Chambord & Chenonceau Castles Tour from Tours (shared)

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Highlights

  • Enjoy a seamless and stress-free full-day tour

  • Chambord Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece

  • Cross the enchanting bridge of Chenonceau Castle

  • Explore lavishly decorated chambers, gardens, and grounds

Summary

Embark on a captivating full-day tour from Tours to the enchanting Chenonceau and Chambord castles in the magnificent Loire Valley. 
Discover UNESCO sites, architectural marvels, exquisite gardens, and a wealth of history.

Tour info

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
8
Pricing (From)
Adult: (13-99 years)
€140.00
Child: (5-12 years)
€100.00
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Join us for a remarkable day as we pick you up in front of the Tourism Office in Tours, ready to explore the enchanting Loire Valley and its renowned castles. Meet your knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guide, an expert in local history, especially the Loire Valley chateaux. Once acquainted, your guide will provide an overview of the day's program and itinerary. Step into our comfortable, premium air-conditioned vehicle and embark on the captivating Loire Valley Chateau Route.

09:30 AM : Pick up at centrally located meeting point in Tours

10:15 AM : Guided tour of Château Chenonceau 
12:15 PM : Free time for lunch (at own expense) 
01:45 PM :  Depart from Amboise to Chambord Castle
02:45 PM :  Guided visit of Chateau de Chambord
04:30 PM : Depart from Château de Chambord

05:30 PM : Drop off in front of Tours Tourism Office


Morning visit of Chenonceau Castle

This morning, tour to the magnificent Chateau de Chenonceau, nestled in the breathtaking Loire Valley. Known as the "Chateau des Dames," this iconic bridge spanning the Cher River enchants visitors with its rich history and Renaissance gardens, once graced by remarkable female figures such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.

Originally dating back to the 13th century, the Chateau suffered destruction by fire before being rebuilt and eventually acquired by King Francis I to settle a debt. Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henri II, made her mark on the Chateau, transforming it and adding the arched bridge that gracefully traverses the River Cher. However, upon the king's demise, ownership shifted to Catherine de Medici, who expelled Diane de Poitiers.

During Catherine de Medici's tenure, the Chateau underwent extensive renovations and embellishments, and became renowned for hosting lavish nighttime festivities. In 1560, the first fireworks display in France dazzled the skies above this very site.

Following Catherine de Medici's passing, the Chateau changed hands multiple times, including ownership by Louise Dupin, famed for hosting a prominent literary salon frequented by luminaries like Voltaire, Montesquieu, Buffon, and Marivaux. The esteemed philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau served as Louise Dupin's secretary and tutored her son.

In more recent history, the castle was acquired in 1913 by the Menier family, renowned chocolatiers, who continue to cherish and preserve the Chateau de Chenonceau to this day.

Upon your arrival at Chenonceau castle, immerse yourself in a guided tour that unveils a captivating collection of furniture, tapestries, and paintings, including masterpieces by Rubens, Tintoretto, Van Loo, Murillo, Veronese, Poussin, Van Dyck, and more. Explore the castle's highlights, such as Diane de Poitiers' bedroom, the Green Study, the Gallery, and the kitchens. After the guided visit, you'll have free time to wander through the enchanting gardens.

Free time for lunch

After your morning visit, enjoy some time for lunch (at own expense). Your guide will make recommendations.

Afternoon Guided Exploration of Chambord Castle

After lunch, venture to Château de Chambord, our second stop on this Loire Valley castle tour. Regarded as one of the most magnificent chateaux in the region, Chambord awaits your discovery. Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately one hour, arriving at the breathtaking Château de Chambord. This UNESCO World Heritage site has captivated visitors for centuries.

Nestled in the heart of the Sologne region, Chateau de Chambord was commissioned by King Francis I (François Ier) in the early 16th century as a hunting lodge. It was never intended as a permanent residence, but rather a grand showcase of the king's power, designed to impress foreign visitors and ambassadors. The castle's architecture exemplifies the Italian Renaissance style favored during that era.

The castle features a central keep with four imposing bastion towers at each corner. With over 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases, Chambord is a testament to architectural grandeur. Its central axis boasts the famous double helix staircase, believed to be inspired by the ingenious mind of Leonardo da Vinci. Ascending three floors, the two helices never intersect, with natural light illuminating their ascent from a lighthouse-like structure atop the castle. 

Don't miss the ornate roof, a distinctive feature that sets Château de Chambord apart. Take a stroll along the top level, marveling at the meticulous masonry work and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Interestingly, King Francis I never witnessed the completion of the castle. It was under the reign of King Louis XIV (the Sun King) that Château de Chambord reached its full splendor. Maintaining such a colossal structure proved challenging over the years, and after passing through various private hands, the French State became the sole owner in 1930.

Upon arrival, follow your expert guide on a captivating tour of the castle. Lasting approximately 1.5 hours, the tour will lead you through the main rooms, unveil the iconic double spiral staircase, and ascend to the terraces for breathtaking vistas. Afterward, enjoy some free time to further explore the wonders of Château de Chambord at your own pace.

As the tour concludes, we'll return to Tours, leaving you with lasting memories of the remarkable Chateau de Chenonceau & Chambord and their storied past.

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What’s included?

  • Pick up at Tourism Office in Tours

  • Tickets and guided visit of Chenonceau Castle

  • Tickets and guided visit of Chambord Castle

  • English speaking local guide, expert in Loire Valley Castles

  • Premium A/C vehicle

  • Personal insurance and expenses.

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.

  • Meals and drinks.

  • Gratuities for the driver/guide.

Things to know

Before you book

  • Children under 4 years old are not allowed on the tour

  • Instant booking confirmation

  • Prices are per person

  • Tour is operated in English

  • This tour is not wheelchair accessible

Before you go

  • Please be ready 10 minutes before arrival time

  • Departs from Tours Tourism Office

  • Wear good walking shoes

  • Currency is in Euros

Redemption information

    Please contact us for all our terms & conditions
    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption
Operator Website

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About operator:

Ophorus Tours is both a licensed Tour Operator, member of Atout France and ETOA, and a Transportation company with headquarters in Bordeaux. We operate since 2005 and conduct Walking Tours, Day Trips, Private Tours, Shore Excursions and multi-regional Tours throughout France. 

Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world. 

Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...

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