Things to do in Loire Valley

Enjoy access to Chenonceau site and its wonderful gardens. This unusual castle was built on a bridge across the Cher River. To learn more about castle history, audio guides are available in 16 languages. The castle is located near the small village of Chenonceaux in the Indre-et-Loire department. Chenonceau castle, also known as the Chateau des Dames, is famous for the great heroines who lived there, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis, and for the beauty of its Renaissance gardens. Chenonceau castle was also used as a military hospital during the First World War. Discover the rich history of this incredible fortress.

Discover iconic castles on this bus day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley and explore Château de Chambord on a self-guided tour. Have free time in the charming town of Bloise and visit Château de Chenonceau for a self guided tour and wine tasting experience. From Paris, head to Château de Chambord. Disney fans will find this castle’s turrets familiar; it was the inspiration for the castle in "Beauty and the Beast." Though originally conceived as a royal hunting lodge, it was built to a scale that must be seen to be believed. Learn all about the castle’s captivating history from your guide before entering the castle. You can then visit the inside at your own pace on a self-guided visit. Climb a staircase supposedly designed by Da Vinci, enjoy spectacular turret-framed rooftop views, and glimpse wild deer around the grounds. Having worked up an appetite, get back on the bus and continue on to the next stop: the quaint town of Blois. Take some free time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense) in one of the restaurants located around the beautiful and vibrant Square Louis XII. Last but not least is the elegant Château de Chenonceau. The chapel, bedrooms, and magnificent vaulted kitchens are still furnished and decorated from times gone by, showing off the castle’s many sweeping stone carvings. Don’t miss the impressive main hall, which spans the river Cher, or the gardens cultivated by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici — 2 of the famous owners that earned Chenonceau the nickname "the Ladies’ Château." After a your visit, continue exploring or indulge in a wine tasting in the castle’s vaulted wine cellar. Your tour leader will entertain you between stops with insights and stories about the countryside and the nobility who once reigned over the region. Three uniquely beautiful French castles and a wine tasting, all amid the stunning scenery of the Loire Valley — this memorable day trip from Paris will delight all the senses.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Parisian life and enter into the Garden of France. Stroll the walkways of the French monarchs, hear tales of royal love affairs and kidnappings, and behold the beauty of the Loire Valley's exquisite Chateaux.  The first stop of the day is Château de Chambord; the perfect example of French Renaissance architecture, this remarkable structure was built by King François I between 1519-1547 and is the largest château in the Loire Valley. Who designed this masterpiece is still in dispute, and with contenders including Leonardo da Vinci, its sights are sure not to disappoint. Next up is the charming Château de Chenonceau, a true fairy tale castle set picturesquely on the Cher River, its history and character has been shaped by the women who've inhabited it. The site of the first-ever French fireworks display, Chenonceau is really one to fall in love with. The last stop will be at Château de Cheverny, a 17th-century beauty furnished in great taste and with marvelous gardens. Enjoy free time for lunch (not included) during the day either at Chenonceau or Chambord. You’ll be back in Paris in the evening.

Learn about the history of Leonardo da Vinci and his masterpieces (including the Mona Lisa) during his time in France at the Château du Clos Lucé. Invited by King Francis 1st of France, Leonardo da Vinci left Italy and took up residence at the Château du Clos Luce in the autumn of 1516. Appointed "first painter, engineer and architect to the King", Da Vinci served the monarch with his talents, working tirelessly on numerous projects and imagining plans for the "ideal château". With this admission ticket, you will receive access to both the castle and park. The visit will begin in the bedroom of Leonardo da Vinci, the site where Leonardo died in 1519 at the age of 67. From the window, you can see the Saint Hubert Chapel at the Royal Castle of Amboise, which is the burial place of Da Vinci. Whilst in the Leonardo da Vinci Park, you will learn about the artistic creations and major inventions of the artist. You will enter the imaginary world of Da Vinci, seeing the world as he did in these unique grounds. In the Galleries Leonardo da Vinci, painter and architect, An immersive tour will introduce visitors to the full body of Leonardo da Vinci’s painted works. The virtual gallery will screen an animated display of 17 Leonardo da Vinci masterpieces combined with his drawings. In the upper gallery, an educational and fun tour presents the works of Leonardo da Vinci as a civil, religious and militay architech, urban planner and director of epemeral shows.

