The Chenonceau and Chambord day trip
When this beats the day from Paris
Whenever you are staying in the Loire. The Paris day trip spends four of its twelve hours on the motorway; this one does not, which is why it fits into a holiday rather than consuming one. Nine hours is still a full day, but it leaves your evening in Amboise intact.
The natural shape of a two-day Loire stay: this trip on one day, and the château plus the Clos Lucé on foot on the other. That gives you Chambord for scale, Chenonceau for the river, Amboise for the Renaissance and Leonardo — which is the argument I make on which châteaux to pick.
Included
- Round-trip transport by minibus from Tours or Amboise
- Chenonceau and Chambord
- A guided element at the châteaux
- A small-group format
Not included
- Amboise itself, which you visit on your own
- The Clos Lucé
- Meals, unless stated on the booking page
If you are staying in Amboise, do this trip on your first full day and keep the château for the morning you leave. It is a one-hour visit within a two-minute walk of the town centre, so it fits into a departure morning in a way that Chambord never will.
Book this day
Available departures are below. Our detailed review is on the review page.
Frequently asked questions
Does it include Amboise?
No — it covers Chenonceau and Chambord. Amboise is where you start from, and you visit it on your own: see the bookings page.
Where does it leave from?
Tours or Amboise, depending on the departure you choose.
How does it compare with the Paris day trip?
Three hours shorter, because it skips the motorway: see the Paris day trip.