Châteaux of the Loire Valley
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Jardins à la française Chateau de Chambord © Ludovic Letot
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Chateau de Chenonceau ©Chateau de Chenonceau
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Château de Villandry
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Sunlight reflecting on a wine glass
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Chateau de Cheverny
Considered to have once been the favourite region of French Kings, the Loire Valley boasts a rich and regal history. The area is full of treasures that are waiting to be discovered as it is brimming with vineyards, historic towns and architecture. The majestic châteaux that are dotted throughout are one of the main draws of the area. Each of the many châteaux has its own unique character, but all of them are equally wonderful. From geometric gardens to reflective lakes that are the stuff of fairytales, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. This stunning region features on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is one of the world’s most prolific wine producing areas.
Boasting more than 20 châteaux, you don’t have to travel far through this province before you find one. Based in Tours, at the eastern end of the valley, this tour allows you to visit the very best of them. Comic fans will recognise Captain Haddock’s home, the beautiful Château de Cheverny. While the Château de Chambord is the largest of all the castles, it was only really used as a hunting lodge! Because of this, the beautiful castle remains largely empty. You can also enjoy the glorious gardens that surround the castles. Lose yourself in the spectacular Renaissance gardens at the Château de Villandry. Furthermore, in the nearby Caves des Producteurs de Vouvray allows you to sample one of the region’s specialities – wine. The city of Tours itself is picturesque, full of historical sites. Because of its ideal location, the town of Tours is your gateway to explore the stunning Loire Valley.
Dates
On request
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkerque. Continue through France, stopping for an overnight in the Rouen area. Check-in, relax and enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to Tours via Château de Chenonceau and Wine Tasting
En-route to Tours which will be our base for the next 4 nights, a visit will be made of the Château de Chenonceau, arguably the most impressive and memorable of all the châteaux in the Loire Valley. As soon as you start to walk down the long tree lined avenue towards the castle you will be impressed by the castle and its setting Visit both the castle and the extensive surrounding gardens, including the gardens of Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. (Entrance included/guided tours optional)
From here continue to Vouvray for a wine tasting at the Cave des Producteurs before arriving at the hotel. Enjoy dinner in the hotel and an evening at leisure.
Day 3
Tours at Leisure (driver’s rest day)
Tours is a university town but was once a Gallic-Roman settlement and is a traditional gateway for exploring the Château of the Loire Valley.
Major landmarks in the town include the cathedral Saint-Gatien which a flamboyant Gothic facade. Wander around the historic centre with its half-timbered houses and the bustling Place Plumerau.
Enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening.
(Optional guided walking tours available)
Day 4
Three Châteaux – One Day!
A full day exploring three of the more popular Châteaux in the Loire Valley.
First a stop at the exquisite Château de Cande where Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor were married in 1937. It is a listed Historic Monument, privately owned and inhabited all year round and boasts an exquisite blend of Gothic and Italianate styles renowned for its picturesque architecture, stunning gardens, and rich history. It features many opulent and intricately decorated rooms, including the “Wedding Room,” where the Duke and Duchess of Windsor exchanged their vows.
Then its on to Château d’Azay-le-Ridieu, an excellent example of French Renaissance which is built on a small island in the Indre. The castle seems to rise straight out of the waters of the river, which reflect the castle’s façades so that the château appears to float in its own image. The château’s most prominent feature is the grand central staircase which rises in straight flights rather than in a spiral, and is the oldest surviving staircase of this kind in France. The English style landscaped gardens were designed in the 19th century.
Last but not least, Château de Villandry, a grand country house renowned for its magnificent gardens. With its unique furnishings, décor and atmosphere, the château is a living testimony of French heritage. There area 7 gardens – the kitchen garden and orchard; ornamental garden and water garden; the Ornamental Kitchen Garden; the Love Garden and the Garden of the Crosses; the Music Room; the Herb Garden; the Maze, the Sun Garden and the Water Garden.
Do not forget your cameras!
Return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 5
Châteaux Chambord and Cheverny
The Château de Chambord is the largest of all the Loire Châteaux, it was in fact only used as a hunting lodge. The amazing architecture is reminiscent of a fairy-tale castle and it is one of the most recognisable château in the world. Don’t miss the spectacular staircase, the centre-point of the castle. Fine furnishings and tapestries were brought into the château temporarily to impress visiting dignitaries; otherwise it remained virtually empty, as it is today.
From here, head to the Château de Cheverny, a lovely place that will be familiar to fans of the Tintin cartoons as ‘Moulinsart’, the imaginary home of Captain Haddock. The Château has belonged to the same family for six centuries and was built in the early 1600s. The interior reflects the history and tastes of the family and the grounds offer an orangery, used as a safe haven for famous works of art during WW2. Listen out for the hunting hounds kept on the grounds!
Return to the hotel for a final dinner and evening in the Loire Valley.
Day 6
Depart Loire Valley and travel to Rouen
Sadly, it’s time to leave the châteaux behind and start the homeward bound journey, once again stopping overnight in the Rouen area. On arrival, there may be some free time to explore the city, also known at the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, and maybe see the flamboyant Gothic Cathedral and other iconic attractions before dinner at the hotel.
Day 7
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast for Calais or Dunkerque and take the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Greatdays can offer a selection of good 3* and 4* hotels in Tours/Loire Valley
Although entrances are included to the châteaux in the itinerary, we can also provide professional and experienced guides – please ask for further details.
| Departure date | 7 days / 6 nights | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|
| On request | Price on request | Price on request |
