france castles tour

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Loire Valley Castles Tour - Day trip

Adults rate

from 125.00 per people 129.00

Special Gift

Special Gifts are available for one year from the purchase date.
As Special Gifts are nominative, please indicate the name(s) of the beneficiaries when confirming your booking.

Departing from the center of Paris , you will discover and visit three of the most prestigious and magnificent Loire Castles: The Château de Chenonceau , the Château de Chambord and the Château de Cheverny . A wonderful tour to visit the masterpieces of the Renaissance and French heritage .

❤ YOU WILL ENJOY...

The Magic of Christmas at the Loire Castles from November 30 to January 05, 2025: starting from 125.00€

Come and discover three sublime castles of the Loire: Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Chambord, specially adorned in their Christmas attire for the occasion.

Our excursion will first take you to the Château de Chenonceau, where you can discover the expertise of the floral workshop as you explore the different rooms of the château. Let yourself also be transported by a gentle chocolatey aroma throughout your visit.

Next, we will head to Cheverny for a memorable visit, where the carefully crafted and elaborate decoration of the château and gardens will dazzle you, as Christmas is truly an institution within this château.

And finally, you will discover Chambord adorned with thousands of lights, where the tour will be enhanced by the magic of Christmas.

At the end of your day, we will offer you, in front of the illuminated Château de Chambord, a glass of champagne and a box of chocolates to celebrate Christmas together.

The Magic of Christmas in the Loire Castles from December 9th to January 6th, 2024: starting from €125.00

Come and discover three magnificent Loire castles, namely Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Chambord, specially adorned in their Christmas attire for the occasion.

Our excursion will first take you to the Château de Chenonceau, where you can witness the mastery of floral art in the different rooms of the castle. Let yourself be carried away by the sweet scent of chocolate throughout your visit.

Next, we will visit Cheverny for a memorable tour, where the carefully crafted decoration of the castle and gardens will dazzle you, as Christmas is a true institution within this castle.

And to conclude, you will discover Chambord adorned with a thousand lights, and the tour will be enhanced by the magic of Christmas.

At the end of your day, in front of the illuminated Château de Chambord, we will offer you a glass of champagne and a box of chocolates to celebrate Christmas together.

THE ADVANTAGES OF AN EXCURSION TO THE CHATEAUX DE LA LOIRE WITH FRANCE TOURISME

Return transport from our agency in the center of Paris
Our multilingual and qualified guide at your service
Priority access and visit of the castles at your own pace and in complete freedom
Go back in time through the visit of three majestic castles, true masterpieces of the Renaissance and French heritage

DISCOVERING THE "LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES"

The Loire Valley Castles , nestled along the majestic Loire River in France's Centre-Val de Loire region, represent a stunning array of palaces and fortresses that capture the essence of the French Renaissance .

These castles enchant visitors with their timeless beauty, enthralling histories, and striking architecture. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or looking for a romantic escape, the Loire Valley Castles provide a memorable journey back to the heart of the French Renaissance.

The Loire Valley hosts an extraordinary collection of grand castles, each a testament to a rich historical era and architectural magnificence. Renaissance masterpieces like Chambord and Chenonceau each unfold their own enthralling stories and offer a captivating peek into the lives of French aristocrats.

Visit the 3 breath-taking castles in this full day trip:

Departure from our Louvre agency in the heart of Paris at 7.15 am followed by our driver guide.

CHÂTEAU DE CHENONCEAU

Ribbon of 500,000 Tulips at Cheverny Castle

Each spring, for nine years, the tulip reigns supreme in three of the gardens of Cheverny Castle.

This year, the number of bulbs has doubled: more than 500,000 bulbs were planted in the fall, especially to form not one, but two immense ribbons of tulips. Guaranteed wonder!

Imagine this spectacular ribbon: 500,000 tulips over 2 ribbons, 250 meters long and 12 meters wide... A variation of reds, pinks, yellows, oranges, purples, and whites. A true natural work of art, which ends in the water feature of the castle's park.

This magnificent spectacle can be discovered in April!

Join your guide in the gardens of the castle before lunch.

LOIRE CASTLES AT LUNCHTIME

Our guides will be able to advise you and direct you to a large choice of restaurants.

Transfer to Château de Cheverny ...

CHÂTEAU DE CHEVERNY

The Venetian Carnival at the Cheverny Castle from September 28 to 29, 2024

The Venetian weekend at the Cheverny Castle on September 28 and 29 is an invitation to travel.

You will be transported into the magical atmosphere of the Venetian Carnival where you can encounter a hundred Venetians strolling through the park and the castle in costume.

You will finish your day with the visit of the Castle of Chambord

CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD

Return to our Louvre Agency around 7:15pm.

GENERAL INFORMATIONS

Practical Information for Your Excursion - Departure: 7:15 AM from our agency in the center of Paris - Total duration: approximately 12 hours - Tour accompanied by a qualified multilingual guide - Itinerary: Visit to Château de Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Chambord - For lunch, our guides can advise and guide you on a wide selection of restaurants.

For an even more exclusive experience:

Excursion from Paris by minivan: 140.00€ - Group of up to 8 people - Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Private excursion from a location of your choice in Paris (8 people max) starting at 160.00€/person - Private excursion from a location of your choice in Paris (8 people max) - Pickup and drop-off at the address you specify within Paris city limits included - Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle - For an optimized visit, we suggest a departure at 7:15 a.m.

Meeting Point

France Tourisme Agency - 6, rue de l'amiral de Coligny - 75001 Paris - Access map

See the map

ACCESS POINT

Our offers can be customized for a group from 8 people and more - For more informations : Contact our Groups Department

Our other offers in the same theme:

➤ Day trip to Mont Saint Michel from Paris ➤ A fairy tale city: Bruges (Belgium) - 1 day trip from Paris ➤ Visit of Versailles Palace ➤ Excursion to Fontainebleau Castle & Barbizon ➤ Normandy D-Day Beaches: One-Day Historical Tour from Paris ➤ Champagne - Reims 1 day trip from Paris ➤ Disneyland® Paris ➤ Giverny + Versailles in one day ➤ Excursion to Giverny - Monet's gardens

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Contact France Tourisme to prepare your tourist visit to Paris

Open 7 days a week, from 9am to 6:30pm, our agency welcomes you during your stay in Paris. Whether for information or a last minute booking, our travel experts are at your disposal to advise you and offer you the best activities and visits to enjoy during your trip!

Louvre agency (Departures)
6 rue Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris
+33 (0)1 53 10 35 35

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12 Stunning French Castles That Look Like They Belong in a Fairy Tale

These famous castles in France are as beautiful as they are historic.

France just has that something special. You know, that je ne sais quoi that everyone talks about. It's a place where romance reigns supreme, which isn't too surprising when you consider it's the home of French kissing — and the home of some 40,000 castles scattered across its verdant landscape. Yes, that was indeed the correct number of zeros. There are an estimated 40,000 castles for you to explore. Of course, seeing them all could take an entire lifetime, but don't worry. We're here to help you narrow down the list to just a few. Here are 12 spectacular French castles to visit on your next vacation to this beautiful country.

Château de Chambord

If you're going to go on a tour of France's best castles, you might as well go big and visit the largest one in the Loire Valley, the Château de Chambord . Located just a few hours outside of Paris, the Renaissance-era castle was brought to life by King François I in the early 1500s as a personal hunting lodge. The castle's interior is a stunning work of art, and that makes sense when you consider it's rumored that the castle was designed (or at least inspired) by Leonardo da Vinci. While the interior spaces are worthy of a visit, so too are its spectacular gardens, which guests can explore for hours on end.

Mont Saint-Michel

Located about a half a mile off the coast of Normandy sits Mont Saint-Michel , a fortress that has stood the test of time. The former abbey dates back to the eighth century when, according to Normandy Tourism, "Aubert, bishop of the nearby hilltop town of Avranches, claimed that the Archangel Michael himself had pressured him into having a church built atop the island just out to sea." The building has had many uses over the years, including as a prison and now as a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors per year.

Palace of Versailles

If you only have time to see one castle while visiting France, make it the Palace of Versailles . Built by Louis XIII as a hunting lodge due to the land being replete with game like pheasants and wild boar, the home has become the very essence of grandeur after several renovations. His descendants, including Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette, continued to use the home before she became Madame Déficit and was ultimately beheaded. The castle has maintained much of its opulence, including its lavish gardens, which have been restored to all their former glory, so you can get a taste of how Antoinette lived while keeping your head about you.

