5 of the Best Loire Valley Tours from Paris

Explore the stunning scenery, cuisine and local customs of the Loire Valley on a guided tour from Paris.

day tours from paris to loire valley

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

The Loire Valle is a long stretch of central-northern France that surrounds the Loire River, along which, vineyards and huge fairytale castles can be found. Highlights of the central part of the Loire Valley were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2000. At around 150-200km away from the French capital, a central Loire Valley day trip is a great way to get a brief introduction to the area. Here are the best four tours to the Loire Valley from Paris.

Fairytale Loire Castles with Wine Tasting

For excellent value and a well-balanced itinerary, this 12-hour coach tour from Paris takes in the castles and wine of the Loire Valley. Visit the town of Blois, where you’ll have some free time to explore, in between visits to two different French châteaux. For example, Château de Chambord, whose turrets are believed to be the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. At the final castle, Château de Chenonceau, you’ll also get to have a wine tasting in the castle’s cellar. From €149 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Loire Valley with Chenonceau, and Chambord Castles

This full-day tour, which has been running for many years now, focusses on spending more time at the castles themselves. Get skip-the-line tickets to Chambord and Chenonceau castles, (although the former is occasionally switched for Amboise castle on Saturdays). You’ll have a wine tasting in at least one of these locations, while having plenty of time to explore the gardens, halls and stairways of the castles. Lunch in not included in this tour. Wed and Sat departures only. From €188 per person.

Book at Viator.com

day tours from paris to loire valley

Small-Group Loire Valley Castles Full-Day Tour from Paris

Of the many tours available to the Loire Valley from Paris, there are only a few that keep the tour group sizes down to eight people, in order to maximize the time that guests get with the guides, and to travel by minibus, rather than a coach. During this 12-hour round-trip, three of the best castles in the region are visited. See the, Château d’Amboise and the tomb of the great Leonardo da Vinci, who died nearby. Visit the manicured gardens of Chenonceau, and the whimsical curves of Chambord. From €210 per person.

Small-Group Tour of Loire Castles from Paris

Another small group tour takes in some of the less obvious castles, such as Cheverny castle, where many valuable artworks, such as the Mona Lisa, were safely hidden during WW2. You’ll also get to visit the big two of Chenonceau and Chambord castles, with entrance fees to each included in the fee. These small group tours run on Wed and Sat, although it is possible to run private tours on any day of the week through the booking form. From €259 per person.

Latest Articles

  • 5 of the Best Trafalgar Tours of Italy April 10, 2024
  •  A Comparison of Ferries from Algeciras to Tangier April 10, 2024
  • 5 of the Most Charming Golf Courses near Edinburgh April 9, 2024
  • 5 of the Best Dating Sites and Apps in Germany April 9, 2024
  • 5 of the Best Brooklyn Food Tours April 8, 2024

The 5 Best Loire Valley Tours From Paris [2024 Reviews]

Spanning a whopping 280 kilometres, the Loire Valley is a magestic UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates countless visitors every year.

While it is largely known for its delicious wines, its gorgeous gardens and charming villages make for a fantasy-like atmosphere worth visiting more than once.

No matter what your interests are, we’re sure you’ll find something to love about the area. If you’re in Paris, we highly recommend checking out one of the top Loire Valley tours that will show you all the best places to visit.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Loire Valley Day Trips From Paris

Quick answer: the 5 best rated loire valley day tours for 2024.

  • Best Small Group Tour : Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip
  • Best Private Tour : Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise
  • Best Budget Tour : Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting
  • Best Full Day Tour : Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris
  • Best Tour With Lunch : Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

Loire Valley Tours From Paris Reviews

1. best small group tour: loire valley 3 best castles & wine tasting small-group day trip from paris.

  • Duration: 12 hours
  • Departure:  La Flamme, 6 Av. de Wagram, 75008 Paris
  • Departure Time: 7:00 AM
  • Includes: Driver/guide, entrance tickets into Chambord Castle, entrance tickets into Chenonceau Castle, entrance tickets into Amboise Castle, fuel, parking fees, highway toll fees, transport by luxury van with air conditioning, wine tasting of 3 different French wines or 1 full glass of 1 French wine

Cracking things off, we bring you the Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip from Paris Tour . If you’re looking for a way to escape the city for a day and explore serene, fairytale-like scenery, you’re in for a real treat.

This tour provides all-day adventure where you’ll get to see everything from the largest chateau in the valley to the colorful gardens.

Ideal for small groups of 8 people of less, get ready for a day of personalized attention and seeing hidden gems larger groups aren’t able to. Lasting 12 hours long, the professional guides make sure everything goes on without a hitch.

You’ll meet at La Flamme in Paris at 7am and hope on board your private, luxury transportation. Your first stop will be at Chateau de Chambord, which is the largest in the entire Loire Valley.

With countless spires and a breathtaking double-helix staircase, you’re sure to enjoy walking around and taking some photos of this incredible architecture. Here, you’ll learn about Chambord and have time to walk around on your own.

Expand To See More See Less

Chateau de Chenonceau or “the Ladies’ Chateau” as it’s called due to its history of being run by powerful women, offers a uniquely feminine touch.

Learn all about its unique history before heading to Chateau Royal d’Amboise – one of the oldest castles in the country. With magnificent views overlooking the wild Loire River, you’ll learn about its equally-wild history.

Head over to the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, where you’ll see the tomb of the legendary Italian artist, Leonardo Da Vinci. He actually spent the last years of his life serving the French King, and his architectural prowess was crucial to the Renaissance Chateau here.

Then, head down to the town of Amboise, with its charming homes and winding walkways. Here, take a break for a delicious lunch, with plenty of local restaurants and bakeries to enjoy.

After refueling, you’ll then see Place Michel Debre where you’ll visit a little wine vendor where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting of 3 different local wines.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other paris experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best private tour: loire valley castles vip private tour: chambord, chenonceaux, amboise.

  • Duration: 13 hours
  • Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Includes: Private, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pick-up and drop-off, fees and taxes, local expert art historian guide

We know that the Loire Valley is impressive, no matter what kind of tour you take. However, a lot of the larger tours involve standing around or missing out on certain aspects due to the quantity of people in the group. If you want to make the most of your time there, we highly recommend checking out the Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise .

This tour is VIP in every way, starting out with a convenient hotel pickup bright and early in the morning. All you have to do is make sure you’re down in the lobby on time, and be ready to board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle!

Bring some nice walking shoes as you’ll be doing plenty of exploring of the grounds and inside the castles. Rather than a big coach, you’ll have a personal chauffeur in a car take you to each stop. Many of these stops aren’t possible in vans, so this is ideal!

The first stop of the day will be the Chateau Royal d’Amboise. This castle is most well-known for being the final resting place of da Vinci. However, many famous – if not notorious – French royals lived here throughout the 15 th through 19 th centuries.

With a local expert art historian to guide you, there’s no question you’ll learn all the ins and outs about this area throughout the centuries. Take a moment at Clos Lucé, known as the former official residence of da Vinci, and is a wonderful example of Renaissance art using brick and local tufa stone.

Next is the Chateau de Chenonceau, famous for bridging the Cher River. This chateau is the most famous in the valley, representing an architectural transition from Gothic to Renaissance.

It really looks like something out of a fairytale, with elaborate details and equally as detailed grounds. Chateau de Chambord is the next stop where you’ll take a tour of the grounds and inside, learning about the country’s 16 th -century architectural revolution.

Search For Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best budget tour: loire valley chambord & chenonceau castles day trip with wine tasting from paris.

  • Departure: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
  • Departure Time: 7:30 AM
  • Includes: English-speaking tour guide, wine tasting in Château de Chenonceau, entrance ticket to Chambord and Chenonceau Castles, return transportation in an air-conditioned coach, free time in the town of Blois

Next, we bring you a slightly longer tour: the 13-hour Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting from Paris . If you love castles and stunning architecture, you’ll love this one as well.

Perfectly balancing tour time with free time, you’ll learn a lot but have the freedom to focus on what interests you most, as well. Your day will start off with you meeting your guide and the rest of your group outside the Paris Catacombs.

It’s time to take a day off from the hustle-and-bustle of the thriving capital and into the beautiful Loire Valley. You’ll board a private, air-conditioned coach with plenty of room and large windows for optimal viewing.

Your first stop will be Chateau de Chambord with this tour as well. Many will already feel familiar with the architecture, given that the turrets were the inspiration for the Beauty and the Beast Castle! Learn all about the architecture’s history, along with a staircase supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Now it’s time to head to Blois, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch in one of the many delicious restaurants around the fascinating Square Louis XII. We highly recommend checking out the Royal Castle of Blois, showing off various types of gorgeous architecture.

After refueling, head on over to the classy Chateau de Chenonceau, where you’ll be able to not only explore around the many rooms and stone carvings but enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting.

The area is known for its white wines, and you’ll get to enjoy these while checking out the main hall that spans the nearby river Cher.

If you’d like, you can elect to partake in an additional wine tasting down in the chateau’s vaulted wine cellar!

4. Best Full Day Tour: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris

  • Duration: 12.5 hours
  • Departure: 20 Pl. des Vins de France, 75012 Paris
  • Departure Time: 7:00 am
  • Includes:  Round trip by luxury coach from Paris with licensed guide (if option selected), round trip by luxury coach from Paris with audio guide (if option selected), entrance to 3 Loire Valley castles: Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny

One of the most stressful things about traveling is dealing with the crowds and waiting around. What if we told you that you could skip all of that and head straight to the good stuff? You can do just that with the Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris tour !

This 12.5-hour tour may last the entire day, but the way it’s planned out makes it perfect for the entire family – even kids! With round-trip transportation by a spacious, luxury coach, it’s very comfortable and easy to get around.

Start out first-thing in the morning by meeting your guide, and you’re off to the first stop on the tour! Thanks to the skip-the-line tickets, once you get to Chateau de Chambord, you’ll all head straight inside without the wait.

Your guide will offer an educational commentary on the royals that lived there, French aristocracy gossip, and the fascinating architecture. You’ll have plenty of time to roam around on your own, as well, taking photos and videos of one of the most famous castles in the world.

While the castle’s façade and estate are certainly impressive, when you come across the infamous double-helix staircase at the Domaine National de Chambord, you’ll become enamored like everyone else. It makes sense, then, that Leonardo da Vinci is rumored to be the brains behind the design!

The Chateau de Chenonceau is another favorite – known as the “ladies’ castle” due to the heavy female influence of those who lived and ruled here. Constructed in the early 1500s, it was the sight of many royal scandals, festivities, and in the 19 th -century, converted into a military hospital.

Learn about and enjoy some fine wine and French royal history before heading to Chateau de Cheverny.

This grandiose estate has been in the same family for over an impressive 6 centuries, originally buit by the Hurault family in the early 1600s. Learn all about the Cheverny wines, and try their delicious reds and whites.

5. Best Tour With Lunch: Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Departure Time: n/a
  • Includes:  Lunch, driver/guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan, snacks

Last but certainly not least, we bring you the Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle ! If the other tours on our guide look enticing but you want something slightly shorter, check this one out.

Clocking in at 9 hours, it gives you plenty of time to learn and explore this picturesque area. There are two pickup spots available to make it easy to access, no matter where you are located in Paris.

However, the guides are very understanding and try to make things as easy as possible for everyone. You’ll board your air-conditioned coach with your guide/driver who will offer interesting commentary as you cruise through the beautiful valley.

Your first stop along the way will be to the Chateau de Chenonceau, which you’ve learned quite a bit about already!

The Renaissance architecture is captivating, no matter who you are. Sitting right over the Cher river, it’s unlike any other castle we’ve seen and is no wonder why it’s the most photographed in all of France.

Your guide will ensure you see the little nooks-and-crannies – the best views from spots most tourists don’t get to see. This guide is definitely one to remember, offering funny stories and vast knowledge of the area.

Make a stop in town to enjoy a relaxing lunch. You can go off on your own or stay with your group to chat about what you’ve seen so far before heading over to Chateau de Villesavin. This family-owned chateau also gives you the option of a traditional French lunch so the group can decide.

Don’t forget the Chateau de Chambord, where you’ll notice the clear influence of King Louis XIV, drawing many parallels to the Palace of Versailles.

You’ll be taken on a journey by a passionate local guide who will paint a picture – or movie, really – of what took place here. Then, follow it up with a tasty French aperitif.

Your Guide For Day Trips to the Loire Valley From Paris

Five must see destinations in the loire valley.

