The Castles, Gardens & Wines of the Loire Valley

We'll meet you at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours) train station - an hour from Paris. Don't worry about booking the train. We'll take care of that for you. If you are arriving in Paris today, please arrive no later than 8:00 am.

Our Loire adventure begins with a gastronomic lunch at  Pom'Poire, a rural auberge nestled in an apple orchard. Young chef Bastien Gillet, has a Michelin Star for his sustainable, locally sourced cuisine. Next, we'll discover Château de Villandry - famous for its six magnificent gardens, including intricate Renaissance ornamental flower gardens and incomparable vegetable gardens. It’s truly magical.

We travel downstream to “the pearl of Anjou” – the lovely town of Saumur founded in 845. We'll check into our hotel overlooking the Loire in the historic 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.

The overnight stay is at Anne d’Anjou.

Our morning begins with a tour of Saumur’s historic quarter and an organic market in Place Saint Pierre. We then 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 a wine-focused Saumur bistro.

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 2nd 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 amid Bourgeuil vineyards at Vincent Cuisinier de Campagne, a Michelin "green star" farm-to-table restaurant in a traditional winegrower’s house.  

Our afternoon destination is the beguiling town of Amboise, where we settle into the newly refurbished Le Manoir les Minimes, an elegant 5-star hotel overlooking the Loire. 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 will stroll the historic pedestrian quarter and visit the fascinating Clos Lucé, dedicated to the Renaissance genius. Dinner tonight will be 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 enjoy a casual lunch at the chateau’s informal eatery. French fries are finally on the menu! The afternoon is dedicated to immersion in French "l’art de vivre" at Le Clos de la Richardière, where you will learn about the diverse range of wines produced throughout the Loire Valley. Christophe Galland, founder of a renowned gourmet epicure in Amboise, will guide the tasting and share his extensive knowledge of the region’s appellations and gastronomic marvels.  

What better way to conclude the day than dining at La Cave, located in a cavernous limestone wine cellar on the banks of the Loire?  

Overnight Stay at Manoir les Minimes.

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 their 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 will 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 its chic boutiques for Loire 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 laughs we’ve had and lasting friendships made. 

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.