7 ideas for castle experiences (not just “a visit”)
A castle isn’t just a building: 7 experiences to try You can visit a château in “photos + quick tour”
Here’s a selection of the best guided tours to discover the Loire castles, adapted to different profiles (family, history buffs, travelers in search of authenticity):
Our partners offer excursions by minibus or electric bike, in small groups (8 people max.), with bilingual guides. Tours include such must-sees as Chambord, Chenonceau and Villesavinwith tasting or meal breaks in private châteaux. Feedback has emphasized the quality of the commentaries and the friendly, French-style atmosphere.
Benefits : Access to less touristy areas, flexibility, passionate local guide.
With a partner agency, for guided tours by coach or minibus, departing from Paris. Program: Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord, accompanied by a multilingual guide. Lunch is on your own, with recommendations from local restaurants.
Benefits : Convenient for Paris-based travelers, transportation included, visit several castles in one day.
Château royal d’Amboise: Guided tours with Histopad (interactive tablet), family tours, tours of the underground passages and the Minimes cavalry tower. Ideal for immersing yourself in Renaissance history.
Chinon Royal Fortress Animated tours and historical re-enactments of the dungeon and royal dwelling at affordable prices.
Itineraries by bike or car, with stops at Loches, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry and l’Islette, combine visits to châteaux, strolls through vineyards and discoveries of villages
Benefits: Freedom of pace, immersion in the Loire landscape.
Several partner service providers offer private tours, with the option of customizing the itinerary to suit your own interests (architecture, gardens, women’s history, etc.).
Chenonceau Chenonceau: The “Château des Dames”, with its gallery spanning the Cher.
Chambord: A symbol of the Renaissance, with its double-revolution staircase.
Villandry : For its exceptional gardens.
Amboise and Clos Lucé: For the story of Leonardo da Vinci.
Azay-le-Rideau: For its romantic setting on the banks of the Indre.
Book in advance: Guided tours and guided tours are often fully booked in high season.
Choose small groups for a more intimate experience.
Combine with tastings: Some tours include stops at local wineries.
Need help choosing a tour to suit your dates or interests? Tell us what you’re looking for (family, history, nature, etc.), and we’ll point you in the right direction!
Here’s a selection of the best places to rent an electric bike and explore the châteaux of the Loire, with options to suit different starting points and needs:
Speciality : Rental of electric bicycles (VAE) and classic bicycles, ideal for discovering Chambord and the surrounding area.
Services : VTC, mountain bikes, children’s bicycles, accessories (helmets, repair kits), on-site repairs.
Advantages : Immediate proximity to the Domaine de Chambord, bicycles adapted to local cycle paths.
Site : velosdeschateaux.com
Speciality : Electrically-assisted bikes (Bosch motorization, range 120-145 km), perfect for the Loire à Vélo.
Services : Bike rental, panniers, family equipment, route advice.
Advantages : Experienced agency, quality bikes, convenient starting point for exploring Blois, Chambord, Cheverny.
Site : randovelo.fr
Speciality : Network of 4 agencies along the Loire, offering VAE, VTC, and family bikes.
Services : Rental, route guidance, VAE charging stations, accessories.
Advantages : Flexibility thanks to several rental points, ideal for loops or linear routes.
Site : detoursdeloire.com
Speciality : Top-of-the-range electric bicycles, suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
Services : Rental of VAE with helmet, anti-theft device, panniers, personalized advice.
Advantages : Warm welcome, bicycles prepared and adapted to varied landscapes (banks of the Loire, vineyards, forests).
Site : Mentioned on amboise-valdeloire.com
Speciality : Electric and classic bikes, “Accueil Vélo” and “Loire à Vélo” approved.
Services : Rental by the day or more, itinerary sheets, technical assistance.
Advantages : Proximity to the Loire à Vélo, ideal departure point for Chenonceau, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau.
Site : ride-in-tours.com
Speciality : Electric bikes for routes between Amboise, Chenonceau and Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Services : VAE rental, turnkey itineraries.
Advantages : Departure from the royal city of Amboise, ideal for combining castles and vineyards.
Site : ezbike.fr
Speciality : Rental of electric and classic bikes, with turnkey tours.
Services : Fully equipped bikes, repairs, family accessories, drop-off possible at accommodation.
