Day 1: Paris – Palace of Fontainebleau – Montlouis-sur-Loire
Leaving Paris, today we travel to the wonderful Palace of Fontainebleau, used by the Kings of France from the 12th century. The medieval royal hunting lodge of Fontainebleau stands at the heart of a vast forest in the Ile-de-France and has over 1500 rooms and 130 acres of parkland and gardens to explore. This afternoon we visit the charming town of Beaugency, liberated by Joan of Arc in 1429. We have time to explore its narrow medieval streets, stroll along its 14th century bridge or visit the Church of Saint Etienne and the City Hall, before continuing to the Montlouis-sur-Loire region, our base for the next two nights. (D)
Overnight: Chateau de la Bourdaisiere or similar
Day 2: Montlouis-sur-Loire – Chateau de Cheverny – Montlouis-sur-Loire
This morning we will enjoy a tour of Chateau de la Bourdaisière’s gardens including its dahlia garden and tomato conservatory, which houses no less than 600 heirloom varieties. We then learn the art of French cooking with one of the chateau’s chefs before sitting down to enjoy the lunch we have cooked. This afternoon we visit the Chateau de Cheverny, one of the only chateaux in the region to appear untouched by the Renaissance, which is due to the fact that it has been owned by the same family for more than six centuries. The Chateau is surrounded by an English-style park consisting of magnificent giant redwoods and lime trees, which were planted between 1820 and 1860. Explore the Park, the Kitchen garden, the Apprentices' garden and the Kennels, home to over one hundred hunting dogs. (B,L)
Overnight: Chateau de la Bourdaisiere, or similar
Day 3: Montlouis-sur-Loire - Chateau de Chenonceau – Clos Lucé – Chinon
Our first visit today is to the wonderful Chateau de Chenonceau, whose beautiful arches span the River Loire. It is the most visited and photographed chateau of the Loire Valley and is often described as ‘the ladies’ chateau’ as throughout its history it is the women of the castle who have most influenced its design and destiny. The castle has an exceptional collection of 16th and 17th century tapestries and a great number of masterpieces including works by Rubens. Enjoy a boat cruise under the arches and then stroll around the gardens, filled with hundreds of climbing and standard roses, orange trees and perfectly manicured box hedges. This afternoon sample delicious local wines in Vouvray, and then visit the fascinating Clos Lucé to gain a real insight into the life of Leonardo da Vinci. Our final destination today is Chinon, a medieval town located in the heart of the Val de Loire Region near the banks of the majestic Vienne River, which is steeped in history and rich with culture. (B)
Overnight: Hotel Plantagenet, or similar
Day 4: Chinon – Abbey of Fontevraud – Azay-le-Rideau – Chinon
Today we make our way to the magnificent Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, which was transformed into a prison by Napoleon at the beginning of the 19th century, saving it from ominous destruction. Today, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Abbey contains the tombstone effigies of Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and his infamous wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. After lunch we travel to Bourgueil for a wine tasting and cellar visit before our final visit of the day to the charming Azay-le-Rideau. This masterpiece of 16th century architecture rests on an island in the River Indre. One of the most visited chateau of the Loire Valley, Azay-le-Rideau, is an exceptional example of Renaissance architecture and offers stunning landscaped gardens. (B,D)
Overnight: Hotel Plantagenet or similar
Day 5: Chinon - Chateau de Villandry – Chartres – Paris
Today we make our way to the imposing Chateau de Villandry, the last of the great chateaux to be built during the Renaissance in the Loire Valley. The Chateau’s glorious landscaped gardens, which occupy over 6 hectares, are some of the finest in France. Explore the tranquil water garden, the ornamental garden and the beautifully designed vegetable garden. As Paris draws closer we stop in Chartres, a pretty town with medieval timber-framed buildings and a magnificent Gothic cathedral. The Cathedral of Chartres, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best examples of gothic architecture in the world and is perfectly preserved with its marvellous stonework and exquisite 12th and 13th century stained-glass windows. (B)
Tour depart 0830hrs and returns 1730hrs from:
Hôtel Elysées Ceramic
34 Avenue de Wagram
75008, Paris
Palaces and Chateaux of the Loire
