Top Loire Valley Cultural Tours

The UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley are home to some of France’s most magnificent châteaux, but fitting them all in with limited time can be a challenge. This full-day tour from Tours or Amboise transports you between two of the most impressive châteaux in the region with ease. Visit the fairy-tale Chateau de Chenonceau with its famous stories and marvel at the Renaissance architecture and gardens of Chateau de Chambord.

The castles of Chenonceau and Chambord are two of the most magnificent in the Loire Valley, but it’s hard to appreciate their magnitude on a whistle-stop tour. This small-group tour doesn’t try to pack multiple chateaux into one day—it focuses on quality time at just two stops, allowing plenty of time to explore both the castle interiors and gardens, both with and without your guide.

Explore Nantes at your own pace with the expertise of a local guide in your pocket. Simply download the app and follow the fully narrated audio walking tour to 35 attractions throughout the city. Learn the history behind the Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne and Nantes Cathedral, uncover the secrets of the Machines de l’île, and head off the beaten path to explore Nantes beyond tourist hotspots.

The Loire Valley is famous for its magnificent châteaux and historic wineries, and this tour from Chinon combines both into an unforgettable lunch date. Enjoy a tour and wine tasting at the Château du Petit Thouars, then select your favorite wine to accompany your romantic picnic lunch, overlooking the idyllic Loire Valley vineyards.

Step inside the greatest Gothic masterpieces and uncover the secrets of Chartres Cathedral on this self-guided tour with our mobile app. The tour reveals hidden stories in the carvings of the North, West, and South portals like a medieval picture book in stone. Inside, you’ll discover the Notre Dame de la Belle Verrière window, whose glowing blue glass gave the world the legendary “Chartres Blue.” The cathedral holds 2,600 sq. meters of stained glass, and the tour will guide you through the most famous windows and their stories. You’ll also explore the 100-meter-long choir screen, filled with 41 Renaissance scenes that bring the early life of Mary to life in intricate detail. This tour is perfect for travelers who love history, art, and storytelling. Whether pilgrim, history lover, or curious visitor, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of why Chartres has inspired generations. Please note: this is an app-based tour. To access, you’ll need to download our mobile app after booking.

When you’re in the Loire Valley, dig a little deeper into the history of one of the region’s most beautiful towns. This private walking tour takes you around Tours—known as the City of Art and History—where Renaissance villas sit alongside half-timbered French houses, and historical landmarks dot the streets. You’ll discover the town’s highlights, check out the architecture and more—all in one short tour.

Tours, once the capital of France, is full of history and culture to discover in one day. Stroll along the banks of the Loire, explore the majestic Saint-Gatien Cathedral and visit the Château de Tours. You will pass through emblematic places like the Passage du Coeur Navré and Place Plumereau, while enjoying the Gothic architecture and half-timbered houses. This walking tour is ideal for history and art lovers, offering an immersion in the heritage of Tourangeau. - Discover 22 must-see attractions in a single day - Route of about 5.4 km suitable for all levels - Guided tours with captivating historical anecdotes - Easy access to the emblematic sites of Tours

See a selection of the Loire Valley's highlights in a single day on this small-group tour. Ideal for travelers with limited time in the area, this itinerary includes visits to Château de Villandry gardens and the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, as well as two regional wineries. Enjoy a day of local history and wine tasting, with entrance fees and wine samples all covered.

Travel around Nantes with a passionate local Guide and discover the city from a new angle. Each visit is an immersion in the history, architecture and fascinating anecdotes of Nantes. You will learn all about hidden treasures and good addresses while having fun. This unique experience is ideal for groups, corporate events or field trips. Join a small group for an intimate and rewarding tour. - Guided walking, cycling or boat tour - Enjoy a friendly and interactive approach - Reduced rates available for students and groups - Available daily by appointment

Start your walking tour in the heart of Tours, a city where history is written in stone and faith still Guides the steps of its visitors. In the Middle Ages, Tours was a major religious, political and strategic center. From 1355, faced with the ravages of the Hundred Years’ War, the cities of Tours and Châteauneuf were united in one system of fortifications, reinforcing the defensive and urban unity of the city. Discover the city’s rich historical and spiritual heritage through its iconic monuments and sites linked to Saint Martin, one of the most venerated saints in France. Elected bishop of Tours in 371, he established his hermitage in Marmoutier and evangelized the Tourangelle region, creating many parishes. His death during a trip to Candes on 8 November 397 and his burial in Tours on 11 November transformed the city into a major place of pilgrimage as early as the 5th century.

Check off two unmissable Loire Valley attractions in one morning on this half-day tour—and make it back to Tours in time for lunch. Start with a visit to the 16th-century Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, renowned as one of the earliest examples of French Renaissance architecture, then admire the magnificent landscaped gardens of the Château de Villandry on a guided walking tour.

