What to do and see in Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire: The Best Cultural Tours

January 27, 2022 Jacquiline Darosa

Discover the best top things to do in Loir-et-Cher, France including Loire Valley Day Tour : Chambord, Chenonceau and a Family-Owned Chateau, Loire Valley Two Castles in One Day Chambord & Clos Lucé Day Trip from Paris, VIP discovery day of the Loire Valley, LOIRE VALLEY: Your selection of three castles to visit (Day-trip from PARIS), Day Tour Loire Valley Wines and Castles, Loire Valley Chateaux's from Paris, Leonardo DA VINCI 's Final Footsteps: Three Castles of The Loire Valley, Loire Valley Trip from Paris with Private Local Guide & Private Transportation, Loire Valley Day Tour: Chambord & Chenonceau including lunch at a private castle, Loire Valley Castles Private Trip including Wine Tasting from Paris.
Restaurants in Loir-et-Cher

1. Loire Valley Day Tour : Chambord, Chenonceau and a Family-Owned Chateau

Tourist Office Tours Loire Valley, 78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy, 37000 Tours, France A la Francaise! Loire Valley
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5.0 based on 34 reviews

Jump into the heart of French history by visiting the 2 most prestigious châteaux of the Loire Valley. Let yourself be guided by your local expert and learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views and benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes. Make the most of a restful break in a beautiful privately-owned castle still inhabited by the family… an exciting day!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Snacks, Entrance fees to the castles

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Lunch is not included. Participants will have a free-time in a chateau. They can either bring their own food or buy a sandwich/salad at a French Boulangerie where the guide will stop them on the road.

Reviewed By carolinevbailey

What a wonderful day! The bike path along the river Cher was simply idyllic. Chenonceau castle is beautiful and the wine tasting was informative and welcoming. Picking up the bike and the using the navigation app was very straightforward. I was tired by the end; this was a full day activity. I enjoyed dinner in the charming centre of Amboise.

2. Loire Valley Two Castles in One Day Chambord & Clos Lucé Day Trip from Paris

Visit France
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Take this tour and explore the one of the largest castle in France, Château de Chambord, a French Renaissance architecture, built by a plan of Leonardo da Vinci and visit his last three years official residence, the beautiful castle in Amboise, Clos Lucé or Château de Cloux. Château de Chambord is the largest castle in Loire Valley and was constructed by  King Francis I of France (1515-1547) to serve as a hunting lodge. Clos Lucé is now a museum and reflects the prestigious history of the region and includes 40 models of the various machines designed by Leonardo. The museum also includes a copy of the Mona Lisa. You may also enjoy his beautiful park and Leonardo's Garden.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Entrance Fees

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By Sharon S

First, let me emphasize that we thoroughly enjoyed the beaches and American cemetery. It was very moving, and if you are familiar with history at all you realize what a sacrifice these men made. The reason for the terrible review was our guide. This man texted while he drove, drank alcohol at 2 different stops, along with the following: 1) There was a couple with us in the van that was sick and I asked the guide if he could open the window so we could get fresh air circulating and not have to breathe the same air that the sick people were. He became very irritated, saying he didn't want the wind blowing on him as he would get sick from that. He then opened it a tiny bit and said we couldn't have the air conditioning on at the same time, so he turned it off until it became unbearable for him. Music was blaring the entire time, without asking us if it was okay to play. He insisted on stopping in Rouen (more beer), even though I said we didn't want to go as it wasn't part of the tour description. He brought his friend along, and they spent the whole time speaking a Slavic language so we could not sleep (it was a 3.5 hour drive from Paris, and 4.5 hours on the way back). He did give some statistics at Point du hoc and Omaha beach, but no commentary at Utah, just dropped us off, and pointed the way to where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen, while he had beer with his friend. He also complained that he had to drop us off at our hotel in the heart of Paris which took him 40 minutes longer.

3. VIP discovery day of the Loire Valley

SCT-travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

VIP tour of the Loire Valley, pick-up service in front of your hotel or rental, sedan ride, French breakfast on board the vehicle, Chambord castle in the morning, lunch in a restaurant in the region, visit of various cellars and vineyards, tastings old exceptional vintages (wine purchase possible), return to Paris by sedan, all inclusive.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Private transportation, entrance fees and tastings included

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Reviewed By Lea C

I’ve always dreamed of shopping in Paris! The city of fashion, food and love :) I don’t regret booking this service, the city is huge & overwhelming. We felt like stars! All in all is was very well organized, the personal shopper was very professional and efficient. I would really recommend this fun and unforgettable experience! Thanks again for making our stay extra special!

