THE LOIRE - France 2014 - page 530

Azay-le-Rideau
By Shuttle Bus/Van or Minivan Excursion
Shuttle services and minivan excursions offer affordable transportation to many of the
valley's châteaux. Shuttles connect Amboise, Tours, or Blois with key châteaux several
times a day (€4-15), and minivan tours combine several châteaux into a painless day tour
(€22-35/person for scheduled half-day itineraries from Amboise or Tours, €45-55 for all
day;figure€230forcustomgroupsofupto7for4hours,€400for8hours).Mostofthese
services start from TIs (who can book them for you) and can save you time (in line) and
money (on admissions) when you purchase your château ticket at a discounted group rate
from the driver.
By Shuttle Bus: Inhighseason,twohandyexcursionbusesdepartfromthetrainsta-
tion in Blois (an easy train ride from Amboise and a good place to bed down). One runs
a loop route connecting Blois, Chambord, Cheverny, and (skippable) Beauregard, allow-
ing visits to the châteaux with your pick of return times; another bus goes to the château
of Chaumont (see “Blois Connections,” here ) . Public buses also connect Tours, Amboise,
and Chenonceaux (see “Amboise Connections,” here ) .