Ile de Nantes, a true urban laboratory, awaits you for a fascinating guided exploration. Discover how this iconic neighbourhood has evolved from a brownfield to a vibrant creative centre. Admire the ancient shipyards, monumental street art, and bold contemporary architecture. Don’t miss the famous Mechanical Elephant, symbol of this successful transformation. Immersion in the innovation and culture of Nantes awaits you. - Explore the modern district of Ile de Nantes with a Guide - Discover the history of shipyards and their transformation - Admire impressive street art and bold architecture Meet the famous mechanical elephant, a must-see in Nantes

Visit two of the most renowned castles in the Loire Valley on a day trip from Tours. Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord are known for their Renaissance architecture and picturesque riverside settings. Enjoy views from panoramic spots and hear historical details and amusing anecdotes about the French kings and other nobles. As a bonus, enjoy a relaxing lunch away from the crowds at a private, family-owned château.

Discover Tours at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour on your smartphone — no app needed. Explore 11 iconic landmarks with a smart map, and immerse yourself in the city's history through engaging audio stories and interactive quizzes at each stop. Start anytime, take as long as you want, and complete the 3 km route solo or with friends. No physical guide, no fixed schedule. Your ticket is valid for 6 months from purchase.

Immerse yourself in the medieval magic of Chartres Cathedral with a captivating 2- to 3-hour tour. As a certified guide and Chartres local, your guide offers a unique perspective on this Gothic masterpiece. One of the highlights of this experience is exploring the underground crypt, accessible only with a certified guide. No need to worry about additional taxes, GST (Goods and Services Tax) is already included. Uncover the wonder of Chartres Cathedral together with a local expert.

The Loire Valley is notable for its wines, and this tasting tour offers a guided introduction to local wineries in the Vouvray appellation. Visit two local wineries, meet the producers, and learn proper wine-tasting techniques to compare different flavors and fragrances. Enjoy stunning views of the Loire River while exploring this terroir.

Explore Chartres at your own pace with this self‑guided walking tour with 20+ stops. Begin at the train station with memorials to General de Gaulle and Jean Moulin. Wander Rue du Cheval Blanc’s medieval houses before diving into Chartres Cathedral—discover its stained‑glass windows, the Labyrinth path, and the Sancta Camisa relic. You’ll also visit two quiet churches off the usual route. The app’s map and photos keep you on track, and you can pause anytime for photos, a café break, or extra time at your favorite stop. Ready to see Chartres’ real history?

Tours is a city with Roman origins that entices you to explore its rich historical heritage. During this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover the city’s remarkable evolution, from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, through the Renaissance, and up to today. You’ll also see how each era has left its mark in Balzac’s birthplace. The tour begins at Place Châteauneuf, where the imposing Charlemagne Tower stands, a remnant of the former Saint-Martin Collegiate Church. Throughout the tour, you’ll receive recommendations for local products and restaurants showcasing the Loire Valley’s gastronomic heritage. The tour ends in the heart of the city, the Place Jean Jaurès where you'll be able to admire the imposing Town Hall.

Cover a millennium of French history during this private guided tour of Chateau de Chambord, which includes admission tickets. Listen to enriching commentary as you stroll through the stunning interior and formal gardens of a heritage property dating back to the 16th century. The tour revisits a few key episodes in France’s stormy history, from the influence of Renaissance masters like Leonardo Da Vinci to the French Revolution.

Follow in the footsteps of French royals and aristocrats on a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley, home to more than 100 châteaux and many of the finest in France. Most are impossible to visit without a car, so relax as a personal chauffeur takes you to a trio of the most impressive estates—Amboise, Chenonceaux, and Chambord. An art historian guide accompanies you inside for a detailed look at these time capsules of French history.

Discover the enchanting Loire Valley with a full-day guided tour of Château du Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and the royal Château d'Amboise. Begin your journey at Clos Lucé, exploring Leonardo’s private world, including his workshops and gardens filled with working models of his inventions. Enjoy free time for lunch in the picturesque town of Amboise before visiting the majestic Château Royal d'Amboise. Here, your guide will share captivating tales of royal life as you explore its iconic rooms and gardens with breathtaking views of the Loire River. - Full-day guided tour from Tours, available in English only - Visit the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci and explore his gardens - Enjoy free time for lunch in the charming town of Amboise - Discover the grandeur of Château Royal d'Amboise with a knowledgeable guide

Discover the secrets of Bourges Cathedral with this self-guided audio tour. Step inside one of France’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and learn the fascinating stories hidden in its stone and glass. You will learn about the stories hidden in the carvings on each portal and stained-glass windows that have survived for centuries. You will hear about the relics treasured inside, the history of its construction, and the genius of Gothic design, including flying buttresses and ribbed vaults that made the soaring walls and windows possible. This tour is filled with stories and explanations that most visitors miss, bringing the cathedral’s art and architecture to life in an engaging way. Whether you are a casual visitor or a true history buff, this tour is designed for everyone who wants to experience the cathedral in a deeper, more engaging way.

Combine visits to two major Loire Valley chateaux—Chenonceau and Chambord—on this small-group excursion from Tours or Amboise. Save time when you visit the chateau of Chenonceau with skip-the-line entry for added convenience. You will also get a break from touring with free time to have lunch and explore the charming city of Amboise.