Royal Loire Valley — Châteaux, Gardens & the Art of Living
A private Loire Valley journey through Renaissance châteaux, formal gardens, historic towns, markets, local estates and peaceful countryside.
An overview
Discover the Loire Valley as a living canvas of French art de vivre. This private journey moves between Tours, Villandry, Chinon, Amboise, Chenonceau, Blois, Chambord and Cheverny, revealing royal châteaux, Renaissance architecture, splendid gardens, vibrant markets, local gastronomy and scenic vineyard countryside. With expert guides, a hands-on cooking class, flexible cycling, and time at distinguished château hotels, this itinerary merges iconic heritage with immersive, personal experiences.
- 6 nights across the Tours-Amboise area and the Blois-Cheverny-Chambord countryside
- Private château visits including Villandry, Chenonceau, Chambord and Cheverny
- Amboise and Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence
- Tours market visit and private cooking experience with lunch
- Historic Chinon, Azay-le-Rideau and western Loire landscapes
- Private cycling experience with optional hot-air balloon flight (weather permitting)
Day by Day
Arrival in the Valley of Kings
Meet your private driver in Paris, a Paris airport or at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station for your transfer into the Loire Valley. Settle into your hotel in or near Tours, an atmospheric base for exploring the western valley. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided walk through Tours’ old town, including Place Plumereau, the cathedral quarter and historic streets shaped by centuries of trade. Evening free for a restaurant or a quiet dinner at the hotel.
Tours Market & Private Cooking Experience
Begin your day at Les Halles de Tours with a local chef, discovering seasonal produce, cheeses, breads and other essential ingredients of Loire cuisine. Take part in a private, hands-on cooking class followed by a leisurely three-course lunch. For families, non-alcoholic regional pairings can be arranged. The afternoon is free to explore the riverside, browse independent boutiques, visit a museum or relax at the hotel.
Villandry Gardens, Azay-le-Rideau & Chinon
Head west with your private driver-guide to Château de Villandry, famed for its geometric gardens. Continue to Azay-le-Rideau, whose Renaissance château seems to float above the Indre River. In the afternoon, explore Chinon’s medieval old town beneath its imposing fortress. Visits to family estates, a local producer or artisan workshop can be added by interest. Return to your hotel via the countryside.
Amboise, Leonardo da Vinci & Chenonceau
Discover Amboise with your guide, visiting the royal château above the Loire and Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s former manor and creative retreat. Learn about his legacy and influence on the Renaissance. Continue to Château de Chenonceau, arching gracefully over the River Cher, to explore its galleries, interiors and gardens. Transfer to your second base near Blois, Cheverny or Chambord.
Chambord, Cheverny & the Central Loire
Experience two of the Loire’s most distinct estates. Start at Chambord, the grandest royal château with monumental architecture and its famous double-helix staircase, set in vast grounds. Continue to Cheverny for sumptuous interiors and more intimate family history. Visits to regional artisans or producers can be included before returning to your hotel.
Leisurely Loire — Cycling & Estate Life
Meet a local expert for a private cycling experience tailored to your group and hotel location. Ride alongside rivers, through woodland or vineyards on a classic or electric bicycle, with all equipment provided. The rest of your day is left intentionally relaxed: enjoy hotel spa facilities, gardens or pool, visit a private estate, or explore Blois. A hot-air balloon flight at sunrise can be arranged as an optional, weather-dependent experience.
Departure or Continue Through France
After breakfast, meet your private driver for your transfer to Tours or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station, Paris, a Paris-area airport or your onward destination. The journey can be extended to Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux or Champagne, or you may choose extra nights at a countryside estate to enjoy more of the region.
A bespoke proposal can be tailored to your dates and party.
Recommended hotels across the Loire Valley
The journey works especially well with two complementary bases: the Tours-Amboise area for the western valley and a property near Blois, Cheverny or Chambord for the central châteaux. The final pairing is selected based on your preferences, room needs and schedule.
Tours & Amboise
A romantic château hotel set in parkland south of Tours, offering a relaxed country-house atmosphere, elegant rooms and easy access to the western Loire.
A five-star Relais & Châteaux estate in extensive wooded grounds, perfect for guests seeking quiet, spa time, refined dining and a deeply residential sense of place.
Blois, Cheverny & Chambord
A contemporary five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel on the river in Blois, combining a central location, wellness facilities and a strong culinary identity.
A five-star estate surrounded by woodland and vines, chosen for its spacious grounds, destination spa, regional gastronomy and proximity to Cheverny, Chambord and Blois.
The only hotel within the Château de Chambord estate, with remarkable views and exclusive access to the grounds beyond regular visiting hours.
The final property and room category are confirmed in your private proposal, subject to availability. One longer base may be recommended for travelers who prefer fewer hotel changes, though some touring days may be lengthened.
In your journey
- 6 nights at carefully selected Loire Valley hotels, breakfast daily
- Private arrival, intercity and departure transfers and local transportation for tours
- English-speaking licensed guides, driver-guides and experts
- Private walking tour of Tours and exploration of Chinon
- Tours market visit, private cooking class and lunch
- Reserved admissions to principal châteaux listed in the itinerary
- Private central Loire touring with an artisan or estate visit as confirmed
- Private two-hour cycling experience with bike/e-bike and equipment
- Restaurant recommendations and on-trip concierge support
Worth knowing
- International or domestic flights and rail tickets
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned
- Hotel city tax, personal expenses and minibar charges
- Optional hot-air balloon flight and experiences not listed in your proposal
- Optional tastings and personal purchases not in the proposal
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, chefs, hotel staff and hosts
- Travel insurance and itinerary extensions not listed
A sense of place
Questions, answered
Anything else on your mind? Speak to a concierge directly.
+1 210 303 9960Yes. Transportation, guides and experiences are arranged exclusively for your party unless you request otherwise.
A journey rewritten in your name
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