Visit Chenonceau at Any Time

We are often asked if we do tours all year round. The answer is yes and no. We don't generally do chauffeured tours in our classic cars from the beginning of November to the end of March. The cars don't have any heating and the weather can be damp, so not ideal for taking a classic car out of the garage. But I am very happy to meet clients at the chateau of their choice and give a guided tour lasting a couple of hours. I also offer themed visits where we focus on subjects such as tapestries, graffiti or roof spaces -- just ask me about them. The big advantage of visiting the Loire Valley in the winter is that there aren't any crowds, and the chateaux are beautifully decorated over the holiday period. It can be very special.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website. If you would like an idea of how your tour might look and sound, please check out our YouTube channel.

Doing a Photoshoot on Your Loire Valley Holiday

If you would like to remember your holiday in the Loire Valley with a set of professionally taken photographs let us know. We can work together with a professional photographer colleague and provide the highlight of your visit. At certain times of year (during the low season) we are even able to get to areas that visitors are normally not allowed at certain chateaux. None of your friends will have photos like yours, and it is a lot of fun to do. Just ask us if you want a photo session as part of your tour.

A Top Tip for Getting the Best out of a Guided Tour

If your tour is chauffeured, be specific about where you want the pick up and drop off points to be, or take the guide's advice about where they should be. It helps the driver to plan the best route and work out a price. When a guide asks you where you are staying, provide the name of the hotel, not just the town. That way the guide is more likely to agree to pick you up at your accommodation rather than at another mutually agreed point. 

Susan with our brewer friend Katie from Artisan Ale in Amboise and Célestine one of our classic Citroen's.

Where to Stay in the Loire Valley

We are always very happy to recommend tried and trusted accommodation providers to visitors in the Loire Valley. We can advise on chateau-hotels, charming B&Bs, self-catering apartments or modern city hotels. The newest one on the scene is the Hilton in Tours, situated right by the best restaurants, museums, the Loire itself, and, as you can see in the photo, the ferris wheel on the river bank. Just tell us the sort of place you like to stay and we'll suggest a couple of accommodation providers we are confident you will love.