Top Cultural Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Experience the magnificent Chateau de Chambord on this private half day trip from Tours France. Discover the Preserved Heritage of the Loire Valley with our guide and admire French Renaissance architecture and the double-helix staircase.

Discover Tours’ wealth of history and culture—and visit many of its most important historical highlights—on this private walking tour. Choose from a wide range of start times throughout the day, meet your guide in central Tours, and set off on foot. You’ll admire the Tours Cathedral, explore its Old Town, will see the medieval Tower of Charlemagne, will have the chance to taste locally made wine, and more.

Get introduced to Tours in the most authentic way: through its highlights, history, local flavors, and with a trusted local guide by your side. Along the way, you will explore iconic landmarks such as Place Plumereau and Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, as well as local favorites and hidden corners loved by locals. Engaging anecdotes and personal insights from your local guide will connect Tours history, culture, and tradition, bringing the city to life in an authentic and memorable way. To complete the experience, enjoy a tasting of a local specialty. Whether sweet, savory, or regional, you will taste a real part of Tours everyday culture and traditions. By the end of the tour, you will have a great introduction to Tours, its local culture, and how to explore it on your own. You will walk away with personal recommendations and local tips on where to eat and what to see next, helping you make the most of your time in the city.

During this full-day, small-group tour from Amboise, you will discover multiple highlights of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley. In the morning, meet your guide and set off to discover two of the region's highlight châteaux: the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and the Château de Villandry. After free time for lunch (own expense), visit two wineries in the Vouvray region and indulge in in-depth tours and tasting sessions.

Embark on an exclusive 2-hour private walking tour of Amboise, a picturesque town along the Loire River in France. Start at the magnificent Château d'Amboise with its panoramic views and historical significance, then stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, lined with historic buildings and artisan shops. Visit Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and explore its fascinating exhibits. Conclude with a serene walk along the scenic Loire River promenade. With a knowledgeable guide providing insightful commentary, this curated itinerary offers an immersive experience of Amboise's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Book now to enjoy a personalized and unforgettable journey through this enchanting town.

Step into the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, when the French royal court abandoned Paris for the Loire Valley and made Tours the kingdom's political and economic nerve center. Follow historian Max and local guide Iris as they untangle the city's twin identities: the fortified episcopal Cité and the bustling merchant borough of Châteauneuf. Discover how royal decrees planted France's silk trade, how Italian Renaissance carving collided with medieval timber frames, and how the daily trade of markets, canon libraries, and lost pilgrimage shrines fed the ambition of kings. - A 2.8 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 105 min - Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Art, Design & Aesthetics - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

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.

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.

Enjoy a walking tour of Chenonceau Castle with a local guide who will tailor the excursion to your tastes and introduce you to the castle’s beautiful places. Start at the entrance of the castle and then head to the charming gardens full of flowers. Chenonceau castle has been classified a “Historic Monument” by the French Ministry of Culture and has been home to famous queens as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis. Discover its original design and architecture and immerse yourself in the medieval period during this informative tour.

Welcome to Tours, a city that, between the 19th century and the early 20th century, underwent profound transformations shaped by what is known as the Belle Époque. This period, spanning from 1871 to 1914, is synonymous with modernity, progress, and economic growth. But even before the Belle Époque, Tours was already deeply rooted in French literary history thanks to one of its most illustrious residents: Honoré de Balzac. Born here in 1799, Balzac is one of the greatest writers of the 19th century and the author of La Comédie humaine (the human comedy), a monumental body of work in which he paints a remarkably detailed portrait of the society of his time. Through his novels, he highlights the ambitions, tensions, and lifestyles of the bourgeoisie. Start the tour at the Hôtel de Ville, where important decisions are made, stroll through the streets in search of monuments that have made its history, and finish the tour at the Pont Wilson, in front of a wonderful view over the Loire.

Experience 2 of the most emblematic Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Board your comfortable, premium A/C vehicle and begin to make your way to the Loire Valley Chateau Route with your English speaking driver / guide who is an expert in the local history. Discover Château de Chenonceau & Château de Chambord on your program today. Enjoy a conducted visit with our local guide, expert in Loire Valley History.

Visit the most renowned castle in Loire Valley on a day trip from Tours. Château de Chambord is known for its Renaissance architecture. With a knowledgeable guide, enjoy views from little-known panoramic spots, and hear historical details and amusing anecdotes about the French kings and other nobles who have lived here. As a bonus, enjoy a snack and a glass of local juice away from the crowds at a private, family-owned château.

Embark on a captivating 2-hour private tour of Chenonceau Palace. Begin in the meticulously manicured gardens, learning about their Renaissance-era significance. Marvel at the palace's distinctive architecture over the River Cher and discuss its strategic location and evolution. Inside, explore the stunning Grand Gallery and opulent rooms like the King's Chamber and Diane de Poitiers' Bedroom, filled with period furniture and artwork. Hear intriguing stories of royal intrigues and wartime history, including the palace’s role as a World War I hospital. Visit the beautifully preserved 16th-century chapel, then stroll through the scenic grounds, enjoying river views and picturesque landscapes. Conclude with a recap and an optional visit to the gift shop. Immerse yourself in Chenonceau's enchanting blend of art, history, and natural beauty.

Enjoy a unique tour to Château de Chenonceau in the heart of the Loire Valley. On this private half day trip to the Chenonceau castle you will discover one of the most elegant Chateaus of the Loire. Experience if our guide a private Guided visit of the interior, Green Study & Gallery.