Loire Valley Châteaux Day Trip from Paris

Your experience begins at 7:15 am at the Paris City Visions office near the Louvre, where you will step on board an air-conditioned bus and begin the 3 hour journey to the Loire Valley. Sit back, relax, and gaze at the scenery of the typical French countryside as you travel to your first destination: Château de Chenonceau.

Château de Chenonceau, the second-most visited castle in France, dates back to the 12th century. It is a stunning representation of late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture, featuring a long gallery bridge that spans over the Cher river.

Explore the magnificent white castle, also known as the ‘Ladies’ Château’ because of the notorious women who built, decorated, restored and maintained it throughout the centuries, and stroll through the lush gardens alongside the river. Step back in time and feel like true royalty as you walk through the rooms decorated with exquisite tapestries, paintings, and furniture. After you have explored Château de Chenonceau at your own pace, you will have time for a lunch break. Next, you step back on board the bus for the 30 minute drive to Chambord.

The impressive Château de Chambord is recognized internationally as an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of French power and Renaissance art. Walk through the different rooms of the colossal castle, constructed in 1519 for King Francis I. Admire the famous double helix spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. At the top of the staircase you will find the Chateau’s terrace, which offers phenomenal panoramic views of the estate.

After exploring the castle at your own leisure, you reconvene with your group around 5pm, when you will begin the journey back to Paris. The trip ends when you arrive back at the Paris City Visions office at about 8 pm. With arranged transportation in a luxury bus with air conditioning and visits to two of the most famous castles in the world, this day trip to the stunning Loire Valley is one that you simply cannot miss!