  • Château de Chambord : This fairy-tale like castle is a must see for anyone visiting the Loire Valley. It was built for King Francis I, Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of design and engineering that has over 400 rooms. It has a double helix staircase with a stunning rooftop terrace that has panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
  • Clos Lucé : Step inside the home of the genius Leonardo da Vinci where he lived and worked during his final years. This 15th-century chateau is a glimpse into the life and work of one of world’s greatest inventors and artists. Explore the gardens and visit the museum which houses a collection of models and drawings of da Vinci’s inventions.
  • Chenonceau : Known as the “Château des Dames” for its association with a series of powerful women who owned and inhabited it over the centuries. Chenonceau is one of the most stunning chateaux in the region. Built on a bridge over the River Cher it boasts a unique and elegant design, beautiful gardens plus an impressive art collection.
  • Villandry : With its magnificent gardens and beautifully restored Renaissance architecture, Villandry is a true gem of the Loire Valley. The chateau’s extensive gardens are a true feast for the senses that features terraces, fountains and an array of colorful flowers and plants arranged in intricate patterns.
  • Château d’Azay-le-Rideau : This charming castle, set on the banks of the Indre River is a perfect example of French Renaissance architecture. Its graceful design and tranquil setting make it a peaceful retreat.

One Day Itinerary For the Loire Valley From Paris

It can be challenging if you’re coming from Paris. We would recommend you spend the night in Amboise and start your journey in the heart of the region. The Loire Valley is two hours southwest of Paris by car so it will take some planning to see the highlights in one day.

A guided tour will take you from Paris to some of the Loire Valley’s most popular destinations. Most tour companies have day trips that include stops at several chateaux, such as Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise, as well as some of the region’s picturesque towns and villages. We highlight our favorites above!

If you want go on your own here is a sample itinerary that takes you to some of the area’s most beautiful and significant sites.

9:00am : Start your day in the picturesque town of Amboise where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the many charming cafes lining the streets. Be sure to try some of the local pastries such as croissants or pain au chocolate for an authentic taste of France.

10:00am : Head to the nearby Château Royal d’Amboise which is a stunning castle that was once the home of French kings. Walk through the castle and admire the incredible views of the Loire River from its terrace.

11:30am : From Amboise, take a short drive to the Château de Chenonceau that is one of the most beautiful and iconic chateaux in the region. With its unique location spanning across the River Cher, this chateau is a true architectural masterpiece.

1:00pm : It’s time for lunch! Check out one of the many restaurants in the area for a traditional French meal. Be sure to try some of the region’s famous wines such as Sancerre or Chinon to accompany your meal.

2:30pm : After lunch, head to the Château de Villandry which is known for its impressive Renaissance gardens. Take a walk through the gardens that has fountains, terraces and a wide variety of colorful flowers. The chateau is worth exploring with its beautiful architecture and history.

4:00pm : Finally, head to the nearby town of Tours, known for its charming streets and vibrant cultural scene. Take a walk through the historic center of the town, and explore the many shops, galleries and cafes that line the streets. Don’t forget to see the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Gatien which is a beautiful Gothic cathedral that is a true masterpiece of French architecture.

6:00pm : Head back to Amboise for dinner at one of the many restaurants. Enjoy some of the local specialties such as seafood or cheese from the nearby Loire Valley. Then head back to Paris to rest after an amazing whirlwind tour of the Loire Valley!

Tour Guides

The 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip is our Editors Choice for the best Loire Valley tour from Paris

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Journey To France

Best Day Trips From Paris To Loire Valley

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on November 17, 2023

The beautiful Loire Valley , sometimes known as “The Gardens of France,” is situated around 200 kilometers south of Paris. This region, which has over 1000 chateaux (castles) strewn throughout, has a fascinating mixture of big, impressive castles that are open to the public and little, private ones that are simply breathtaking.

The Loire Valley’s appeal is due to its variety of breathtaking landscapes that feature vineyards and castles straight out of a dream, as well as the area’s vibrant history. It is without a doubt a fantastic attraction that you should not miss!

This lush region is an essential stop for anybody looking to explore the best French châteaux. Even though it’s best to explore it for a few days, a one-day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley would still allow you to see its highlights.

We have put together the definitive guide covering the top tours, excursions, and itineraries for the Loire Valley to help you make the most of your trip. To ensure you have a flawless and enriching experience, we’ve also included some tips and information to know before you go.

Things you'll find in this article

Paris To Loire Valley Day Trip

1. château de chenonceau, 2. château de chambord, 3. château de cheverny, 4. explore the rich wine heritage of the loire valley, 5. discover the charming towns and cities of the loire valley.

  • 1. From Paris to Loire Valley: Small-Group Full-Day Tour

2. Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip by Coach With Wine Tasting

  • 3. Paris to Loire Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch

Practical Tips

Château de chenonceau, château de chambord, château de cheverny.

Best Day Trips From Paris To Loire Valley

Transport Options from Paris to Loire Valley 

The Loire Valley, one of France’s most beautiful areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site enchants tourists with its magnificent scenery, quaint towns, vineyards, and imposing castles. It is the perfect location for a day excursion because of its proximity to Paris. If you want to make this stunning destination a part of your French holiday, here are your transport options to get to Loire Valley from Paris.

With frequent services leaving from Gare Montparnasse to Tours, a city adjacent to the region, getting to the Loire Valley from Paris by train is simple. Booking in advance is recommended to get the cheapest prices. starting at around €30 one way.

Remember that this trip can take up to three hours one way, which may limit your opportunity to tour the intriguing castles along the way. There is also a faster rail option that reduces travel time to just one hour, but the price is higher—approximately €90 for the return trip.

Once in Tours, getting to the famous chateaux by public transportation may be difficult due to the infrequent services. Consider choices like hiring a bike, or a car, or enrolling in a local tour beginning in Tours to make the most of your vacation and enjoy the stunning chateaux.

In comparison to using the train, traveling by automobile in the Loire Valley has several benefits, including the flexibility to explore at your leisure and the ability to visit more castles in a single day. It enables you to make the most of your 24-hour visit and create a detailed itinerary.

However, if you are new to the area, be ready for the challenge of navigating the area and the possibility of getting lost, as well as having to get used to the local petrol stations and toll booths. If you have prior driving experience in France, these elements shouldn’t be a problem.

Traveling by car from Paris to Tours takes less than 3 hours. Car rentals start at around €50 per day and may go up depending on vehicle type and the season.

5 Things To Do In Loire Valley

Here are some must-see attractions and locations that are within a few hours from Paris if you’re thinking of taking a day trip to the Loire Valley. This will make it simple for you to move from one picturesque location to another throughout your day trip.

Chateau de Chenonceau

The Chateau de Chenonceau, known as the “grand dame” of Loire Valley castles, is a beautiful sight straight out of a fairy tale.

This chateau, which spans the Cher River, is known as the “ladies’ castle” because powerful women historically owned and helped with constructing parts of it like the arched bridge. It even functioned as a military hospital during World War I.

Don’t forget to stroll through the lovely grounds, and think about going on a riverboat trip or treating yourself to a delicious supper at one of the on-site restaurants. It’s the perfect romantic getaway for couples, and you may also join in a wine tasting for a more memorable trip.

Prepare to be astounded by the size of Château de Chambord’s grounds as you go along a street bordered with trees and pass by deer signs. This chateau, which Francis I had built in the French Renaissance style during the 16th century as a hunting lodge, has a rich past. 

There are speculations that Leonardo da Vinci may have contributed to the design of some of its stunning spiral staircases. It was renovated in the 20th century after being abandoned for a while and now has spiral stairs, luxurious furnishings, and roaring fires.

The beauty of the castle is complemented nearby by a quaint town that includes a church and a Hôtel de Ville.

Château de Cheverny

Château de Cheverny is a wonderful chance for a day excursion and is situated in Loir-et-Cher, about 100 miles from Paris and close to the city of Blois. The Hurault family has resided in the castle since its founding in the 17th century and continues to do so today.

One of the most tastefully proportioned chateaux in the Loire Valley, it perfectly combines symmetry, geometry, and aesthetic order to represent French classical architecture.

Visitors can explore the interior’s numerous chambers and unique decor. The estate’s exterior features lovely grounds, including a tulip and vegetable garden, a ‘Garden of Love’ decorated with bronze sculptures, and an intriguing maze.

If you have the extra time, don’t pass up the chance to see over 100 dogs being fed in the castle’s kennels.

Loire Valley

One of France’s most renowned wine areas, the Loire Valley is famed for its superb Muscadet wine, which is praised for its crisp, fruity, fresh, and occasionally smokey characteristics. A trip to this picturesque valley provides many opportunities to learn about winemaking and enjoy local wines, such as those at Château de la Ragotière.

A guided Vouvray and Montlouis Wine Tour is an excellent option if you want to enjoy a comprehensive wine tour without the stress of driving.

This tour takes you to two excellent wineries and gives you an inside look at the cellars, tasting rooms, and production facilities. It’s a beautiful excursion through the top Loire Valley vineyards that usually lasts about 3 hours.

Place_Plumereau

Along with its grand castles and world-famous wines, the Loire Valley is home to many charming and scenic towns. Tours, Orléans, and Amboise stand out among them as fascinating places to visit.

A mesmerizing fusion of history and beauty can be found in Tours, which is located in the center of the Loire Valley.

Tours entice visitors to meander around the dynamic Place Plumereau, a lively square decorated with lovely cafes and restaurants, which was formerly popular with 15th-century merchants, with its magnificent cathedrals, medieval architecture, and cobbled stone streets.

The charming ancient town of Orléans, meanwhile, graces the banks of the Loire River and is home to numerous antique Renaissance structures. Among the city’s treasures are the Sainte Croix Cathedral, the Le Musee des Beaux-Arts art gallery, and the Parc Floral de la Source botanical garden.

Wander through quaint alleys dotted with welcoming cafes and stores in the picturesque village of Amboise, which is located along the Loire River. Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Leonardo da Vinci’s former residence, the Château du Clos Lucé.

Guided Tours to Loire Valley

The most convenient way to see the beautiful Loire Valley within a day is to book a day tour package. Leave any worries about directions, transfers, or rail connections behind as you unwind in the comfort of a well-equipped van while you travel through beautiful landscapes.

You may easily enjoy a trip in the Loire Valley that meets your preferences thanks to the wide variety of options available. Some trips include both transportation and admission to the attractions, guaranteeing a hassle-free trip.

There are also extensive trips that include luxuries like delicious lunches and wine tastings in addition to transportation and entrance fees.

1.  From Paris to Loire Valley: Small-Group Full-Day Tour

Set out from Paris on an exciting guided day excursion to see the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. Visit the renowned Châteaux de Chenonceau, Château de Chambord, and Château d’Amboise in comfort aboard an air-conditioned minibus. Discover Chenonceau’s fascinating history while strolling through its beautiful floral gardens.

Admire the majestic architecture of Chambord and its magnificent spiral staircase. You can pay respects to Leonardo Da Vinci’s final resting place at Château d’Amboise in the lovely village of Amboise where the day comes to an end.

This guided day tour offers an exciting adventure filled with enthralling tales and architectural treasures with professional guiding and flawless transfers.

To book this tour click here.

Discover famous castles including Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau on this day tour by bus from Paris to the Loire Valley.

Learn about its fascinating history before taking a self-guided tour of Château de Chambord, marveling at its towers that are known for being the inspiration for “Beauty and the Beast.” Take in the views from the roof while looking for deer in the area.

Along the way, you’ll stop in Blois, a quaint town, and enjoy some free time before heading to the beautiful Château de Chenonceau, which is still furnished with antiques.

Visit the chapel, bedrooms, and domed kitchens, and pay special attention to the main hall with its stunning view of the Cher River. Learn about the castle’s illustrious previous occupants, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, who gave it the nickname “the Ladies’ Château.”

You might choose to end your day with a wine tasting in the cellar vaults of the castle. Your tour guide will provide fascinating facts and tales about the surrounding area’s illustrious past as you travel.

3.  Paris to Loire Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch

On this full-day tour, you will discover the ideal fusion of Renaissance castles and fine Loire Valley wines. Travel through verdant vineyards and take in the sun-drenched scenery of Touraine, Vouvray, and Montlouis-Sur-Loire, where Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc grapes flourish.

After a delicious gourmet lunch at a delightful winery or restaurant, your guide will take you to a Loire wine tasting. Learn about the distinctive aromas of the local wines and have additional wonderful red and white wine tastings at a family-run winery. Savor an authentic experience of Loire Valley wines that is rarely encountered elsewhere.

This tour allows you to take in the splendor of Renaissance-era castles and the pleasures of world-class wines while creating priceless memories in the alluring Loire Valley.

  • The Loire Valley has ideal weather from April through October, while spring is a great time to visit to see the gardens of the châteaux in full bloom. The best seasons for outdoor activities are spring and fall, so these shoulder seasons are great for cycling and strolling.
  • We advise a road trip to see more of the Loire Valley in a single day. You’ll get to visit the beautiful châteaux and historic towns, which could be more difficult to get by public transit. 
  • Numerous castles that are open to tourists include spectacular gift shops with a wide selection of fascinating history books, novels, and medieval-related items. Meanwhile, if you are joining a wine tour, take advantage of the chance to buy your favorite bottles from the vineyard at a lower cost than at city wine shops.
  • There’s a lot to see and do in Loire Valley in a day, so wear shoes that are comfortable and can take you from sprawling castles to lush vineyards. Bring a refillable water bottle with you on your trips to stay hydrated.
  • Try to mix trips to little villages, Loire Valley castles, and exquisite food and wine tastings for the ideal day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley. Itineraries for guided day excursions are typically very good at including all of these activities.

