Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Tour from Tours
About this activity
Visit two of the most famous castles of the Loire Valley on a small-group day trip from Tours. Discover the majestic Château de Chambord and the elegant Château de Chenonceau, two masterpieces of Renaissance architecture.
Highlights
- Visit the magnificent Château de Chambord
- Discover the elegant Château de Chenonceau
- Explore two masterpieces of Renaissance architecture
- Learn about French royal history and Renaissance culture
- Small-group experience (max 8 guests)
Full description
Discover two of the most iconic castles of the Loire Valley on this full-day small-group tour from Tours. Begin with a visit to the spectacular Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley and a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture commissioned by King Francis I in the 16th century.
Famous for its remarkable towers and unique double-helix staircase inspired by Renaissance design, Chambord reflects the ambition and artistic vision of the French monarchy.
Continue to the elegant Château de Chenonceau, one of the most romantic castles in France, gracefully spanning the River Cher. Built in the early 16th century and shaped by influential women such as Catherine de Médicis and Diane de Poitiers, the château is often known as the “Ladies’ Castle.”
Combining extraordinary architecture, history and beautiful landscapes, this tour offers a complete introduction to the heritage of the Loire Valley.
Discover the Majestic Château de Chambord
The Château de Chambord is one of the most recognizable castles in France. Commissioned by King Francis I in 1519, it represents the height of Renaissance ambition and architectural creativity. The château combines medieval defensive elements with Renaissance elegance and is famous for its elaborate roofline and remarkable central staircase believed to have been influenced by the ideas of Leonardo da Vinci. Surrounded by a vast forest estate, Chambord was originally designed as a royal hunting lodge and a symbol of royal power.
Explore the Elegant Château de Chenonceau
The tour continues to the Château de Chenonceau, one of the most graceful castles in the Loire Valley. Built between 1513 and 1517, the château spans the River Cher with its famous gallery bridge. The castle is closely associated with the women who shaped its history, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, which is why it is often referred to as the “Château des Dames.” Visitors can explore beautifully furnished rooms, art collections and magnificent gardens overlooking the river.
A Jewel of the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is renowned for its extraordinary concentration of castles and historic landscapes, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage cultural landscape.
A Perfect Day Trip from Tours
This small-group tour offers travelers the opportunity to visit two of the most famous castles of the Loire Valley while enjoying scenic countryside along the Loire River.
Included / Excluded
- Transportation in premium air-conditioned minivan
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Entrance tickets to Chambord Castle
- Entrance tickets to Chenonceau Castle
- Small group experience (max 8 guests)
- Personal travel insurance and expenses.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Meals and drink (lunch)
- Gratuities for the driver/guide.
Itinerary
Meeting point
Meet your guide
Visit Château de Chambord
Stop at Chateau de Chambord and guided tour with your guide. Free time to explore on your own.
Meeting point
Start Location
Tourist Office Tours Loire Valley
Tourist Office Tours Loire Valley, Rue Bernard Palissy, Tours, France
Important information
Know before you book
- Instant booking confirmation
- Tour is operated in English
- Prices are per person
- Children under 4 years old are not allowed on the tour
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible
Know before you go
- Departs from Tours Tourism Office
- Please be ready 10 minutes before departure time
- Moderate walking during castle visits
- Wear good walking shoes
- Photography allowed in most areas
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows are non-refundable.
Reviews
We had a very fun day with Matt to Mont Saint-Mitchel. Matt is an excellent tour guide & he cared for his clients very much. He's an on time person. We learned a lot about the history of Saint-Mitchel via Matt. He made sure we have enough time browsing this beautiful UNESCO. We definitely recommend friends & family this tour. Thank you Matt
Pascal was, above all, a smiling whirlwind of energy from the very start — bursting with knowledge, passion, and just the right amount of dramatic flair. He painted the horror of the Omaha Beach invasion so vividly that we could practically hear the chaos, then marched us through the bunkers at Pointe du Hoc like we were on a mission ourselves. And before we even caught our breath, he had already catapulted us back to Bayeux at invasion speed. A legend in tour‑guide form. Thanks from Croatian Team😉
Our Normandy D-Day tour was well worth it and we so enjoyed our tour guide Matt. He made the tour engaging, entertaining and informative. The tour was just the right size and a half day was perfect for us. It would have been much harder to get around to the sites and understand each without the information that Matt was constantly sharing. There was hardly a time that Matt was not telling us what/how/when of what we were looking at. Thanks Matt!
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Please note that we do not distribute water bottles anymore to limit our environmental impact. We strongly recommend that you bring a reusable bottle.