Curated Escapes to the Loire Valley

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

Explore the Enchanted Loire Valley

Once the residence of French Renaissance kings, the Loire Valley is home to around 3,000 castles, 16 of which are considered “Royal.”

Whether you’re visiting a few châteaux from Paris or spending a full week exploring the region’s most magnificent estates, the Loire Valley is always enchanting. Step inside these fairytale-like castles and wander through their exquisite gardens, discovering iconic landmarks such as Chambord, Chenonceau, Blois, and Amboise.

Enrich your journey with wine tastings, visits to local artisans and producers, and explorations of the medieval and Gothic heritage of Orléans and Tours. For a truly magical moment, take to the skies at sunrise or sunset and admire the Loire Valley and river from a hot-air balloon drifting above its castles, vineyards and forests.

  • 1-5 Days
  • Private guided experience
  • Loire Valley, France
Pick-up: Your hotel or any address of your choice in Paris or elsewhere
Drop-off: Your hotel, airport or any address of your choice in Paris or elsewhere
Price per day: From $1250 - per full day of private guided walking and driving tour including a lunch pause
  • Package price: The reduction will be applied to the total quote according to the number of days
    What's included:
    • ✔ Hotel pick-up and drop-off
    • ✔ Guiding services
    • ✔ Private premium vehicle (Sedan or minivan) with gas, road toll, parking fees, AC, and water onboard
    What's extra:
    • ✖ Accommodation
    • ✖ Entrance fees to the chateaux
    • ✖ Tastings
    • ✖ Food, drinks, souvenirs
    • ✖ Extra activities (biking, hot air balloon, cooking class, spa, etc.)

    TOUR PLAN

    A well-paced sample itinerary that you can personalize to your tastes and tempo.

    01

    Day 1: Chambord, Blois, & Chaumont-sur-Loire

    • Discover the grandeur of Château de Chambord, the Loire Valley’s most majestic estate, famed for its double-helix staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and its sweeping terraces overlooking forests and formal gardens.
    • Explore Château de Blois, a former royal residence of Louis XII and François I, and learn about its dramatic history, including the legendary secretaire said to have held Catherine de Médicis’ poisons.
    • Visit Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a romantic castle overlooking the river, known for its contemporary art installations, the International Garden Festival, and exquisite details such as Majolica tiles and the “Hanging of the Planets and Days” tapestry.
    02

    Day 2: Amboise, Clos Lucé & Hot Air Balloon Ride

    • Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley, offering a unique view of its castles—from the misty river to a breathtaking landing in the fields, followed by a celebratory glass of champagne.
    • Afterward, indulge in a wine tasting and lunch in a traditional cellar. The Loire Valley, one of France’s oldest wine-producing regions, is known for its crisp whites and rich reds.
    • Admire the Château d'Amboise, once a royal residence, is the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his last years here. The château offers stunning views of the Loire River.
    • At Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence, explore his inventions and artworks, showcasing the genius of the Renaissance man, learn the story behind the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces.

      Extra Activity Options in the Amboise Area:
    • Take a French cuisine class.
    • Go for an e-bike ride along the Loire River or enjoy a traditional boat ride.
    • Visit Château Gaillard or return to Chaumont-sur-Loire.
    03

    Day 3: Tours and Chenonceau

    • Explore Tours, once the capital of France during the early Middle Ages, is a vibrant city known for its historic architecture, including its charming timber-framed houses. Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring regional Val de Loire specialties.
    • Château de Chenonceau, often referred to as "The Ladies' Castle," was shaped by five women, including Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henry II, and his wife Catherine de Médicis. The château also served as a hospital during World War I. Nestled on a bridge across the river and surrounded by stunning gardens, it is one of the most picturesque castles in the Loire Valley.
    04

    Day 4: Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, and Ussé

    • Villandry Castle is famous for its Renaissance-inspired gardens, considered one of the finest examples of garden design in Europe, featuring ornamental and vegetable terraces that complement the castle's architecture.
    • Azay-le-Rideau Castle is one of the most romantic Renaissance castles, reflecting its beauty in the waters of the Indre River. Its 19th-century interiors, loggia staircase adorned with portraits of French royalty, and park with exotic trees add to its charm. Weather permitting, enjoy a quintessential French experience with a picnic in the gardens, paired with local Loire wines.
    • Château de Ussé, said to have inspired "Sleeping Beauty," is a fairytale castle with towers and turrets, blending medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. The castle features 18th-century Brussels tapestries and a wax doll re-creation of the "Sleeping Beauty" tale, adding to its magical, romantic atmosphere.
    • Optional: Visit the house-museum and birthplace of French literary giant Honoré de Balzac.
    05

    Day 5: Brézé, Saumur, Food and Wine tasting

    • Château de Brézé, known as the "Castle of 1,000 Faces," combines architectural styles from medieval fortifications to Renaissance elegance. It is also famous for its moat and extensive underground Troglodyte caves, once used for winemaking.
    • Saumur, dominated by the Château de Saumur, is a majestic fortress of the Dukes of Anjou dating back to the 10th century. The town is also home to the École de Cavalerie, one of the world’s oldest cavalry academies, and is known for its sparkling wines and vibrant local market.
    • Indulge into a wine tasting of renowned Loire Valley wines of Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil or Chinon.
    • Visit a goat cheese farm or a mushroom farm.
    06

    Options

    • Enjoy a cooking class in the Loire Valley with a local chef, learning to prepare traditional French dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
    • Indulge into a wine tasting of renowned Loire Valley wines such as Vouvray, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, and Chinon.
    • Visit a goat cheese farm or a mushroom farm.
    • Take an e-bike ride along the Loire River.
    • On your way back to Paris, visit Chartres and explore its famous Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning stained-glass windows and architecture. Combine the visit of Chartres with Versailles on a full day exploration.
    • Continue exploring the Northern heart of France through the Loire Valley, Champagne, Paris, Brittany or Alsace.
    07

    Final Tips

    • You will be accompanied by a professional guide-driver with expertise in history, art, and local culture.
    • Enjoy guided tastings led by professional sommeliers and wine producers.
    • We work closely with you to select and book accommodations that fit your standards, your itinerary, and the best available rates.
    • We assist with selecting and booking the best restaurants, arranging travel and transfers, securing tickets, and planning your activities.
    • Enjoy 24/7 English-speaking telephone support during your travels.
    • This itinerary can be fully customized to suit your preferences.
    • Rest assured with our flexible cancellation policy.
    LET'S PLAN

    The Château de Chenonceau, arching over the River Cher in the Loire Valley – a jewel of French Renaissance architecture.

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

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    Curated Escapes to the Loire Valley

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

    • 1-5 Days
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    Step into a fairytale!

    See Details

    BEAUROUGE

    Share your travel wishes

    Our team will design a fully personalized itinerary, including private guides, chauffeur services, activities and hand-picked accommodations.

    Let’s plan your journey

    This request is non-binding. No booking or payment is required at this stage.