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LOIRE 

Specialized tour guides based in Paris and in the Loire region

This is the land of the fabled Chateaux and their beautiful gardens. We recommend at least three nights in the area to do it justice, but do offer a one-day trip from Paris.

Clients can either arrive by train (St Pierre des Corps train station) or by car with a pick up at the hotel and visit two chateaux. We also try to include a wine tasting if the clients are interested. This is a 10-hour, round trip from Paris.

• The most visited Chateaux, east side of the Loire: Chambord, Cheverny, Blois, Amboise, Chenonceau. The Clos Lucé is also a very interesting place to visit; the mansion is where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last years of his life. An exhibit spotlights his inventions.
• The most visited Chateaux, west side of the Loire: Villandry and its superb, unique gardens; Azay le Rideau; and Langeais (more like a castle with its drawbridge). Also, a bit farther is the Abbey of Fontevraud, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not far away, and close to the town of Saumur, are the fascinating underground Troglodyte dwellings.
• Tours, the capital of the Loire, deserves a visit. Highlights include the Cathedral; the daily, covered farmers market; Plumereau Square in the old district; and the wonderful Musée du Compagnonage (We highly recommend this!).
• In Loire Valley we can arrange great wine tastings (we have excellent contacts), including lunch at the wineries; cooking classes; hot-air ballooning; canoeing or kayaking on the river; horseback riding; and bicycling. For cheese lovers and/or connoisseurs we have a very special contact in this area… Also, during the summer evenings, the Chateau de Blois has a spectacular sound and light show. 

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