Top Loire Valley Historical Tours

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.

The best of Tours in an hour. Your gentleman sider will make you discover the unmissable places of the city as well as unusual places, comfortably installed in a beautiful vintage sidecar.

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.

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.

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.

Saumur, jewel of the Loire Valley, invites you to explore its historical treasures on foot. From the majestic Saumur Castle overlooking the city to the charming medieval streets, each corner tells a story. Visit emblematic places such as St. Peter’s Church, the Saumur Theatre and the Cavalry Museum, while enjoying the beauty of the Loire River. This tour offers an immersion in the wine and equestrian heritage of the region, perfect for lovers of culture and history. A tour not to be missed for those who want to discover Saumur in one day. Explore the 18 must-see sites of Saumur on foot. Visit the Saumur Castle and the Cavalry School. Walk through medieval streets and admire historical panoramas. Ideal for lovers of culture, history and nature.

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?

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.

Embark on a walking tour of Nantes with a knowledgeable local guide, delving into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Situated on the Loire River, Nantes boasts a fascinating past, from its Celtic origins to its modern-day identity as an experimental and artistic hub. Wander through the city's charming streets, uncovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks while gaining insight into Nantes' evolution over the centuries. From its days as the capital of Brittany to its present-day status as a dynamic urban center, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Nantes' captivating history and attractions.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 Best Way to Discover Nantes: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour. Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a stroll through the peaceful Cours Cambronne and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Learn the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Musée d’arts de Nantes, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, Château des ducs de Bretagne, Église Sainte-Croix de Nantes, Saint-Nicolas, Place Royale, Passage Pommeraye, Cours Cambronne, Natural History Museum, and the Memorial to Slavery.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley, sample regional wines, and visit two magnificent châteaux on this full-day tour. Traveling in a small group ensures a more personalized experience as you visit Chambord and Chenonceau Castles and enjoy guided wine tastings at each venue.

Discover the magical city of Nantes at your own pace with this guided tour. With a tour of more than 3 hours, you can explore iconic attractions such as St. Peter's Square, St. Nicholas Basilica, Place Graslin or Pont Anne de Bretagne. This option without schedules or groups allows you to enjoy the city flexibly, including recommendations on gastronomy and family activities. Available in six languages, this experience is ideal for those looking for hassle-free personalized tourism. - 3h self-guided tour with + 18 points of interest - Access to information in 6 languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian and German Explore iconic attractions and receive food recommendations. - No groups or schedules, ideal for traveling at your own pace.

Discover the enchanting Loire Valley on this guided e-bike adventure, perfect for day-trippers from Paris. Start your journey at Amboise train station, where premium e-bikes await. Glide through picturesque vineyards, majestic forests, and iconic landmarks: the Royal Château d'Amboise, the Clos Lucé, final home of Leonardo Da Vinci, and Chenonceau, the Renaissance elegant masterpiece by the river Cher. Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace, with an optional interior visit to Chenonceau or Amboise. This tour includes a behind-the-scenes winery visit for a tasting and a gourmet picnic featuring local wines, charcuterie and cheeses. - Effortless exploration of the Loire Valley on premium e-bikes - Visit iconic landmarks such as Château d'Amboise and Chenonceau (optional) - Experience an exclusive winery tour with tasting of local wines - Enjoy a gourmet picnic with regional specialties amidst stunning scenery

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.

Orléans, the city of Joan of Arc, offers a rich heritage to explore in one day. Browse its 23 places of interest, from the House of Joan of Arc to the majestic Holy Cross Cathedral. Admire the sculptures on the banks of the Loire, stroll down the Rue Royale and discover the Church of Saint-Aignan. A 4.6 km circuit, ideal for history and culture enthusiasts, to do on foot or by bike. Audio guides enrich your experience while guiding you through key moments in the history of this iconic city. - 4.6 km tour through Orleans, duration 1h50 - Explore 23 historical sites including Joan of Arc House - Audio guides available for total immersion - Walking distance, ideal for history and culture lovers

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