Now is your chance to visit the “Garden of France”. With over 100 chateaux to choose from, the Loire Valley is a rich plethora of Renaissance and Enlightenment architectural Masterpieces, therefore we have designed this tour to give you a unique view of the best castles that this magical region has to offer: the majestic Chambord; the ethereally beautiful Chenonceau and the powerfully forged Amboise.
In the comfort of one of our minibuses your driver-guide will take you to the Loire, regaling you with anecdotes of regional history, architectural features you will see on your castle visits and about the people who had lived in them. Once you arrive at the Châteaux you will be given free time to explore all three at your own pace.
Chambord is the most majestic of the Châteaux you will see, boasting massive medieval towers perfectly blended with Renaissance elegance. Set in 13,000 acres of parkland this former royal residence represents the pinnacle of France’s 16th century architectural revolution, and the double helix spiral staircase at the heart of the Château, attributed to Leonardo Di Vinci is simply mind-blowing.
Amboise, with its spectacular view over the Loire, is famous for being the last resting place of one of history’s most famous men: Leonardo Da Vinci and with its massive gothic defensive features it evokes that bygone era of knights on horseback.
Then you will be given some free time in the Village at the foot of the Castle to wander and enjoy your Lunch break after a wine tasting.
Chenonceau, above all stands out as the most beautiful of the Châteaux of the Loire as it extends with infinite grace over the waters of the river Cher. With its ornately carved decoration and history of romance and rivalry, this Château lives up to its passionate reputation and has been seducing visitors for hundreds of years.
In the winter why not take advantage of the open wood fires which instantly transport you back to the days when these three castles where inhabited by some of France’s most famous Renaissance Kings and Queens; wander through the myriad of tapestry covered rooms, down corridors lined with royal portraits and up the spiraling staircases which make this architectural period so exciting. Once summer arrives these chateaux really come alive as their beautifully manicured gardens come into bloom which you can stroll around at your leisure. Chenonceau is especially famous for its Renaissance sculptured gardens so prized by Catherine de Medici.
Your full-day tour ends with return transport to the Original Departure Point in Paris.