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Beloved by both international travelers and French locals for its wines and cheese, charming towns overlooked by towering castles, classic cuisine, and scenic landscapes, the Loire Valley is one of France’s most enchanting regions. The rolling hills and riverbank cities of the Loire are dotted with stunning castles, seemingly out of fairy tales but steeped in authentic and ancient history. The châteaux of the Loire Valley are some of the most opulent and famous in the world. A guided tour of the Loire Valley is a rich experience in history, art, architecture, food, and, of course, wine!

The Opulent, Historical Charm Of The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is the region surrounding the winding Loire River, which cuts through the heart of France just to the south of Paris, separating Northern and Southern France; during World War II, it separated occupied France from Vichy France. A strategic region with extremely fertile soil, as evidenced by the quantity and quality of vineyards and orchards, the Loire Valley is known as the Garden of France and is sought after for its wine and cheese, with something to offer travelers all year long.

The fertile land and proximity to the river and to the later capital Paris made the Loire Valley a historically disputed territory, occupied and fought over by the Gauls, the Romans, and the Visigoths; it was a strategic location home of many Medieval kings and their castles, a cultural center during the renaissance, and the home of the royal court of France for centuries. As a physical relic of such history, the Loire Valley has the most famous collection of castles in the world, more than three hundred renaissance palaces, medieval fortresses, and stunning châteaux, which have rendered it the status UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take A Day Tour To Get To Know The Best Of Loire Valley

Booking a day tour can be a spectacular way to get to know and immerse travelers in the life and history of the Val de Loire, from its opulent, iconic châteaux such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau to the bustling streets and restaurants of towns like Blois.

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Château de Chambord

Constructed in the 14th century by the order of King Francis I, Château de Chambord is the largest and most famous castle in the Loire Valley. The French renaissance style, with its many towers, turrets, and breathtaking details, stun all who visit Chambord and was even the inspiration behind Disney’s Beauty and the Beast palace.

The architect behind Chambord is a mystery to this day, with parts of the castle attributed even to Leonardo DaVinci, especially the stunning double helix staircase. With over 440 rooms, intricate detail, relics left over the centuries, and even a collection of artworks in collaboration with dozens of other museums in France, there is a wealth of things to be discovered at Château de Chambord, and it can be all the better enjoyed in a guided tour.

Related: France's Most Medieval Towns Are Ready To Take You Back In Time

Blois

The official residence of the King of France during the Renaissance, Blois is a commune in central Val de Loire that dates back to ancient times; it was here that Jeanne d’Arc came to be blessed before departing for the Orleans Campaign in the Hundred Years War. The grand Château de Blois overlooks the historic town center, which features streets, houses, churches, and monuments ranging from the 12th to the 18th centuries.

On these historical streets stand bustling pedestrian markets and excellent restaurants with the best of the Loire Valley cuisine; travelers, especially foodies, will treasure this opportunity to taste some of Loire’s famous goat cheeses and try out their local wine.

  • Restaurant Suggestion: Located in a beautiful medieval building, Le Castelet restaurant in Blois specializes in traditional French food, using local, seasonal ingredients.
  • Average Meal Price: $40 USD entrance and main course

Château de Chenonceau

One of the most visited châteaux in France, Château de Chenonceau is another French renaissance treasure. Built originally in the 13th century, Château de Chenonceau is better known for the famous women who’ve owned it, from Catherine de Briçonnet, who oversaw the earliest reconstructions of the castle, to king Henry II’s mistress Diane de Poitiers, who widowed queen regent Catherine de Medici would force out of the château, to Madame Louise Dupin, who hosted various literary salons in it during the Enlightenment in the 1700s.

This long and rich history is still present in the stones of Château de Chenonceau. An extensive collection of furniture, intricate tapestries from various centuries, and many paintings and artworks from the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries. The marvelous gardens at Château de Chenonceau are always vibrant and retain the splendor of their past iteration. Wine lovers will enjoy the Cave des Dômes, the 16th century, vaulted ceiling wine cellar in the castle, which offers à la carte wine tasting for guests, the perfect way to top off a historical, cultural, and culinary tour through France’s spectacular Loire Valley.

Related: Here's What Visitors Find In Loire Valley (Besides Vineyards)

More About This Loire Valley Castles Tour

  • Name: Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting from Paris
  • Price: From $145 USD
  • Duration: 1 Day
  • Language: English
  • Cancelation Policy: Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
  • Includes: English expert guide, entrance to Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, wine tasting at Chenonceau, return transportation with air-conditioned

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