Loire Valley Castles Visitor Information

37150 Chenonceaux, France

  • Open Hours : Daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (low season)
  • Daily from 9 am to 7:30 pm (July and August)

Château, 41250 Chambord, France

  • Open Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (low season), 9 am to 6 pm (high season), and 9 am to 4 pm on December  24 and 31.
  • Closed on January 1, November 30, and December 25

Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny, France

  • Open Hours : from 9:15 am to 6 pm on Tuesday and Friday; from 9:15 am to 6:30 pm on other days of the week.
  • Daily feeding time for the hounds is 5 pm

Christine Rogador in the Louvre

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

Sharing is caring!

Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris with Chambord & Chenonceau Castles and Wine Tasting

Award-Winner Tour

Viator Experiences Awards: Top 20 Experiences - Western Europe

  • Castles, rolling hills, beautiful meals, and wine, are what comes to mind when you think of the French countryside and you will find them all in the Loire Valley ! Meet our enthusiastic English-speaking guide and private air-conditioned coach in the city center of Paris and join us on a journey to visit two castles and much more.
  • Our first stop, Château de Chambord , sparks the imagination in all of us. Discover its rich history, including the staircase said to be built by Da Vinci and hear how it was the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Then, head for some free time to the beautiful town of Blois, home of the Château de Blois.
  • Next we visit Château de Chenonceau with its beautiful gardens and original interiors. After the tour you can choose to join a delicious  wine tasting , because, after all, we are here to enjoy all that France has to offer!

Tour Description

What's included.

  • Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • Entrance ticket and reservation fee for all sites visited
  • All transfers in an air-conditioned coach
  • Wine tasting
  • Free time in Blois
  • Entrance to Blois Castle
  • Hotel pick up/drop off

Sites Visited

  • Château de Chambord
  • Château de Chenonceau
  • Town of Blois

Discover Fairy-Tale Castles with our Loire Valley Tours

Explore the heart and soul of the French countryside on our Loire Valley Tours, taking you directly from Paris into this stunning region to explore fairy-tale castles, sample local foods and wines, and experience some of France’s most beautiful scenery.

Feel like Beauty at Château de Chambord

Our day trip from Paris starts at a central location, from where you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with your expert, English-speaking tour guide. We’ll travel out of the city and towards our first site – Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the valley. Disney fans will recognize this castle as the inspiration for ‘Beauty and the Beast’. You’ll hear about the strange history of this castle, once intended as a hunting lodge for a king, and climb the staircase that was supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. After your guided tour, you’ll have some free time to explore more of the castle yourself, climb to the roof for spectacular views among the turrets, or even take a stroll around the grounds, home to a huge population of wild deer.

Free Time for French Food and Blois Town

The next stop is the town of Blois – , home of the Château de Blois., one of most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France. where you’ll have two hours to enjoy some free time. With gorgeous gothic scenery that looks delightful whatever the weather, you’ll enjoy two hours two strolling stroll through the streets or sitting sit down for some delicious French food. Just in case two isn’t enough to satisfy your fairytale dreams, here you can visit the Royal castle of Blois on your own, notable for its unique mix of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Classical architecture. This Royal castle once was the home of kings Louis XII and François I and presents a tragic history, as the place where Joan of Arc went to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before departing with her army to drive the English from Orléans.

Wine Tasting at Château de Chenonceau

Last but not least, we’ll head to the Château de Chenonceau for wine tasting - discover a wide range of white and red wines, and even a sweet dessert wine, with tasting notes from a real expert. Following this, enjoy the chance to tour the so-called “Ladies’ Château,” Château de Chenonceau. This elegant 16th-century castle makes a lasting impression. The detailed, painted wooden door and smooth stone exterior are breathtaking. Inside, you'll be able to admire original stone carvings, large tapestries, and beautiful period features and visit the chapel and bedrooms, furnished as in times gone by. Take some time to go downstairs and see the magnificent vaultedmagnificent, vaulted kitchens, including a pantry, a butcher’s room and the staff dining room.

There is even a landing platform for the servants to bring supplies up the river. Admire the huge oven, copper pans and cooking implements, it’s easy to imagine these kitchens bustling with activity so many centuries ago! Don’t miss the spectacular and beautiful bridge that spans the river Cher. Originally used to hold balls and parties, it served as a hospital in WWI and was in use again in WWII, this time helping people escape from occupied France, crossing over the bridge and into free France on the other side.

The grounds, cultivated by the famous ladies who owned the home (hence its name), are just as beautiful as the Château itself. Enjoy the gardens of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, as well as the wonderful fruit and vegetable garden, planted to feed those living in the chateau. You now have a difficult but delightful choice: you can continue to tour the castle, orcastle or indulge in a second wine tasting (three wines from the chateau’s vines) led by your guide in the Cave des Domes, a lovely, vaulted cellar full of wine barrels.

Three French castles, each uniquely beautiful, and two wine tastings… All amid the stunning scenery of the Loire Valley. This memorable day trip from Paris will delight all the senses! If you’re interested in wine tasting, check out our wide range of  Wine Tasting Tours in Paris .

Thousands of 5-Star Reviews

Tripadvisor, know before you go, meeting point.

Place Denfert Rochereau - Open in Google Maps

Important Notes

  • Please note that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics from July 26th to August 11th, followed by the Paralympics from August 28th to September 8th. This may have an impact on our travel plans. While we are committed to minimizing any sort of inconvenience, please be aware that unforeseen issues may arise. We will make every effort to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth experience for you.
  • We strongly recommend all clients who are traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of their child.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

Yes. The tour includes round trip transportation from and to Paris, so if you wish to stay at Loire you must inform your guide during the tour so they are aware you will not be coming back with the group. You will need to organise your own return transport to Paris.

On the regular tour, you will taste a Brut "Méthode traditionnelle”, Sauvignon Blanc sec; Rosé "Les Meuriers", Cabernet Rouge "Les Meuriers" and Le Côt, Chenin Blanc (Moelleux 2009).

Please note that the selection of wines may be different on the day of your visit depending on the vineyard’s availability.

On our Loire Valley Tour you will see two of the most visited castles – Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau. You will also have a short outside visit of a third castle where you will stop for lunch.

  • Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
  • Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
  • No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

You Might Also Like...

Mona Lisa portrait displayed in The Louvre Museum in Paris

Skip the Line: Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour

tank on omaha beach

Normandy Day Trip from Paris with D-Day Beaches, Cider Tasting & Traditional Lunch

Eiffel Tower blue sky

Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience with Optional Access to the Summit Level

Paris tours, loire valley castles tours, get to know city wonders.

A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

  • All of our guides are experts in their field
  • We only hire fluent English-speakers so nothing is ever lost in translation
  • We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make City Wonders so special

Recommended Paris Posts

World In Paris

Home > Side Trips from Paris > Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip – Things to Do & Travel Tips

Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip – Things to Do & Travel Tips

How to plan a loire valley day trip from paris.

The Loire Valley , in Central France, is a wonderful area to explore. Follow the Loire River whilst visiting pretty medieval towns, awesome Renaissance châteaux, and tasting great food and wine.

Although the Loire Valley is best explored on a weekend getaway from Paris or – even better – on a Loire Valley Road Trip , the Loire Valley is relatively close to the French capital, so it is possible to get a glimpse of this wonderful region on a Loire Valley day trip from Paris . Actually, a day trip from Paris to Loire Valley – self-guided or with a guided tour – is one of the most popular day trips from Paris!

The Loire Valley is one of the most visited places in France. Here are some things to know when planning a day trip to Loire Valley from Paris to make the trip a smooth and memorable one.

day tours from paris to loire valley

The Loire Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Click here for the list of best day trips from Paris

Join France Bucket List Facebook Group

Best Castles to Visit on Your Day Trip to Loire Valley from Paris

Château de Blois - Loire Valley

In the Loire Valley, you will find some of the most beautiful French castles to visit . Most of the Châteaux de la Loire were built during the Renaissance, so they are very different from the castles near Paris like the Palace of Versailles , Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, or Château de Pierrefonds .

If you don’t know what castles to visit during your Loire Valley day trip, this list of Best Loire Valley Castles may be helpful. For a Paris to Loire Valley day trip, we recommend choosing only 1 or 2 castles.

If you want to visit the Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris, don’t waste your time waiting in line to buy the castle tickets. Below we list the Loire Castles you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

  • Château de Chambord
  • Château de Blois
  • Château d’Amboise
  • Château du Clos de Lucé (in Amboise)
  • Bundle Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé
  • Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
  • Château de Villandry
  • Château de Chenonceau
  • Château de Chaumont sur Loire

TIP: Save money with the combo passes Leonardo da Vinci Loire Valley Pass (Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé + Château de Chambord) and Loire Valley Châteaux Pass (Château de Blois + Château de Chenonceau + Château de Chambord).

Best Towns to Visit on a Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip

day tours from paris to loire valley

Beaugency is a small town set along the Loire River in the Loiret department. It has a pretty medieval center and some interesting sites, such as the old bridge over the Loire River or the 15th-century Château de Dunois .

Situated on the edge of the Loire River in the Loir-et-Cher department, Blois was in the past home to the French Kings. Visit the Royal Château of Blois – a must of the Loire Valley – and explore the old town, with beautiful medieval architecture and interesting sights.

Amboise is a pretty small town in the Indre-et-Loire department. It is best known for the Royal Château d’Amboise , home to King Charles VIII, and for the Clos de Lucé , the residence where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. If you want to visit both sites, buy this convenient bundle Château d’Amboise + Clos de Lucé and save money.

Wine Regions to Visit on a Day Trip from Paris to Loire Valley

Wine of Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is not only about Renaissance châteaux or medieval towns. A day trip to the Loire Valley can also be an opportunity to discover and taste some of France’s most prestigious wines, like Coteaux du Layon, Chinon, Sancerre, Saumur, Bourgueil, Fiefs Vendéens , or Vouvray .

If you are looking for lighter wines, the Loire Valley’s vineyards are right up your alley. There are great selections of lighter red wines, delicate, fruity white wines, sweet rosés, and a large production of sparkling wines.

If you are based in the French capital and looking to experience the wine culture of France, consider a Loire Valley wine tour from Paris , or just visit one of the many wineries in Loire Valley yourself on a self-guided wine tour.

Best Wineries to Visit in the Loire Valley

All these Loire Valley wineries offer top-rated tours and tastings in French and English. A visit to these wineries is also a great opportunity to buy excellent wines directly from the producers. Book your visit online in advance.

  • Domaine Thierry Cosme – Vouvray
  • Domaine Les Pièrres d’Aurèle – Touraine
  • Domaine Cahterine et Michel Langlois – Pouilly Fumé
  • Domaine Jean-Marc et Mathieu Crochet – Sancerre

Check out this map of the Loire Valley with the best wineries to visit pinpointed.

How to Get to Loire Valley from Paris

day tours from paris to loire valley

A day trip Paris to Loire Valley is possible. However, the options are very limited, especially if you want to travel to Loire Valley from Paris by public transportation. Here’s how to get to Loire Valley from Paris on a day trip.

1. Loire Valley Tours from Paris

Loire Valley tours from Paris are the most comfortable and effective way to visit the Loire Valley for a day. Sit on the van and enjoy the landscape without having to worry about directions, transfers, or train connections.

There is a good variety of Loire Valley tours of all sizes, mainly focused on the most famous Loire Valley Castles. Some of the tours only include transportation and entrance tickets whilst other tours also come with lunch and wine tastings.

>> This small-group tour by minibus is consistently rated 5/5 and covers Château de Chenonceau , Château d’Amboise , and Château de Chambord with a wine-tasting in Amboise. You and you cannot do better than this on your own! – Click here to book this Loire Valley small-group tour

>> Welcome Pickups offers customized day tours from Paris to Loire Valley . You can visit all the places from the suggested list or pick only the ones you like. During the stops, you can do whatever you want and as long as you want within the overall time limit of the trip.

>> If you are more interested in wineries than castles, check out this Loire Valley wine tour from Paris which explores the wine regions of Pouilly and Sancerre with wine tastings with a local expert guide.

2. Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip by Car (self-guided)

This is the best and most flexible option to visit the Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris, but if you don’t have your own car, it is not very interesting to rent a car only for this day trip.  

The Loire Valley by car is a good option to explore the towns or Loire Castles off the beaten path or the Loire Castles not well connected by public transportation.

Here are some driving distances and times to the best Loire Castles near Paris:

  • Paris to Château de Chambord: 1h 48min
  • Paris to Château de Blois: 1h 45min
  • Paris to Château d’Amboise: 2h 09min
  • Paris to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: 2h 39min
  • Paris to Château de Villandry: 2h 30min
  • Paris to Château de Chenonceau: 2h 26min
  • Paris to Château de Chaumont sur Loire: 2h 04min

Usually, the Loire Valley Castles have their own car parks (paying or for free) near the castle entrance. Parking is definitely more complicated in towns or small cities like Amboise or Blois.

3. Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip by Public Transportation (self-guided)

If you want to travel from Paris to Loire Valley by train, your best bet is the areas around Amboise and Blois . Both places have a few direct train connections for Paris day-trippers, and with good planning, you can combine both with a bus trip from Blois to Chambord.

Here’s the list of train distances and times for reference:

  • Train Paris – Blois : 1,5-2h one way (direct or via Orléans)
  • Bus Blois – Château de Chambord: 30min one way ( check out the bus schedule )
  • Train Paris – Amboise : 2-2,5h (direct or via Orléans)

Tips for Your Day Trip Paris to Loire Valley

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE LOIRE VALLEY

A day trip to Loire Valley during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) is ideal because there are fewer tourists, and the gardens are especially beautiful with the first blooms or under the fall colors.

In the summer , the best Loire Valley Castles see the crowds (skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended), and you may enjoy the visits less. However, summer is also the season of many beautiful festivals in the Loire Valley towns. Some of the Loire Castles also host music festivals, garden festivals, or sound and light night festivals.

Winter is the less interesting season to visit the Loire Valley, and some of the lesser-known Loire Castles may be closed to the public. However, in wintertime, skip-the-line tickets are not necessary, and you can enjoy the best Loire Valley Castles without the crowds.

LESS IS MORE

Choose only 1-2 Loire Castles to visit for your Loire Valley day trip from Paris. Consider an average of 1-2 hours of visit per castle but some of them have such beautiful grounds that you could easily spend the full day on it!

For the perfect day trip from Paris to Loire Valley, try to combine small towns, Loire Valley Castles, and food and wine tasting. Guided day tours are usually good at doing this.

TRAVEL LIGHT, WITH GOOD WALKING SHOES

Bring good walking shoes, you are going to walk a lot! And don’t forget your refillable bottle of water to keep you hydrated.

A camera is a must! Some châteaux, like Château de Chambord, don’t allow tripods in. You are warned!

Click here for more Side Trips from Paris

Back to Homepage

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps us to go on creating incredible Paris content for you. We trust all products promoted here and would never recommend a product that isn’t of value. World in Paris is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you.

World in Paris Logo

About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

  • Day trips from Paris Day trips from Paris
  • Fooding Fooding
  • Cruises Cruises
  • Find your order
  • Our Sanitary Program
  • +33 (0)1 44 55 60 00

Choose a place

day tours from paris to loire valley

Loire Valley Castles: Guided Visits and Sightseeing Tours

Active filters:

Day trip on your own to Loire castles with transportation from Paris

Day trip on your own to Loire castles with transportation from Paris

Take a day Trip to the Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris. Visit at your own pace the majestic Chateaux de Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord. Discover the Renaissance art and the lovely Loire region.

All day trip audioguided tour of Loire castles with transportation from Paris

All day trip audioguided tour of Loire castles with transportation from Paris

Enjoy a real unforgettable day in the Loire Valley with an accompanist to go on a tour in total peace. You will immerse yourself into an enchanting universe that offers the majestic Loire Valley Castles. Enjoy a nice audio guided tour of the chateau de Chambord, the chateau de Chenonceau and the chateau de Cheverny.

All day trip guided tour of the Loire Valley Castles with transportation from Paris

All day trip guided tour of the Loire Valley Castles with transportation from Paris

During this excursion, you will visit majestic castles of the Loire Valley, masterpieces of the Renaissance, theaters of great scenes of French history. You will discover the charming castle of Chenonceau on the Cher river: a remarkable building by its architecture and its history and surrounded by beautiful gardens. You will also discover the castle of Cheverny, a seigniorial property belonging to the same family for over six centuries. Then the castle of Chambord, a grandiose creation of King François I with its famous double revolution staircase.

2 Day Guided Trip to Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris, with transport

2 Day Guided Trip to Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris, with transport

Two days for a guided tour of the Mont Saint-Michel and its abbey, including a sight-seeing tour of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley: Langeais and Chenonceau. Accommodation included, transport by bus from Paris.

3 Day Guided Trip to Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris, with transport

3 Day Guided Trip to Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris, with transport

Enjoy a three-day guided French tour of discovery. Visit the legendary Mont-Saint-Michel, the landing beaches of Normandy, and the typically local towns of Rouen, Honfleur and Saint Malo. Immerse yourself in royal history with a visit to the Loire Castles of Langeais, Chambord and Chenonceau. 

Private guided Tour to the Loire castles with roundtrip transportation from Paris (1-7)

Discover the most beautiful castles in France

Paris City Vision tours allow you, from your hotel or place of residence in Paris, to leave by bus with a guide interpreter to discover the most beautiful castles. Children and adults will be seduced among other treasures by the famous castles of Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord or the castle of Tour, Cheverny, the gardens of Villandry, the Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, the estate of Chaumont, a jewel of the Renaissance, or that of Fougères-sur-Bièvre.

Monuments with unique architecture

The castles of the Loire Valley each have their own history and are distinguished above all by the uniqueness of their architecture. Chambord Castle, fashioned according to the wishes of Francis I between the 16th and 17th centuries, has an admirable geometric architecture mixing French and Italian influences. Francis I did not have the opportunity to enjoy the completed Chambord Castle, as its construction was not completed until several years after the date of his death. But his involvement made him the emblematic figure of the castle, in which we find many tributes to the king. However, the latter will see the castle of Azay-le-Rideau built under his reign, a true masterpiece of 16th century architecture. As for the Chaumont-sur-Loire castle, it received the first prize in the lighting competition awarded by the SERCE for the specificities of its architectural lighting. Its lighting allows for a precise vision of its details seen up close, while a more powerful cold light highlights the building and makes it easy to discern in the distance.

A family visit to the Loire castles

These extraordinary buildings lend themselves perfectly to family tourism: children and adults alike appreciate the beauty and enchantment of the places, but also the secrets they hold and the history they tell. Everyone takes as much pleasure in admiring the different exterior facades as in discovering the different details inside each room. Summer, spring, autumn or winter, each period has its advantages: the forests of Sologne or Loir-et-Cher are for example magnificent in autumn and highlight the parks and residences. The tours we offer are also an opportunity to get a breath of fresh air, each park offering a real green setting.

Your tickets will allow you to access the different sites freely and to visit the castles with priority access, without having to face the inevitable queues of these tourist sites which welcome more than five million visitors each year.

Discover our multi-day tour offerings

Multi-day tours will allow you to visit a wider variety of sites south of Paris and appreciate the specificities of each castle, both architecturally and in terms of context: hunting park, landscaped gardens, banks of the Cher River... A Loire Valley sightseeing tour is also the ideal way to optimize your travels, while ensuring a restful night in a comfortable 3-star hotel. This type of tour is especially recommended if you are traveling with your children. To taste all the aspects of the region, why not take advantage of your visit to do a Loire wine tasting? Play the card of originality! You can even book your tickets at the best rate on the dates of your choice, for small groups or privatize the tour combining the wine discovery and the guided tours of the castles of Chenonceau and Chambord.

Find all our excursions from Paris

Finally, if the length of your stay allows it, don't hesitate to check out the Paris City Vision offers to take a 2, 3 or 4-day tour from Paris, and go on a discovery of both the most beautiful Loire Castles , but also of Normandy, the cities of Rouen, Saint Malo and Honfleur, the D-Day landing beaches and the Mont-Saint-Michel , another curiosity accessible in a short time from Paris, famous for its green coast and its abbey. Book your dates now and get the best price for your ticket!

Sightseeing tour in the Loire: visiting the must-see

Find a list of some of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley and enjoy an exceptional stay that promises a real trip back in time to the era of the French royal court. We particularly recommend the following visits:

  • Chambord Castle
  • Cheverny Castle
  • Chenonceau Castle
  • Castle of Villandry
  • Clos Lucé
  • Amboise Castle

Prepare your visit

The World Was Here First

The Perfect Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris

Published on September 25, 2023

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

day tours from paris to loire valley

The Loire Valley is a beautiful area of France, with numerous magnificent châteaux dotting the vineyard-filled countryside lining the calm Loire River that’s perfect for kayaking. But you don’t have to spend a week in the Loire to enjoy it; to get a feel for the area, you can have a great Loire Valley day trip from Paris to get out of the city and into the real France.

By train, bus or car, you can visit a château, taste the crisp white wine the area is known for and spend time in one of the most intriguing museums in France: da Vinci’s House. And you can do it all in just one day!

Table of Contents

How to Get from Paris to the Loire Valley

There are several ways to reach the Loire Valley from Paris, depending on how much freedom you want, who you want to travel with and whether you mind arranging your day out based on public transport schedules. Let’s look at a few options in detail.

By Organised Tour

If you want to take a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley but don’t want to organise everything yourself, or you’d like some company, there are some excellent Loire Valley tours.

On this full-day tour or this full-day tour you will be taken on a comfortable coach from central Paris to some of the highlights of the Loire, including the magical Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceaux, including wine tasting as well as a stop in the lovely town of Blois.

Or if you’re looking for a more intimate tour this small group tour or this guided tour will skip Blois and head to the famous Château and quaint town of Amboise where you can also visit the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. This way you can see some of the most iconic Loire Valley castles.

You can also organise a private tour if you prefer a more personalised tour.

It’s hard to fit all of the highlights into one day in the Loire Valley, but these tours do a good job and can be a great option instead of travelling alone.

Château de Chambord

There are several options to get to the Loire Valley from Paris by train, but by far the easiest is to the city of Tours.

This journey takes just over one hour, and there are trains leaving Paris Austerlitz and Montparnasse Stations approximately every half an hour throughout the day, so this is the best way to do your day trip from Paris by public transport.

There are also regular return journeys to Paris from Tours main station Gare De St-Pierre-Des-Corps, with the last train around 10.30 pm. You can view train schedules here.

Once you’ve arrived in Tours to start your day trip, you can take trains to most of the locations on our itinerary, however, taking local buses may be easier. Or, simply enjoy a day trip to Tours, as there’s plenty to see and do within the city.

If you do travel out of the city, you can head back to Paris from Amboise or Blois-Chambord via Orléans – although the last trains back are before 8 pm so try not to lose track of time.

The last stop on our itinerary is Chenonceaux, to get back to Paris, you’ll need to take the train back to Tours first, although this journey just takes 25 minutes.

Bus isn’t the most practical way to reach the Loire Valley from Paris as it can take from 3 to 3 and a half hours from Paris Bus Station to Tours. So if you want to make the most of a day trip to the Loire Valley, you’ll have to get up early and get back late so you don’t spend your whole day on the road.

However, travelling by bus is the cheapest option to reach the Loire, with tickets to Tours under 10 euros, and many buses making the journey each day at all hours, so you’re not stuck travelling at inconvenient times. You can view bus schedules here.

Bus rides to Blois are slightly more expensive, but it does cut your journey down to 2 and a half hours to save you a bit more time on your day trip.

Cathedral in Tours

Driving is the easiest way to spend one day in the Loire Valley as a day trip from Paris, as you have the freedom to travel on your own schedule. However, you’ll want to leave Paris relatively early and get back late if you’re travelling during weekdays, as the traffic around Paris can be a nightmare.

Most of the time it’s manageable, however, when there are roadworks – as are common outside of the holiday season in France – navigating the roads to leave the city can be a bit complicated.

Google Maps has live traffic information, so it can be more useful than your car sat-nav for avoiding traffic, as well as avoiding toll roads.

There are many toll roads in France, which explains why the roads are in excellent condition, however, if you want to keep the cost of your trip down and take the scenic routes, you should avoid the main routes out of Paris.

The easiest way to reach Tours from Paris for the start of your day trip to the Loire Valley is to head towards Orléans on the A71 and turn off to Tours on the A10. However, this is a toll road and can cost you up to €36.00.

The best way to avoid it is by taking the N20 through Châteaudun, followed by the N10 to Tours. You should also be aware that Paris has a low emissions zone to reduce pollution, so some cars will be given an extra charge for driving through. Bear this in mind before bringing your own car or renting one from Paris.

Usually, the journey takes around 2 and a half hours from Paris to Tours, and there are car parks all over the city. Parking Relais, for example, is located in the centre of Tours and is open 24 hours, so you don’t need to worry about rushing back to your car in the evening.

If you need to rent a car for your time in France, you can browse Rentalcars.com which compares prices across major companies.

Loire Valley Day Trip Itinerary

There’s plenty to see in the Loire Valley , so ideally you’d spend a week or more in the area rather than just have a day trip.

However, since it’s so close to Paris , if you want to nip down for a glimpse of a château and a sip of white wine, you can structure your day to make the most of a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris by sticking to one area – perhaps around the famed Chateau de Chambord.

If you have a car, the journey will be a lot easier as you can move around as you please, but it is possible to reach each location via train and bus.

Our Loire Valley day trip itinerary will take you from Tours to Chenonceaux, which is just a distance of 40 km, so you can easily drive there in a day, as well as take the train, bus, or even taxis to make the most of your time.