Discover the original wines and matured vintages on offer at the house Duhard, founded in 1874. Visit their 16th-century troglodyte caves facing the Loire near the historical center of Amboise and enjoy a wine tour experience in 2 parts. First, awaken and stimulate your 5 senses and learn more about wine on the Sensorial tour. Then, travel through 150 years of wine history on the Vintages Odyssey tour of  Les Caves Ambacia (formerly Les Caves Duhard) wine collection. Follow your tour with a tasting of 3 wines with a sommelier, with an optional food and wine pairing also available. After, enjoy the delicatessen boutique and purchase wines with shipping available worldwide. Tours in English take place at 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM. Tours in French take place at 11 AM, 3 PM, and 5 PM. Don't forget it! Our bistro welcomes you all year round, serving 100% local Loire Valley products, "From farm to table". Book now by phone or e-mail.

A must-see in France: during your next holiday in France or on a short break, enjoy an experience full of intense emotions and grand shows at Puy du Fou, twice voted “Best Park in the World” Between the châteaux of the Loire Valley and the French Atlantic Coast, enter a legendary forest, explore centuries-old villages and by thrilled by 20 spectacular shows, designed as cinematic masterpieces brought to life and translated live into 4 languages. From the mythical Gallo-Roman Stadium where Rome’s greatest gladiators do battle, to the court of the Sun King, different eras and their heroes come together to relive great epics. Share an unforgettable adventure with family and friends, filled with intense emotions, stunts and special effects… One thing is sure, Puy du Fou’s creations, which have won awards all over the world, are sure to delight children and grown-ups alike. Extravagance, surprise and emotion will enhance each minute of your experience, whether you’re watching the shows from the immense stands, dining at one of the 28 timeless restaurants, or relaxing in the comfortable themed rooms of the 6 historic hotels. Moving through stunningly realistic sets, become the hero of your own story on a range of immersive adventures, in the trenches with the Poilus (French soldiers in the First World War), sailing the seven seas, or walking the corridors of the old Château du Puy du Fou. Between shows, stroll along the winding streets of the period villages, which are home to the workshops of talented craftspeople who keep France’s ancestral skills alive. Then take in the natural environment and admire the 2,200 animals living at Puy du Fou. After dark, “Les Noces de Feu”, voted “Best Live Entertainment” at the “Park World Excellence Awards” grand ceremony in 2020, offers a poetic way to round off your day. Attend the most romantic wedding imaginable, where dancers and giant sets emerge from the depths of the old lake in an amazing fantasy of water and fire – all included in the price of your Puy du Fou ticket (in the “Noces de Feu” period). Get ready to tremble before the marauding Vikings on their fearsome longships, be enchanted by the incredible aerial ballet of 300 birds of prey, or embark on a fervent quest for “King Arthur’s Sword”, Puy du Fou’s latest grand show – because in this unique place, emotions are eternal.

Ditch the hassle of long lines and start exploring the Château Royal d’Amboise. A place of residence for French royalty from the 15th to 19th centuries, the castle has hosted a long list of famous renaissance figures — most notably, Leonardo da Vinci, whose tomb stands in one of the Château’s chapels.  Experience a classic expression of French luxury as you wander the balconies, terraced gardens, and broad roofs, all providing a panoramic view of the famous Loire River. Explore the grounds and buildings further with the Histopad, a tablet-based experience that grants visitors a look back in time to the château in its heyday. The HistoPad technology offers a spectacular way to enrich your discovery of the royal château of Amboise. It includes 3D recreations of the Loggia, the interior decoration, and recreations of scenes from life at court. 2020 exhibitions • “Travel like the kings.” In 2020, the magic of travel and roaming will be celebrated at the royal château of Amboise. In particular, with the exhibition: “On the route of the traveling princes”, on display throughout the entire season.

