Excellent
Paris and Loire Valley Itinerary: Castles, Culture & French Elegance
7 Days
2 Stops
Private transfer
Plan your trip
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Excellent
From$3,150
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Meals
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Flexible cancellation policies
Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertThe Loire Valley châteaux day is the one I'd build the entire Paris stay around, and it's the excursion I always insist on keeping. Chambord's double-helix staircase and the garden parterre at Villandry each need a full morning, and taking the train to Blois rather than a bus tour gives you the valley's agricultural landscape as context before the first château gates open. The Montmartre food tour earns its morning slot rather than an afternoon one: the boulangeries and market vendors are at their most active before noon, and the neighborhood's domestic rhythm is exactly what the tour is designed to reveal before the tourist foot traffic builds. For the Louvre, enter through the Richelieu wing; the medieval moat section and the Northern European galleries in that first hour, while most visitors are still working their way toward the Italian paintings, make the collection feel curated rather than overwhelming.
The Loire Valley châteaux day is the one I'd build the entire Paris stay around, and it's the excursion I always insist on keeping. Chambord's double-helix staircase and the garden parterre at Villandry each need a full morning, and taking the train to Blois rather than a bus tour gives you the valley's agricultural landscape as context before the first château gates open. The Montmartre food tour earns its morning slot rather than an afternoon one: the boulangeries and market vendors are at their most active before noon, and the neighborhood's domestic rhythm is exactly what the tour is designed to reveal before the tourist foot traffic builds. For the Louvre, enter through the Richelieu wing; the medieval moat section and the Northern European galleries in that first hour, while most visitors are still working their way toward the Italian paintings, make the collection feel curated rather than overwhelming.
Recommended route
Customize at any time with an expert
Paris
Day 1 - 4
With the River Seine gently meandering through this incredible city in northern central France, the captivating, romantic city of Paris has been described in just about every possible way and is a dream destination for people the world over, boasting many famous landmarks, a rich history and idyllic Parisian scenes at every turn. The city features monument-lined boulevards, fascinating museums, classical bistros, bohemian art nouveau cafes, creative wine bars, stylish boutiques, and art galleries. Must-see attractions include: the impressive Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe standing guard over the glamourous Champs Elysees Avenue. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample infamous French cuisine at an array of enticing ‘boulangeries’, ‘patisseries’, and ‘fromageries’.
Your accommodation
Hôtel Adèle & Jules
Hôtel Adèle & Jules is centrally located in Paris, a 4-minute walk from Grand Rex Cinema and 14 minutes by foot from Palais Garnier. This hotel is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Louvre Museum and 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Place Vendôme.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a fitness center, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services. Additional amenities at this hotel include babysitting (surcharge) and a banquet hall.
Stay in one of 60 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Your activity
Seine River dinner cruise
Experience the epitome of French elegance with the Seine River Dinner Cruise at 20h30, featuring the exquisite Etoile Menu. This enchanting evening promises more than just a meal; it offers a cultural and sensory journey through the heart of Paris, set against the backdrop of the iconic Seine River.
Savor Exquisite French Gastronomy
Our renowned Chef presents a menu that celebrates the finest in traditional French cuisine. Each dish is a testament to culinary artistry, crafted daily on board with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The emphasis is on harnessing the pure, authentic flavors of each component, presented with understated elegance. Through a meticulous cooking technique and artful presentation, every plate served on our cruise becomes a masterpiece.
Two Worlds, One Unforgettable Experience
Choose between day and night ambiances aboard our fully glazed vessel, offering unparalleled views of Paris’s majestic cityscape. As you glide past renowned landmarks, enjoy the warm glow of the city lights or the vibrant colors of the sunset.
Throughout your journey, indulge in our impeccable service, where every detail is attended to with care and sophistication. To elevate your dining experience, live musical entertainment graces the ambiance, providing a melodious backdrop that enhances the charm of your cruise.
Join us for an unforgettable evening on the Seine River, where culinary excellence meets the magic of Paris in a uniquely memorable setting.
