Royal Loire Castles

THE TOUR in detail

step by step

• 1

  DAY 1 : Paris – Orléans – Loire Valley

  Arrival at Paris airport or Paris train station. Welcome by our guide and departure by coach to Orleans. Guided visit of the Cathedral built from 1601, its stain glasses tell the story of the Virgin of Orléans, who came to Orléans on 29th April 1429. Although she was hit by an arrow shoot by the English, she managed to liberate the city on May 8, 1429. Continue to Blois or Amboise or Tours in the Loire valley. Hotel accommodation for the next 4 nights.

• 2

  DAY 2 : Villandry – Azay le Rideau – Chinon

  Drive to Villandry one of the most famous Renaissance castles in the Val de Loire. Owned by the Carvallo family since 1906, the palace and the gardens are constantly maintained and renovated. The five gardens, unique in Europe (the ornamental vegetable garden, the ornamental garden, the water garden, the garden of medicinal herbs and the labyrinth), make the castle an extraordinary place. Visit of the gardens and nice lunch with local specialties. In the afternoon visit of castle Azay-le-Rideau which was built mainly by women. Then to Chinon with its old town on the Vienne river crowned by a castle in which Charles VII and Joan of Arc used to meet. Chinon is also known for its wines and we enjoy a wine tasting here before we return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

• 3

  DAY 3 : Boat trip on the Cher river – Chenonceau Castle – Clos Lucé – Tours

  Drive to the Maison Eclusière in Chisseaux and boat trip on the Cher river. Then visit Chenonceau Castle, with its famous gallery rising 60 meters over the river Cher. Time at leisure in Amboise for lunch.