Discover one of the most beautiful regions in France and filled with history on your day long trip through the fabled Loire Valley. A trip along the Loire River and its tributaries is a voyage of discovery of the finest architectural heritage left by the kings of France, nearly 1,000 chateaux for their leisure pursuits. The Loire Valley region is a perfect region for bikers and enjoying some canoeing.

 

SIGHTSEEING BY CAR - FROM PARIS

FULL DAY TRIP (2,5 hour drive)

Today you will visit for the famous Loire Valley area, the land of the chateaux. Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel an you will depart for Chambord, your first stop. The Estate of Chambord is a national game reserve as large as the town of Paris. The chateau de Chambord is an unique monument (largest in the area) by its architecture and proportions. Leonardo da Vinci probably took part in the conception of the project. With more than 400 rooms and its double spiral staircase, Chambord is a highlight of the Loire Valley.

We continue on to the elegant Chenonceau, one of the most photographed buildings in the world. With its graceful arches spanning the Cher River and its airy gardens, this truly is a castle right out of a fairy tale. Often called the “chateau des dames,” Chenonceau so bewitched Catherine de Medicis that she forced the duchess Diane de Poitiers to deed the place to her in 1560. Catherine extended the gallery above the bridge, had stables built, along with a productive garden, and settled herself happily in residence here. Her son, Francis II, and Mary Queen of Scots were married here in 1568.

To end the day, we suggest to discover the manor Le Clos Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. The chateau and its park are part of the French national heritage, and are dedicated to the memory of Da Vinci’s great multidisciplinary genius of the Renaissance including a very interesting permanent exhibit displaying some of Da Vinci’s inventions. Or we can arrange a wine tasting at a private vineyard.

You will arrive back at your hotel around 6:30/700pm.

 

SIGHTSEEING BY TRAIN - FROM PARIS

FULL DAY TRIP

This morning you will board the TGV for a quick ride (59 min) to St Pierre des Corps. Your private guide will greet you there and you will be on your was for a great day in the Land of the chateaux! Your first visit will take you to Chenonceau. The unique architecture of the chateau makes it one of the most exquisite Chateaux of the Loire Valley. Chenonceau is related to important French Renaissance ladies and was offered by King Henry 2nd to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. See the black room of Louise de Lorraine, the gallery and the spectacular kitchens.

We recommend lunch in Amboise a very charming and pleasant little French town. In the afternoon, you will discover a beautiful place, a place where Leonardo da Vinci soent the last years of his life. Very interesting visit to the manor Le Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. The chateau and its park are part of the French national heritage, and are dedicated to the memory of Da Vinci’s great multidisciplinary genius of the Renaissance, including a very interesting permanent exhibit displaying some of Da Vinci’s ingenious inventions.

To end the day, we recommend a visit to the Chateau d'Amboise or some wine tasting. Few building are more historically important than the Chateau d’Amboise. Louis XI lived here; Charles VIII was born and died here; Francois I was brought up here, as were Catherine de Medici’s 10 children. The chateau was also the setting for the 1560 Amboise Conspiracy, an ill-fated Huguenot plot against Francoise II. The chateau’s original entrance, Tour des Minimes, is famous for its huge spiral ramp up which horsemen could ride to deliver provisions.

On the ramparts is the beautifully restored Gothic Chapelle St-Hubert, Leonardo da Vinci’s burial place.

Back to Paris around 6/6:30pm.

 

WINE TASTING

The Loire Valley total wine production is the third largest AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée) area in France.

It is the largest white wine region in France, and the second largest for sparkling wine. The length of the river and the diversity in soils and climates make the Loire Valley the only region in France to produce excellent wines of every variety. Red, white or rosé, still or sparkling, dry or sweet.

The French wine regions located along the Loire River from the Muscadet region near the city of Nantes on the Atlantic coast to the region of Sancerre in north central France. In between are the regions of Anjou, Saumur, Bourgueil, Chinon, and Vouvray.

The area includes 87 appellations. While the majority of production is white wine from the Chenin blanc, Sauvignon blanc and Melon de Bourgogne grapes, there are red wines made (especially around the Chinon and Bourgueil region) from Cabernet franc. In addition to still wines, rosé, sparkling and dessert wines are also produced. It is as well the second largest sparkling wine producer in France after Champagne.

The white wines of the Coteaux du Layon, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Savennières, and Vouvray are based on Chenin blanc and are known for their high acidity when young and ability to develop and age well.

The villages of Bourgueil, Chinon and Saumur are known for their Cabernet franc based wines that range from light and fruity in Saumur to rich and velvety in Chinon. The Muscadet wines from the Pays de la Loire are made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape and are known for their citrus and mineral notes.

The villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire are known for their crisp and herbaceous Sauvignon blancs. Some producers in the area are experimenting with oak aging their Sauvignon blanc to give them more rounder and softer appeal. However the large majority of the wine makers stick to "non oaky wines" to preserve a maximum for fruitiness.

Please note: Sancerre is too far away for a day trip from Paris. Even from the Lore Valley it is a long trip. Over 2.5 hours one way.

We will take your clients to small producers making excellent wines. Very authentic visits. And we can arrange lunch/tasting at properties as well. Nothing commercial as well.

 

BALLOONING

The pilot will meet you in the lobby of your hotel Domaine des Hauts de Loire at 7:20pm & you will depart for a magical sunset Hot Air Balloon ride over the Loire Valley*.

