Chambord, Chenonceau, Da Vinci Castle Tour From Paris

Exploring the enchanting châteaux of the Loire Valley is a captivating experience for many travelers to France. This guided tour from Paris delves into the region’s rich history, architecture, and cultural legacy. Visiting the iconic Château de Chambord, experiencing a local wine tasting, and discovering Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence at Château du Clos Lucé provide an immersive journey into the French Renaissance. With small group sizes and knowledgeable guides, this tour offers an opportunity to uncover the extraordinary stories that have shaped this remarkable corner of the country.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 13-hour tour visiting three renowned French châteaux: Chambord, Chenonceau, and Clos Lucé (Da Vinci’s last residence).
• Guided tours of Chambord and Chenonceau, plus a wine tasting at a local winery.
• Highlights include the iconic double-spiral staircase at Chambord and Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions at Clos Lucé.
• Transportation in a Mercedes minivan is included, but meals, drinks, and gratuities are not.
• Mostly positive customer feedback, with some concerns about guide’s English proficiency and the long duration of the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of three renowned French châteaux, Chambord, Chenonceau, and Clos Lucé, the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci.

Over 13 hours, small groups of up to 7 participants are transported in a Mercedes minivan to visit these historic sites.

The tour includes guided visits to Chambord and Chenonceau, as well as a wine tasting at a local winery.

This tour includes guided visits to Chambord and Chenonceau, as well as a wine tasting at a local winery.

Transportation, entrance tickets, and bottled water are provided, though meals, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included.

While suitable for most adults, this tour may be challenging for those with mobility issues or weight restrictions.

Château De Chambord

The tour’s first stop is the grand Château de Chambord, a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture.

Guests embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour of this architectural marvel, which boasts 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases.

The highlight is the iconic double-spiral staircase, possibly designed by the legendary Leonardo da Vinci.

Visitors marvel at the castle’s sheer size and intricate details, seeing its rich history.

The tour provides valuable insights, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the magnificence of this Renaissance masterpiece and its enduring cultural significance.

Wine Tasting

After exploring the grandeur of Château de Chambord, the tour proceeds to a local winery for a 40-minute tasting session.

Here, visitors sample a minimum of 5 wines and learn about their historical significance. The knowledgeable guide provides insights into the region’s winemaking traditions and how the unique terroir influences the flavors.

Guests have the opportunity to appreciate the complexity of the wines while gaining a deeper understanding of the local culture. This interlude offers a welcome respite before continuing the journey to the next château on the itinerary.

Château Du Clos Lucé

Château du Clos Lucé is the former residence of the renowned Renaissance polymath, Leonardo da Vinci.

Visitors can explore the home where da Vinci spent the last three years of his life, from 1516 to 1519. The 70-minute visit allows guests to view da Vinci’s personal effects, including his bedroom, chapel, and workshop.

Highlights include da Vinci’s mechanical inventions and life-sized models of his ideas.

Visitors can also stroll through the scenic gardens and discover the underground passage connecting Château du Clos Lucé to the nearby Château Royal d’Amboise, another important site on this tour.

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Château De Chenonceau

Next on the itinerary is Château de Chenonceau, known as the "ladies’ castle" for its captivating feminine history and stunning gardens.

Guests will enjoy a guided tour and explore the castle’s beautiful floral gardens featuring over 130,000 flowering plants. Built across the Cher River, this Renaissance-style castle is famous for the women who owned and influenced it throughout history.

After the tour, visitors can stroll the castle’s grounds and gardens at their own pace. With its elegant architecture and picturesque setting, Château de Chenonceau is a highlight of the day’s tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes entrance tickets to the three featured castles, a visit and wine tasting at a local winery, bottled water, and all applicable fees and taxes.

However, meals, drinks, gratuities, and souvenirs aren’t included. The tour is suitable for adults but not for children under 6, wheelchair users, or individuals over 309 lbs (140 kg).

Customers have provided mostly positive feedback, praising the knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Some found the long day tiring, especially those with mobility issues, and had concerns about the guide’s English proficiency affecting understanding.

Customer Reviews

Customers have provided mostly positive feedback for this tour, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 16 reviews.

Travelers praised the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, as well as the enjoyable experience of visiting three distinct castles.

However, some found the day-long itinerary tiring, especially for those with mobility issues. A few also expressed concerns about the guide’s English proficiency, which affected their understanding at times.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking for this tour is flexible, as visitors can reserve their spot and pay later. The operator offers a range of booking options, allowing travelers to secure their place conveniently.

The cancellation policy is generous, providing a full refund if cancellations are made up to 24 hours in advance. This allows for flexibility in planning, catering to unexpected changes.

Prospective guests are advised to check availability for specific start times and dates, as this tour’s popularity may result in limited openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tour Include Transportation to and From Paris?

Yes, the tour includes transportation. It states that pickup is provided at the hotel entrance or Airbnb at 7:30 AM, and the transportation is a Mercedes minivan with adjustable seats.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Personal Preferences?

The tour can be customized to accommodate personal preferences, such as modifying the itinerary or requesting additional activities. However, adjustments may incur additional fees and availability may be limited.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Casual, smart casual attire is generally appropriate for visiting historical sites and wineries on a guided tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years old. There’s no minimum age requirement, but it’s best suited for adults due to the length and nature of the activities.

Can the Tour Be Booked as a Private Event?

The tour does not offer a private booking option. It’s organized as a small group experience limited to 7 participants. Private tours aren’t available, but the group size is kept small to provide a more personalized experience.

Recap

This tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the enchanting châteaux of the French Renaissance. Visitors will marvel at the iconic Château de Chambord, savor a delightful wine tasting, and discover the historic Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. With small group sizes and knowledgeable guides, this immersive experience provides an unforgettable adventure into the rich history and culture of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: