Private Loire Valley Castles Tour: Chaumont & Chenonceau
About this activity
Highlights
- Discover Chaumont Castle's magnificent architecture
- Enjoy panoramic Loire Valley river views
- Stroll through exquisite castle gardens
- Experience Chenonceau: the romantic Ladies’ Castle
- Hear legendary stories from an expert guide
Full description
Journey into the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on this immersive private tour from Tours. Delight in the grandeur of Chaumont Castle—perched high above the Loire River—and wander through its lush, artistic gardens.
Savor free time for exploration and a delicious local lunch before venturing to the elegant Chenonceau, an awe-inspiring castle that arches gracefully over the Cher River. Marvel at beautifully preserved rooms, Renaissance architecture, and ornate tapestries. Your expert guide will share tales of queens and intrigue, bringing history to life. Uncover centuries of romance, art, and luxury in two of France’s most iconic castles.
Private Tour Departure from Tours
Begin your private tour with pickup at your accommodation in Tours, then travel into the Loire Valley, the celebrated “Garden of France.” This full-day journey introduces two defining Loire Valley landmarks—Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and Château de Chenonceau—set amid river scenery, historic architecture, and formal gardens. Throughout the day, your guide shares context on the places, people, and artistic traditions that shaped these remarkable estates.
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire Above the Loire River
Perched on a hill overlooking the Loire River, the 15th-century Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire brings together Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements. Explore the castle with your guide and discover richly appointed rooms featuring tapestries, ornate furnishings, intricate woodwork, painted ceilings, and carefully preserved period details. The Great Hall evokes the grandeur of the royal gatherings and celebrations once held within these historic walls.
Gardens and Free Time at Chaumont-sur-Loire
Continue into the grounds of Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, where landscaped gardens combine vibrant flower beds, sculptures, and open views across the Loire Valley. After the guided visit, enjoy free time to explore the château or gardens at your own pace. You will then have time for lunch at a local restaurant in the area, at your own expense; your guide can suggest regional dining options.
Château de Chenonceau and the Cher River
Later, visit Château de Chenonceau, widely known as the “Ladies’ Castle.” Spanning the Cher River, this celebrated Renaissance château is distinguished by its elegant arches and its long gallery crossing the water. Discover sumptuous rooms furnished with fine art, tapestries, and period décor, then walk through the arched bridge gallery for views of the river and surrounding estate.
The Gardens of Chenonceau
Conclude your exploration in the meticulously maintained gardens of Château de Chenonceau, where flower beds, water features, and landscaped paths create a tranquil setting around the château. As you wander through this historic landscape, your guide will continue to illuminate the cultural significance, architectural details, and enduring stories behind Chenonceau and Chaumont-sur-Loire before the return from the Loire Valley.
Included / Excluded
- Pick-up and drop-off from Tours
- Transportation in premium A/C minivan
- Expert private guide
- Exclusive entry to Chaumont and Chenonceau castles
- Entrance tickets included
- Meals and drinks (lunch)
- Personal travel insurance, expenses
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
Itinerary
Tours Accommodation Pickup
Your private tour begins with pickup at your accommodation in Tours. Travel into the Loire Valley, known as the “Garden of France,” where the Loire River and its historic château landscapes set the scene for the day.
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Visit Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a 15th-century château on a hill above the Loire River. Discover Gothic and Renaissance architecture, richly decorated rooms, tapestries, ornate furnishings, woodwork, painted ceilings, and the grand Great Hall with your guide.
Meeting point
Start Location
Tours
Tours, France
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a full-day private tour from Tours.
- The tour visits Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and Château de Chenonceau.
- Your guide leads private visits for you and your party.
- The itinerary includes château interiors, gardens, and Loire Valley scenery.
- Lunch is at your own expense at a local restaurant in the area.
Know before you go
- Be ready for pickup at your accommodation in Tours.
- Expect to explore historic château rooms and landscaped gardens.
- Ask your guide for local restaurant suggestions near Chaumont-sur-Loire.
- Chenonceau includes its arched gallery spanning the Cher River.
- Allow time to walk through the gardens at both châteaux.
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
We had a fantastic morning with Valentin learning about the Côte de Nuits and tasting some lovely wines. Valentin is super knowledgeable and didn’t hesitate to share all of his wonderful insights and background history . Thoroughly recommend this tour
Theo was excellent. He knew his stuff and with his 3 years at the American cemetery was able to add a lot of background detail and answer many of our questions.
This was a great tour across the Alsace region. We appreciated the very small group and our guide, Lea was friendly and accommodating in taking photos and offering us free time to shop if we were interested. The van was also really comfortable and the stops gave us a great overview of the area. We highly recommend this tour throughout Alsace!
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
This private tour is well suited to history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers who want to explore two landmark Loire Valley châteaux from Tours with a dedicated guide. It is also a fitting choice for private groups interested in Renaissance and Gothic design, château interiors, formal gardens, river views, and the cultural stories behind Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and Château de Chenonceau. Travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes, garden walks, and time to choose a local lunch at their own expense will find the itinerary especially appealing.