Détours et Délices

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In a nutshell...

Welcome!

Let me introduce myself: I’m Sophie, and I’m a tour guide in the Centre-Val de Loire region. I developed an interest in history and heritage at a very young age! For me, history should be an accessible experience for everyone. I’m passionate about History with a capital H, but also about local history—especially the stories of the men and women, past and present, who bring this region to life.

The Loire Valley is a playground I love: incredible castles, remarkable gardens, diverse cuisine, and a varied landscape of rivers and vineyards—there’s plenty to choose from!

Want to explore some of our region’s treasures and satisfy your curious and gourmet appetite ? You’ve come to the right place !

Follow me on my adventures or on a tour!

See you soon on our detours, accompanied by a few delices…

Detours and Delices

in the Centre-Val de Loire region

Château de Chambord
A journey recorded in a stone book
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Appellation Vouvray
Discovering a regal grape variety: Chenin Blanc
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Château de Chenonceau
A Stroll Through the Château des Dames
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Château Royal d'Amboise
A royal detour to this castle with its many “Renaissances”
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Touraine Amboise appellation
Prestigious wines from the Loire Valley
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Villandry : Château & Gardens
A castle surrounded by beautiful gardens.
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Touraine Chenonceaux appellation
Authentic wines from the Cher Valley.
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The Clos Lucé
Royal mansion and final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci
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Château de Chambord

A journey written in a book of stone.

What if the stones of this colossal palace could transport you back to the time of King Francis I ? Discover this magnificent site and its famous central staircase, which will take you to the height of its former glory. A royal experience not to be missed!

I'm taking the detour

Duration of the detour: about 2 hours

Appelation Vouvray

Discovering a Royal Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc.

Prefer sparkling wine ? Still wine ? Dry ? Semi-dry or sweet ? There’s something for everyone among the wines of the Vouvray appellation! An iconic vineyard in the heart of Touraine—let yourself be surprised by its terroir and diverse vintages !

I'm discovering this delice

Durée du détour (accompagné d’un délice) : 2 heures

Château de Chenonceau

A Stroll Through the Château des Dames.

A chateau perched on the water. Follow in the footsteps of the Renaissance women who helped build this architectural gem, a must-see in the Loire Valley. This tour will take you through their passions, loves, and intrigues.

I'm taking the detour

Duration of the detour: about 2 hours

Château Royal d'Amboise

A royal detour to a castle steeped in the Renaissance.

Fancy a trip back in time ? From the Middle Ages to the present day, this castle has welcomed kings, princes, and artists, including Leonardo da Vinci. Under Charles VIII, it became the birthplace of the early French Renaissance.

I'm taking the detour

Duration of the detour: 1 hour 30 minutes

Touraine Amboise appellation

Prestigious wines from the Loire Valley slopes.

White and red wines take center stage with a tasting of Chenin, Touraine’s signature grape variety, and Côt (Malbec). A terroir full of character, where winemaking expertise meets the Loire Valley environment, just a stone’s throw from Amboise.

I'm discovering this delice

Duration of the tour : 2 hours

Touraine Chenonceaux appellation

Authentic wines from the Cher Valley

Discover Loire Valley wines from clay-limestone terroirs, featuring Cabernet Franc, Côt and Sauvignon Blanc. A characterful tasting experience near Château de Chenonceau, blending local expertise and rich wine heritage.

I'm discovering this delice

Duration of the tour: 2 hours

Royal Chateau
of Blois

Authentic wines from the Cher Valley

Discover four castles in one, with four architectural styles in a single site. Home to seven kings and ten queens, the Château de Blois was a Renaissance power center filled with intrigue, drama and fascinating history, worthy of “Game of Thrones”.

I'm taking the detour

Duration of the tour: 2 hours

The Château du Clos Lucé

Royal mansion and final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci

Follow in the footsteps of King Francis I’s painter, architect and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci. Discover his world of art, botany and mechanics through reconstructed machines in a lush park. A fun and enriching visit for all ages !

I'm taking the detour

Guided tour duration : 1h30

Villandry : Château & Gardens

A castle surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Discover a château in harmony with nature, featuring vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens, medicinal plants, and contemporary designs. A bucolic stroll that showcases the Carvallo family’s expertise.

I'm taking the detour

Guided tour duration : 2 hours

Chinon, Loire Valley Wine

Discover the Elegance of Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley

Discover Touraine’s Cabernet Franc wines in the Chinon region, between the Loire and Vienne rivers. This unique terroir produces elegant, fruity wines with silky tannins, near the historic town of Chinon.

I'm discovering this delice

Guided tour duration : 2 hours

See all the detours !

Your feedback matters

James P

Wonderful tour with an excellent guide

The size of the group was just right and our guide was excellent. Sophie did a wonderful job of giving us the history of the chateaus and was very pleasant to interact with. I can’t say enough what a great tour this was. The lunch at an intimate chateau was a highlight.

GrandTour10970296104

A Great Day of Castles and Wine

Sophie was an incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining guide who brought the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau to life and provided fascinating insights not only into Villandry but also into the Loire Valley. After a very interesting wine tour in Vouvray, we were treated to a bonus visit to Amboise. Both were thoroughly enjoyable, and the wine tasting was generous. Thank you, Sophie!

DMurph

A unique and extraordinary experience with our wonderful guide, Sophie

What a beautiful day we enjoyed with our amazing guide, Sophie ! She was so knowledgeable, helful and friendly. The chateaus were magnificent and our lunch at the chateau was a unique and extraordinary experience not to be missed.We were never rushed, but Sophie kept is all on schedule and did a superb job as our guide. A fantastic day.

Steve

This guided tour and our guide Sophie were simply fantastic

This tour started and ended on time, allowing us to visit all the sites while giving us plenty of time at each stop. We particularly enjoyed the company of Sophie, our highly knowledgeable driver-guide. This was the second of two full-day tours with Sophie, who treated us like VIPs and went above and beyond our expectations.

Britanny L

An incredible wine tour

It was a fabulous tour. Sophie was an excellent guide.

We got to taste wines at two wineries and learned so much about winemaking in the Loire Valley.

I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great wine tour!

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DÉTOURS ET DÉLICES

Sophie GUAY

Conference guide

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