Arriving by train, bus or car into the centre of Tours, start your morning wandering around the old town. These beautiful city streets lined with colourful half-timbered houses make a wonderful backdrop for a morning stroll as well as a quick breakfast in a patisserie or little café.

Amble from the delightful Place Plumereau to the extravagant Basilica of Saint Martin via the Tours clocktower before heading for more sightseeing to see the wonderful architecture of the Tours Opéra and taking a stroll along the Loire River to see the 11th-century Château de Tours – one of the beautiful Loire castles.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Tuesday to Sunday, you can enjoy the large Tours street market where you can try the local speciality nougat and dried pears while perusing the fresh produce and seeing the locals go about their business.

Town hall of Tours

One of the most important activities to do while in the Loire Valley, whether you’re there for a day trip or a week-long holiday, is wine tasting, and there’s nowhere more iconic than Vouvray. The town itself is rather small but is surrounded by vineyards, châteaux and caves where the locals have been making wine for centuries.

Take a bus, taxi, guided tour or drive to any of the fantastic vineyards for a great experience tasting the crisp whites and sparkling wines that Vouvray is famous for.

Visit the spectacular Musée de la Vigne et du Vin du Château de Moncontour, just 3 minutes driving from Vouvray centre for a wine experience like no other, tasting and learning about the local wines in the Château’s museum.

10 minutes north of Vouvray, you can have a more unique local experience, visiting the 26-hectare vineyard of Vigneau-Chevreau and exploring the troglodyte caves where the wine is aged and you can taste the local produce.

All wine-tasting experiences will provide a spittoon if you need one, or make sure you have a designated driver for the rest of your day trip.

Arriving in Amboise we approach lunchtime, so either pick up a sandwich in a bakery in the centre to keep moving quickly, or stop in one of the many excellent bistros, restaurants, brasseries and fine dining restaurants for a great experience of the Loire cuisine.

But Amboise is by no means just a food stop; it’s one of the many must-see places of the Loire Valley – and for good reason! Depending on how much time you have, you can choose from two spectacular sites in the town to visit: Amboise Château or Leonardo da Vinci’s House.

Built in the 11th century and turned over to the crown in the 15th, Amboise Château is an incredible sight to behold from the town centre as it sits on a hilltop, overseeing the land and watching out for approaching attackers.

Decorated in the Renaissance style, Amboise Château was once the royal residence of famous French kings, notably François I, who invited da Vinci to live and work for the remainder of his life in a beautiful home just 400m away.

Wander around the castle and its grounds, and make sure to stop over in the château’s chapel, where da Vinci was laid to rest 500 years ago.

Perhaps more exciting than the King’s residence, is that of the legendary Italian artist and creative Leonardo da Vinci.

Da Vinci lived in the Château du Clos Lucé for just 3 years, although these were perhaps some of his most active years as an inventor for the King, as he designed everything from bridges to water transportation devices and war machines.

Inside the house, you can see where the artist lived upstairs, while on the lower floor, you can see small recreations of da Vinci’s designs amongst his drawings and plans, and videos explaining how each creation worked.

The most exciting part of the da Vinci property is located in the grounds. As you walk around the large wooded grounds with a river flowing through, you’ll come across recreations of da Vinci’s paintings hidden away in the treetops, as well as life-size models of his inventions.

Walk across the bridges, step inside the wooden tank and play with the many other intriguing inventions that the creator was working on for the King of France.

You could easily spend a few hours here, but keep an eye on the time as there’s one more stop on your Loire Valley day trip itinerary.

Chateau d`Amboise

Chenonceaux

Just a 20-minute drive south of Amboise is one of the most beautiful and iconic châteaux of the Loire Valley: the Château de Chenonceau.

The huge castle stretches out over several arches onto the Cher River and is as remarkable to look at as it is to learn about as you explore the interior rooms. You can  organise tickets here.

The Château de Chenonceau has changed hands many times in its nearly 600-year life, although almost always remaining in the hands of powerful women of France, from Diane de Poitiers to Catherine de Medici to Louise of Lorraine, each of whom made their own mark on the château.

Having fallen into disrepair in the 19th century, the castle became a military hospital before being restored and opened for visitors all across the world to explore and learn of the long history of the wives, mistresses and daughters-in-law of the Kings of France.

Wander through the great hall and large ornate rooms designed by Catherine de Medici, and stop by the dark, funerary chamber of Louise of Lorraine where she mourned her husband, before wandering around the incredible topiary in the castle gardens.

Depending on how much time you have left, you can stop by the town of Chenonceaux for dinner, or start to make your way back to Paris by train or bus via Tours or Blois, or drive back on the country roads to avoid the tolls near Orléans.

Château de Chenonceau

Where to Stay in Paris

La Planque Hotel – Mid-range visitors to the French capital will love this cosy hotel. Located in a great central area perfect for day trips, they have a number of lovely rooms to choose from along with breakfast available each morning. Click here to check availability

Hôtel Jardin de Cluny – Those after a luxury option in Paris will love this chic hotel in the Latin Quarter. Whether you’re looking for a great base in the city or a good jumping-off point for some day trips, they have plenty of plush amenities to enjoy. Click here to check availability

My Maison In Paris Montmartre – These apartments in Paris’ Montmartre neighbourhood are an excellent choice for those after a self-catering option in the French capital. There are a range of flats to choose from that come equipped with all you may need during your time in the city and its surroundings. Click here to check availability

The People Paris Marais – If you’re looking for a great hostel in Paris will love this centrally-located option. They have both private rooms and dorm beds available and there’s also breakfast on offer in the mornings. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Paris hotels!

The Loire Valley is bursting with fun, historic and cultural activities, but fortunately, lots of the highlights are concentrated in a small area so you can have an excellent day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris, without spending too much time travelling.

Are you planning to visit the Loire Valley? Have any questions about this day trip? Let us know in the comments!

day tours from paris to loire valley

Related Posts:

Chataeau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley

8 Best Places to Stay in the Loire Valley

Cannes Harbour

Cannes or St Tropez: Which French City to Visit?

Town of Chamonix

2 to 3 Days in Chamonix Itinerary (Winter or Summer!)

Brittany Scott-Gunfield

About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

solosophie

Paris to the Loire Valley: Best Tours, Excursions & Itineraries

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 14th March 2023

Categories France

Last Updated on 14th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

If you want to experience the best of French châteaux, then there is no better place to head than the Loire Valley . And while, of course, this stunning region of France is best-explored over the course of several days, if you’re short on time, then you might consider going from Paris to the Loire Valley in a single day.

Here’s your ultimate guide for the best tours, excursions, and itineraries for the Loire Valley, as well as travel tips and things to know before you go! If you’re planning a self-guided visit over the course of several days, check out our Loire Valley itinerary .

day trip to the loire valley

From Paris: Castles of the Loire Valley Full-Day Tour

From paris: day tour of loire castles with lunch, tour of a vineyard, winery & cellar with wine tasting in vouvray, loire valley, picnic in the vines, hot-air balloon ride over the loire valley, from amboise & chenonceau, stop 1: château de cheverny, stop 2: château de chambord, stop 3: lunch stop at blois, stop 4: château de châteaudun, stop 5: chartres, france travel information, best tours from paris to the loire valley.

One of the best ways to experience the Loire Valley, AKA the garden in France in a short amount of time is by guided excursion from Paris. This way, you don’t have to worry about the stress of driving back to Paris after a long day of exploring and can simply focus on enjoying the sights.

Taking a guided visit to the Loire Valley will also ensure you to pack in the most amount of Châteaux possible: public transport is limited and so if you visit by yourself with a bus or train, you’ll only be able to see one or two attractions.

For those who are looking for a guided tour of the Loire Valley, this tour offers the chance to enjoy three of the most famous Loire Valley Châteaux. Visit Château de Chambord, Cheverny, and Château de Chenonceau. Included in the day excursion is lunch (with a drink), entry to the three châteaux, and a visit to Amboise. Check prices and availability here.

This Loire Valley tour is easily one of the best that you can hope to enjoy as a day trip from Paris. Included in the visit is the chance to visit both Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.

The excursion also offers the chance to discover Amboise , a place where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked. Lunch and return transport is included. Check prices and availability here.

Best castles in Europe: Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, France

Cultural and food experiences in the Loire Valley

If you enjoy wine tasting, then you’ll particularly love this Loire Valley experience. Taking place on a family-run vineyard in the heart of the Loire Valley, this guided vine visit offers the opportunity to learn all about wine production in the Loire Valley, as well as sample some local produce, and of course, the local tipple! Check prices and availability here.

One of the most unusual and unique things to do in the Loire Valley is to enjoy a romantic picnic amongst the vineyards. This tour from Chinon includes a guided visit to a vineyard, as well as a picnic lunch (with a bottle of wine and vegetarian options available), and the chance to learn about how the Loire wines are created. Check prices and availability here.

If you’re searching for an unforgettable experience while in the Loire Valley, you simply must book this hot air balloon ride. Available for departures from up to 15 km away from Amboise, this hot air balloon flight includes a glass of champagne or sparkling grape juice and bird’s eye views of the Loire Valley. Check prices and availability here.

Visiting Château de Chambord; Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci: Chateau de Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire Valley. 16th-century French Renaissance/ Gothic/ Medieval architecture.

Self-guided drive: day trip to the Loire Valley itinerary from Paris

Five towns, three châteaux, two churches and a cathedral, my recent road day trip to the Loire Valley with some friends was packed with fairytale moments amid downpours of rain.

Just over two hours drive away from the centre of Paris lies the Loire Valle. And with around fifty French châteax lining the river Loire and its tributaries, there are many to pick and choose from, allowing you to form your own day fairytale road trip itinerary.

Featured in Tintin novels as Marlinspike Hall and famed for its beauty, the first château we visited was that of Cheverney (pronounced sheeverney and not to be confused with Giverny).

The smallest of châteaux on our day trip, the castle was built in the mid-1600s by Henri Hurault, the military treasurer for Louis XIII. Six centuries later, one of his direct descendants is now the present day owner.

Opening times: Open 365 days a year, the castle has only been closed three times since its opening to the public (once for the queen’s visit, once for a wedding and once due to a death). As such, you can even visit the Château on days when much of the rest of France is closed, such as

IMG_20160223_152447

So large is the domain of Château de Chambord that you end up driving along the tree-lined boulevard leading to the castle for at least ten minutes, passing many ‘beware of the deer signs on the way’ before the highly decorated pointed turrets suddenly loom up above the horizon. It is quite a sight to behold!

Built in the French Renaissance style in the first half of the 16th century and originally intended for use as a hunting lodge for Francis I, the castle has seen many changes during its history.

Although it is unclear whether the rumour is true, it may well be the case that  Leonardo da Vinci himself – you know, painter of the Mona Lisa –   had a hand in designing the castle (especially some of the spiral staircases).

After the end of the French revolution in the late the 18th Century, Château de Chambord then lay empty and abandoned for a long time before its renovation in the 20th Century.

Today, the castle is equipped with spiral staircases, roaring fires and furnishings aplenty. The little hamlet beside Château de Chambord is absolutely dwarfed in comparison with the enormity of the old hunting lodge. It is equipped with a church and Hôtel de Ville.

Opening times: Every day of the year except bank holidays: April September 9 am -6 pm, October- March 9 am- 5 pm

IMG_20160221_151841

There is little in the way of food around the castles themselves and considering we didn’t want to sit down and pay for a meal in a  restaurant, we ended up stopping at a Quick by the side of the autoroute.  Note to self: We definitely should have fuelled up at this point as we were almost out of diesel by the time we finally reached Châteaudun!

Blois, Loire Valley

Built on the side of a mountain, Châteaudun was definitely the most ‘fortified’ of the castles that we visited. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, the visit includes a keep from the 12th Century, one of only seven Sainte Chapelles left in France (the main one is in the centre of Paris  and another at Château de Vincennes ).

Opening times: Times vary depending on the time of the year.  see website  for more details.

Prices: €6/Free for EU citizens under 25

After a quick look around the castle, we had a wander around the old part of Châteaudun town ; full of medieval houses and historic churches, it’s a must for any history lover! 

We then descended the steps to look at the fortifications and prisons below. We even entered one of the old prison cells- see video below) !  A highlight of the day for everyone on the road trip had to be the wine shop located in a grotto at the bottom of the town (la cave des fouleries).

IMG_20160221_144021

The last stop of the day on our fairytale inspired trip was the historic town of Chartres . Reaching Chartres as the sun had just dipped below the horizon and night was starting to set in was a fairytale moment in itself. The cathedral is enormous; stretching up above the quaint building surrounding it, dominating the surrounding landscape.

One of my favourite moments after our Cathedral visit, which also happens to be one of the best cathedrals in France , was discovering the free outdoor lending library ( see video below ). The idea is that you borrow and return books as you please. You can also leave your favourite books and share the book lending love so to speak…

old town chartres

And with our last town tour of the day complete, we grabbed a couple of bottles of wine, slabs of cheese and bread and headed home for a particularly French meal! If you’d like to see more of my adventurous road trip, I made a YouTube video about it:

France uses the Euro (€)

The main language spoken in France is French . Though you can get by with English is more touristic places, it’s always a good idea to learn some of the local language. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help make your travels easier.

