Château du Petit Thouars Afternoon Tea in Chinon

Tea, cucumber sandwiches and seasonal tarts in an ancient dining room

Afternoon tea at Château du Petit Thouars, a family estate in Chinon built in 1423, includes a guided walk of the grounds with the Countess, then tea service in the château's historic dining room. High-quality tea from French importer Georges Cannon or fresh coffee arrives with cucumber sandwiches and seasonal desserts: fruit tarts in summer, macaroons in winter. The activity runs about 75 minutes and welcomes children from age 5.

The experience

The château sits on its original grounds in the Loire Valley, and the afternoon begins with an introduction to its 600-year history before you walk out to see the ancient dovecote and the vineyard with the Countess du Petit Thouars. The property has stayed in the same family since 1636, and the dining room where you take tea is hung with historic artwork that frames the whole experience as something between a museum visit and an invitation into private life.

Tea arrives from Georges Cannon, a French importer, or you can order fresh-brewed coffee instead. It comes with cucumber sandwiches, the classic pairing, and whatever the season offers: summer brings a local fruit tart, winter brings macaroons. Bottled water is included. The whole gathering lasts about 75 minutes from arrival to departure, which leaves room in an afternoon to see other parts of Chinon if you want to.

What’s included

• Afternoon tea or coffee from French importer Georges Cannon.
• cucumber sandwiches.
• seasonal desserts (fruit tart in summer, macaroons in winter).
• bottled water.
• guided walk of the château grounds and ancient dovecote with the Countess du Petit Thouars.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 15:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 13 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Château du Petit Thouars - Loire Valley Wines

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and French, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably in whichever language suits you. This works for families with children from age 5 and for anyone at any fitness level, since the walk is short and the pace is leisurely.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (5 to 13 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is the ancient dovecote at Château du Petit Thouars?

The dovecote is a historic structure on the château grounds that you visit during the guided walk with the Countess. It is one of the scenic highlights of the property, along with the vineyard.

What tea and coffee options are served?

High-quality tea comes from French importer Georges Cannon, or you can choose fresh-brewed coffee instead. Both arrive with cucumber sandwiches and seasonal desserts.

How long does the afternoon tea experience take?

The activity runs about 75 minutes total, including the introduction to the château's history, the walk of the grounds, and the tea service in the dining room.