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Secrets of the Loire Valley — Castles & Villages Discovery

795,00
Private tour pricing:

  • Up to 4 people:
– Comfortable-class vehicle with a driver-guide — €795
Modern and comfortable — ideal for couples or small groups.

  • Up to 6 people:
– Mercedes-Benz V-Class with a driver-guide — €1350
Spacious and premium — perfect for families or a group of friends.

*The price is for a private tour. For the 4-person and 6-person vehicle options, the price is per vehicle (all seats included).

Duration: 10–12 hours
Meeting Time: 7:30–8:00 AM

We will pick you up from your accommodation in the morning in our car, introduce ourselves, and hit the road!
The drive to the Loire Valley takes about 2 hours.
If possible, we will make a stop for breakfast before the start of the tour.

Why You Should Explore the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is more than just a region — it's a living fairytale, where every turn reveals storybook castles, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes. Castles like Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, and Ussé impress with their graceful architecture and enchanting gardens where history blooms in every path and flowerbed.

This journey is not only a dive into the elegance of the French Renaissance but also an invitation to slow down and embrace the rhythm of local life: wander the cobbled streets of Candes-Saint-Martin, step into centuries-old churches, savor wines at a family-run estate, and soak up the quiet magic of the countryside.

A tour through the Loire Valley is an inspiring blend of culture, nature, and romance — where beauty and history go hand in hand.

Places We’ll Visit and Explore:

1. The City of Tours
We begin our journey in Tours, a vibrant city known for its beautiful medieval and Renaissance architecture. Strolling through the historic center, we’ll visit the impressive Saint-Gatien Cathedral, famous for its soaring Gothic towers and colorful stained-glass windows.

2. Château de Villandry
Next, we head to Château de Villandry, one of the Loire Valley’s most iconic gems. Renowned for its extraordinary Renaissance gardens, this castle is surrounded by beautifully manicured terraces where flowers, herbs, and vegetables are arranged in perfect geometric harmony.

3. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Our third stop takes us to the elegant Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, gracefully set on an island in the middle of the Indre River. Often described as one of the most romantic castles in France, it blends classical French architecture with dreamy reflections on water. A walk through its serene park and tastefully restored interiors will transport you back to the time of the French Renaissance.

4. Wine tasting and lunch at a local winery
After a morning filled with beauty and history, we’ll take a well-deserved break at a local winery. Enjoy a delightful lunch made with fresh, regional ingredients, paired with wines produced right on-site — a true taste of the Loire.

5. Candes-Saint-Martin
We then visit the picturesque village of Candes-Saint-Martin, officially ranked among the “most beautiful villages in France.” Located at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, this charming village features cobbled lanes, white limestone houses, and peaceful river views. We’ll explore its medieval streets and visit the historic church where Saint Martin was buried.

6. Château d'Ussé
We finish the day at Château d’Ussé — the fairytale castle said to have inspired Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. With its dreamy turrets, richly furnished rooms, and scenic gardens, this castle brings legend to life. You’ll also discover a collection of historic costumes and enjoy one last walk through this storybook setting before heading back.

Return to Paris
As we make our way back, we will stop for a coffee break to relax before the final stretch. We will arrive in Paris between 7:30–8:00 PM, parting as friends and already planning your next adventure.

What’s Included:
  • Private guide-driver throughout the entire journey
  • Bottled water for each guest
  • In-car Wi-Fi for a smooth and connected experience
  • A complimentary bottle of sparkling wine to elevate the moment

What’s Not Included:
  • Meals (brunch, lunch, or snacks)
  • Entrance tickets to any paid attractions (if applicable)

If your group is larger than six, please contact us, and we will provide a personalized quote.

*The price is for a private tour. For the 4-person and 6-person vehicle options, the price is per vehicle (all seats included).

We are happy to adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences, including minor modifications to the route, pace, and additional stops. Our goal is to create a unique and unforgettable experience based on your personal preferences.
How to book a tour
Booking and Payment Policy
Cancellation and Refund Policy

How to book a tour

Submitting a request on the website is not a payment. We’ll get in touch with you to discuss the route, date, time, and format. Your booking is only confirmed after we agree on all the details — no automatic charges or hidden conditions!

Booking and Payment Policy

Booking and Payment Policy - Friends From France


1. Introduction
Our company specializes in organizing private tours and excursions in France, acting as an intermediary between clients and independent guides, drivers, and other service providers. We facilitate bookings, provide informational support, and coordinate services, but we do not directly conduct tours or transfers ourselves. Our role is to ensure a seamless experience by handling communication, scheduling, and logistical arrangements.

2. Role & Responsibility
We provide marketing, customer acquisition, and coordination services, connecting clients with independent guides and drivers. These service providers operate as independent contractors, not as employees of our company. We do not assume liability for the presence or absence of any licenses required for tour operations. By booking a tour through our platform, the client acknowledges that our company acts solely as an intermediary and assumes no responsibility for the direct execution of services.

3. Booking Process
3.1 Booking Options: Depending on the offer listed on our website, clients may either book and pay for a tour in full, make a partial payment, or submit a booking request. If a booking request is submitted, all details are confirmed with the client before issuing an invoice.
3.2 Confirmation & Payment: Once the booking details are finalized, we issue an invoice for our service fee. The remaining balance for the tour (including transfers/excursions) is paid directly to the guide or driver on the day of service.