The Châteaux of the Loire Valley never cease to enchant visitors from around the world. Can you imagine drifting slowly over these architectural masterpieces in a hot air balloon guided by the winds? The Loire Valley has become our most popular balloon rides bases, where we take off from the Chateau of Chenonceau, Blois, Château of Chaumont, the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry to name but a few.

*Please note that the flight is subject to weather conditions. In case it is not possible to fly on this date, we will reschedule with the pilot for another moment during your stay. Balloon rides are possible at sunset or sunrise.

CHEESE TASTING

Today you will enjoy some great cheese. The Loire Valley has a specialty: the goat cheese. And this presented in all shapes. Le Crottin de Chavignol, la Pyramide de Valencay, la buche de St Maure. There is also some great sheep cheese (limited production) and Tomme fermiere!

We will take you to markets and the country side to visit a farm and learn about cheese making and before all taste some great cheeses.

We can also arrange a VIP tasting at the shop of Rodolphe Le Meunier in Tours. Rodolphe was recognized best Cheesemonger of France and was elected World Champion Cheesemonger in 2007. A visit to his factory is very exciting as well. Rodolphe is very busy so unfortunately not always available. Therefore we always need to check availability before confirming with you.


CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAU

The unique architecture of the Chateau makes it one of the most exquisite Chateaus of the Loire Valley. Chenonceau is related to important French Renaissance ladies and was offered by King Henry 2nd to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. See the black room of Louise de Lorraine, the gallery and the spectacular kitchens.

 

 

CHAMBORD

The Estate of Chambord is a national game reserve as large as the town of Paris. The chateau de Chambord is an unique monument (largest in the area) by its architecture and proportions. Leonardo da Vinci probably took part in the conception of the project. With more than 400 rooms and its double spiral staircase, Chambord is a highlight of the Loire Valley.

 

VILLANDRY

Famous for its very original gardens. You will enjoy the Love Garden, Kitchen Garden, Aromatic and Medicine Plant Garden, Water Garden and the new Sun Garden. Then, we suggest to make a stop in Langeais and discover the chateau which is more of a castle with its drawbridge. It was originally built as a fortress in the 10th century and is one of the best known examples of late medieval architecture. It is especially known for its monumental and highly decorated chimneypieces.

 

CHOCOLATIER

Bracieux village, where Max Vauché, Master Chocolatier” will give you a warm welcome. Mister Max Vauché is Master Chocolate Maker and travels around the world to select the best quality coco to create outstanding chocolates. Max developed a unique partnership with São Tomé also called the Chocolate Island. He developed with the growers a “cooperative” Fare Trade. You will start the visit with a short film about the history of chocolate. You will then attend a demonstration of chocolate making. Consider this opportunity very rare, unique experience.

 

SON ET LUMIERE

A superb Son et Lumière (Sound & Light) full of history, music, and of course a very nice light show. During the 45 minute-long show, the voices of Robert Hossein, Pierre Arditi, Fabrice Luchini recount the tales of love, drama, and mystery that occurred at the château according to a script written by the historian Alain Decaux. The show is unique in Europe. The original musical score is by Eric Demarsan and the stage production by André Blanc.

 

TROGLODYTE HOUSES

The Arenas. Dug in the limestone, they were built between the VI and IX. After producing many plays in it, Rabelais will mention them several times in Pantagruel. They were used as an inn in the XVIIIth century and as a prison in the French Revolution.

The troglodyte cathedrals les Perrières.
Former limestone quarries dug in the XVIII and XIX. Thanks to a unique extraction method, you wander through miles of arched rooms whose vaults reach up to 60 feet. These natural cathedrals are a must for those who want to understand what troglodytes really are.

 

CHEVERNY

Château known for its white façade

Cheverny has been owned by the same family since the XIII. The chateau, which led to the creation of Moulinsart in the famous comic book Tintin, is also famous for the tradition of the horse-back hunt and its impressive pack of 100 dogs. You may have a chance to witness the spectacular daily event of “the dogs’ soup”.

 

BLOIS

Visit the Royal Castle of Blois. The four wings of the castle courtyard (Medieval, Flamboyant Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical) offer a great survey of the architecture in the Loire Valley. Through the XIX century restorations, you will be amazed by the surprising colours of a chateau during the French Renaissance as well as by King Henry III’s bedroom, theatre of one of the most tragic events of the wars of religion, the murder of the Duke de Guise.

Drive to Cheverny. Lunch at local wine producer’s, on his wines, cheeses and charcuterie. The “Cheverny” appellation produces elegant red wines from pinot noir and gamay as well as fruity white wines from chardonnay and sauvignon. You will enjoy this moment to taste a wine for real connoisseurs: the “Cour Cheverny Appellation”, a stunning white wine made from a grape called Romorantin, imported by King François I into the Loire Valley.

 

AMBOISE

Few building are more historically important than the Chateau d’Amboise. Louis XI lived here; Charles VIII was born and died here; Francois I was brought up here, as were Catherine de’ Medici’s 10 children. The chateau was also the setting for the 1560 Amboise Conspiracy, an ill-fated Huguenot plot against Francoise II. The chateau’s original entrance, Tour des Minimes, is famous for its huge spiral ramp up with horsemen could ride to deliver provisions.

On the ramparts is the beautifully restored Gothic Chapelle St-Hubert, Leonardo da Vinci’s burial place.

 

LE CLOS LUCE

We always recommend a visit to the manor Le Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. The chateau and its park are part of the French national heritage, and are dedicated to the memory of Da Vinci’s great multidisciplinary genius of the Renaissance, including a very interesting permanent exhibit displaying some of Da Vinci’s ingenious inventions. Great place for kids.