About This Tour
This is the definitive 2-day Loire Valley experience for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and wine discovery. You'll explore five of the Loire Valley's most iconic châteaux, each with its own architectural style and historical significance, while staying overnight at the Royal Fontevraud Abbey — a 12th-century monastery converted into a luxury hotel.
The Loire Valley is France's "Royal Region," home to over 300 châteaux built by French kings and nobility. This private tour focuses on the most spectacular examples while avoiding the crowds, with flexibility to adjust activities based on your interests.
Château Azay-le-Rideau
Château de Brézé
Royal Fontevraud Abbey
Tour Highlights
Château Chambord — architectural masterpiece inspired by Leonardo da Vinci
Château Chenonceau — Renaissance jewel with famous flower gardens
Château Amboise — royal residence with Leonardo da Vinci's tomb
Vouvray vineyards — wine tasting in historic cellars
Château de Brézé — underground fortress with wine tasting
Château Azay-le-Rideau — island château with Italian Renaissance design
Overnight stay at Royal Fontevraud Abbey (12th century)
Saumur — scenic riverside town with Tank Museum
Proposed Itinerary
Day One
7:00 am
Departure from Paris — Direct pickup from your hotel or accommodation anywhere in Paris. Coffee and croissants stop on the way.
Château Chambord
Architectural Masterpiece — Chambord is a radically unique work and one of the jewels of human heritage. Discover extraordinary architecture imagined by King Francis I and imbued with the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci. Chambord is perhaps the architectural equivalent of the Mona Lisa in painting.
Château Chenonceau
Renaissance Masterpiece — A guided tour of this iconic château defined by an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, embellished, protected, and restored it. View an extraordinary collection of furniture, tapestries, and paintings. The Flower Garden is an unmissable highlight.
Lunch
Traditional Loire Lunch — Traditional regional lunch or sandwiches in the van (decided on the day together).
Château Amboise
Royal Residence — This royal château expresses French-style luxury. From its balconies, roofs, and terraced gardens, enjoy panoramic Loire Valley views that kings once savored. Leonardo da Vinci's tomb is preserved here.
Vouvray Vineyards
Wine Tasting — The Vouvray appellation stretches across 8 villages east of Tours. The majestic Loire River acts as a natural temperature regulator. Vouvray produces around 110,000 hectoliters annually (60% sparkling, 40% still wines) from 180 wine growers.
Scenic Stops
Loire Valley Countryside — Multiple short stops while driving through picturesque Loire Valley villages. Sightseeing, panoramic views, and historical stories shared by your expert guide.
~5:00 pm
Fontevraud Abbey — Arrive at your overnight accommodation: the Royal Fontevraud Abbey, dating back to 1101. Part of the abbey is converted into a luxury hotel with a gastronomic restaurant. As a guest, you can visit and walk the old corridors of the abbey anytime during the day and night.
Day Two
Morning
Château de Brézé & Wine Tasting — Considered one of the most intriguing castles of the Loire, partly due to its underground fortress and village cut directly into chalky stone. Discover the castle's history and understand the bond French kings had with it. Enjoy a wine tasting of wines produced on the premises.
Saumur
Scenic Riverside Town — Saumur is a very scenic place with its magnificent turreted château overlooking the Loire Valley. The third most extensive winegrowing region of France, Anjou has nearly 20,000 hectares of vines with 32 appellations including Saumur Champigny and Cabernet d'Anjou. Optional: visit the Tank Museum with its impressive collection including a working German King Tiger Tank.
Lunch
Traditional Lunch — Traditional lunch at Villandry Castle (cooking from its own garden produce) or sandwiches in the van (decided on the day).
Château Azay-le-Rideau
Island Château — The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was built on an island in the Indre River under King Francis I's patronage. A subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian décor, it is an icon of 16th-century Loire Valley architecture.
Optional Activities
Flexible Itinerary — Visit other castles or interesting activities in the region depending on your interests and available time. Options can be decided on the day after discussing with your guide.
~4:30 pm
Return to Paris — Direct drop-off at your Paris accommodation. Arrival 7–8 pm depending on traffic. Refreshment stop on the way back.
What's Included & Not Included
Included
- All taxes — no hidden fees
- Private luxury 7-seat air-conditioned minibus
- Expert English-speaking historian guide & driver
- Door-to-door Paris pickup & drop-off
- All road charges, parking & highway tolls
- Flexible itinerary — adjustable on the day
- Guide's accommodation, breakfast & dinner (multi-day tours)
- Hotel & restaurant recommendations on request
- Transportation insurance
Not Included
- Your accommodation (hotel/abbey overnight stay)
- Meals & beverages (breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee)
- Entrance fees to châteaux, museums & activities
- Wine tasting fees at vineyards
- Guide's lunch (max €20, on guests)
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional gratuity for your guide
Practical Information
What to Wear
Good walking shoes and comfortable, warm clothing are essential. Visits to some castles and wine cellars can be chilly due to constant temperatures around 10°C (50°F). Bring layers and a wind/waterproof jacket. The van has plenty of space for bags.
Weather
We operate in all weather conditions including rain, wind, and fog. If the forecast is severe, we can suggest an alternative date where possible. Don't schedule this as your last-day tour — keep flexibility for weather changes.
Drive Time
Approximately 2–2.5 hours each way from Paris to the Loire Valley. Your guide stops for coffee & croissants on the way out, and a refreshment break on the way back.
Wine Tastings
Wine tastings at Vouvray vineyards and Château de Brézé are available but entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Jozef is a certified sommelier and can provide expert guidance on Loire Valley wines.