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Use this form to send us all information concerning your travel to France, our team will get back to you rapidly and send you a personalized quoteTours
Chenonceau Castle: Exploring Renaissance Elegance from Tours
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shared tours
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Cultural
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04 hours
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Small Groups ( 1~8 )
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Quiet
- Highlights
- Program
- Gallery
- Know before
- Meeting point
- Reviews
- Inc. / Exc.
Select options and Book
Check availability
2024/09/23 and 2024/12/31
Highlights
- Small group option
- Guided Visit of Chenonceau Castle in the Loire Valley
- Local Tour guide, Expert of Loire Valley History
Program & Itinerary
Uncover the Splendors of Chateau de Chenonceau: Expert Guided Tour
Embark on a captivating half-day small group 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.
As the tour concludes, we'll return to Tours, leaving you with lasting memories of the remarkable Chateau de Chenonceau and its storied past.
Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the allure of Chateau de Chenonceau on our expert-guided tour. Book now and immerse yourself in the splendors of this captivating Loire Valley gem.
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08:50 am
or 01:50 pmMEET YOUR GUIDE IN FRONT OF TOURS TOURISM OFFICE
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09:00 am
or 02:00 pmDEPART FOR CHÂTEAU DE CHENONCEAU
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10:00 am
or 03:00 pmGUIDED TOUR OF CHENONCEAU CASTLE
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12:00 pm
or 05:00 pmDEPART FROM CHENONCEAU CASTLE
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01:00 pm
or 06:00 pmDROP OFF IN FRONT OF TOURS TOURISM OFFICE
Gallery
Know before you book
- Instant booking confirmation
- Available From April to end of October
- Loire Valley Castles half day trip from Tours
- Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate
- In case minimum numbers are not reached we will offer to reschedule or refund your tour
- Wear good walking shoes
- Small group Loire Valley tour, maximum 8 persons
- Tour is not wheelchair accessible
- Prices are per person
- Currency is in Euros
- Every traveler, including childrens, must have a booked seat as per legal requirements, and carrying childrens on your lap is not allowed.
- Please specify the age of the child when booking so we can provide an appropriate car seat if needed.
- Children aged 4 - 12 years get reduced price
- Children under 4 years old are not allowed on the tour
Meeting point
Departure
Return
Reviews
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Monica
17, Aug 2023
La visita al castillo Chenanceau nos gustó mucho y el guÃa(Ilien o un nombre parecido) también, nos lo hizo muy ameno y se esforzó mucho porque lo entenderÃamos.... -
Victoria
11, Jul 2023
10/10 Wonderful tour-fantastic guide, the right mix of a guided tour with time to also wander and see areas of interest. Chenonceau has such rich history... -
Reinhard Drexel
21, Jun 2023
Eine gute Möglichkeit für eine Schlossbesichtigung wenn man kein Auto zur Verfügung hat (Tours ist gut mit der Bahn erreichbar) oder wenn man nicht selbst... -
Jon Bible
20, Apr 2023
Our tours to Chambord castle today and Chenonceau castle yesterday were great. Ilia was our guide both days and he is a terrific person. Not only is he...
Included / excluded
Included
- Pick up at Tourism Office in Tours
- English speaking local guide, expert in Loire Valley Castles
- Tickets and guided visit of Chenonceau Castle
- Premium A/C vehicle
Excluded
- Entrance tickets other than mentioned
- Meals & drinks
- Personal insurance & expenses
- Gratuities for the guide