The capital of France is Paris . For more information and inspiration, check out our best Paris travel tips.

France uses plug types, types C and E. As such, if you’re travelling from the UK, USA, Canada, and many other destinations, you’ll need to buy an adapter. I recommend buying  a universal travel adapter  that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, you should always consider booking your accommodation well ahead of time. Check out this website for price comparison details and detailed reviews.

Be careful with your belongings. I also highly advise to avoid wearing a backpack and to instead opt for a crossbody bag  like these ones .  I personally use a crossbody bag  by this brand  and love its shape, size, and versatility.

Ultimate Guide to the Best of Jardin des Tuileries (+ A History) in Paris, France

Pin ‘Day trip to the Loire Valley’ now, read it again later!

Road day trip to the Loire Valley. Just over two hours drive away from the centre of Paris, France lies the Loire Valley. There, you'll find around fifty French châteaux lining the river Loir and its tributaries.

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Wednesday 25th of October 2017

wow beautiful images and also your post thanks for sharing

Friday 4th of March 2016

Thanks for sharing, that was amazing.

Jennifer Cooper

Saturday 27th of February 2016

I have been to France skiing a couple of times but I'd like to explore the county better. The chateauxs looks amazing!

Wednesday 24th of February 2016

So much beautiful architecture! You really are the best at capturing it too. :)

THE 10 BEST Loire Valley Tours & Excursions

  • Loire Valley Tours
  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Wine Tours & Tastings
  • Walking Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

day tours from paris to loire valley

1. Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Wine Tasting

day tours from paris to loire valley

2. Loire Valley Wine and Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

day tours from paris to loire valley

3. Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau

day tours from paris to loire valley

4. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours pickup from Amboise or Tours

day tours from paris to loire valley

5. Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

day tours from paris to loire valley

6. Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise

day tours from paris to loire valley

7. Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours or Amboise

day tours from paris to loire valley

8. Loire Valley Wine Half Day Tour in Vouvray

day tours from paris to loire valley

9. Loire Valley Day from Amboise : Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Winery

day tours from paris to loire valley

10. Loire Valley Castles Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris

day tours from paris to loire valley

11. Normandy Loire Valley 3-Days Trip with Mont Saint Michel and Castles from Paris

day tours from paris to loire valley

12. Loire Valley Ebike Tour to Chambord from Amboise

day tours from paris to loire valley

13. Loire Valley Castles and Wine Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

day tours from paris to loire valley

14. Morning - Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis

day tours from paris to loire valley

15. Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley

day tours from paris to loire valley

16. Day Tour to Chenonceau and Chambord Castles

day tours from paris to loire valley

17. Full Day Wine Tour in Vouvray and Chinon with LUNCH at the winery

day tours from paris to loire valley

18. Afternoon Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise

day tours from paris to loire valley

19. Loire Valley Wines and Castle Small Group Day Trip from Paris

day tours from paris to loire valley

20. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours originating from Chinon

day tours from paris to loire valley

21. Picnic in the Vines - A Unique Loire Wine Experience

day tours from paris to loire valley

22. Day at the castles of Chenonceau and Chambord from Blois

day tours from paris to loire valley

23. Loire Castles : Chenonceau, Cheverny, Chambord Guided Tour from Paris by minivan

day tours from paris to loire valley

24. Loire Valley Half Day : Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau from Tours

day tours from paris to loire valley

25. Lunchtime Food Tour of Tours

day tours from paris to loire valley

26. Loire Valley Day Trip with 3 Castles including Chambord and Chenonceau

day tours from paris to loire valley

27. Loire Valley Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

day tours from paris to loire valley

28. Romantic Tour By Night

day tours from paris to loire valley

29. 2 Days Mont Saint Michel, Loire Castles Guided Tour

day tours from paris to loire valley

30. Vineyard cycle tours in and around Chinon, in the Loire Valley

What travelers are saying.

Sarah S

  • Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Wine Tasting
  • Loire Valley Wine and Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris
  • Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley
  • Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau
  • Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle
  • Les Petits Trains
  • A la Francaise! Loire Valley
  • Le Tasting Room Wine - Day Tours
  • Top Balloon
  • Compagnons-du-Vent
  • Broaden Horizons
  • Odyssee en Val de Loire
  • e-FOLLOW me
  • Le Secret des Papilles
  • Val de Loire Travel
  • Caves Veuve Amiot
  • Touraine Montgolfière
  • Airmagic Montgolfieres
  • Freemove Segway Centre
  • Parc Saumur Forest Aventures

Day Trips from Paris

What's On in Paris

Performances.

Christmas in Paris

  • Christmas in Paris
  • The Eiffel Tower

Monuments in Paris

Historic churches, history museums.

  • The Louvre Museum
  • Musée d'Orsay

The Top Paris Museums

Artist museums, more paris museums.

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Tours

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line

The 6 essential day trips, 10 more iconic day tours, what to do in paris, seine river cruises, night in the city of light, paris city tours, walking tours, your own private paris.

Romantic Dinner Cruises

  • Romantic Dinner Cruises

The Top Left Bank Hotels

The Top Left Bank Hotels

The best hotels in paris, boutique & romantic, top hotels near…, preferred 5-star hotels, the palaces of paris, affordable hotels.

Food & Wine Tour in the Marais

Le Marais Food & Wine Tour

Food & wine activities, the foods of paris, memorable paris dining, best paris restaurants, paris restaurant guide.

  • Bistros & Brasseries

Top-Rated Restaurants

Visit the Champagne Region

  • Visit the Champagne Region

Paris Attractions

You ask, we answer, visiting burgundy, paris miscellanea, top ten lists, unusual paris sights, paris gardens & parks, the paris explorer.

Things to do in Paris

  • What's On When You're Here

Airports & Transfers

Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, the loire valley – magnificent chateaux, delicious wines.

Famous for stunning Renaissance castles , the Loire Valley is close enough to Paris to spend a full day exploring and be back to the city for a late dinner. A day in the valley will have you visiting the sumptuous and historic castles with names like Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau . It's a glorious way to spend a day out of town and something we highly recommend.

Our Top-Rated Day Trips From Paris

1. Visit Versailles + Monet's Gardens at Giverny… On one glorious day trip from Paris

2. The D-Day Landing Beaches… Where WWII history was made

3. Wine-Tasting Trip to Champagne… Sample the bubbly on a small-group tour

4. The Wonders of Versailles… Spend a half day at the royal estate

2. The Historic D-Day Beaches…

3. Wine-Tasting Trip to Champagne…

1. Loire Valley Castles & Wine-Tasting Day Tour

Loire Valley Chateaux & Wine-Tasting Day Trip

This is the most popular way to see the Loire Valley from Paris. It's a small-group, Renaissance-focused day trip that gets you to three of the most magnificent castles in the valley. It starts out with pickup from your hotel in Paris and a nice drive to the valley of the French kings.

The chateaux of Chenonceau and Chambord are on your itinerary. You also spend time at Chateau Amboise. You visit the royal chambers as well as the chapel that contains the tomb of Renaissance master and everyone's favorite genius, Leonardo da Vinci. Afterwards, there's time to explore the town of Amboise and soak up the royal vibes.

With the wonders of three chateaux filling your head, there's still one more stop — a wine tasting in Amboise to introduce you to some of the best producers of the valley. If you didn't know, the Loire Valley produces some of the most delicate French wines; famous for their fresh, crisp flavors.

Everything's included on this personal, small-group tour — transportation from central Paris, guide, lunch, wine tasting, and all entrance fees.

Romantic Dinner Cruises In Paris

2. small-group tour to the loire valley castles.

Clos Luce, Chenonceau & Chambord

Spend a glorious day in the Loire Valley on a highly-rated guided tour. This activity focuses on the castles and the history as you explore the gardens and interiors of three of the most famous chateaux — Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise. The small-group tour includes round-trip transportation from central Paris in a comfortable minivan.

Our Most Popular Day Trips from Paris

3. two-day visit to the loire valley & mont st-michel.

Two-Day Guided Trip to the Loire Valley & Mont St-Michel

There's a fairytale island plus the awe-inspiring Loire chateaux on this 2-day guided tour from Paris. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the charms of France — Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, and the splendor of the Loire and its Valley of 1,000 Castles.

At Mont Saint-Michel , enjoy a fascinating guided visit of the abbey's interior and marvel at the Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the building. Spend time exploring the rest of the abbey and surrounding village.

Paris Planning Guides

Copyright © 2010-2023 Voconces Culinary Ltd, all rights reserved. Original photos © Mark Craft, all rights reserved.

  • • April 2024 in Paris…
  • • May 2024 in Paris…
  • • June 2024 in Paris…
  • • July 2024 in Paris…
  • • August 2024 in Paris…
  • • September 2024 in Paris…
  • Paris Activities Month by Month
  • Paris Olympics 2024
  • Paris Events Calendar
  • Museum Exhibitions Calendar
  • Paris Ballet Calendar
  • Paris Opera Calendar
  • Christmas Day in Paris
  • New Years Eve
  • New Years Day in Paris
  • Easter in Paris
  • Valentines Day in Paris
  • Bastille Day Celebrations
  • Skip-the-Lines at the Eiffel Tower
  • Visiting The Eiffel Tower
  • Eiffel Tower Information
  • See all…
  • The Arc de Triomphe
  • The Panthéon
  • The Bastille
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • La Sainte Chapelle
  • Sacre-Coeur Paris
  • Chateau de Versailles
  • Palais Garnier Opera House
  • Hotel de Ville – The City Hall
  • Get the Most from Your Visit
  • Masterpieces of the Louvre
  • Paintings of the Louvre
  • Top 10 Van Goghs at d'Orsay
  • Musée de l'Orangerie
  • Centre Pompidou
  • Musée Picasso
  • Rodin Museum Paris
  • Cluny Museum Paris
  • Arts et Metiers
  • Guimet Asian Arts Museum
  • Galliera Fashion Museum
  • Versailles the VIP Way
  • Versailles History & Highlights
  • D-Day Landing Beaches
  • Monet's Gardens at Giverny
  • Mont Saint-Michel
  • Monet + Van Gogh
  • VIP Private Day Trips
  • 10 Ways to Skip the Lines
  • 9 Most Romantic Things to Do
  • 5 Top Activities In The Marais
  • Lunch & Brunch Cruises
  • Cruises with Extras!
  • The 6 Best Evenings In Paris
  • Moulin Rouge
  • Paris at Night
  • Hop-on, Open-Top Buses
  • The 6 Best City Tours
  • Private Tours of Paris
  • Champagne & Shows
  • Top 10 Walking Tours
  • Mysterious Walking Tours
  • Shangri-La Paris
  • Hotel George V Paris
  • The Royal Monceau
  • Le Cinq Codet
  • Peninsula Hotel Paris
  • Hotel Le Burgundy
  • See all …
  • 10 Best 4-Star Hotels
  • Top 3-Star Hotels
  • Best Airport Hotels
  • Latin Quarter Hotels
  • Left Bank Hotels
  • Romantic Paris Hotels
  • Best 2-Star Hotels in Paris
  • Ibis Hotels
  • Les Hotels de Paris
  • Best Western Hotels
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés
  • Top 10 Food Experiences
  • Paris Wine Tastings
  • Chocolate Tours
  • 10 Best Cheese Shops
  • The Best Baguette in Paris
  • Food Markets of Paris
  • Le Jules Verne
  • Jacques Faussat
  • Restaurant Le Gabriel
  • How to Choose a Restaurant
  • The Best Paris Bars
  • In the Marais
  • On the Left Bank
  • Historic Brasseries of Paris
  • Michelin 3-Star Restaurants
  • 6 Michelin-Star Restaurants
  • See All…
  • Best Paris Terraces
  • Seine Dinner Cruise
  • The Top 8 Tourist Attractions
  • 5 Paris Itineraries
  • Gardens & Parks
  • Paris Hotels for Christmas?
  • Best Restaurants in the 8th?
  • Best Way To Visit Versailles?
  • VIP Burgundy Wine Tour
  • Burgundy Accommodations
  • Napoleon's Paris
  • Hemingway's Paris
  • Medieval Paris
  • 10 Tips For Visiting Paris
  • 7 Vestiges of Roman Paris
  • 13 Hidden Places In Paris
  • Hidden Landmarks
  • The Catacombs
  • Pere Lachaise Cemetery
  • Jardin des Tuileries
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Palais Royal
  • Rue des Barres in the Marais
  • Waterfalls of Paris
  • Arcades of Paris
  • Airport Transfers
  • Paris Airports
  • Airport Taxis
  • Train Travel From Paris
  • Eurostar: London & Paris
  • Paris Train Stations
  • The Latin Quarter
  • Saint-Germain-des-Pres
  • Essential Facts for Visitors
  • Taxes, Tipping & Etiquette
  • What to Wear in Paris
  • Maps of Paris
  • The Paris Metro
  • Paris Metro Tickets
  • Paris Taxis
  • Seine River Dinner Cruises
  • Visiting Versailles
  • Essential Day Trips
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Dreamer at Heart |

5 Best Loire Valley Tours From Paris

Last Updated: January 11, 2024 By Alison Browne

The Loire Valley, located in central France, is a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Nestled along the banks of the majestic Loire River, a visit to this valley encompasses exquisite châteaux, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages. It’s no wonder the Loire Valley is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Organised Loire Valley tours from Paris are one way to visit this region that will create unforgettable travel memories.

