Loire Valley Castles: Chambord, Chenonceau, Nitray & Wine with Lunch Tour from Paris

Your tour will begin from Les Catacombes de Paris. Your guide will accompany you on the air-conditioned coach to the Château de Chambord. Once you see the castle, it will become instantly apparent that this place served as a major inspiration for ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The massive structure is a confluence of medieval architecture and classical French Renaissance architecture. The guide will tell you more about the history of the castle as you walk around the building. You’ll even get a chance to climb a staircase that was designed by the legendary Da Vinci. After the guide has taken you through most of the castle’s major attractions, you can take some time to explore the castle by yourself. Climb up to the roof for an incredible view of the surrounding area or stroll through the vast castle grounds which are home to wild deer.

The charming, 15th-century Château de Nitray will be your next destination, where family members, perhaps even the personable owner François, will be waiting to proudly give you a guided tasting of their wines. This privately-run castle that boasts a small family chapel, the legendary Nitray vineyard, and a charming rose garden. You'll enjoy a wide range of white and red and even a sweet dessert wine, with tasting notes from a real expert. There will be more wine (unlimited) when we sit down to lunch, a hearty three-course meal of traditional rural French dishes served by our hosts. After coffee and dessert, the owner will take you to the pigeon-house and you will have free time to explore the area at your own pace.

The Château de Chenonceau will be the final attraction you will visit on this tour. The castle is filled with elegant stone carvings, vaulted kitchens, and luxurious bedrooms that seem to be frozen in time. The beautiful bridge over the Cher River is also a spectacular sight. After wandering through the gardens outside the chateau, you will have two options. You can either partake in a second round of wine tasting in the Cave des Domes or continue touring the castle.