RiverLoire, a specialized luxury tour operator agency, was established in 2007 in Amboise, the heart of France.
About RiverLoire
RiverLoire is a luxury travel agency founded in 2007 by Karine and Thierry Micalet in Amboise, at the heart of the Loire Valley. At the time, they recognized that no agency was dedicated exclusively to private tours and tailor-made vacations in the Loire Valley. Passionate about their region, its remarkable châteaux, vineyards, and way of life, they set out to share the very best of the Loire Valley with travelers from around the world.
For nearly twenty years, RiverLoire has specialized in creating customized itineraries, private guided tours, wine experiences, château visits, and exclusive cultural journeys. Every trip is carefully designed around our guests' interests, offering authentic, personalized, and seamless travel experiences throughout the Loire Valley.
In January 2026, Claire Branscombe became Director of RiverLoire after nearly 14 years with the company. Having dedicated her career to tourism, heritage, and culture, Claire combines an in-depth knowledge of the Loire Valley with a genuine passion for creating meaningful travel experiences. Her leadership ensures continuity with RiverLoire's founding values while bringing fresh energy and vision for the future.
Meet the team
Claire - Director & Culture and Heritage Specialist
With a bachelor's degree in Art History, a master's degree in Heritage & Culture, and additional studies at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in Philadelphia, Claire has built her career around her passion for history, culture, and tourism. Before joining RiverLoire, she worked with respected tourism and heritage organizations, including the Loches Tourist Office and the Château de la Guerche. Her expertise allows her to design enriching cultural experiences while sharing the region's remarkable heritage with international visitors.
Axelle – Project Manager
Axelle combines a background in film studies and tourism with creativity, adaptability, and a strong international outlook. Having lived abroad and traveled extensively while remaining deeply connected to her native Loire Valley, she enjoys revealing both the region's iconic highlights and its hidden gems. Her enthusiasm and fresh perspective make her a valuable member of the RiverLoire team.
Tiffany – Licensed Tour Guide
A bilingual licensed tour guide, Tiffany has been welcoming RiverLoire guests for several seasons. With a professional degree in tourism and extensive guiding experience, she combines historical expertise with a warm and engaging approach. Her travels, particularly in Japan and South Korea, have strengthened her ability to connect with visitors from around the world and create unforgettable private tours.
Our Philosophy
At RiverLoire, we believe that the best journeys are built on local expertise, authentic encounters, and exceptional service. We work with carefully selected hotels, wineries, guides, restaurants, and local artisans to create tailor-made Loire Valley vacations that reflect each traveler's interests.
Whether you are dreaming of château visits, wine tastings, cultural discoveries, or exclusive experiences off the beaten path, our team is dedicated to creating a private journey that is personal, seamless, and unforgettable.
Why RiverLoire ?
At RiverLoire, we strive to provide our clients with the very best luxury services the industry has to offer. We have therefore hand-picked only the finest accommodation, restaurants, wine makers and local producers to be at your disposal during your stay.
We are the individual and small group specialists and all tours are fully private in order to guarantee the utmost quality and personal satisfaction. RiverLoire will offer you unique experiences, not normally accessible to people outside of the region - such as visiting a private castle outside of normal visiting hours or tasting wine with the wine maker and cellar master in a private cellar.
Not only will we strive to provide you with a one of a kind experience, but will also customize your luxury tour to accommodate your interests and requests, and make the most out of your time spent in the Loire Valley.
- Fully and semi guided Loire Valley tours with www.riverloire.com
- Luxury tours all over France including Paris, Champagne, Normandy, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Provence... with www.luxury-tours-france.com
- Destination management services with www.riverloire-events.com