I am often asked, “Can you do a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris?” If you don’t have a car, organised Loire Valley tours from Paris are the perfect day trip. They promise a seamless way to experience the magnificent châteaux, Loire Valley wineries, and a glimpse into the fascinating world of French history. Relax on the 2-hour trip to the Loire Valley and let your guide lead the way to some of the most exquisite Renaissance castles in France

Why You’ll Love These Best Loire Valley Castle Tours From Paris

Chambord - on a Loire Valley tours from Paris

  • these tours give you the opportunity to visit the Loire Valley from Paris without renting a car
  • sit back and relax during the day as the guide leads the way
  • tour guides are often full of anecdotes and stories that will enhance your one-day Loire Valley tour from Paris
  • all guided tours enter the châteaux with skip-the-line entrance tickets
  • if you’ve never been to the Loire Valley, the UNESCO World Heritage site is full of history and amazing architecture
  • wine lovers will enjoy the Loire Valley tours from Paris that include a visit to a Loire Valley winery

Considerations For Picking Your Loire Valley Tours From Paris

  • Which Loire Valley châteaux are you dying to visit?
  • How many Loire Valley châteaux would you like to visit?
  • How much time is allocated at each castle?
  • Is an audio guide included?
  • Is there time to see the gardens?
  • Do you want to be on a small group tour?
  • Do you want a tour that includes a Loire Valley winery?
  • Do you want a tour that includes lunch?

Pro Travel Tips For Your Loire Valley Castles Tour  From Paris

  • all of these tours include the magnificent Château de Chambord and the elegant Château de Chenonceau
  • some of these Loire Valley Tours from Paris also include either the Château d’Amboise or the Château de Cheverny
  • several of these Loire Valley Tours from Paris include visits to wineries and/or wine-tasting

Read More | 10 Enchanting Loire Valley Castles

For more details on these Loire Valley castles:

  • the Château de Chambord – the largest and most visited castle with its double helix staircase and a splendid rooftop forest of chimneys, lanterns, and turrets
  • the Château de Chenonceau – the magical and graceful castle with its arches spanning the River Cher that has been owned by women throughout history
  • th e Château d’Amboise – perched overlooking the Loire River, it is the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci

Chambord on a Loire Valley Tour

1. Loire Valley Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 4.5 /5 stars (559 reviews), loire valley castles day trip with wine tasting.

Check Prices And Availability

On this day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris, the group will discover the stunning Renaissance castle of Chambord, have lunch and free time in the little town of Blois and then continue on to the “Ladies” castle of Chenonceau. There is time to visit the elegant Château de Chenonceau and then partake in the wine tasting at Chenonceau.

This Tour Includes:

  • 2 Castles : the Château de Chambord and the Château de Chenonceau, a visit to the town of Blois, and wine-tasting
  • Full-day tour ( 13 hours )
  • A live tour guide who you will meet at the Catacombs of Paris
  • An air-conditioned coach for the 2-hour journey to the Loire Valley
  • Skip-the-line access to the Château of Chambord and Chenonceau
  • Self-guided tours inside the castles
  • Exclusive wine tasting at the Château de Chenonceau
  • Free time in the town of Blois

Please note : The wine tasting is not available on Sundays

5-Star Review:

This has been the best tour I have been on. The difference between this tour and other tours was that we had 2 guides, Saeed and Raymond, who were both highly intelligent, and funny. They brought history to life and created a fun environment. At the end of the tour they went from group to group to ask if they had any questions and helped people with the next step in their journey. A Traveller from the U.S.A.

Chateau d'Amboise in the Loire Valley

2. Small-Group Loire Valley Castles Full-Day Tour

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 4.9/5 stars (81 reviews), small-group loire valley castles full day tour.

This organized tour from Paris to the Loire Valley includes three castles . Meet your guide in Paris near the Arc de Triomphe and embark on a trip to the historical and beautiful Loire Valley. You’ll love exploring the Château de Chenonceau with its arches spanning the Cher River. From there you will visit the Château de Chambord, the largest and most magnificent Renaissance castle. And finally, this one-day Loire Valley Tour will stop at the Château d’Amboise where you will visit the castle and see the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.

  • 3 castles : the Château de Chenonceau, the Château de Chambord, and the Château d’Amboise,
  • Full-day tour ( 12 hours )
  • Small group (maximum 8 participants)
  • Skip-the-line access to all three châteaux
  • Live tour guide outside of each castle
  • About 90 minutes to explore each castle on your own

Gabe was an amazing guide – he was hospitable, knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about what he did. Loved the whole structure of the day and what we learned about French history as much as the amazing sights we saw. If you want a more personal touch, this tour is the way to go.

A Traveller from the USA

Chateau de chenonceau - visit it on a Loire Valley Tour

3. From Paris: Full-Day Loire Valley Chateaux Tour

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 4.2 /5 stars (437 reviews), from paris: full-day loire valley chateaux tour.

This organized tour from Paris to the Loire Valley includes three castles . Hop into your coach in Paris and set out to enjoy some French history, some stunning châteaux, and gorgeous manicured gardens all in the splendid Loire Valley.

  • 3 castles : the Château de Chenonceau, the Château de Chambord, and the Château de Cheverny
  • Full-day tour ( 12 – 12.5 hours )
  • Travel in an air-conditioned coach
  • Skip-the-line access to all three castles
  • Live tour guide
  • Self-guided time in the castles

Please Note: On Mondays and Saturdays in the summer season this Loire Valley tour from Paris will go to the Chateau d’Amboise instead of the Château de Chambord

This is our first visit in France/Paris and so we weren’t sure whether to take a day out of our week in Paris to see something different. We LOVED it! The Loire castles are so beautiful and have such a different vibe from the Paris sites. The tour was very well put together and the 3 castles well chosen. We thought the time allocated to Chambord was just fine but would have liked at least 30 min more at Cheverny (shorten the time at Chenoncean). The gardens there are beyond belief with so many colorful tulips in spring! Oh and if you can spare some time for the wine tasting and shop at this last castle!

A Traveller

day tours from paris to loire valley

4. From Paris: Loire Valley Chambord Castle, Wine Tasting & Lunch

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 4.6/5 stars (51 reviews), from paris: loire valley chambord castle, wine tasting & lunch.

Start your one-day tour of the Loire Valley with a hotel pickup. The castle of the day is the spectacular Château de Chambord, a Renaissance masterpiece! Explore the Château de Chambord with its splendid rooftop forest of chimneys, lanterns, and turrets. Next, visit a Loire Valley winery and enjoy a lunchtime meal with wine pairings!

  • Full-day tour ( 11 hours )
  • Round-trip transportation in a van
  • Skip-the-line ticket to the Château de Chambord
  • Audio guide to explore the castle
  • Wine tastings
  • Lunch with wine pairings

Please Note: Hotel drop-off is not included.

The tour was very fun and informative. The castle was a treat to explore, especially with the audio guide with an iPad. The architecture was gorgeous. Our guide, Bastien, was knowledgeable about wines and full of energy. We enjoyed the tour of the winery with the limestone cave storage. That was neat. We even had some wine shipped home.

A Traveller from the U.S.A

5. Paris: Top Loire Castles with Lunch and Wine

This loire valley day tour from paris rating: 5/5 stars (4 reviews).

day tours from paris to loire valley

Top Loire Castles with Lunch and Wine

This organized tour from Paris to the Loire Valley includes two castles and starts off with the ultimate in convenience, a hotel pick-up! From there you will head through the beautiful Loire Valley to the Château de Chenonceau. After visiting this iconic Loire Valley castle, you will have a guided tour of a Loire Valley winery. After lunch, the afternoon will be spent at the second castle either the Château de Chambord or the Château d’Amboise.

  • 2 castles : the Château de Chenonceau, and either the Château de Chambord or the Château d’Amboise
  • Winery tour with tastings
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Round-trip in air-conditioned transportation
  • Skip-the-line ticket to the two châteaux
  • Audio Guides for the châteaux

The trip was excellent, Benoit was the guide, he had good information, he was a very safe driver and he made the experience better. The lunch quality was excellent The sightseeing and the chateau’s were very special .

A Traveller from Australia

Love Guided Tours From Paris?

Sit back and visit the Château de Versailles with one of these 7 Best Guided Tours to Versailles from Paris.

Which of these Loire Valley day tours from Paris will you take as an introduction to the splendour and magic of the Loire Valley?

Until next time,

day tours from paris to loire valley

FAQs About The Loire Valley In France

Is the loire valley worth visiting.

When planning a vacation to France, it is hard to choose where to go. Normandy , Brittany and Provence are all filled with terrific sights. And the Loire Valley is too! The Loire Valley offers a truly unique experience for those travellers seeking to immerse themselves in French history and culture!

How much time do you need in the Loire Valley?

The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filled with French history that oozes from the walls of the magnificent châteaux. The Loire Valley also offers breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, vineyards and wineries, and hundreds of kilometres of bike trails. Spending a day in the Loire Valley will give you the perfect introduction to this interesting region of France. There would be plenty to do and see if you spent a week exploring the Loire Valley.

Can I access the Loire Valley from Paris by train?

Independent travellers can take the train to the Loire Valley and plan their castle visits. Trains run from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Amboise (via Tours), to Chenonceaux (via St-Pierre-des-Corps) and to Tours. From Paris Gare d’Austerlitz, trains run to Blois (via Orléans). B ook my train ticket

If planning a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris by train, spend time carefully figuring out the train and shuttle bus times.

Where should I be based in the Loire Valley to visit the châteaux?

If you choose to stay in the Loire Valley, Blois, Amboise, and Chenonceaux make good bases for exploring. It is easiest to have a car in the Loire Valley but there are shuttle buses that run from Blois and Amboise making it possible to visit different châteaux. For example, there is a 25-minute shuttle that runs from the Blois train station to the Château de Chambord in peak season.

Are there day trips of the Loire Valley from Tours?

There are plenty of organised day tours of the Loire Valley from Tours such as this half-day tour to Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry and this popular full-day tour .

More Travel Info

Planning Your Trip to Paris?

Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner.

Book a transfer from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport with Welcome Pick Ups .

Reserve a car (not for Paris) but for a road trip in France

Reserve train tickets for further travels in Europe with Trainline (my go-to)

Where To Stay In Paris:

Check out these 13 Affordable Hotels in Paris and these Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views .

Near Ile de la Cité : The Hotel Bourg Tibourg in the Marais. Find other Boutique hotels in the Marais.

Near the Arc de Triomphe : The stylish 4-star Hotel Keppler

With an Eiffel Tower View : This 3-star Hotel with excellent reviews

Near the Louvre : The charming 4-star Relais du Louvre

Be sure to book in advance for the most popular things to do. Book your ticket to the Eiffel Tower , a one-hour Seine cruise , a timed-entry ticket to the Louvre , and a skip-the-line ticket to the top of the Arc de Triomphe . And don’t forget a skip-the-line ticket to Disneyland !

If the French monarchy interests you, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Château de Fontainebleau or head to the Basilica of St. Denis to see where the kings are laid to rest.

Read More | 20 Best Day Trips from Paris . Which ones will you choose?

' src=

You might also like...

day tours from paris to loire valley

Alison Browne

Creator and Founder of Dreamer at Heart Alison, a Francophile from a young age, is following a long-held dream and has been living in Paris since 2020. Her passion for uncovering Paris and discovering the regions of France has resulted in an expertise about France that she loves to share in her articles. Also a solo traveller, Alison shares her experiences of solo travel to many corners of the world. Alison helps over 65000 readers a month plan their trips.

Have Paris travel questions? France? Solo travel?

Contact me at

[email protected]

day tours from paris to loire valley

Dreamer at Heart is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.ca and affiliated sites. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

day tours from paris to loire valley

Logo My Winedays - Paris wine tours

  • Small Group
  • Private Tour
  • Luxury Private Tour
  • Small group
  • Champagne & food tour in Paris
  • Paris in Citroën 2CV Car and Wine Day-Trip to Champagne
  • Small group Wine Day-Trip to Normandy
  • What is My Winedays ?
  •  Our Wine Enthusiast Team 

Wine day trip to Loire Valley from Paris

Proceed booking, already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account, why book with us.

  • Hassle-free day tours
  • Best price guaranteed - All inclusive
  • Hand-picked partners
  • French leaders in wine tourism

Any Questions?

We’d love to hear from you.