4. LOIRE VALLEY: Your selection of three castles to visit (Day-trip from PARIS)

DAY TRIPS FROM PARIS (FRANCE) - CITY TOURS
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

IT IS SAFE TO TRAVEL WITH US - All our services are privatized and without regrouping with unknown visitors coming from outside. - All our tours include a pickup and dropoff at your hotel. - Book now and pay upon arrival. THE LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES -By booking this tour, we give you the opportunity to build your own itinerary. When booking, you must specify the 3 castles you want to include in your day from the following list: 1) CHAMBORD 2) CHEVERNY 3) AMBOISE / CLOS LUCE 4) BLOIS 5) CHENONCEAU 6) CHAUMONT 7) VILLANDRY 8) AZAY THE RIDEAU. 07.30 am Pick up at your hotel (Paris) and private transfer to Austerlitz train station 08:24 am | Departure of the train for Orléans (one hour) 09:32 am | Meet with your local guide who will drive his own vehicle En route to your first stop CASTLE #1. 12h30 | Lunch in a restaurant 02:00 pm | Visit of CASTLE # 2 03:00 pm | Visit of CASTLE # 3 06:28 pm | Transfer to Orléans station 07:34 pm| Arrival in Paris and private transfer to your hotel.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, R/T train tickets to avoid the trafiic jams, Tickets admission in the 3 castles you have selected

Exclusions: Drinks and extras

Reviewed By O5141HMjonathang

We are travelling from Australia and have previously visited other countries prior to to France which had amazing service and friendlyness. However 5minutes in France we found them to be rude 10minutes in and they were pushing us, 30minutes and pickpocketed. My advice when you get off the train is get back on and try a different country. Try Ireland, England or even Amsterdam. We are counting down the minutes to get out of this thieving, smelly, rude, dirty country Cheers

5. Day Tour Loire Valley Wines and Castles

6 Rue Monin, 41000 Blois, France
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Eat. Drink. Love. Based in the royal city of BLOIS, we welcome you to our 19th century Maison Bourgeoise for a journey back in time. Our accommodation is the central point from where we will stroll around. Eat: Enjoying lunch in a typical French restaurant, taking in splendid views of the Loire river. Drink: Sylvain GAMARD is a 3rd level WSET graduate with expertise in wine. Wander in the vineyards of the greatest, where you will be explained the wine process, proper wine selection and tasting. It's an opportunity to discover some hidden gems you’ll want to take back home! Love: A stay on the banks of the Loire must include visits to the largest castles! Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau are must sees! We will narrate the History of France by its wines, which have been the main contributor to the Greatness of France.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, Lunch, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Taxi to and from airport (optional at 60 euros per person one-way)

6. Loire Valley Chateaux's from Paris

Venez Discover France (Paris)
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Become royals while visiting the most prestigious châteaux’s in the Loire Valley. You will be guided through the meticulous paths of Château Chambord with its architecture reviving the centuries of the French renaissance build by King Francis I of France.Continuing onto the Château Chenonceau designed in the 1500’s, as you stroll through its gardens and fascinating architecture. Your guide will explain all the secrets during the time of the French Renaissance and how this château became a historical building for a district day out. Venez Discover, brings the best out of each place by meticulously crafting each tour exclusively while taking care of our environment. We aim to bring the love, passion and interest for our planet in each tour or service provided to you.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By CulturalTraveller19

Myself and my wife had a fantastic time our guide was very knowledgable and accommodating. Although, it was during COVID-19 we felt safe and appreciate the precautions which were taken by Versailles and Venez Discover during our tour.

7. Leonardo DA VINCI 's Final Footsteps: Three Castles of The Loire Valley

2 Rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris, France Paris City Vision
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

To celebrate the fifth centenary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death, we invite you to follow in his footsteps to the magnificent Loire Valley where the genius chose to spend the last years of his life. You’ll marvel at the region’s sprawling landscapes and discover three of its architectural gems. Enter the Renaissance master’s universe at Clos Luce castle, visit his final resting place at Château d’Amboise and explore François premier’s palace at Chambord. Enjoy an immersive, 3D experience with the interactive HistoPad, savor a traditional lunch with drinks and travel in comfort with round-trip transport from Paris. Celebrate Leonardo da Vinci’s life and works 500 years after his death • Enjoy Da Vinci’s architecture and a dedicated exhibition • Visit the Renaissance master’s final resting place • Discover three castles of the Loire region – Clos de Luce, Chambord and Amboise • Explore Amboise and Chambord castles in 3D with HistoPad

