Tours may be best known for its rich history and stunning architecture, but the city also shines when it comes to memorable lunch experiences. Whether you want to dine amid Renaissance castles or indulge in Loire Valley wines, Tours offers options that blend culture, cuisine, and a touch of leisure. Our favorite is the Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle, which combines exquisite castle visits with a relaxing meal away from crowds. It earns high praise for its intimate setting and knowledgeable guides, making it a top choice for those who love history paired with good food. The second favorite is the Full Day Wine Tour in Vouvray and Chinon with Lunch at the Winery, perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to taste some of the Loire’s finest bottles in a small-group setting.
What Types of Tours Made the List?
We focused on tours that combine cultural or gastronomic experiences with a meal, emphasizing authentic and enjoyable settings. From private castle lunches to vineyard tastings with gourmet meals, each offers a distinct way to enjoy local flavors and heritage. Below, you’ll find detailed insights into each of these top-rated experiences, helping you decide which best suits your interests.
1. Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle
This full-day tour from Tours takes you to two iconic Loire Valley castles—Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord—known for their stunning Renaissance architecture and picturesque river settings. What makes this tour stand out is its inclusion of a lunch at a private, family-owned château. Unlike typical tourist spots, this meal is served in a serene setting away from crowds, giving you a true taste of French château life. The tour’s small-group size, with a passionate guide leading the way, ensures personalized stories and hidden viewpoints, such as secret panoramic spots.
The itinerary balances sightseeing with culinary delight. You spend about two hours exploring Chenonceau’s elegant galleries and gardens, followed by a visit to Château de Villesavin, a charming family estate where you’ll enjoy a traditional French lunch. In the afternoon, the grand Chambord awaits for a guided tour of its elaborate roofline, towers, and grounds. With reviews praising the knowledgeable guide Camille and the delicious lunch, this tour offers top value—especially for history lovers who want an exclusive, enriching experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a comprehensive day of castles, culture, and a peaceful meal in a private setting.
2. Full Day Wine Tour in Vouvray and Chinon with LUNCH at the Winery
For around $320, this full-day wine tour offers a delicious journey through the Loire’s most renowned vineyards, combined with a locally-sourced lunch at a winery. The experience begins in Vouvray, where you’ll visit Domaine Le Capitaine, tasting a variety of white wines like dry, sparkling, and half-dry Vouvray varieties, all paired with local cheeses. The highlight here is the visit to a rock-hewn cellar, several kilometers long, which adds a touch of adventure and insight into traditional wine storage.
Next, you’ll head to Bourgueil for a “Farm to table” gourmet picnic at Château de Miniere, where the chef’s philosophy is “a 0-kilometer menu”—meaning everything is sourced locally. Then, in Chinon, a visit to a unique, hand-dug cellar reveals organic red wines paired with charcuterie. The small-group format (max eight people) creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing personalized commentary on terroir and winemaking techniques. Reviews highlight the engaging guide and the quality of tastings, making this a favorite for wine lovers who want both education and flavor.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a full immersion into Loire wines paired with a tasting-rich lunch in a cozy, small-group setting.
How to Choose the Best Lunch Experience in Tours
Deciding between these options depends on what kind of experience you seek. If you’re a history buff or architecture lover, the Loire Valley castle tour offers a deep dive into France’s regal past with a peaceful meal in a private castle. On the other hand, if gastronomy and wine are your passions, the Full Day Wine Tour combines tastings, vineyard visits, and a farm-to-table lunch in a small-group atmosphere perfect for wine aficionados.
Consider your budget and interests: the castle tour is slightly more expensive but includes multiple castle visits and a private lunch, making it great for culture-focused travelers. The wine tour offers a full day of tasting and an immersive experience into Loire’s renowned wines, ideal if your main goal is to indulge in local gastronomy. Both tours are best booked early, especially in peak season, to secure the most desirable times and small-group sizes.
Final Thoughts
Tours offers a variety of excellent lunch experiences that blend culture, history, and gastronomy. The castle lunch tour stands out for its elegant setting and comprehensive itinerary, while the wine tour appeals to those wanting a deeper dive into Loire’s vineyards and a relaxed, flavorful day.
If you prefer a tranquil, historical ambiance and a personal touch, the private castle lunch is hard to beat. If you’re eager to taste a range of Loire wines paired with local cuisine, then the wine-focused tour is the best choice. Both options promise memorable meals and authentic experiences—just be sure to book early to secure your spot.
Whatever you choose, these tours highlight the best of Tours’ culinary and cultural offerings. They’re perfect for adding a delicious and enriching chapter to your trip—so choose what excites you most, and enjoy your time in this beautiful French region.
