Loire Valley: Chambord & Chenonceau Day Trip with Private Castle Lunch

Summary

French castles, secret gardens and lunch in a private Loire château

You’ll wander through Chambord’s echoing halls with a local guide, share lunch at a private château where you meet real Loire Valley hosts, then cross Chenonceau’s river galleries as evening falls. Expect laughter over French cheese, stories that bring old kings to life, and those small moments—like sunlight on stone or fresh bread at your fingertips—that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the mist clung to the lawns outside Château de Chambord—like the place was half-awake and still dreaming. Our guide, Sophie (she’s from Blois), waved us over with this little grin and started telling stories about François I that sounded more like gossip than history class. The inside of Chambord is colder than I expected—stone everywhere, echoing footsteps—and you get these little bursts of woodsmoke from somewhere. I kept losing track of time because we’d stop to look at some carved salamander or weird ceiling detail, and Sophie would just drop another story about kings sneaking around. It’s not all grand halls; there are corners that feel quiet, almost private.

Lunch was honestly my favorite part. We drove out to this family-owned château—nothing like the big ones, just lived-in and warm, with creaky floors and a garden where you could smell wet earth after last night’s rain. The owners actually sat down with us (I think their dog wanted some bread too). There was this lentil salad with mustard dressing that tasted sharper than anything I’ve had back home. Someone tried to say “merci” with a mouthful of cheese and everyone laughed. You don’t get that at restaurants, you know?

Chenonceau came later in the afternoon when the light was all golden on the river. Our guide pointed out how the arches reflected in the water—she called it “the floating castle,” which fits. There were roses blooming by the bridge even though it was late in the season; I stopped to smell one and got pollen on my nose (my friend took a photo before telling me). Walking through those galleries over the Cher felt surreal—like you’re hovering above everything for a second. I didn’t expect to feel so quiet inside there. The drive back was sleepy—everyone sort of nodded off except Sophie, who told us one last story about Catherine de Medici and her secret passageways. Still thinking about that view from Chenonceau’s windows.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Loire Valley châteaux and lunch

• Guided visit of Château de Chenonceau
• Visit family-owned château and lunch
• Guided visit of Château de Chambord

Top questions

How long is the Loire Valley day trip including Chambord & Chenonceau?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from near Tours or Amboise, visiting both Chambord and Chenonceau plus lunch at a private château.

Is lunch included in this Loire Valley castles tour?

Yes, lunch is included and served at a family-owned private château during the day trip.

Are guides provided during visits to Chambord & Chenonceau?

A local English-speaking guide leads tours inside both Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.

Does this Loire Valley day tour include transportation?

Yes, transportation by air-conditioned minivan is included throughout the day trip.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated for lunch?

You can advise specific dietary requirements when booking so they can be accommodated for lunch.

Is hotel pickup available for this Loire Valley castle tour?

The tour includes pickup from designated meeting points; please arrive 5–10 minutes before departure time.

Are infant seats available on this day trip?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with young children.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to walking involved.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your meeting point near Tours or Amboise, guided visits inside both Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau led by an English-speaking local expert, transportation by air-conditioned minivan throughout the Loire Valley, plus a traditional French lunch served at a private family-owned château before returning in the evening.