Central Paris
Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to departure and get ready to embark on a full-day tour of the Loire Valley in an air-conditioned bus.
177 km
2 hours 15 minutes
1
Château de Chambord
Explore the largest château in the Loire Valley, famous for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and double-helix staircase (possibly inspired by Leonardo da Vinci). You can wander through grand halls, climb to panoramic terraces, and stroll through vast hunting grounds and formal gardens.
58 km
60 minutes
2
Château de Chenonceau
Tickets included
Chateau de Chenonceau is a French chateau renowned for its elegant arches, Renaissance architecture, and lush gardens, offering a picturesque and historically rich experience in the Loire Valley.
38 km
42 minutes
3
Château de Cheverny
Tickets included
Famous for inspiring Captain Haddock's Marlinspike Hall in Tintin, this château offers a glimpse into aristocratic life with lavishly furnished interiors. Enjoy the kennels with hunting dogs, interactive Tintin exhibitions, and scenic parkland.
200 km
3 hours
4
Central Paris
Visit three iconic Loire Valley Castles on a self-guided day trip from Paris.
Visit three iconic Loire Valley Castles on a self-guided day trip from Paris.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Tours
Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to your departure point and get read to tour the Loire Valley in an air-conditioned minivan with a host.
71 km
55 minutes
1
Château de Chambord
Tickets included
Explore the stunning French Renaissance architecture, including the famous double-helix staircase and grand rooftop terraces with panoramic views. Inside, the château features richly decorated rooms, historical exhibits, and royal apartments. Peddle 25kms through the Chambord Forest—a 13,000 acre of lush greenery.
13 km
11 minutes
2
Villesavin Castle
Tickets included
Explore a charming Renaissance manor built by a Chambord architect. The castle offers a more intimate, family-friendly experience, featuring beautifully preserved interiors, a quirky wedding museum, and exhibits on noble life. Outside, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the park, meet farm animals, and let kids play in activity areas designed for young explorers.
80 km
60 minutes
3
Tours
Amboise
Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to departure and get ready to embark on a full-day tour of the Loire Valley in an air-conditioned minivan with a host.
52 km
50 minutes
1
Château de Chambord
Tickets included
A bike tour at Chambord Castle is a scenic and relaxing way to explore the estate’s vast grounds. As you ride along well-marked trails, you'll pass through shaded woodlands, spot deer or wild boar, and enjoy picturesque views of the château from different angles, especially stunning from across the canal. The route also takes you past the formal French gardens, old hunting lodges, and hidden observation towers, offering a peaceful blend of nature and history.
11 km
12 minutes
2
Villesavin Castle
Tickets included
Led by knowledgeable guides, explore the castle’s elegant rooms, the chapel, and unique collections like the wedding museum. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about its connection to Chambord and the noble family who lived there, bringing the château’s rich history and charming character to life.
47 km
48 minutes
3
Amboise
A unique way to discover Chambord & its lush forest—small-group guided e-bike tour.
A unique way to discover Chambord & its lush forest—small-group guided e-bike tour.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Catacombs of Paris
Meet your guide at the Catacombs entrance—they’ll hold a City Wonders sign. Nearest metro: Denfert-Rochereau (Line 4 or 6), exit “Sortie 1.” The entrance is just across the street.
173 km
90 minutes
1
Chambord Castle
180 min
Tickets included
Enjoy a self-guided tour of this hunting lodge–turned–palace, the largest castle in the Loire Valley. Climb the double-helix staircase, stroll the turreted rooftops, and take in views of Europe’s largest enclosed forest park. Fun fact: Its towers inspired the Beast’s castle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991).
15 km
30 minutes
2
Blois
120 min
Free Admission
A full-day itinerary calls for fueling up. Enjoy lunch at a bistro in Square Louis XII, then take a stroll through this charming riverside town. Pro tip: Ask for the daily special — many places offer a fixed-price “menu du jour” that includes a drink and dessert.