Nestled neatly on the banks of the Loire River, Nantes is a city with a lot to offer. From a weekend to 7 days, you will have full access to its greatest sites. With the convenient and flexible Nantes Pass, you'll have a chance to experience the best of the city in a fun and easy way. You will have full access to over 50 attractions, museums, monuments, and public transport. Also receive discounts on shopping, entertainment, and leisure. For a taste of what awaits you, perhaps you're interested in seeing the incredible museums. Check out the Galerie of the Machines de l'Ile and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins : discover some amazing sculptures based on the imaginary worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. Perhaps you'd like to visit the Nantes History Museum in the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the art museum, the Jules Verne museum... everything is possible with the Nantes City Pass ! If you'd like, you can also enjoy deep discount offers on leisure activities and gift shops around town. You will also have access to guided tours, river cruises, and more. There is so much that awaits you – time will simply fly by! Come and spend some time exploring this beautiful part of the Loire River valley. From the grand castles and chateaux to the splendid food and culture, Nantes can be enjoyed by everyone. Enjoy access to 50 attractions and experiences : Musée d’arts de Nantes, Château des ducs de Bretagne - Musée d’histoire de Nantes, Le Carrousel des Mondes Marins et La Galerie des Machines de l’île, Jules Verne Museum, Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Musée-atelier de l’imprimerie, Planétarium, Le Chronographe, Musée Naval Maillé Brézé, Erdre River Cruise, Bateau Ouch Loire Cruise, Guided tours, Le Voyage à Nantes reception office Audio-guided routes in Nantes (available in English, French, and Spanish). From May to October : Tourist Train tour, Détours de Loire bike rental, La Cantine du Voyage (free drink), Mini-golf, Floating - nautical activities (kayak rentals), Ruban vert - nautical activities (boat or kayak rentals), Paper mill Liveau, Musée du Vignoble Nantais, Clisson tour, Château du Coing, Submarine Espadon and Saint-Nazaire Heritage Museum, free drinks at La Cantine du Voyage, Station Nuage / Cloud Station... From october to march : Free drink at Little Atlantique Brewery, La Cigale Brasserie, La Guinguette Restaurant at Trentemoult, Café du Musée d'Arts...

Get your 2 or 3 day pass and visit the legendary Puy du Fou theme park, where heroes live forever. A must-see in France: enjoy an experience full of intense emotions and grand shows at Puy du Fou, twice voted “Best Park in the World” (Los Angeles / Orlando). Between the châteaux of the Loire Valley and the French Atlantic Coast, enter a legendary forest, explore centuries-old villages and by thrilled by 20 spectacular shows, designed as cinematic masterpieces brought to life and translated live into 4 languages. From the mythical Gallo-Roman Stadium where Rome’s greatest gladiators do battle, to the court of the Sun King, different eras and their heroes come together to relive great epics. Moving through stunningly realistic sets, become the hero of your own story on a range of immersive adventures, in the trenches with the Poilus (French soldiers in the First World War), sailing the seven seas, or walking the corridors of the old Château du Puy du Fou. Between shows, stroll along the winding streets of the period villages, which are home to the workshops of talented craftspeople who keep France’s ancestral skills alive. Then take in the natural environment and admire the 2,200 animals living at Puy du Fou. After dark, “Les Noces de Feu”, voted “Best Live Entertainment”(2), offers a poetic way to round off your day. Attend the most romantic wedding imaginable, where dancers and giant sets emerge from the depths of the old lake in an amazing fantasy of water and fire – all included in the price of your Puy du Fou ticket (in the “Noces de Feu” period). During your next holiday in France, or on a short break, get ready to tremble before the marauding Vikings on their fearsome longships, be enchanted by the incredible aerial ballet of 300 birds of prey, or embark on a fervent quest for “King Arthur’s Sword”, Puy du Fou’s latest grand show – because in this unique place, emotions are eternal.

The Château of Azay-le-Rideau was built in the heart of Loire Valley during the reign of François I, and offers all the charm of the Renaissance. It is a 16th-century architectural masterpiece, rising up from an island formed by the Indre River, and is situated within a romantic 19th-century park. The château boasts a colorful history. In 1510, Gilles Berthelot acquired the seigneurie and fortress of Azay, rebuilding it in the sumptuous Italian style that was popular at the time. After Berthelot's relative Semblança, who had been aiding Berthelot in building his wealth in the region, was accused of embezzlement and executed, Berthelot fled. The château was then given by François I to his companion-in-arms, Antoine Rafin, and his descendants, who lived there until the 18th century, after which it fell into the possession of the Marquis Charles de Biencourt, responsible for the château's beautiful gardens. Having undergone an extensive restoration program, the château also offers a new experience: new highlighted collections, a dream-like tour path, mobile tour guide applications, the romantic park and so on. Not to be missed: the living room and dining room of the Marquis of Biencourt (19th century décors), the atmospheric staging of the kitchen, the new interpretation area. The sight is protected by UNESCO, and features gothic motifs, a royal apartment used by Louis XIII in 1619, stunning Renaissance ornamentation and façades that overlook the lakes, with apartments embellished with overhanging corner turrets.