Château de Chenonceau + Chambord Excursion

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Tours as we explore two of the most renowned castles in the Loire Valley: Chenonceau and Chambord. This trip also includes a delightful wine tasting experience at the Caves Ambacia wine cellars.

Description

The enchanting Loire Valley is beckoning us! At the scheduled time, we will set off from the Tourist Office in Tours. After a short minibus ride of approximately 40 minutes, we will reach the iconic Château de Chenonceau, often referred to as the "Château des Dames" (The Ladies Castle). Can you name the remarkable women of the French Renaissance who played a significant role in establishing this exquisite palace?

Famous for its arches spanning the Cher River, the Château de Chenonceau boasts a design attributed to one of its prominent female residents. As we delve into its rich history, we will also discover how another notable woman influenced the renaming of this château from "Chenoceaux" to "Chenonceau". The story behind this alteration is quite fascinating, but patience is key!

Following our exploration of Chenoceau castle, we will proceed to Amboise. Nestled along the banks of the Loire River, this historic town is home to one of the region's celebrated wineries: the Caves Ambacia. Here, expert sommeliers will lead us through its subterranean galleries, where we will partake in a tasting of three exquisite French wines.

After a break for lunch on your own, we’ll continue our adventure to another essential landmark of the Loire Valley: the Château de Chambord. Within this former royal residence, one of the most significant examples of the French Renaissance, we will explore how the Gallic kings nurtured the arts and sciences in the 16th century. Notably, it was during this time that Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years in France, leaving a lasting impact that can be seen in various architectural features of Chambord.

After concluding our visit to Château de Chambord, we will make our way back to Tours, arriving at the Tourist Office after a fulfilling 9-hour journey.

Departure from Amboise

If you prefer, an option to book this excursion starting from Amboise is available.