+33 1 71 70 97 14

[email protected]

Want to be contacted ?

Your name* Your email* Your phone*

Pay Safely With Us

The payment is encrypted and transmitted securely with an SSL protocol.

day tours from paris to loire valley

  • 8 people max
  • Wine expert guide
  • Monday to Saturday
  • All included
  • Hotel Pick-up

Logo of Castle

Welcome to the Loire Valley!

Wine tasting glasses during a private day tour to Loire Valley

Spend an awesome day in Loire Valley with MyWinedays! As we drive you around the valley, enjoy a tour of Chambord Castle . Spend the afternoon gawking at gorgeous panoramas of the vineyards, and visit at least one wine producer. You will be our guest for a wine and food pairing lunch at a family owned winery or a restaurant. Your wine expert & English speaking guide will take care of all details, while you relax and enjoy the best of Loire Valley from Paris.

  • Discover the stunning Chambord Castle
  • Delicious French lunch at the table of the winemaker
  • Visit of an emblematic winery and its cellars
  • Stop in the vineyard for a vine growing introduction by your guide
  • Taste more than 7 different Loire wines during the day
  • Magnificent panoramas on various castles & villages

Chambord-┬®-Se╠übastien-Rio

Tour Details

Description - across the loire valley.

How about spending an entire day in Loire Valley visiting one of France’s most famous castles , part of the Unesco world heritage , and learning all about the delicious wines of the region? This all-inclusive tour will make you fall in love with the beauty of Loire Valley, from the remarkable architecture of its castles inheritated from the Renaissance, to the diversity of its wines.

Morning – Life in a castle: Chambord Castle

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel early in the morning, and drive you (approx. 2h) towards Loire Valley, while you enjoy delicious freshly baked croissants. As you get nearer to Chambord castle , your guide will give you plenty of information about the history of the region.

Start the day with an audio guided tour of the castle which, will divulge all secrets behind this monumental building, constructed 500 years ago by the king Francis 1st of France…

Your guide will then drive you along the river, where you will be able to catch a glimpse on other beautiful Châteaux such as the castle of Amboise (Leonardo da Vinci’s last home) and the castle of Blois.

Lunch – Wine and food pairing

For lunch, enjoy delightful local food paired with local wines either in a boutique winery or in a carefully selected restaurant.

Afternoon – Discover the dizzying array of wines of the Loire valley

After lunch, discover beautiful views of the colorful landscapes of Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire. If the weather permits it, your wine expert guide will stop you in the vineyards of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc grapes to give you a vine growing introduction! You will then visit one of the most emblematic producers of the region and discover their troglodyte caves, where they age their precious bottles. And of course, you will taste their whole range of wines: sparkling white wines, dry and sweet white wines, red and rosé wines.

You’ll be dropped off in central Paris (Hôtel de Ville) in the early evening.

What are you paying for ?

Price includes.

  • Round trip transport in a comfortable minivan (with A/C)
  • Pick up at your hotel in Paris, drop off in central Paris
  • Croissant on your way to Loire valley
  • Audio guided visit of Chambord Castle
  • Traditional lunch paired with wine at a family-run estate or local restaurant (subject to availability)
  • Guided visit of a prestigious winery followed by a wine tasting
  • Full service of an English speaking & wine expert driver/guide

Price excludes

Tips before departure.

  • Wine cellars are usually quite cold and damp (45 °F / 10 °C): do not forget to bring warm clothes with you. Most of the visits include a lot of stairs and no elevator to access the underground galleries.
  • Please note that the schedule and the wineries visited are subject to minor changes depending on the season and on supplier availability.
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of the booking
  • There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. Wine Passport reserves the right to cancel any tour where the minimum number is not reached. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • From March 2024 there will be road blocked in Paris for the Olympic games, we'll do our best to ensure pick-up at your hotel. Though, it won't be guaranteed.

Have a look at our other tours

Apples from orchard

Day trip to Normandy

Glass of wine in front of loire river and vineyards

From Paris: Private Wine Day-Trip to Loire Valley including 8 tastings & lunch

Pink champagne glass

Champagne Private Wine Day tour from Paris including 8 tastings & lunch

Nancy moffat.

A great way to see some of Loire Valley! We had a lovely day visiting the Chambord Castle and two wineries – with lunch at one of them that was delicious. Perfect day!!

Phenomenal day with Nicolas. He was a fantastic guide and knew a lot about the region and wine in general as a certified sommelier. Tour was a good mix of education, experiences, and tastings. Pace was balanced. Will look to book on My Winedays anytime I want to book a wine tasting experience in the future

Such a fun tour. My daughter and I really enjoyed our tour guide Clement. He was so knowledgeable but in a very down to earth way that made for a relaxed fun wine tour. The Chambord castle was amazing, and the 2 vineyards we visited were very different from each other in the best ways. Lunch was delightful as well. A great way to take a break and see the Loire valley after the busy streets of Paris.

Bastien was our guide and was great. Very informative as he received his Masters degree studying wine as that is his passion. Lunch was fantastic with Sophie as our host at the wineyard. Long day but after drinking lots of vine and having such nice travel partners in the van, we had a nice ride home. Definitely a must!

Wonderful lunch at the Winery and visit to the Chateau. Bastian was terrific as a guide and driver.

Privacy Overview

COMMENTS

  1. 5 of the Best Loire Valley Tours from Paris

    Compare different tours to the Loire Valley from Paris, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning castles and vineyards. Find out the highlights, itineraries, prices and booking links for each tour.

  2. The 5 Best Loire Valley Tours From Paris [2024 Reviews]

    Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Loire Valley Day Tours For 2024. Best Small Group Tour: Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip. Best Private Tour: Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise. Best Budget Tour: Loire Valley Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Day Trip with Wine Tasting.

  3. Day Trips from Paris to Loire Valley

    Loire Valley Day Trip with 3 Castles including Chambord and Chenonceau. 2. Travel 500 years back in time to the days of the French aristocracy on a Loire Valley full-day group tour from Paris. The well-paced itinerary takes guests to the Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Chambord Chateaux.

  4. Best Day Trips From Paris To Loire Valley

    1. From Paris to Loire Valley: Small-Group Full-Day Tour. Set out from Paris on an exciting guided day excursion to see the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. Visit the renowned Châteaux de Chenonceau, Château de Chambord, and Château d'Amboise in comfort aboard an air-conditioned minibus.

  5. Loire Valley Chateaux Tour: Chenonceau, Chambord from Paris 2024

    Stroll through the châteaux of Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise on this full-day tour from Paris to the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley. Admire Chenonceau's amazing floral gardens, and marvel at the sheer grandeur of Chambord, the largest chateau in the valley. At Amboise, see the quarters of King Francois I and the tomb of Leonardo Da Vinci. Learn from an informative guide about each site, and ...

  6. Loire Valley from Paris, Skip the Line Chateaux de Chambord 2024

    Marvel at the Loire Valley's opulent châteaux and taste its famous locally-made wine during this full-day tour from Paris. First head to Château de Chambord-the inspiration for Disney's `Beauty and the Beast´ for a guided tour. The next stop is the town of Blois, where you´ll have just under two hours to enjoy some free time. Then visit the elegant Château de Chenonceau and embark on a ...

  7. Loire Valley Castles Tour

    Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris with Chambord & Chenonceau Castles and Wine Tasting. 4.89. (467 Reviews) 13h. English. Everyday. 07:00. Viator Experiences Awards: Top 20 Experiences - Western Europe. Castles, rolling hills, beautiful meals, and wine, are what comes to mind when you think of the French countryside and you will find them all in ...

  8. THE BEST Day Trips from Paris to Loire Valley

    2. Private 12-hour round transfer to Loire Castles from Paris. Best offer! Historical Tours. 6+ hours. The Loire Valley, a jewel in the UNESCO World Heritage collection, has throughout its history attracted notable people to…. Free cancellation. from. $854.

  9. From Paris: Full-Day Loire Valley Chateaux Tour

    Full description. Escape the hustle and bustle of Parisian life and enter into the Garden of France. Stroll the walkways of the French monarchs, hear tales of royal love affairs and kidnappings, and behold the beauty of the Loire Valley's exquisite Chateaux. The first stop of the day is Château de Chambord; the perfect example of French ...

  10. Paris to Loire Valley Day Trip

    Here's how to get to Loire Valley from Paris on a day trip. 1. Loire Valley Tours from Paris. Loire Valley tours from Paris are the most comfortable and effective way to visit the Loire Valley for a day. Sit on the van and enjoy the landscape without having to worry about directions, transfers, or train connections.

  11. Loire Valley Castles Tours

    From. 2 400,00 €. If there is one visit not to be missed during a visit to Paris, it is the Loire Valley castles. Only a few hours away from the French capital are these prestigious buildings of the French Renaissance, vestiges of an era when aristocrats showed off their wealth and a desire for architectural innovation of the Kings of France.

  12. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Loire Valley from Paris

    A tour will do it all for you. Guided tours to Loire Valley are also a great option if you're limited on time. There are several great tours from Paris including full day trips where you see 2-3 castles; as well as multiple day tours where you get to fully experience the Loire Valley. Here are a few highly rated day tours from Paris:

  13. The Perfect Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris

    The easiest way to reach Tours from Paris for the start of your day trip to the Loire Valley is to head towards Orléans on the A71 and turn off to Tours on the A10. However, this is a toll road and can cost you up to €36.00. The best way to avoid it is by taking the N20 through Châteaudun, followed by the N10 to Tours.

  14. Paris to the Loire Valley: Best Tours, Excursions & Itineraries

    From Paris: Castles of the Loire Valley Full-Day Tour. For those who are looking for a guided tour of the Loire Valley, this tour offers the chance to enjoy three of the most famous Loire Valley Châteaux. Visit Château de Chambord, Cheverny, and Château de Chenonceau. Included in the day excursion is lunch (with a drink), entry to the three ...

  15. THE 10 BEST Loire Valley Tours & Excursions

    from. $165. per adult. 2. Loire Valley Wine and Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris. 204. Historical Tours. 6+ hours. Explore the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley and visit three magnificent chateaux in one day.

  16. THE TOP 10 BEST Day Trips from Paris to Loire Valley in 2023

    Spend the day exploring the Loire Valley on this private full-day tour from Paris. Save time and travel in comfort in a Mercedes minivan. Visit the magnificent castles of Chambord, Chenonceau, and d'Amboise, and go wine tasting at Plou Et Fils. Includes round-trip transfers from your Paris hotel and a professional driver guide....

  17. Visit The Loire Valley From Paris

    3. Two-Day Visit To the Loire Valley & Mont St-Michel. There's a fairytale island plus the awe-inspiring Loire chateaux on this 2-day guided tour from Paris. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the charms of France — Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, and the splendor of the Loire and its Valley of 1,000 Castles.

  18. Amazing Loire Valley Day Tours from Paris

    About the Train to the Loire Valley from Paris. The TGV train makes a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris an easy choice, offering a perfectly-timed fast and clean train. You'll depart just after 7:30 a.m. from centrally-located Gare Montparnasse ("gare" is station in French), about 15 minutes south of the Eiffel Tower on the Left Bank.

  19. 5 Best Loire Valley Tours From Paris

    These 5 Loire Valley tours from Paris include magnificent châteaux, picturesque vineyards, and charming towns in the enchanting Loire Valley. ... This Loire Valley Day Tour From Paris Rating: 5/5 stars (4 reviews) Top Loire Castles with Lunch and Wine. Check Prices And Availability.

  20. Explore the wonders of the Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris

    Spend an awesome day in Loire Valley with MyWinedays! As we drive you around the valley, enjoy a tour of Chambord Castle. Spend the afternoon gawking at gorgeous panoramas of the vineyards, and visit at least one wine producer. ... Champagne Private Wine Day tour from Paris including 8 tastings & lunch. From €290. Day trip to Normandy. From ...

  21. Orléans Loire Valley

    Full day private walking tour in Orléans Loire Valley. +/- 7 to 8-hour walking tour in English. Distance covered: usually +/- 5.5 km (without museum galleries) From 220 € for 1 to 2 people, 250 € for 3, etc. Really private tour (your party only 6 people max.) Not available on Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays.

  22. THE TOP 10 Best Day Trips from Paris to Loire Valley 2023

    Private Full Day Tour to Loire Valley from Paris with Hotel Pick Up. 1. Travel from Paris to the Loire in one day and discover a world-famous wine region and all its picturesque valley views. Learn about the history and prestige of the Loire with your guide, and enjoy private tours of the Chenonceau and Clos de Lucé Palaces—Leonardo da Vinci ...

  23. Loire Valley Day Tour

    Loire Valley Day Tour from Paris. Price: $225 per person ($380 with 2nd Class Rail, $459 with 1st Class Rail). Departure Time: Before 8:00 a.m. from Gare Montparnasse in Paris. Meeting Point: Tour meets at the tourist office outside of the rail station in the city of Tours. Group Size: 8 persons maximum. Larger groups can be accommodated. Included: Transport in a modern air-conditioned minibus ...