Châteaux of the Loire Valley
A day exploring the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau
- WITH
- François | about the guide
The Loire Valley is famous for its wine and magnificent châteaux. This day tour is the perfect opportunity to explore the latter with an experienced guide. The first palace, the Château de Chambord was built in an immense forest and is the largest of the châteaux in the Loire Valley. With your guide, explore this 16th century construction complete with gardens and hunting park, both classified as “French National Monuments.” After an optional traditional French lunch in a reputed local restaurant, your guide will take you to the second château of the tour: Château de Chenonceau. Built and renovated by a series of strong women, the chateau, nicknamed the “Ladies’ Château” comprises magnificent architecture and artworks. The palace was built by Katherine Briçonnet in 1513, enhanced by Diane de Poitiers and extended by Catherine de Medici.
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Paris - Normandy - Champagne - Loire Valley
France -
12 hrs
DURATION -
6
MAX. No. ON TOUR
TOUR DETAILS
- keywords :
- Paris, Châteaux of the Loire Valley, history of France, Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau
- transport :
- Private chauffeur-driven vehicle
- ACTIVITY LEVEL :
- Moderate
- ACCESSIBLE TO THE DISABLED :
- yes
- Kid friendly :
- Yes. From 5 years old.
- LANGUAGES:
- Anglais/English (Bilingual), Français/French (native)
- MAX. No. OF PEOPLE :
- 6
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Services of a professional guide - Transport from/to Paris: private vehicle with personal chauffeur - Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel - Entrance tickets for châteaux
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal shopping - Lunch
ITINERARY
Your day will start at your hotel where you will be picked up by your guide. After around 2 hours on the road driven by your personal chauffeur in a private vehicle, you will arrive at your first destination: Château de Chambord. After the guided visit led by your expert guide, it will be time for an optional lunch at a renowned nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, you will explore your second château of the day, Château de Chenonceau. You will start the journey back to Paris at around 5.30pm to avoid the worst of the traffic.
WHERE AND WHEN?
- MEET-UP LOCATION:
- Your hotel
- END OF TOUR LOCATION:
- Your hotel
about
your guide
François
Paris
- languages :
- Anglais/English, Français/French
I’m from the northern French town of Douai, but I moved to Paris to finish my art history degree. I worked at the Musée National de la Renaissance and then for antique dealer Jacqueline Boccador before organizing contemporary art exhibitions with art dealer Marc Higonnet. I’ve been a qualified guide since 2011 and enjoy being able to mix my love of the humanities and good food. When I was young, my mother took me to the Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai for an archeology lecture, which I found incredibly beautiful (even if I didn’t understand everything)! Since then, I give lectures and guided tours in the hope of inspiring young – and not so young – people. Given my classical background, I’m particularly fond of the Louvre, the Jacquemart-André, Picasso et Middle Ages museums, as well as the châteaux of Chantilly, Fontainebleau and Chambord.
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