Advantages : Central departure point for Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont.
Site : bloischambord.com
Booking : It’s advisable to book in advance, especially in high season (summer, weekends).
Autonomy : Check battery autonomy (generally 50-100 km depending on model).
Accessories : Helmets, anti-theft devices, panniers and repair kits are often included or available as optional extras.
Itineraries : Ask for a map of cycle paths (Loire à Vélo, Cher à Vélo) and charging stations.
Need help choosing a rental point based on your itinerary or dates? Tell us which city you’re leaving from, or which castles you’d like to visit, and we’ll point you in the right direction!
Here is a selection of hotels close to the main Loire castles offering packages including guided tours or privileged access to the castles, for an immersive and practical stay:
Package : Stay including a visit to the château and its gardens, wine tasting and breakfast.
Assets : Rooms decorated in Renaissance style, park and SPA in troglodytic caves, proximity to the châteaux of Villandry and Amboise.
Ideal for: Garden and wine history buffs, families or couples.
Package : Includes a visit to the château and its gardens, wine tasting, and buffet breakfast.
Assets : Rooms decorated in Renaissance style, magnificent park, proximity to the châteaux of Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau.
Ideal for : History and garden lovers, families.
Package : Access to the castles of Chambord, Blois and Chevernywith the option of guided tours.
Benefits : Outdoor swimming pool, 30-hectare park, rooms with garden views, historic ambience.
Ideal for : A romantic or family getaway, with easy access to the great châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Package : “Châteaux Discovery” stay including admission to Chenonceau, Villandry or Amboise, depending on the package.
Assets : Wooded park, swimming pool, elegant rooms, gourmet restaurant.
Ideal for: Travelers looking for luxury and relaxation, with quick access to the most famous châteaux.
Package : Guided tours of Le Clos Lucé (home of Leonardo da Vinci) and the Château d’Amboise, sometimes with local wine tasting.
Assets : Intimate setting, wooded park, charming rooms, immediate proximity to Amboise.
Ideal for: Renaissance and art enthusiasts.
Package : “Châteaux de la Loire” offer including admission to Chenonceau and Amboise, with the possibility of a guided tour.
Assets : View of the Loire, landscaped grounds, spacious rooms, wine cellar.
Ideal for: A stay combining comfort, history and gastronomy.
Package : Stay with a visit to the châteaux of Chinon and Azay-le-Rideau, sometimes accompanied by a tasting of the region’s wines.
Assets : Wine estate, swimming pool, rooms in an 18th-century château.
Ideal for: Lovers of wine and medieval history.
Book early : Packages are in high demand, especially in high season (spring/summer).
Check inclusions : Some packages include guided tours, others only entrance fees.
Choose castle hotels: For total immersion in the atmosphere of the Renaissance.
Do you need help choosing according to your dates or interests? Tell us which chateaux you’d like to visit or which type of accommodation you prefer (luxury, family, romantic), and we’ll narrow down the suggestions!
To book a private tour of the Loire castles, here are the best options and steps to follow, whether for an exclusive guided tour, with family, friends or as a couple :
Some châteaux offer private guided tours outside public opening hours.
Château de Chambord:
“Les Coulisses de Chambord” private tours (access to normally closed areas).
Château de Chenonceau:
Early morning or evening private guided tours.
Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé:
Combined private tours, with access to the royal apartments or Leonardo da Vinci’s studio.
Some hotel-châteaux offer stays that include private tours:
Château du Rivau or Château des Arpentis Packages with private guided tours of neighbouring châteaux (eg: VillandryAzay-le-Rideau).
Domaine de la Tortinière Privileged access to Chenonceau or Amboise with a guide.
Chateaux-France’s partner guides:
Here you’ll soon find a list of our partner guides.
Advantages: 100% personalized itinerary, pace adapted to your wishes.
Rates : Approx. 150-300 €/half-day (for a group).
Book in advance: Private tour slots are limited, especially in high season (April to October).
Specify your expectations: Theme (history, architecture, gardens), duration, language of guide, specific needs (family, reduced mobility).
Check inclusions: Transport, guided tours, tastings, meals.
Budget : Count €50-150/person for a classic private tour, more for VIP experiences (e.g. dinner in a château).
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