Discover France's beloved Loire Valley on a full-day tour from Paris that introduces you to the region's array of delights, from wine to countryside scenery to castles. You'll visit Château d'Amboise, known for being the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci; have lunch at a restaurant in an old cave house; and enjoy a wine tasting in the company of local wine producers. This day trip is a great way to make sure you see a bit of the Loire Valley if you're short on time in France.
Your day tour starts with pickup at your Paris hotel by your guide for the drive to your first stop in the Loire Valley, the Castle of Amboise (Château d'Amboise), once a royal residence.
Featuring Renaissance designs, the white castle stands on the banks of the Loire River, towering over the landscape. Take a 1-hour tour with a provided audio guide to see the castle's interior rooms, chapel (where Leonardo da Vinci is entombed), and gardens, and learn about its history, including how it was a gathering place of philosophers, sculptors, and artists from all over France, Flanders, and Italy, including Da Vinci, who came to the château in 1516 and lived until his death in 1519.
Next, visit a restaurant situated in a unique natural surrounding: an ancient mountain cave, which was dug in the chalky valley to use for wine aging. Today, it creates an intimate atmosphere for lunch; enjoy regional Loire Valley dishes and a welcome glass of Montlouis sparkling wine amid the cozy decor of woodwork and a large fireplace.
Your last stop gives you the opportunity to discover some French wine. Learn about the wine-production process at a winery, where you'll take a guided tour that includes a tasting of six wines—one rosé, one white, and four reds from the Chinon AOC, accompanied by local products. Afterward, return to Paris to end your day trip.
