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Ophorus Tours - Chenonceau & Chambord Castles: A Royal Journey Through History

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Chenonceau & Chambord Castles: A Royal Journey Through History

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  • shared tours

  • Cultural

  • 08 hours

  • Small Groups ( 1~8 )

  • Français

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Adult (Age 13-99) € 145.00 /person
Child (Age 4-12) € 100.00 /person
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Experience a captivating full-day tour from Tours, France to Chenonceau & Chambord castles in the enchanting Loire Valley. Explore UNESCO sites, architectural wonders, lush gardens, and rich history. English guided tour in both Castles.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a seamless and stress-free full-day tour, departing from Tours in the Loire Valley.
  • Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Chambord Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece.
  • Cross the enchanting bridge of Chenonceau Castle and marvel at its architecture.
  • Explore lavishly decorated chambers, gardens, and grounds at both castles.
What is Included / Excluded for this tour

Program & Itinerary

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 ...

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey through Loire Valley Chateaux: Expert Guided 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.

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 (at own expense)

After your morning visit, your guide will take you to a charming village in the surrounding area where you will have time for lunch (at own expense). Your guide will be happy to make recommendations depending on the type of meal you are looking for. 

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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  • 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) in local restaurant

  • 01:45 pm

    After lunch, depart for 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

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Ophorus Tours - Chenonceau & Chambord Castles: A Royal Journey Through History
Ophorus Tours - Chenonceau & Chambord Castles: A Royal Journey Through History
Ophorus Tours - Chenonceau & Chambord Castles: A Royal Journey Through History
Ophorus Tours - Chenonceau & Chambord Castles: A Royal Journey Through History
Ophorus Tours - Chenonceau & Chambord Castles: A Royal Journey Through History

Know before you book

Please note that in regards to the protection of the environment, we will no longer provide plastic bottles of water during our tours. You are kindly advised to bring your own.Instant booking confirmation

  • Available From April to end of October
  • Loire Valley Castles 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

Tourism office 78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy 37000 Tours

Departure

We will come and pick you up in front of the Tours Tourisme Office.

Return

Tour returns to original departure point.

Reviews

5.0/5 (19 reviews)
  • Cathy

    28, Aug 2024

    My sister and I were the only 2 person showed up, so it became our private tour. Thanks for the company didn’t cancel on us. Illia was our tour guide...
  • Victor

    11, Jul 2024

  • Mariusz G

    07, Jul 2024

    Delightful day trip to both Chenonceau and Chambord with very knowledgeable, friendly guide (Ilya). If you see two chateaux in one day, this is a great...
  • Andrea

    06, Jul 2024

    dedicare 15 minuti in piu' per castello
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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
  • Tickets and guided visit of Chambord Castle
  • Premium A/C vehicle

Excluded

  • Entrance tickets other than mentioned
  • Meals & drinks
  • Personal insurance & expenses
  • Gratuities for the guide
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