booking online tours for Loire Valley

Sue, they are just a middle man agency,, sure they are likely fine, but i usually book directly myself. There are three main big bus tour companies in Paris, all are long established and reputable. I have used two of them, and plan on using the third one this year. Parisvisions Cityrama
France Tourisme I found that for what they are ( big bus tours) they are fine. I did the Cityrama Loire Valley tour and enjoyed it well enough, but I had previously visited the area for a 3 day visit,, so had seen the chateaus before, and I was travelling alone with my 14 yr old son and didn't want to rent a car and drive( the ideal way to see the Loire Valley. I think all three offer ( for higher price) small group van tours. I also think that 172 euros for a daytrip is excessive, I would try France Tourisme this year( as I plan on doing, based on friends recommendation)