Chenonceau & Chambord Castles Private Day Tour from Tours
About this activity
Highlights
- Guided visit of Château de Chambord, a UNESCO marvel
- Explore the stunning Château de Chenonceau and its gardens
- Travel the scenic Loire Valley Chateau Route
- Luxury transport with hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Fascinating stories of French royalty and Renaissance art
Full description
Step into a storybook on a private full-day Loire Valley château tour from Tours. Travel in comfort in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle with an expert local guide and discover two of France’s most iconic Renaissance castles: Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. Begin at magnificent Chambord, celebrated for its monumental towers, elaborate rooftop skyline and famous double-helix staircase, linked to Leonardo da Vinci. Explore its grand rooms, learn about King François I and enjoy panoramic views from the terraces.
After free time for lunch at your own expense, continue to elegant Château de Chenonceau, the “Ladies’ Castle,” gracefully spanning the River Cher. Discover lavish interiors, art-filled rooms and stories of powerful women who shaped its history. Stroll through colourful formal gardens and admire the château’s unforgettable river setting.
This exclusive private tour from Tours combines royal history, Renaissance architecture and the timeless beauty of the Loire Valley.
Private Loire Valley Château Tour from Tours
Discover two of France’s most iconic castles on a private full-day Loire Valley château tour from Tours. Your expert English-speaking driver-guide will collect you from your hotel or accommodation before introducing the day’s itinerary. Travel in comfort in a premium, air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a relaxed journey through the Loire Valley’s scenic countryside.
Château de Chambord: Renaissance Grandeur
Your first stop is magnificent Château de Chambord, an extraordinary symbol of French Renaissance ambition. Commissioned by King François I as a royal hunting lodge, Chambord impresses with its monumental towers, ornate façades and vast forest estate.
Explore the château’s principal rooms with your guide and discover its famous double-helix staircase, widely associated with Leonardo da Vinci. Climb to the panoramic terraces for remarkable views over Chambord’s elaborate rooftop, formal gardens and surrounding Sologne landscape. Enjoy free time to take photographs, visit the château shop or explore the grounds at your own pace.
Lunch Near Chambord
Pause for lunch near Château de Chambord, at your own expense. Choose from local dining options close to the estate, or ask your guide for recommendations suited to your preferences and available time.
Château de Chenonceau: The Ladies’ Castle
Continue to elegant Château de Chenonceau, one of the most photographed and beloved castles in the Loire Valley. Gracefully spanning the River Cher, this exceptional château is known as the “Ladies’ Castle” for the influential women who shaped its history.
Discover the legacy of Diane de Poitiers, who created the château’s celebrated bridge, and Catherine de’ Medici, who transformed it into a refined residence for grand courtly events. Your guided visit reveals beautifully furnished rooms, historic kitchens, tapestries and an outstanding art collection.
Art, Gardens and River Views
Explore Chenonceau’s remarkable interiors, including Diane de Poitiers’ bedroom, the Green Study and the grand Gallery overlooking the River Cher. Admire works by celebrated European masters and hear stories of royal rivalries, artistic patronage and the château’s later history.
After the visit, enjoy free time in the beautiful French gardens, where colourful flower beds, elegant paths and river views create an unforgettable setting for photographs and quiet exploration.
Return to Tours
Relax on the return journey to Tours as your private driver-guide returns you to your hotel or agreed central location. This exclusive Chambord and Chenonceau tour from Tours is ideal for travellers seeking royal history, remarkable architecture and the essential highlights of the Loire Valley in one memorable day.
Included / Excluded
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Transportation in premium air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided tours of Chambord & Chenonceau Castles
- Entrance tickets to the castles included
- Meals, drinks (lunch)
- Personal travel insurance, expenses
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
Itinerary
Tours Hotel Pickup
Meet your private English-speaking driver-guide at your Tours hotel, accommodation or agreed central meeting point.
Château de Chambord
Discover France’s grandest Renaissance château, commissioned by King François I as an ambitious royal hunting lodge.
Important information
Know before you book
- This private full-day tour from Tours is reserved exclusively for your group.
- Travel in a premium, air-conditioned vehicle with an expert local guide.
- Guided visits of Chambord and Chenonceau are included in the itinerary.
- Lunch near Chambord is not included and is paid directly on the day.
- Timings may vary with traffic, château schedules and seasonal visitor levels.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes for historic floors, gardens, steps and cobbled paths.
- Chambord’s double-helix staircase includes several flights of stairs.
- Chenonceau’s gardens are best explored with a light jacket and sun protection.
- Bring a camera for the château rooftops, gardens and River Cher views.
- Free time is included for photos, shops and independent garden exploration.
Cancellation policy
Up to 48 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 48 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Reviews
Did a half day tour of WW2, D-Day sites at Normandy and it was masterfully conducted by Matt the tour guide. He's witty, extremely articulate and very well informed. If you are thinking of touring Normandy, go with Matt. You can't go wrong
We did a whole day tour to wine region saint emillon. The guide was motivated and explained/showed us a lot. The tour itself was well organized. I can recommend this trip safely to everyone who loves wine or want to know more about the wine culture.
Met promptly by the lovely Lea then off to our first stop, Chateau Labert - a mix of tradition & futuristic & naturally, glorious wines. Onto St Emilion for lunch & a wander, s stunning setting of beauty. Two more wine tastings in smaller locations, both being traditional, interesting & again, fabulous wines! Our day was completed with a friendly game of ‘guess the smell’ which was a laugh. A long, enjoyable day of good wine, good company & a great guide! Thank you Lea!
Additional information
This private Chambord and Chenonceau tour from Tours is ideal for couples, families, friends and small private groups who want to experience the Loire Valley’s two most iconic châteaux in one seamless day. It is particularly well suited to travellers interested in French Renaissance architecture, royal history, art, gardens and scenic countryside, as well as first-time visitors seeking an efficient yet enriching introduction to the region. With private transport, hotel pickup and an expert local guide, this experience is perfect for guests who value personalised service, flexible pacing and deeper insight over the structure of a shared group tour.