44.3 km
45 minutes
3
Chenonceau Castle
120 min
Tickets included
Chateau de Chenonceau is a French chateau renowned for its elegant arches, Renaissance architecture, and lush gardens, offering a picturesque and historically rich experience in the Loire Valley.
Wine tasting in the vaulted cellar
Drinks
Included in price
After exploring the château, head below to sip AOC Touraine wines in the 16th-century vaulted cellar — a classy, cool finish to the visit. The cellars are stocked with over 20,000 bottles annually. The château has produced wine since 1547.
232 km
3 hours
4
Catacombs of Paris
Two Loire castles, expert storytelling, wine tasting, and round-trip travel—no planning required.
Two Loire castles, expert storytelling, wine tasting, and round-trip travel—no planning required.
Inclusions
Exclusions
It was a unique experience. The dinner was delicious in a nice atmosphere with live music with violin and piano. I will definitely book it again. I got in quickly with no lines thanks to the headout entrance!!!!
View original review in Spanish
2 starting points available
1. Tourist Office in Tours
2. Tourist Office in Amboise
25 km
30 minutes
1
Chenonceau Castle
120 min
Tickets included
58.6 km
60 minutes
2
Chateau de Villesavin
60 min
Tickets included (based on selection)
Stop for a traditional French meal at a beautiful, privately-owned chateau.
11.7 km
12 minutes
3
Chambord Castle
120 min
Tickets included
77 km
2 hours 44 minutes
4
2 ending points available
1. Tourist Office in Amboise
2. Tourist Office in Tours
With castles 35–50 km apart, this small-group tour handles all the logistics, so you can soak up Loire’s royal history, riverside beauty, and timeless wine culture.
With castles 35–50 km apart, this small-group tour handles all the logistics, so you can soak up Loire’s royal history, riverside beauty, and timeless wine culture.
Inclusions
Chambord Castle
Chenonceau Castle
2 starting points available
1. Tourist Office
2. Amboise Tourist Office
25 km
30 minutes
1
Azay-le-Rideau
Tickets included
12.7 km
16 minutes
2
Villandry Castle
60 min
Tickets not included
55 km
46 minutes
3
Amboise
30 min
Free Admission
16.4 km
18 minutes
4
Vouvray
75 min
Free Admission
16 km
18 minutes
5
2 ending points available
1. Tourist Office
2. Amboise Tourist Office
From grand French architecture and themed gardens to sparkling white and rosé wines—experience the best of the Loire Valley on a guided day trip.
From grand French architecture and themed gardens to sparkling white and rosé wines—experience the best of the Loire Valley on a guided day trip.
Inclusions
Exclusions
These include a guided tour of Chambord Castle—the valley’s largest and grandest castle, known for its iconic double-helix staircase and 16-acre French formal gardens and Chenonceau Castle—an elegant structure built across the Cher River and known for its historic legacy built by powerful women such as Diane de Poitiers & Catherine de Medici.
These are a great option if you want to take your time to explore three iconic castles in the valley—Chambord, Chenonceau, and Cheverny, the castle that inspired Tintin’s Marlinspike Hall. For a more informative visit, you have the option of an audio guide.
Opt for a traditional French meal at a beautiful, privately owned Villandry Castle, wine tasting in Chenonceau Castle’s vaulted cellar, or an e-bike tour along France's iconic Loire à Vélo bike route.
A self-drive from Paris is a great option—it allows you to explore at your own pace. With total control over your itinerary, you can see beyond the castles—take scenic detours, stop for kayaking, take a hot air balloon ride, or simply stop for a cup of coffee at a local spot—no questions asked.
Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Route: Take the A10 motorway
Tip: The traffic around Paris is often busy, so make sure to plan a little extra time to avoid feeling rushed.
Tolls: Expect tolls on the A10—approximately €20 one-way, depending on your route.
