What is Included in Chateaux Entrance Tickets

This tour includes entrance tickets into three famous castles with your expert guide. At Amboise, expect to see the Royal House, Leonard da Vinci’s tomb, and the gardens. As for Chenonceau, explore many rooms of the estate, which are decorated in rich tapestries, furniture, and works of art by the likes of Rubens.

For Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley, entrance includes more than stunning Medieval and Renaissance architecture: there’s an unsolved mystery regarding who designed this fairy-tale castle. Could it have been da Vinci? You will hear more about that from your expert guide.

What to Expect on this Loire Valley Tour

Some 120 châteaux decorate the countryside of the region, known as the Garden of France for its abundance of vineyards, orchards, and farms. While Versailles may be the most famous symbol of French royalty, the Loire Valley offers an elegance and stature all its own — it is known for its enchanting Renaissance architecture and UNESCO-recognized landscapes.

After a morning pickup at your Paris location, you will start your journey to see three of the most spectacular estates of the valley over the course of a leisurely day.

Start with Leonard da Vinci history at Château d’Amboise

The first stop begins in Amboise, with its spectacular view over the Loire river and the Saint Hubert Chapel. The castle is best known as the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. Listen as your guide talks about the massive gothic defense features, evoking imagery of a bygone era of knights on horseback.

Near Amboise, there will be time to stop for some quick pictures at Clos Lucé, which used to be the official residence of Leonardo da Vinci between 1516 and 1519.

Indulge in the decadence of Chenonceau

On the next stop, you will discover a real Loire Valley jewel: Chenonceau with its magnificent gardens. It’s a beautiful mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Chenonceau is a unique castle, perched over the river Cher, and called also “Chateau des dames.” Its history of romance and rivalry gives the château a passionate reputation that has seduced visitors for hundreds of years.

Inside the castle, expect to see rooms decorated in the finest tapestries, furniture, and art. Your guide will explain the styles you see, and how the art was acquired. There will also be time to enjoy some free time in the gardens.

Lunch is not included in the price, but your guide can suggest a nice local restaurant on this portion of the tour, which may include the on-site restaurant or creperie if you are enjoying your visit to Chenonceau.

Spend the afternoon at Chambord

Chambord is the last visit of the day, and the most grandiose of the châteaux. You will see massive medieval towers perfectly blended with Renaissance elegance. Set across 13,000 acres of parkland, this former royal residence represents the pinnacle of France’s 16th-century architectural revolution, and the double helix spiral staircase at the heart of the château, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, are simply mind-blowing. Your guide will shed some light on some of the fascinating mysteries of Chambord, most of which revolve around da Vinci’s involvement in building the château.

After your visit of Chambord, enjoy a relaxing ride back to Paris.