at Chartres and Versailles.

We arrange your first-class train tickets, seamless transfers, private chauffeurs, and expert local guides — along with curated hotel and restaurant reservations.

Loire Valley customized tour

Curated Loire Valley Tours

Every Loire Valley itinerary is thoughtfully crafted by a Beaurouge specialist,
blending local insight, elegant taste, and seamless coordination.

View of Amboise Castle overlooking the Loire River — part of the In the Steps of Leonardo da Vinci Tour by Beaurouge, exploring his French legacy.

In the Steps of Leonardo Da Vinci

From $750

  • 1 Day
  • Loire Valley, France

Visit the magnificent castles of Chambord, Amboise, and Clos Lucé in the Loire Valley to learn about the life, work, and impact of the Renaissance genius.

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Château de Chenonceau stretching across the River Cher, with its elegant arches reflected in the water.

Loire Valley Castles Tour

From $750

  • 1 Day
  • Loire Valley, France

Discover the Loire Valley on a private castles tour — Chambord, Chenonceau, Chaumont-sur-Loire , and the royal legacy of Renaissance France.

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Aerial view of Notre-Dame Cathedral with La Défense skyline in the background — part of the Paris and Loire Valley 5-Day Tour by Beaurouge.

Paris and Loire Valley 5-Day Tour

From $750

  • 5 Days
  • Paris & Loire Valley, France

Embark on a 5-day adventure to uncover the best of Paris and the enchanting Loire Valley, filled with iconic landmarks and fairy-tale castles.

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Romantic Loire

From $750

  • 2 Days
  • Loire Valley, France

A perfect escape for lovers of history, beauty, and romance.

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The Château de Chambord, iconic Renaissance castle in the Loire Valley, France

A Glimpse of Loire Valley Charm

  • 1 Day
  • Loire Valley, France

From $550 – Half day or Full day from Paris Explore the splendor of Versailles, a timeless masterpiece of French art and a symbol of Louis XIV’s royal glory. Step inside the stories of queens, courtiers, and visionaries who shaped this magnificent palace. Versailles stands as one of the greatest masterpieces of French art and […]

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Curated Escapes to the Loire Valley

From $1250 / Full day with a private guide & driver

  • 1-5 Days
  • Loire Valley, France

Step into a fairytale!

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Top Questions About Our Loire Valley Private Tours

1. Do you offer private access or after-hours château visits?

Yes — we arrange exclusive early or after-hours entries at select castles, private garden tours, and even candlelit dinners in historic estates.

2. Can you arrange special stays or unique accommodations?

Yes — from châteaux-turned-hotels and riverside manors to boutique inns and vineyard lodges, we handpick each stay for character and comfort.

3. Can you organize transportation and logistics for us?

Yes — we handle everything from train tickets and private chauffeurs to seamless transfers between castles, vineyards, and hotels.

4. Are your tours customizable?

Completely. Whether you want a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a deeper cultural journey, each itinerary is tailored to your rhythm and passions.

5. Can you include wine tastings, cooking classes, or outdoor activities?

Of course — we design experiences from vineyard lunches and Loire tastings to cycling, boating, or hot-air balloon rides over the valley.

6. Do your guides speak fluent English?

Yes — all Beaurouge guides are licensed professionals, fluent in English, and deeply knowledgeable about French history, art, and gastronomy.

7. Are your tours suitable for families or small groups?

Definitely — families enjoy treasure hunts, garden picnics, interactive workshops, and biking along the Loire, while small groups benefit from personal attention and flexibility.

8. How far in advance should I book a private Loire tour?

Ideally 4–8 weeks ahead for the best château access and boutique stays, though we often accommodate last-minute requests with ease.

9. What makes your Loire tours different from standard excursions?

We don’t just show you castles — we open doors to living heritage, connecting you with artisans, winemakers, and the quiet poetry of the Loire itself.