Loire valley tours Luc Bonhomme

About your host: Luc Bonhomme

I am a French citizen who spent most of his live in the USA, California. Recently, I moved back to France to share with you all the beauty of the Loire Valley region. My home, in France has been remodeled, and offers now two complete independant troglodytes suites used for the short 2 day/1 night tours.

We offer quality in a friendly set up.

Educated in the USA, (USC), I am very aware of the level of service Americans are acustomed to. This is why, every thing has been thought out to satisfy you. This being said, if you stay in my troglodyte suite (2 days / 1night tour), you will be hosted in a setting, which is not a 4 star hotel but a private home decorated with taste and art works from my personal collection. Each suite is completely independant, with a private entrance, and a complete bathroom. Of course, you will have the option to stay in 4 star hotel if you prefere.

For the longer tours, you will be hosted in 4 star hotels such as the Fontevraud Royal Abbey 4 star Hotel.

Loire Valley Wine expert.

I have a large experience about the wines from the Loire Valley. I imported in the US, most of the AOC (appellations) from the Loire Valley, and worked with 20 small winemakers. Therefore, this could be an opportunity for you to gain an extensive knowledge about this interesting wine region of France.

The Loire Valley offers a large diversity of sites, and activities. This is why we have decided to put together some short tours but also longer customised tours, tailored to your taste. Of course, the idea is also to propose some unexpected activities during the tours, which will surprise you, and have you experience fully life in the Loire Valley.

There is a long history of friendship between the US and France. I leave in the birth place of Rochambeau who won with G. Wahington the battle of Yorktown during the American revolution.

Do not hesitate to contact me directly to find out more about my background, and how we can build together a great experience for you in the Loire Valley.

See you in the Loire Valley.

All the best;

LUC BONHOMME

REVIEWS 2023

Betty Ray (USA) December 2023

If you desire an extraordinary private tour of the Loire Valley in France, Luc Bonhomme and his tour company, Loire Valley USA is for you. Besides being a kind and knowledgeable guide with a keen sense of humor, he researches the best restaurants for meals and croissants/coffee to eat along the way. In addition to three chateaux he took us to visit, he researched and found fascinating people for us to meet. He introduced us to the President of a nonprofit museum that celebrates the Martinerie NATO base in Chateauroux, where thousands of Americans served from 1951-1967. He also arranged a tour of another museum dedicated to the American Military during that period. Luc’s amazing research discovered another lady who had worked at the base for ten years with the Americans. Luc gave us tours of the two museums, the old La Martinerie Army base, the Chateauroux-Deols Airport, the hospital where my sister was born, and the old American apartment complex where we lived for three years of my childhood. In addition, we met the son of the first American hamburger joint in France – Mike, son of Mike from Maine in downtown Chateauroux, who we discovered was in my second grade class in the American School in 1958. My husband and I would highly recommend Luc to anyone wishing to tour the Loire Valley in France. He went to college in the US and lived there for many years, so he speaks fluent French and English. Our trip was so much fun and informative – We will never forget it.

Group from Argentina December 2023

“Luc was very attentive, accommodating and helpful to tailor the tour me and my group wanted to have in the Loire Valley, to suit our likes. The tour ran smoothly, although on a group of 9 women! The places we saw where as if taken out from a fairytale, food great, amazing wines and of course great company.”

HOLLY BALL (USA) July 2023

Luc was an amazing guide from start to finish who picked us up on time and was very attentive for the two days that we were in the beautiful Loire Valley. His car was super nice and worked well. When he first picked us up he surprised us with a cool stop to see some rocks that have been used in the Neolithic times. Unexpected and a great photo op. Then we went to see the most beautiful castle named Chambord. Luc had pre-purchased tickets which also included the walking tour with earbuds for us. A nice plus. Everything was well organized and super fun from there. He took us to a lunch that was one of the best I’ve ever had. Three courses of amazing French cooking The first course looked like a work of art but it was actually some kind of Ceviche. The main course of veal was some of the best I’ve ever had. The meal came complete with all sorts of delicious champagne and wine, and Luc introduced us to the chef and the owner, which was an added plus!! Next we went to see the castle where Leonardo da Vinci lived, with all of the beautiful gardens and brilliant inventions he created. The gardens contained many of his sketches brought to life. Just a really cool experience. As if the day could get any better, Luc drove us to the best winery. Not expensive so I paid a lot of money for shipping (but not the wine) to have 18 bottles shipped home. I’ve already had a bottle and it was delicious. To my delight, the bottles were there waiting on my front step when I arrived back from France.
From there Luc took us to Château de Beaulieu, our hotel, which was an amazing historical manor set in a lovely valley that seemed steeped with history and ghosts (in a good way). The food there was also absolutely amazing and it was also three courses, so we definitely were not underfed that day. Delicious!! All of this was all part of his one charge.
The next day was just as good as the first day, and Luc was on time, although we were not. Somehow I slept in because the manor was so cozy and comfortable. We then were whisked away to Château Chenonceau renowned for being owned and operated mainly by women. What a beautiful place!! Don’t look down when you get to the top because you might faint! The balcony is so high! Also of note was a black room with a very interesting history tucked away on the top floor. Last we visited Chaumont sur Loire perched at the top of the hill. The castle was lovely but the most amazing thing were the beautiful gardens arranged by various countries for an international garden festival. We liked the French ones the best (of course). The American garden wasn’t too shabby either. The theme was resilience, and we saw the most creative gardens based upon this theme.
The experience was five star in every way —first class and extremely luxurious. Luc is the ultimate in guides and introduced us to many of his friends, which was also added to our amazing experience. One of the cool people we met was a woman who owned one of the restaurants where we went to lunch. She was able to read my daughter’s coffee grinds, and gave her a free fortune telling that was quite accurate. Cheers to Luc for another amazing lunch!! I honestly don’t know how he puts all this together for the price. It really was a deal. The icing on the cake was our fast train back to Paris- Luc put us in first class. Bravo Luc! Hope to return soon!!