When it comes to lunch experiences in Tours, France, this region offers more than just good food — it combines culinary delights with stunning scenery, historical ambiance, and local culture. We love the experience that lets you enjoy a leisurely meal in a family-owned castle, like the From Tours: Chambord, Chenonceau & Lunch at Family Chateau, which is a perfect blend of history, architecture, and regional cuisine. This particular tour stands out because it combines visiting two of the most iconic castles of the Loire Valley with a relaxed lunch in a charming, less-crowded setting.
Tours France is renowned for its combination of sightseeing and culinary discoveries, especially in the Loire Valley. Whether you’re interested in exploring grand castles or sampling local wines, there’s a tour to fit your taste. Below, we’ll explore two of the best lunch-centered tours in Tours — one that focuses on castles and regional dishes, and another that combines wine tasting with a gourmet picnic. Both promise authentic experiences and memorable meals.
1. From Tours: Chambord, Chenonceau & Lunch at Family Chateau
This full-day tour offers a wonderful mix of history, architecture, and local cuisine. It includes visits to the Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord, two of the most impressive castles in the Loire Valley. The highlight is the opportunity to enjoy lunch in a small, family-owned castle, allowing you to taste regional dishes in a cozy, authentic setting that larger tours can’t match.
The itinerary kicks off at the Tourist Office in Tours, with a photo stop and guided tour of Chenonceau — famous for its stunning gallery spanning the Cher River. Afterward, you’ll head to Château de Villesavin for a break, coffee, and regional food. Then, it’s on to the imposing Château de Chambord, where you can explore its grand architecture and park. The combination of guided tours and free time means you can soak up the atmosphere at your own pace. This tour scores an impressive 4.8/5 from 144 reviews, with many travelers praising the relaxed lunch and expert guides. It’s priced at $275 per person for around 8.5 hours of sightseeing and dining.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day, combining castle visits with a delicious, relaxed lunch in a charming setting. Its high ratings and balanced itinerary make it a top choice.
2. Full Day Loire Valley Wine Tour with lunch: Vouvray & Chinon
For around $328, this wine-focused tour offers a different kind of midday experience. Over nine hours, you’ll visit three notable wine estates in Vouvray, Bourgueil, and Chinon, taste up to 20 varieties of red, white, and sparkling wines, and enjoy a “farm to table” style gourmet picnic lunch.
Led by a passionate guide with deep knowledge of the region’s wines, the tour explores cellar caves dug into the tuffeau limestone, giving you a peek into traditional wine-making practices. The highlight is the chance to sample regional delicacies paired with wines that showcase the Loire Valley’s versatility. The tour has a near-perfect rating of 4.8/5 from 9 reviews, with visitors noting the personalized commentary and the quality of the tastings.
This experience is ideal if you’re a wine lover or want to combine tasting with a gourmet picnic in a scenic setting. It’s suited for travelers who want an immersive afternoon of wine and food, with the bonus of learning about the region’s viticulture.
Bottom Line: This tour offers exceptional value for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxed, yet comprehensive tasting experience paired with a memorable picnic lunch.
How to Choose Your Best Lunch Experience in Tours
When deciding between these options, consider what kind of experience appeals most. If you want a classic castle visit combined with a cozy, local lunch, the Chambord and Chenonceau tour is hard to beat. For those interested in wine and gourmet food in a scenic rural setting, the Vouvray & Chinon wine tour with lunch provides a rich tasting experience.
Budget-wise, both tours are comparable, but the wine tour offers a slightly longer duration with more tastings. If your time is limited, the castle-focused tour provides a compact, yet fulfilling day. Think about your pace — if you love wine and want to learn about local vineyards, the wine tour is ideal; if you prefer architecture and history with a relaxed meal, the castle tour is perfect.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, since these popular experiences fill up quickly. Consider your interests — history, architecture, wine, or food — and choose the tour that aligns best with your vacation style.
In summary, Tours offers wonderful options for lunch experiences that balance sightseeing with delicious regional cuisine. Both the castle and wine tours deliver memorable days, whether you prefer exploring grand historic sites or tasting the finest Loire wines paired with a gourmet picnic. For a well-rounded trip, consider combining these experiences or choosing based on your specific passions. Whatever you pick, early booking will ensure you don’t miss out on these authentic tastes of the Loire Valley.