IMPORTANT: Boarding: Boarding: Pier 5 or Pier 7
Boarding ends: 8:00 pm
Boat departs: 8:30 pm
Return to dock: 11:00 pm
Amboise
Day 5 - 7
Amboise is a picturesque historic town located in the Loire Valley, France. It was once a royal residence and is home to the magnificent Royal Château of Amboise, which was the favoured residence of the French King François I. The chateau features stunning gardens and a chapel with stunning stained glass windows. Visitors can also explore the nearby Clos Lucé, which is a small castle where genius inventor Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. The grounds feature working models of da Vinci's inventions, and visitors can learn about his life and work through informative exhibits. Visitors can also take a stroll down the picturesque streets of Amboise and admire the well-preserved architecture of the town's historic buildings. The town offers a range of charming boutiques, restaurants, and cafes where visitors can enjoy a coffee or some delicious French cuisine.
Read more
Your accommodation
Au Charme Rabelaisien
Au Charme Rabelaisien is located in the heart of the Loire Valley Castles region. Accommodation consists of 10 spacious guest rooms, each equipped with air conditioning, Nespresso coffee makers, Fragonard toiletries, bathrobes and slippers. A continental breakfast is offered daily. Additional amenities include secure private parking, a bar, a heated outdoor swimming pool and a wellness area with a jacuzzi and sauna. The surrounding area provides a range of activities to suit all guests interests, such as cycling along the Loire River, visiting the ZooParc de Beauval, or enjoying a hot-air balloon experience between Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord.
Your activity
Chateau du Clos Luce Ticket
About Château du Clos Lucé
Built between 1107 and 1115 on Gallo-Roman foundations by Hugues d’Amboise, this elegant pink-brick manor was originally known as the Manoir du Cloux. Over the centuries, it evolved from a fortified estate—complete with watchtower and a dovecote that once housed 500 pigeons—into a royal residence.
Purchased by King Charles VIII in 1490, Clos Lucé became a royal property for over two centuries. While the court resided at the nearby Château d’Amboise, Clos Lucé served as a secondary residence. The chapel was built for Queen Anne of Brittany, who mourned her children there.
Under Francis I, the estate became a symbol of the French Renaissance. The king welcomed artists, architects, and poets to his court—but the most famous guest of all was Leonardo da Vinci, who was invited to France in 1516. He spent the last three years of his life here, working on inventions, architectural projects, and scientific research until his death in 1519.
Today, the château celebrates Leonardo’s genius, offering visitors a unique journey through his life, works, and visionary ideas.
What to Expect
Inside the Château
- Leonardo’s bedroom and workspaces
- Renaissance rooms and royal history
- Exhibits dedicated to his life and creations
In the Park
- Large landscaped park featuring models of Leonardo’s inventions
- Eight audio installations recreating Leonardo’s thoughts
- Immersive outdoor experience combining art, science, and nature
From$3,150
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Meals
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Flexible cancellation policies
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
30+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
14+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
5+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
30+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
14+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
5+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Four nights at the Le Mathurin Hotel & Spa in the 8th arrondissement, with the Loire Valley château excursion as the defining day trip — a focused Paris stay that covers the capital's main cultural anchors and adds one of the most satisfying day excursions France offers. Chenonceau and Chambord in the Loire Valley are each extraordinary in their own right and vastly different from each other: Chenonceau spanning the Cher River on its arches, Chambord rising from its forest with the most elaborate roofline in the Renaissance world.
View less details
The Montmartre food tour is the activity that gives the Paris section a local dimension beyond the monuments. A guided route through Rue Lepic, the covered Marché des Batignolles, and the neighborhood producers who have been in the same streets for generations is the most honest version of how this part of the city actually functions — away from the Sacré-Coeur crowds and the tourist-facing cafés on the main square. What I always tell people: go in the morning when the market stalls are setting up and the neighborhood belongs to the people who live there.
The Seine dinner cruise and the Eiffel Tower VIP entry cover two genuinely different registers of Paris on separate evenings. The cruise along the illuminated city at dusk — the bridges lit, the facades reflecting in the water — is the best introduction to the city's scale and layout before any structured daytime visit begins.
Why Tourlane?
Plan for free
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Personalized for you
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
Private VIP guides
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Peace-of-mind support
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
Custom France trips
Custom travel packages don’t have to be complicated
1
Dream it
Give us a few details like destination, travel preferences, and budget to receive a free personalized travel itinerary in minutes.
2
Customize it
In a one-on-one consultation, we pair you with an English-speaking, native-European travel expert to customize your trip even more, making it unique to you and providing in-depth knowledge on every destination.
3
Book it
Or better yet, we’ll book it for you. Every detail is covered by us and you’ll have dedicated guides with you every step of the way, so you can focus on the fun. No action needed — just enjoy the ride.
