Small group tour of Chateau Chenonceau, Clos Lucé, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Garden

The Loire Valley is the spiritual heart of France and home to some of its finest vineyards, most opulent castles, and most beautiful scenery. This easy day trip is a fantastic way to visit three of its top attractions. We'll take care of the logistics, all you have to do is enjoy the experience.

Your day starts in the Gare Montparnasse, where you’ll meet your guide and small group of no more than 15 people. Traveling by high-speed train, you’ll arrive in the Loire in just over an hour and jump into a private, air-conditioned transport for the short drive to Chateau Chenonceau.

This improbable building, which spans the Cher river, is one of France’s most beautiful chateaux and the second most-visited in France (after Versailles). You’ll tour the inside with your guide, soaking in sumptuous interiors and art by Tintoretto, Rubens, Van Dyk, and Ribera, as you learn the improbable story of how a series of powerful women created all this splendor. After your tour, you’ll enjoy a tasting of three of the world-class wines produced in the region.

After the chateaux, you’ll hop back in your private transport and head over to the lovely town of Amboise, where you’ll have free time for lunch. Your guide will recommend some of their favorite restaurants for the world-famous regional cuisine of the Loire Valley.

After lunch you head over to the Chateau du Clos Lucé. Leonardo da Vinci came to this house in 1516 while working on a commission for the king of France and died here three years later. You’ll learn about the last days of the original renaissance man as you tour the museum inside the chateau and then explore the gardens to see some his original designs made real in the form of life-sized, working prototypes.

Your final stop is the neighbor’s house, i.e., the old residence of the King of France. The Chateau d’Amboise was a favorite royal residence of the Valois kings who made it into one of the most impressive chateaus in the region. Inside you’ll walk the castle walls and tour royal apartments as you learn the tumultuous history of this royal stronghold.

After your tour, you’ll drive back to the train station and catch another train asback to Paris. You’ll arrive at Austerlitz, just in time to head out for dinner on the town.