10 Best Small Towns in France for Beautiful Beaches and Vineyards, Mountain Trails, and Me

Chenonceau castle.

Make your way to Chenonceau Castle for a female-focused castle getaway. The castle may date back as far as the 11th century, but its true history began after Henry II gifted the castle to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. From there, it's been a long succession of female owners and more recently, a female-led team of restorers to make it truly shine once again. Head inside to see its brilliant furnishings and tapestries and outside to enjoy its gardens on a sunny day.

Château de la Roche Courbon

Uncover some of France's oldest secrets by exploring every nook at the Château de la Roche Courbon . The castle, built around 1475, is historic in its own right, but a number of ancient artifacts have also been found on the site, proving it's likely been inhabited for thousands of years. The current interior of the castle contains numerous furnishings from the 17th century alongside sculptures that may indeed be even older. But don't miss the castle's fantastic gardens, which are listed as one of the Notable Gardens of France.

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is a medieval masterpiece located in the commune of Orschwiller, atop the Vosges mountains. Its high altitude location proved to be an important vantage point for France's leaders throughout the Middle Ages. However, the castle was abandoned after the Thirty Years' War in the 1600s. It received its due in the early 20th century when it was rebuilt to highlight all its architectural charms. Come walk across its drawbridge and drink in its slightly iridescent exterior, thanks to its pink sandstone construction.

Vaux-le-Vicomte

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is ideal for those who are fans of Baroque style. The castle, which finished construction in 1661, also exhibits extreme extravagance. It's another castle that boasts stellar interiors, but also has gardens so vast you may want to get a ride around them. How vast? They stretch over 100 acres, including woodland areas and formal gardens that are still fit for royalty.

Fort de Salses

If you're on the hunt to find a castle that looks like it could last through the Battle of Winterfell, then Fort de Salses is for you. The castle, built toward the end of the 15th century, first served as a battle point for the Catalonians but was captured by France in 1642 and has remained under its control ever since. It looks exactly as you'd imagine a medieval fortress would look, including thick stone construction, cylinder towers, and a confusing maze of corridors meant to confound any intruders. You can now roam its halls, but if you can, take the guided tour to learn as much about its rich history as possible.

Château de Cheverny

Find the ultimate in French castle charm at the Château de Cheverny . The dazzling estate is so delightful that it even served as the model for the Adventures of Tintin children's books. The home, which is still privately owned, features 17th- and 18th-century interiors and furnishings that guests can peruse, as well as a massive lake that guests can explore via boat. It, of course, has a small Tintin exhibition on display for guests to check out, too.

Roquetaillade

In between wine adventures in Bordeaux, stop in at Roquetaillade , a castle built by Charlemagne the Great. Very little of the original castle remains, but what stands in its place is still a testament to time as the castle has been built and rebuilt over and over again for hundreds of years. What stands today is a fully restored castle that was transformed in the late 19th century. It's also now listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture, making it a must-see for any true Francophile.

Château de Fontainebleau

Looking for pure excess? Head to Château de Fontainebleau , a castle located one hour outside of Paris. The castle was built in the 12th century as a hunting palace as it sits in the midst of a lush forest landscape. Since its first stone was set down, the castle has been endlessly under construction, with each successor adding more and more to the fantastic home. These additions also mean the castle is a mix of architectural styles, making it a prime place for a one-and-done castle visit. Come see its galleries, ballrooms, and the striking Chapel of Trinity.

Château d'Angers

Take it old school by heading out for an exploration of Château d'Angers , one of the oldest castles in the nation. The castle is home to a Neolithic tomb, which its preservation group says dates back to around 4,000 B.C. It's no surprise the site has been continuously occupied, considering it's both a hearty fortress and one with breathtaking beauty thanks to its impressive landscapes and its interior furnishings, which include the Apocalypse Tapestry. The tapestry, which measures in at more than 450 feet in length and was commissioned in the late 1300s, depicts the Apocalypse as described in the Book of Revelation. Some 328 feet of it are on display for you to see now.