Rental options: Cars can be rented from major train stations (Gare Montparnasse, Gare d’Austerlitz), city centers, or airports in Paris.
Parking: Most major Loire castles offer on-site paid parking. During peak seasons, lots near Chambord and Chenonceau can fill up quickly—arrive early.
If you're planning to make the most of your day, here are a few stops easily accessible when driving from Paris to the Loire Valley:
Estimated cost of self-driving:
For independent travelers comfortable navigating transfers, public transport offers a flexible, cost-effective way to reach major Loire Valley castles. You’ll need to choose your destination carefully—most castles are near towns served by regional trains and buses, though last-mile access often requires a taxi or bike.
Train line: SNCF TER (regional trains)
Departure station: Paris Austerlitz
Popular destinations:
Travel time:
Tip: Trains run frequently in the morning; book early for better pricing. Combine train tickets with local shuttle/taxi info for smoother planning.
There’s no direct long-distance bus to specific castles, but you can take the train from Paris to cities like Tours or Orléans, then switch to regional buses or taxis.
Operators: Flixbus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure points: Paris Bercy Seine or La Défense
Travel time:
Tip: Travel time is longer than trains, but it can be more budget-friendly if booked in advance.
For a seamless way to visit the Loire Valley from Paris, a guided day tour is your best bet. With logistics sorted—from transport to castle tickets—you can focus on the castles themselves. These tours are ideal if you want to see top sights like Chambord and Chenonceau in one day without renting a car or figuring out train connections.
With tickets included in most tours, you skip the hassle of buying castle passes individually. Depending on the tour, you might experience:
If you’re arriving early or staying longer, the Loire à Vélo cycling route is a scenic way to explore the valley. Some stretches near Amboise and Blois are ideal for casual riders. Bike rentals are available at most town centers or train stations, and the route is well-marked and mostly flat.
Distance from Paris: ~200 kilometers
Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours (each way)
Budget range: €100–€180
Trip duration: 10–12 hours
Meeting/drop-off point: Central Paris (usually near major train stations or tour offices)
Opening hours of major castles:
Peak vs. non-peak times:
Summer (June to August) is the busiest, with large crowds and long queues at top castles like Chambord and Chenonceau. Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal—fewer tourists, milder weather, and beautiful garden displays.
Climate considerations:
Spring offers green gardens, fresh blooms, and crisp air—great for outdoor walks. July and August are warm but crowded. Autumn brings vivid foliage, especially around the vineyards and gardens. Winter is quiet, but some garden areas and castle features may be closed or limited.
Thinking of staying overnight in the Loire Valley? Extend your trip and enjoy the countryside at a slower pace.
Most tours leave Paris around 7—8am and return by 7—8:30pm. It’s a full-day trip, so be prepared for an early start.
Yes, but there’s a fair amount of walking and some stairs at the castles. Comfortable shoes and pacing breaks are helpful for both kids and seniors.
It depends on the tour. Typically, you’ll get 1 to 1.5 hours at each castle—enough to explore the highlights at your own pace, unless it is guided.
Some castles have partial accessibility, but not all areas are wheelchair-friendly due to historic architecture. It’s best to check with the tour operator in advance.
Some tours include lunch, others give you time to eat at a local restaurant. Always check the tour inclusions beforehand to know what’s covered.
Yes, you can take a train from Paris to Tours or Blois and rent a car or use local transport from there. It’s doable, but it requires more planning.
Most major castles are open throughout the year, though some may have shorter hours or close parts of the site in winter.
If you're going on a tour, tickets are usually included. If you're visiting on your own, it's a good idea to book in advance (at least 2—4 weeks, depending on the popularity of the castle), especially during busy months.
Small bags or backpacks are usually fine. For larger luggage, it depends on the tour—some don’t have space to store suitcases, so it’s best to ask ahead.
Yes, expect to do a lot of walking—castle interiors, gardens, and grounds can be quite spread out. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.