Top Cultural Tours

Visit two of the most renowned castles in the Loire Valley—aka French château country—on a day trip from Tours. Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord are known for their Renaissance architecture and picturesque riverside settings. With a knowledgeable guide, enjoy views from little-known panoramic spots, and hear historical details and amusing anecdotes about the French kings and other nobles who have lived here. As a bonus, enjoy a relaxing lunch away from the crowds at a private, family-owned château.

The UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley are home to some of France’s most magnificent chateaux and this full-day tour from Amboise visits three in one day. Marvel at the Renaissance architecture and beautiful gardens of the Château de Chambord; visit the family-owned Chateau de Villesavin for lunch; and end at the fairy-tale Château de Chenonceau.

Discover the wines of the Vouvray appellation, part of the Loire Valley, on this wine-tasting adventure from Tours. Visit two estates to enjoy picturesque vineyard views and learn the proper wine-tasting techniques for comparing different flavors and fragrances. You’ll have the chance to meet a local winemaker and hear about the terrior of the Loire Valley, one of the most renowned in France.

Marvel over the majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley on this memorable half-day excursion from Tours. First, experience the glory of the French Renaissance as you explore the famous Château de Villandry and stroll the magnificent gardens. Admire the manicured landscapes and ornamental gardens; wander through the kitchen garden and classical water garden, then attempt to find your way through the maze. Next, journey further back in time with a tour of an authentic 16th-century château, where you’ll indulge in a traditional aperitif and perhaps meet its noble residents.

The Loire Valley is one of France’s most stunning regions, but knowing just where to go takes insider’s knowledge. During this enriching guided tour from Amboise, you’ll get exclusive access to the most scenic locations, from a time-warp tour through the Renaissance castle of Villandry to a crash course in wine tasting at a locally-run winery. You’ll also enjoy a glass of wine with a local delicacy at a family-owned chateau.

Cover the standout sights of the Loire Valley on this insider’s guided tour, allowing you to tick off the top attractions on a single action-packed ride. Get exclusive access to a family-owned chateau and enjoy a local delicacy, then taste your way around the wine-rich region as you learn to identify vintages like a true connoisseur. You’ll listen to fun-filled anecdotes along the way.

Follow in the footsteps of French royals and aristocrats on a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley, home to more than 100 châteaux and many of the finest in France. Most are impossible to visit without a car, so relax as a personal chauffeur takes you to a trio of the most impressive estates—Amboise, Chenonceaux, and Chambord. An art historian guide accompanies you inside for a detailed look at these time capsules of French history.

Take a one day trip from Paris to see four historic castles in the Loire Valley. Tour includes 1st or 2nd Class rail tickets from Paris to the Loire Valley. Total tour day, including rail travel time, lasts approximately 13 hours.

Do you know which city was the capital of France in 15th century ? Which city is considered to be the Garden of France? Or where you can hear the purest French spoken language? The answer to all of these questions is Tours, a historic city dating back to the Middle Ages located right in the heart of France, just one hour away from Paris. Join our helpful and knowledgeable guides to discover the rich history and wonderful medieval buildings of Tours. Admire the exterior of the city's beloved Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, a beautiful mix of different architectural styles. Another point of interest may be the medieval Tour Charlemagne, located in the center of the Old City. Feel free to visit the famous museum of Beaux- Arts on your own, admiring its impressive collection. Then, enjoy a taste of the region's fine wine, considered by many to be among the best in all of France. Let us show you the beautiful city of Tours through the eyes of a local!

Discover 2 of the greatest Loire Valley Castles : Clos Lucé & Amboise. Learn more about Da Vinci & arts & history with a professional guide specialist of the Renaissance. It is a private tour : you will be able to ask all the questions you want.

Tours is known as “The City of Art and History”, dating back to the second century, and stays true to its title boasting rich historic and cultural heritage. In the centre are half-timbered French houses, beautiful gardens, and Renaissance mansions, drawing you into the city’s medieval past. Explore the Rue Nationale, one of the oldest and busiest streets of the city. Admire an important historic landmark of the city - the 15th century Eglise Notre Dame de la Riche. For two hours, enjoy some of the most important historical highlights, admire the beautiful architecture and listen to interesting stories about this charming place.

This is a site with many stories: I'll talk about a wide range of subjects including womens history, mysterious graffiti, technological and scientific changes, peoples beliefs, dietary changes, garden history and what drove the economy when the chateau was built. Some powerful female characters have occupied this place - some of them you will have heard of, some will be new names for you. but all are fascinating. I'll cover a bit of modern history too - what happened here during the two World Wars. I'm very happy to tailor the presentation to clients interests. If there is interest I can cover medicine, engineering, textile manufacturing, transport and more, all of which can be demonstrated by elements of this magnificent site. But the lives and loves of the women who lived here will not be forgotten in all of this. Nor will the beautiful objects inside. My background is not art history, but collections care and the behind the scenes management of historic sites.

Enjoy a walking tour of Chenonceau Castle with a local guide who will tailor the excursion to your tastes and introduce you to the castle’s beautiful places. Start at the entrance of the castle and then head to the charming gardens full of flowers. Chenonceau castle has been classified a “Historic Monument” by the French Ministry of Culture and has been home to famous queens as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis. Discover its original design and architecture and immerse yourself in the medieval period during this informative tour.