4. Payment Terms
4.1 Currency: All payments are processed in euros (EUR).
4.2 Payment Methods: Payment can be made via bank transfer or through the online payment options available on our website.
4.3 Service Fee & Final Payment: Our company charges a commission for organizing tours. This fee is paid in advance, while the remaining amount for the actual service (tour, transfer, excursion) is settled directly with the service provider.
4.4 VAT (Value-Added Tax) Requirements: Clients are required to provide their billing address when booking. Under French tax regulations, VAT is not applicable to clients residing outside France. If no address is provided, VAT (currently 20%) may be included in the invoice.

5. Booking Confirmation
Once the payment for our service fee is received, clients will receive a booking confirmation via their preferred method of communication (email, messaging app). The confirmation includes all tour details such as date, time, meeting point, and contact information of the guide or driver.

6. Changes & Cancellations
6.1 Changes to Bookings: Clients may request modifications to their booking at least 48 hours before the scheduled tour. While we strive to accommodate requests, changes are not guaranteed.
6.2 Cancellations & Refunds:
  • Cancellation more than 48 hours before the scheduled time: If you cancel your booking more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time(the pre-arranged date and starting time of the tour, as reserved at the time of booking), we offer a full refund minus a 15% bank or payment system fee and a 15% processing fee. The total amount withheld due to cancellation will be 30% of the booking amount. All refunds will be processed within 7-14 banking days after cancellation and agreement on the refund procedures with your personal manager.
  • Non-refundable services: All services provided, whether in whole or in part, during the trip are strictly non-refundable. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances for missed excursions, unused bookings, other unused services, or partially completed trips. Once a service is provided or initiated, no refund will be granted.

7. Payment Responsibility Our company is not responsible for the transfer of funds to the independent service providers. Clients must pay the remaining balance directly to the guide or driver on the day of the service.

8. Additional Costs If clients wish to include additional services such as entrance tickets, meals, or accommodations, the total cost of the tour will be adjusted accordingly. Any changes to the total price will be discussed and agreed upon in advance.

9. Force Majeure We are not responsible for disruptions due to unforeseen circumstances such as strikes, demonstrations, extreme weather, or other force majeure events. In such cases, refunds or rescheduling may not be possible.

10. Final Provisions After the tour, we can provide a confirmation of service completion upon request. By proceeding with a booking, clients acknowledge and accept the terms outlined in this policy.

Company: Friends From France
Location: France
Email: friendsfromfr@gmail.com
Last updated on: 25.08.2024

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation and Refund Policy - Friends From France


By booking our services, you agree to these terms and acknowledge that all services are provided according to the descriptions and conditions outlined.

  1. Cancellation more than 48 hours before the scheduled time If you cancel your booking more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time(the pre-arranged date and starting time of the tour, as reserved at the time of booking), we offer a full refund minus a 15% bank or payment system fee and a 15% processing fee. The total amount withheld due to cancellation will be 30% of the booking amount. All refunds will be processed within 7-14 banking days after cancellation and agreement on the refund procedures with your personal manager.
  2. Non-refundable services All services provided, whether in whole or in part, during your trip are strictly non-refundable. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances for missed excursions, unused bookings, other unused services, or partially completed trips. Once a service is provided or initiated, no refund will be granted.
  3. Dissatisfaction and personal expectations Dissatisfaction based on personal expectations, including but not limited to the structure of the tour, the guide's approach, or the presence and behavior of guides, will not be considered sufficient grounds for a refund. By confirming your booking, you understand that we are not responsible for any subjective impressions, emotional reactions, or personal opinions regarding the experience. We strive to provide an excellent service, but personal preferences and expectations can vary, and no refund will be offered for these reasons.
  4. Cancellation by Friends From France In the event of a cancellation initiated by Friends From France, a full refund will be provided for the tour, including card payment fees. All refunds will be processed within 7-14 banking days after cancellation and agreement on the refund procedures with your personal manager.
  5. Adverse weather conditions If a client decides to cancel any excursions or activities included in their agreement with Friends From France due to adverse weather conditions, no refund or compensation will be provided for the affected service. We recommend checking weather forecasts before making any cancellations.
By confirming your booking, you acknowledge and agree to the above terms.

Service Details
Each of our tours includes exclusive private transportation, a free meet-and-greet service, hotel pick-up, a personal guide, and amenities such as bottled water and Wi-Fi in the vehicle, only within the scope of the selected service and booked tour

Note
The start time and content of the tour may be adjusted according to the client’s preferences.

Our Vehicles
For your comfort and relaxation during your trip, we offer a selection of vehicles in different classes, with personal accompaniment:
  • Crossovers
  • Sedans
  • Premium vehicles
As the class of the vehicle increases, so does the level of comfort, ensuring a refined and effortless journey for each trip.

Frequent Scenarios & Enhanced Protection

To further enhance our cancellation and refund policy, we provide clarification for some frequent situations:
  • No refunds for delays or missed services! In the event that a client is delayed, the service will proceed as scheduled, and no refunds will be issued for missed portions of the service. We recommend timely arrival for all scheduled activities.
  • No refunds for illness or personal reasons! Refunds will not be provided for cancellations due to personal illness or other reasons not covered under our standard policy.
  • Changes requested by clients! If changes are requested to the original booking, these may be accommodated depending on availability, but any changes made within 48 hours of the scheduled service may incur an additional fee, and no refunds will be given for services that have already been rendered.
  • Force majeure! In cases of force majeure, such as natural disasters, strikes, or other unforeseen events, Friends From France will make every effort to reschedule or offer alternative services.

Returns and Refund Requests
All refund requests must be submitted through our official communication channels, including messengers, as well as via email at friendsfromfr@gmail.com. Each request will be reviewed individually, and further actions will be coordinated with your personal manager.
Company: Friends From France
Location: France
Last updated on: 25.08.2024
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