Châteaux of the Loire Valley
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Jardins à la française Chateau de Chambord © Ludovic Letot
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Chateau de Chenoneau © Chateau de Chenoneau
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Château de Villandry
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Sunlight reflecting on a wine glass
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Chateau de Cheverny
Jewels of the Loire Valley
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.
Some of France’s finest Châteaux are in the Loire Valley
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
Dates throughout 2023
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to the Loire Valley
Depart from your local area in the UK and travel towards Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais. Arriving in Calais, continue through France, stopping for an overnight in the Rouen area.
Day 3
Tales of Da Vinci and the Kings France
This morning, travel to Amboise to see the magnificent Château Royal d’Amboise, the favourite Château of King Francois 1st. The Chateau has a stunning panorama of the Loire and also features the tomb of Leonardo Da Vinci. Then we visit the former home of Leonardo Da Vinci, Château du Clos Lucé, where Da Vinci spent his twilight years. Afterwards, we head to the Cave des Producteurs de Vouvray for wine tasting.
Day 4
Château de Chenonceau & Château de Chambord
Visit the Château de Chambord. Although 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.
Day 5
Château de Cheverny & Blois
This morning, 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!
Afterwards, visit the hillside city of Blois for some free time to explore. Perhaps, in the evening you’d like to see the amazing and immersive light show at the Royal chateau of Blois (every evening April – September).
Day 6-7
Departure
It’s time to leave the Loire and return to the UK. Retrace your steps through France stopping for an overnight in Rouen, before travelling back to Calais, where you will take a return ferry back to Dover before continuing home to your local area.
Featured hotels
Ibis Tours City Centre ***
Located a 15-minute walk from the centre of Tours, ibis Tours Centre Gare offers free Wi-Fi access and an on-site restaurant. The rooms feature a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. A buffet breakfast composed of sweet and savoury dishes is served every day. Coach parking is available at the station.
Mercure Blois Centre ****
A 5-minute walk from Blois Cathedral, this modern hotel is also an 8-minute walk from Pont de Blois across the River Loire and 2 km from Blois train station. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities, as well as work desks, pull-out sofas and minibars. The hotel has a restaurant, and a bar overlooking the heated indoor pool. There’s also a sauna, a hot tub and a hammam. There is onsite coach parking available.
Novotel Tours City Centre ****
This hotel is ideally situated in the town centre of Tours. Recently renovated, rooms are en-suite with minibar, safe, TV, telephone, radio, WiFi and air-conditioning. There is a bar and Novotel Cafe onsite. The TGV railway station and Le Vinci International Congress centre are both within walking distance. Coach parking is at the hotel or the station – about 2 minutes away.
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| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Dates throughout 2023 | From £320.00 per person | From £140.00 per person |
