The Châteaux, Gardens & Wines of the Loire Valley

The trip officially starts tomorrow, October 11. If you're flying overnight to get to Paris, consider arriving a day early, so you have time to rest, relax, and adjust to the local time. There's an option for Arrive 1 Day Early in the add-ons section. 

Either way, fly into Paris (Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport). If you arrive a day early, grab a taxi at the airport (they are clean, plentiful and safe) and have it whisk you to the Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs in the 6th arrondissement.

Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful streets of Paris, sit in a cafe and watch the people, stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens - there's so much to do!

We'll meet in the lobby of the Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs, then take a five-minute taxi ride to Gare Montparnasse where we'll catch a 08:53 am train to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours) - about an hour from Paris. Don't worry about booking the train. We'll take care of that for you. If you arrive in Paris today, please ensure enough time to get to the train station. 

Our Loire adventure begins with visit to the iconic Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau - a Renaissance jewel box. A gastronomic lunch at L'Épine follows. Next, we'll discover Château de Villandry - famous for its six magnificent gardens, including intricate Renaissance ornamental flower and incomparable vegetable gardens. It’s truly magical.

After lunch, we head to “the pearl of Anjou” – the lovely town of Saumur founded in 845 AD. We'll check into our hotel - Anne d’Anjou - overlooking the Loire in the historic city center.

After free time to unwind or stroll along the quay, we’ll convene for a sparkling welcome toast, followed by dinner at L’Essentiel, the adjoining bistronomique restaurant.

Our morning begins with a tour of Saumur’s historic quarter and an organic market in Place Saint Pierre. 

We'll drive east through the pastoral Anjou countryside to Fontevraud. Europe’s largest Abbey dates back to the 11th Century. Run by a succession of abbesses, it played a pivotal role in French and European history and houses the tombs of Henry Plantagenet, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his son, Richard the Lionheart. The complex of buildings and courtyards have been exquisitely restored. The recent opening of a modern art museum confirms its reputation as a regional cultural center.

An afternoon private tour of a Chinon chateau estate winery begins with a casual buffet featuring regional specialties. Our host Sébastien’s family, has owned the chateau since 1636! He will guide us through the vineyards and wine cellar, explaining how the wines are crafted. Then, you'll taste the Chinon AOC cépages - from sparkling brut to Chenin blanc and cabernet franc rouge. 

This evening we’ll enjoy a cozy dinner at Le Pot de Lapin.

We'll stay overnight at Anne d’Anjou.

This morning, we’ll journey upriver to the Loire’s best flea market – Les Puces de Montsoreau. The market convenes on the second Sunday of each month along the quay of one of Frances’s “Plus Beaux Villages”. The 30-year institution draws 80 dealers and crowds of “chineurs” to browse their treasures. We’ll have lunch at Auberge de la Route d’Or in Candes. After lunch, we’ll take a brief walking tour of the historic church and village of Candes.

Our afternoon destination is the beguiling town of Amboise, where we settle into the stunning Clos d'Amboise, a restored 17th-century mansion full of old-world charm and elegance. Leonardo da Vinci lived in Amboise at the end of his life as a guest of Francois 1st at the Chateau du Clos Lucé, the king’s childhood home. We'll stroll the historic pedestrian quarter and visit the fascinating Clos Lucé, dedicated to da Vinci, the Renaissance genius. Enjoy dinner tonight at your leisure in Amboise. 

Today, we’ll visit the fabled and enchanting Château of Chenonceau. Its history was intrinsically influenced by a succession of remarkable women, including iconic rivals Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. The chateau’s furnishings, painting collection, and gardens are exceptional. We’ll begin with a flower-arranging demonstration by Jean-Francois Boucher, who has been honored as a meilleur ouvrier de France and is responsible for the château’s magnificent floral installations. 

We'll discover delicious pairing of Loire wines and cheeses over a private tasting at the Chateau de Civray with Geoffrey Nivard, a cheesemonger and sommelier. 

Take the afternoon to explore the delights of historic Amboise or relax at the hotel. 

What better way to conclude the day than dining at the gastronomic bistro Les Arpents.

We'll set off early for a highlight experience at the Grange aux Savoir Faire cooking school. Here, we'll prepare a healthy lunch of savory and sweet in-season cuisine made with fresh organic produce from the marvelous kitchen garden. 

The Loire’s hottest cultural ticket is our afternoon destination. Our tour of Domaine de Chaumont Arts and Nature Center begins in the furnished Renaissance chateau and stable complex filled with creations by major international contemporary artists. The visit continues with the garden festival, sculpture park, and permanent gardens created by leading horticultural designers.  

It's time to head to our hotel, Le Relais de Chambord, overlooking the majestic Château de Chambord, the region’s crown jewel. You’ll want to savor a cocktail on the terrace as the sun sets behind the chateau before we enjoy Sologne country cuisine in neighboring Bracieux.  

We stay overnight at Le Relais de Chambord.

This morning, we’ll explore the imposing Château de Chambord, built by François I as a hunting lodge intended to awe rival monarchs with its sheer scale and the originality of its architectural features. We’ll also visit the chateau’s recently installed formal gardens.  

You have the afternoon free to explore the Royal City of Blois, the Renaissance capital of France. After lunch on your own in this charming historic center, you can shop the chic boutiques for mementos and original gifts or visit the château. 

Back at the Relais, we’ll have time to rest or enjoy the spa before a celebratory dinner at the hotel’s delightful restaurant, where we’ll toast the experiences and laughter we’ve shared. 

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll sadly have to say our goodbyes. We will return to Paris via TGV train from Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. If you are flying out today, please make sure your departure flight is in the evening.