Loire Valley tours

Things to do in Loire Valley

The Loire Valley enchants with its castles and vineyards, each telling a tale as old as time. As you wander through this landscape, it feels like stepping into a storybook, with each chapter revealing more beauty. With a guide, Loire Valley tours become personal journeys through history and nature. Whether exploring the medieval streets of Amboise or the grandeur of Château de Chambord, these tours are crafted to immerse you fully. Here, the legendary wines and lush scenery unfold, inviting you to discover the enduring charm of this storied region. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Loire Valley. Explore Loire Valley your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Loire Valley tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Loire Valley for every interest, including: History tours: Stand under Chambord’s double-helix staircase, walk the arches of Chenonceau over the River Cher, and see Leonardo’s models at Clos Lucé beside the royal château in Amboise. Add Azay-le-Rideau or the terraced gardens of Villandry for a different era and style. City highlights tours: In the city of Tours, wander timbered lanes around Place Plumereau, step into Saint-Gatien Cathedral, and sample rillettes and Sainte-Maure de Touraine at Les Halles. Pair it with a tasting of Vouvray or Montlouis made by a small family domaine. Sites are spread out and public transport between châteaux is limited, so distances are easier by car. You can book tours with private transportation or a chauffeured vehicle; ask your local guide for the best option. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Loire Valley inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embarking on a private walking tour in the Loire Valley is an excellent way to uncover its enchanting neighborhoods, with your local guide offering insights that bring the region to life. Consider adding these neighborhoods to your tour: - Amboise: Perfect for families and history lovers, Amboise is home to the impressive Château d'Amboise and the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. It's a picturesque town with charming streets and stunning views of the Loire River. - Chinon: Offering a blend of history and wine culture, Chinon is ideal for cultural tourists. The medieval town is famous for its well-preserved fortress and is surrounded by vineyards, making it a great stop for wine tasting. - Saumur: Known for its equestrian culture and beautiful chateau, Saumur is perfect for multi-generational groups looking to explore its rich heritage. The town offers a variety of activities, from wine tours to river cruises. - Tours: As a vibrant university town, Tours caters to those seeking meaningful connections. It boasts a lively atmosphere with bustling markets and a rich culinary scene. The old town is filled with half-timbered houses and quaint squares. Day trip ideas from Loire Valley If you are staying in the Loire Valley, make time for nearby cities and river towns that are easy to reach and make simple day trips with lots of variety. Amboise: Royal history sits right on the river, so you can pair views of the château skyline with a stroll through the market streets, then add Clos Lucé to see where Leonardo worked if that matches your interests. Your tour can lean into Renaissance stories, local pâtisseries, and scenic stops along the Loire for photos. Chinon: A hilltop fortress watches over winding lanes and wine bars, and you can taste bold cabernet franc in cellar caves carved into the rock. Your tour can mix short walks through the old town with time at vineyards and a stop by the Vienne river for easy views. Saumur: Limestone cliffs, troglodyte homes, and sparkling wine set the tone, and the riverside château gives you a simple snapshot of the valley’s look without a long hike. Your tour can focus on méthode traditionnelle tastings, mushroom caves, and quiet villages just outside town. Angers: A bigger city with a compact centre, it blends street life with heavyweight medieval art at the fortress and its tapestry halls. Your tour can cover the castle quarter, local bakeries for a Cointreau-flavoured treat, and creative stops in the Doutre neighbourhood. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Loire Valley most travellers miss.