Inclusions: Entrance ticket to Clos Lucé Castle and access to The Last Supper exhibit (between 06/06 and 09/08)., Entrance ticket to Amboise Castle with HistoPad and access to the exhibition., Entrance ticket to Chambord Castle with HistoPad., Lunch in Amboise with drinks included., Service of an experienced driver guide., Round-trip transport from Paris by minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities (optional), Pick up and drop hotel

Reviewed By leannem578

***DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE*** TERRIBLE customer service. Have contacted them before the Covid pandemic asking for a refund. Did not receive it. Then Covid hit - asked MANY times via email for a refund. This trip was for 4 adults - for a cost of 476Euros. There have been so many emails - and they keep saying that a refund is in the works. First they said immediately, then they said 6 months. I cannot recommend this tour operator due to this blatant disrespect of their customers. I need these funds back. I was out of work for more than 8 months - and this is really unacceptable.

8. Loire Valley Trip from Paris with Private Local Guide & Private Transportation

My Private Paris
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Discover the Loire Valley on this comfortable day trip from Paris. Let your local guide tell your tales & stories of the French Monarchy and how they shaped the river banks with hundreds of Chateaux, gardens and palaces. Let us take you Chambord, palace of Kings, Chenonceau, residence of Ladies, and Amboise, home of Leonardo Da Vinci. This is a beautiful day trip from Paris, a private tour like no others with your Local Expert guide and transportation by comfortable A/C chauffeured-van. Amazing memories of a lifetime for families, couples and group of friends!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, 12-hour Private experience for you and your party only !, Local and Expert Guide , Entry / Admisison to Clos Lucé, Entry / Admission to Chenonceau castle, Entry / Admission to Chambord castle, Hotel / accommodation pick up and drop off in central Paris

Exclusions: Tips & Gratuities, Personal expenses

Reviewed By bellap302018

I can't recommend My Private Paris enough. What a fantastic experience! I recently went on a tour of Montmartre with Marie (one of the founders) and Raphaelle, who are brilliant guides - friendly, kind, funny and an endless source of knowledge! I learnt so much about Montmartre, its history, culture and famous figures, with amazing local info and tips too (Raphaelle lives there). Marie and Raphaelle were incredibly engaging and they packed so much in (including some delicious sweet treats from bakeries en route!), going above and beyond while still ensuring it was comfortable, fun and personal. I feel like a local now! It was such a privilege to have a tour from people who clearly just love what they do and thrive off doing it - truly an unforgettable experience. I will 100% book more tours with them when I next return to Paris - this is by far the best way to get to know the city. Merci My Private Paris et a bientôt !

9. Loire Valley Day Tour: Chambord & Chenonceau including lunch at a private castle

Tourist Office Tours Loire Valley, 78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy, 37000 Tours, France A la Francaise! Loire Valley
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4.9 based on 100 reviews

Jump into the heart of French history by visiting the 2 most prestigious châteaux of the Loire Valley. Feel the intimacy of a lesser known private family-owned château and enjoy a typical French lunch away from tourist groups. Let yourself be guided by your local expert and learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived in Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. 

Inclusions: Lunch, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By carolinevbailey

What a wonderful day! The bike path along the river Cher was simply idyllic. Chenonceau castle is beautiful and the wine tasting was informative and welcoming. Picking up the bike and the using the navigation app was very straightforward. I was tired by the end; this was a full day activity. I enjoyed dinner in the charming centre of Amboise.

10. Loire Valley Castles Private Trip including Wine Tasting from Paris

Paris, Paris, Ile-de-France Paris Trip
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

See majestic Loire Valley castles on a full-day private tour from Paris! with a whole day to spend in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Loire Valley region, with your personal private driver/guide, you’ll discover three châteaux — Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord — which make region famous. After enjoying the picturesque drive to central France by air-conditioned minivan, you’ll independently explore the châteaux. Find out which castle the royals favored, where Leonardo da Vinci’s remains are buried, and which castle is so stunning that it boasts its own UNESCO status. Round-trip transportation and Wine Tasting are included in this day-trip.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Professional guide, Visit 3 Castles including (Chambord, Amboise and Chenonceau), Private Tour including Wine Tasting

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By davidsTrz

Our driver was Arnaud. He cared to show and explain us everything while driving through the city. Very well educated man and very nice to talk to. I can recommend this enterprise highly and especially would like to thank Arnaud for this brilliant trip!

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