LOIRE VALLEY PRIVATE TOURS

If you have in mind to visit the Loire Valley we can help you to set up a special package for you. We have private guided tours of the castles and wineries with guide and transportation, Minivan Tours, Balloon Flights and Helicopter Tours of the Loire Valley are available.

Below you will find some examples of private tours we can arrange for you all year long in the Loire valley

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TOURAINE WINE TOURS

Wine is grown along much of the Loire River. However, most of it is grown between the towns of Saumur in the west and Montlouis in the east. Choose from one of the following itineraries, of varying lengths, according to your likes, interests, and time.

LOIRE VALLEY WINE TOUR one day tour (TOUR: LV01) Arrive in Tours station having riden the TGV fast train from Montparnasse station . Meet your english speaking driver-guide. Our first visit will be to a passionate small producer of Bourgueil wine. The visit will involve a walk throught the vines, a visit to a very old rock hewn cellar during which we will learn about his growing technics . We will return to his home where in the coolness of his wine cellars accompanied by generous samples portions of his different wines you will come to understand what wine growing and wine drinking is all about! We then drive to the town of Saumur for lunch first, restaurant or picnic. Saumur is famous for it’s "sparkling" wines, made in the same way as champagne but not being made in Champagne area nor using the same grape varieties we are not allowed to call them “champagne” wines. And we will have the opportunity of visiting a large reputed producer of these wines. The visit takes you throught the caves dug out of the rock , whilst the “methode traditionelle “ will be explained to you . The visit ends with of course a sample of this lovely sparkling wine, you will of course be encouraged to buy a bottle or two to take back with you! Our third wine visit will be to the Chinon wine growing area. Chinon wines are red, delicious and yummy ! The producer I take you to is one of the best producer of this wine . Again should you wish it a few samples will be served together with the explanations! We return to Tours past various of the famous chateaux such as Azay le Rideaux and Villandry. The tour comes to an end when we bring you back to Tours railway and your train ride back to Paris. Includes driver guide english speaking and transport for a full day. Train tickets, lunch or picnic can be added to this private tour. Entrance tickets to castles are not included. Tastings are free. French Adventures can help you organise second and third day visits in the area, all you have to do is ask! LV01A 2-8 persons 800 Euros

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BOURGUEUIL, SAUMUR, CAMPIGNY, CHINON WINE TOUR one day tour (TOUR: LV02) Arrive in Tours by train from Paris. Meet your english speaking driver-guide. As it is a bit early to start drinking wine straight away our first visit will be to the beautiful gardens of Villandry Chateau. We cross the River Loire for Langeais where we will have lunch in a typical french auberge restaurant. There is a also a lovely tea house with hummy chocolate cakes! You will be able to appreciate the size of Langeais chateau, the last medieval chateau (as compared to Renaissance) to have been built on the banks of the Loire River as it will be towering above your heads! Next we start our wine discovery tour by visiting the small but very keen Bourgueil wine producer who will explain the wine production in his vineyards but also explain the wine making as he brings out his wine selections for you to sample! We cross the river once more to reach the Chinon vineyards . Here we will visit a second wine producer offering beautiful red Chinon wines, more expensive of course but what drinking pleasure! A short walk in the old medieval streets of Chinon next, just think Henry II Plantagenet in 1188, his son Richard Lion Heart in 1199, Joan of Arc in 1428, and you in 2005, all walked along these cobbled streets! We return to Tours and to the train station to return to Paris. Includes driver guide english speaking and transport for a full day. Train tickets, lunch or picnic can be added to this private tour. Entrance tickets to castles are not included. Tastings are free. French Adventures can help you organise second and third day visits in the area, all you have to do is ask! LV02A 2-8 persons 800 Euros

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CHATEAUX COUNTRY TOUR one day tour (TOUR: LV03) Arrive in Tours by train from Paris . Meet your english speaking driverguide . Our first visit will be to Chambord that small country retreat made up of 440 rooms , 365 chimneys and 84 staircases! We don’t visit each and every room on the tour but enough to make you understand what “huge” means! Lunch will be taken locally. Driving across the lovely Loire Valley countryside and the flat strawberry growing Sologne we make our way to Chenonceaux. Here a full tour of this lovely romantic chateau built spanning the river will be enjoyed. Next to Amboise for a wander around the shops and possibly a cup of tea at the House of Bigot, famous for their home make chocolates and candy. Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci, yes Mr Renaissance Man himself, died in Amboise in 1419. Our last stop of the day will be in Vouvray where we shall enjoy the warm welcome offered to us by the local wine cooperative who are very generous with their wine samples! Finally back to the station to return to Paris. Includes driver guide english speaking and transport for a full day. Train tickets, lunch or picnic can be added to this private tour. Entrance tickets to castles are not included. Tastings are free. French Adventures can help you organise second and third day visits in the area, all you have to do is ask! LV03A 2-8 persons 800 Euros

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We also offer Loire Valley tours by helicopter from Amboise heliport: 10 minute flight over the castle of Chenonceau is €100 per person. 20 minute flight from Amboise ( Pagode de chanteloup, Amboise, Chaumont castle and Chenonceau) Cost is €200 per person. 50 minute flight from Amboise (Pagode de chanteloup, Amboise, Chaumont, Blois, Menars, Chambord castle, Cheverny, Chenonceau) Cost is €320 per person. **flights available every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

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PACKAGE FOR 2 PERSONS FROM PARIS (TOUR: LD01) Included with this tour: Train transfer from Paris hotel with assitance upon departure. Round trip on the TGV (high speed train). One night in a 4-star castle in Amboise (double Prestige room with canopy bed), includes dinner and breakfasts. A half day private tour of the LOIRE valley with guide & transport. Return transfer from train station to Paris Hotel. LD01A for 2 persons 1,090 Euros ** Balloon flights/helicopter available to add to this package. ** Full day tour available. ** Minivan tour can be shared instead of private.

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Please email us if you would like more information.