Loire Castles Chenonceau, Chambord & 2 Wineries Private Trip

Discover the beauty of the Loire Valley with this private full-day trip from Paris that combines visits to two of the region’s most iconic castles, Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. For $643.03 per person, this tour offers a personalized experience, guided by a professional driver or guide, with tickets included for all attractions. The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, making it ideal for those eager to explore France’s regal history and renowned wines without the hassle of self-driving or public transport.

Starting early from your hotel in Paris, the journey takes about 2.5 hours in a luxurious Mercedes minivan. The tour stands out for its flexibility—it’s private, so the itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests. One notable aspect is the inclusion of wine tastings at two local wineries, where you sample a minimum of 10 different wines. Plus, visitors appreciate the opportunity to enjoy lunch in the picturesque town of Amboise, a charming setting with many restaurant options, though lunch is at your own expense.

While the sites and tastings are highlights, some reviews mention the importance of selecting guides based on experience, as the tour involves a lot of walking and detailed commentary. This trip suits those looking for a comprehensive, personalized day of castles and wine, with the convenience of door-to-door service from Paris.

Key Points

• Private full-day experience with guided visits to Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau
• Includes tickets for both castles and guided wine tastings of at least 10 wines total
• Travel in a comfortable Mercedes minivan, with pickup from your hotel in Paris
• Flexible, customizable itinerary tailored to your interests
• Approximately 13 hours from start to finish, with a lunch break in Amboise (at your own expense)
• Some reviews highlight the importance of a knowledgeable guide, as the experience can vary depending on guide expertise

Comfortable Transportation from Paris to the Loire Valley

The tour begins with early morning pickup at your hotel in Paris**, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour drive in a luxurious Mercedes E220 or E300 minivan. This comfortable transportation ensures you avoid the stress of navigating France’s highways or public transportation, making the entire day relaxing and efficient. The ride offers brief historical insights about the Loire castles, setting the scene for the day ahead.

The door-to-door service is a clear advantage, especially for travelers who prefer a hassle-free experience. The vehicle’s air conditioning keeps everyone comfortable throughout the journey, and the guide is available to provide general information about French history connected to the castle sites.

Exploring Château de Chambord’s Renaissance Architecture

Your first main stop is Château de Chambord, arriving at around 10:00 am. Known for its French Renaissance architecture, the castle was built between 1519 and 1547 by Francis I. It boasts 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases, with the double-spiral staircase being one of its most famous features—allegedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

The guided visit takes approximately 1.5 hours, during which the guide explains the castle’s history and construction. Visitors can explore the grand halls, corridors, and the remarkable staircase, all while appreciating the castle’s striking design and expansive grounds. As the largest castle in the Loire Valley, Chambord’s impressive size and architecture are among the tour’s highlights.

Tasting Local Wines at Plou Et Fils Winery

Around 11:30 am, the tour departs for Plou Et Fils, a family-run winery with centuries of tradition. Here, guests sample a minimum of five local wines, learning about the wine-making process from the vigneron. The tasting provides insight into the region’s winemaking heritage and the unique characteristics of Loire Valley wines.

This wine tasting experience lasts roughly 30 minutes, allowing enough time to savor and understand the different varieties. It’s a great chance to discover French wines in a setting that reflects the area’s longstanding tradition of viticulture, adding a flavorful dimension to the day.

Lunch in Amboise: Charming Town, Own Expense

At 13:00, the tour stops in the picturesque town of Amboise for a lunch break. The main pedestrian street near the Château d’Amboise offers many restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with views of this charming French town. The guide can assist with reservations if desired.

Lunchtime is not included in the tour price, giving visitors the flexibility to choose a restaurant that matches their taste and budget. After lunch, the group departs for the next castle, taking about 20 minutes to reach Château de Chenonceau.

Discovering Château de Chenonceau’s Feminine Heritage

Arriving at 14:40, visitors explore Château de Chenonceau, often called the “ladies’ castle” because of its historical association with prominent women like Catherine de Medici. The castle’s architecture is stunning, especially its arches over the River Cher, which create a breathtaking setting.

The guided visit lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, during which the guide highlights the castle’s unique history and architecture. Visitors can walk around the grounds, take photos, and appreciate the elegant design that makes Chenonceau a standout in the Loire Valley.

Wine Tasting at Clos de la Richardière Winery

At 16:30, the tour continues at Clos de la Richardière, where a guide-vigneron takes guests on a vineyard tour. Over about 1 hour and 15 minutes, visitors learn about wine production and sample at least five different wines.

This guided winery tour offers an intimate look at the craftsmanship behind Loire Valley wines, with explanations about the vineyard and wine-making process. It’s a perfect opportunity to deepen your appreciation for French wine varieties and their regional significance.

Return Journey to Paris

After the winery visit, the group departs around 17:45 for the 3-hour drive back to Paris. The journey covers approximately 250 km, allowing travelers to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel between 20:30 and 21:00.

The return trip provides additional time for conversation or resting in the comfortable vehicle, rounding out a full day of sightseeing, wine tasting, and cultural discovery.

Included and Not Included in the Tour

The tour price covers guided visits to Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, with tickets included, and a guided winery and vineyard tour with at least five wine tastings. A professional guide-driver ensures smooth transportation, and all fees and taxes are covered.

However, lunch, gratuities, souvenirs, and additional drinks are not included. Travelers should budget for lunch at their own expense, which gives flexibility in choosing a meal that suits their preferences.

The Experience Provider and Booking Details

This tour is offered by Clewel Travel. It is a private experience, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a tailored and relaxed atmosphere. The tour is designed to suit most travelers, and confirmation is received immediately upon booking.

Booking is recommended about 59 days in advance due to the popularity of the Loire castles and wine experiences, especially during peak seasons. The tour features pickup from your hotel and mobile tickets for convenience.

Final Thoughts on the Loire Castles and Wine Private Trip

This private day trip from Paris offers a well-balanced mix of history, architecture, and wine tasting. Its strength lies in the personalized service and the chance to explore two of the Loire Valley’s top castles at your own pace, complemented by tastings of local wines in authentic settings.

While the sites and wines are undoubtedly highlights, some reviews suggest that guide expertise can vary, emphasizing the importance of requesting an experienced guide if possible. The early start and long drive require good stamina, but the comfort of a luxury vehicle makes the day manageable.

This tour provides excellent value for travelers eager to experience France’s regal castles and fine wines without the effort of organizing transportation or multiple bookings. It’s especially suited for those seeking a full, immersive day in the Loire Valley, combining culture, history, and gastronomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, as the itinerary involves walking around castles and vineyards, but it may be less suitable for very young children due to the amount of walking.

What is included in the price?
Guided visits to Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, tickets for both castles, a guided winery tour, wine tastings of at least 10 wines, professional guide/driver, luxury transportation, and all fees and taxes.

Are meal options available during the tour?
Lunch is not included but can be taken in Amboise, where many restaurants are available. The guide can assist with reservations.

How long does each castle visit last?
Chambord is approximately 1.5 hours, and Chenonceau is about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, this is a private, customizable experience, allowing modifications based on your interests.

What type of vehicle is used?
A Mercedes E220/E300 or Mercedes Minivan provides comfortable seating and climate control.

Is transportation door-to-door?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in Paris is included, and the tour ends with drop-off at the same location.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Clewel Travel.

How far in advance should I book?
It is recommended to book about 2 months in advance, especially during busy periods, to secure availability.

Will I get to enjoy wine tastings?
Absolutely, with minimum 10 wines sampled during the winery visits, providing a rich tasting experience.