Chenonceau Castle A Half Day Trip from Tours (private)
Highlights
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Pick up and drop off in or around Tours
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Loire Valley Renaissance Castle of Chenonceau
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Private guided visit of Chenonceau
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Local Tour guide, Expert of Loire Valley History
Summary
Enjoy a private half day trip from Tours to the unique Château de Chenonceau in the heart of the Loire Valley. Chenonceau castle is one of the most elegant Chateaus of the Loire. Private Guided visit of the interior, Green Study & Gallery.
Tour info
Duration
4 hours
Group Size
8
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location
Why take this tour?
- Pick up at train station or accommodation in Tours
- Drive to Château de Chenonceau
- Private guided tour of Chenonceau Castle
- Free time for personal discovery
- Scenic drive in the Loire Valley on the way back to Tours
- Drop off in Tours
Enjoy a private half day trip from Tours to the unique Château de Chenonceau in the heart of the Loire Valley. Chenonceau castle is one of the most elegant Chateaus of the Loire. Private Guided visit of the interior, Green Study & Gallery.
Arriving in the Loire Valley, your private half day tour will reach the Chateau de Chenonceau. The “Chateau des Dames”, bridge built across the Cher, is famous for the great feminine figures who lived in it (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici) and for the beauty of its Renaissance gardens.
- Drive to Château de Chenonceau
- Private guided tour of Chenonceau Castle
- Free time for personal discovery
- Scenic drive in the Loire Valley on the way back to Tours
- Drop off in Tours
Enjoy a private half day trip from Tours to the unique Château de Chenonceau in the heart of the Loire Valley. Chenonceau castle is one of the most elegant Chateaus of the Loire. Private Guided visit of the interior, Green Study & Gallery.
Arriving in the Loire Valley, your private half day tour will reach the Chateau de Chenonceau. The “Chateau des Dames”, bridge built across the Cher, is famous for the great feminine figures who lived in it (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici) and for the beauty of its Renaissance gardens.
Guided tour of the Chateau of Chenonceau
Arriving in the Loire Valley, your private half day tour will reach the Chateau de Chenonceau. The “Chateau des Dames”, bridge built across the Cher, is famous for the great feminine figures who lived in it (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici) and for the beauty of its Renaissance gardens.
The original Château dates back to the 13th century but was later torched and rebuilt to be finally taken by King Francis I as a debt. The next most important owner was Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri II, who transformed the building and added the arched bridge that spans over the River Cher. After the kings death, the Chateau became the property of Catherine de Medici who expelled Diane de Poitiers.
During her time at the Château as owner, Catherine de Medici spent large amounts of money for renovation and embellishments and was known to house spectacular night time parties. It is here that in 1560, the first ever fireworks took place in France.
After the death of Catherine de Medici, the Château passed into several hands including that of Louise Dupin famous for hosting a literary salon that was attended by some of the most famous figures of the time including Voltaire, Montesquieu, Buffon or Marivaux. Famous philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau was Louise Dupin's secretary and tutored her son.
In more recent history, the castle was bought in 1913 by Henri Menier whose family was famous as chocolate makers and the Chateau de Chenonceau is still in their possession today.
After your arrival at Chenonceau castle, begin your private guided tour. Chenonceau is home to an outstanding collection of furniture, tapestries and paintings that included artworks from Rubens, Tintoretto, Van Loo, Murillo, Veronese, Poussin, Van Dyck and many more.
Also, during your tour, you will visit the highlights of the castle including Diane de Poitiers' bedroom, the Green Study, the Gallery and the kitchens. After the visit, you will have some free time to explore the gardens. We will then head back to Tours.
What’s included?
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Pick up and drop off at Tours train station or hotel -
English speaking licensed guide, expert in Loire Valley Castles -
Private guided visit of Chenonceau Castle -
Premium A/C vehicle -
Entrance tickets other than mentioned
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Meals & drinks
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Personal insurance & expenses
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Gratuities for the guide
Things to know
Before you book
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Price is per group, not per person.
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This product is on request.
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Tour is operated in English, other languages on request.
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Not wheelchair accessible.
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Currency is in Euro.
Before you go
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Please be ready 10 minutes before arrival time
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You must wear good walking shoes for this tour.
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Private Loire Valley Half day trip from Tours
Cancellation Policy
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Up to 72 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund
Less than 72 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Redemption information
If any hotel or predetermined meeting place changes, notify Orphorus immediately. Otherwise be at location 10 minutes prior to pick up time.
Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption
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...
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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