After pickup from your central Paris hotel in an air-conditioned minivan, relax on the scenic drive to the Loire Valley in central France. Below are the two sets of castles you can choose to visit on your private tour.

Option one: Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord Castles
With your private guide, explore Château d’Amboise in the heart of the beautiful Touraine region. Learn about this fascinating Gothic-Renaissance castle that was favored by French kings, and visit the Chapel of St Hubert, where the famous Renaissance painter Leonardo da Vinci is buried.

Your tour continues to Château de Chenonceau, noted for its elegant regal décor that has no doubt helped to make it one of the most popular French châteaux. After touring the castle, sit down for a hearty three-course lunch at an 18th-century inn nearby (included). Refer to the Itinerary section below to see a sample menu.

Your day finishes at the largest of the Loire Valley castles -- Château de Chambord. This ornate Renaissance castle is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and rightly so! As you tour this extravagant castle with your private guide, marvel at its architecture and see its intriguing double-helix staircase that was reputedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci.


Option two: Villandry, Langeais and Azay le Rideau Castles
Start your private tour with a visit to Château de Villandry, the last castle to be built on the Loire River. While its inside is interesting to see, the main draw of this gorgeous château is undoubtedly its lavish gardens. Stroll along the tranquil terraces and immaculate lawns, and prepare to get lost in its puzzling maze!

Head onto Château de Langeais and admire its classic medieval architecture as you explore inside. Learn about the rich history surrounding this fascinating, yet somewhat imposing, fortress that was once the most important stronghold along the road to Nantes.

For lunch, visit the bakery near the castle (own expense) and settle down for a picnic in the castle’s peaceful park. Alternatively, your guide will happily offer recommendations for nearby restaurants and cafés if you’d rather eat somewhere else.

Lastly, tour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Château d’Azay le Rideau, easily one of the most elegant castles in the Loire Valley. This gorgeous chateau lies on a tiny island in the middle of the River Indre, surrounded by wooded parkland.

After your Loire Valley châteaux tour, enjoy the relaxing drive back to Paris.