Day 1 Chinon

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Paris behind, we soon arrive in Chartres, a beautiful town with pretty medieval timber-framed buildings. The main reason we are here is to see the magnificent Gothic cathedral, perhaps the best example to be found anywhere in the world. This is one of the greatest architectural achievements, it is almost perfectly preserved in its original design and details. Be in awe of the marvellous stonework and exquisite 12th and 13th century stained-glass windows and see the Sancta Camisia, said to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at the time of Christ’s birth. We now head towards the heart of the Loire, and on the way we visit the fascinating Clos Lucé, a shrine to Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life here. The famous artist and inventor was enticed here by the art-loving François I, who offered him a comfortable residence in which he was “free to think, dream and work”. Leonardo brought with him the “Mona Lisa”, which explains why this most famous of paintings resides in Paris and not in Rome. We gain a real insight into Leonardo and his life and see, amongst many interesting exhibits, the chapel with frescoes painted by his pupils. Our next stop is a real treat as we continue to a private chateau for a food and wine taster session with our local host to learn more about local cooking techniques and wines in the region. We then continue on to the delightful town of Chinon, standing above the River Vienne and dominated by its Castle which overlooks the winding medieval streets below. Henry Plantagenet lived here before he became King Henry II of England, it was here that Joan of Arc begged the Dauphin of France to oust the English and it is quite possible that Richard the Lionheart died here.
(D)
Overnight - Hotel Diderot, Chinon or similar

Day 2 Chinon

Today we make our way to the lovely town of Angers, the capital of the ancient realm of Anjou. The Château d’Angers, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in France, houses the oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world, including the priceless “Apocalypse Tapestry”, dating from the 1300s and depicting biblical scenes of the end of the world. Next we pause in the tiny settlement of Turquant, where we can sample some of the lesser-known but delicious wines of the region. If time permits, we head back in time to explore some of the ancient and fascinating troglodyte dwellings for which the area is famous. From here we go to the magnificent Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was first established in 1099 and had, unusually, both a nunnery and a monastery under the command of an abbess. The abbey contains the tombstone effigies of Henry II and his son, Richard the Lionheart, as well as that of his infamous wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine – brilliant, beautiful and the wife of two kings!
(B)
Overnight - Hotel Diderot, Chinon or similar

Day 3 Cheverny

Today we make our way first to the imposing Château de Villandry, where we explore the elegant and extensive gardens, its crowning glory, which include an arbour of grape vines leading to a great parterre, a Garden of Love and a beautifully-designed vegetable garden. Next we move on to the charming Azay-le-Rideau – a hidden gem which will delight you. We amble through the gardens of this stunning little Renaissance château, less ostentatious than many in the region, this château is a masterpiece of architecture. Our final port of call today is the ever-popular and evocative Château de Chenonceau, whose beautiful arches span the River Loire. Known once as the “Castle of Women”, the château owes much of its charm to the influences of such ladies as Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of royalty, and Catherine de Medici.
(B/D)
Overnight - Chateau de Breuil, Blois or similar

Day 4 Cheverny

As our Loire adventure continues, today is a day of contrasts. The Château de Cheverny is a delicate jewel among the more famous monuments which stretch along the Loire Valley. Still privately owned by the descendants of the original owners. Built from a special stone which becomes perfectly white over time, you will be delighted by this charming 17th century gem. At the other end of the scale we see the mighty Château de Chambord, the largest and most prestigious of all the Renaissance châteaux. Sumptuous, extravagant and surrounded by forests, it was originally built as a royal hunting lodge of magnificent proportions, with almost one hundred rooms open to view and an extensive parkland, including a game reserve. It is said that the Loire was even diverted to create a little more space for its construction! This colossal and imposing structure will not fail to impress.
(B)
Overnight - Chateau de Breuil, Blois or similar

Day 5 Paris

As we make our way back towards Paris today, we first take a look around the pretty little town of Beaugency, where in 1152 the marriage of Louis VII of France and Eleanor of Aquitaine was annulled, allowing her to marry Henry II of England. In addition, Joan of Arc liberated the town as she made her way to Orléans in her efforts to oust the English, and there is a statue of her in the town to commemorate this event. Of great strategic importance during the Hundred Years War, the town has a lot of history and charm, which we have time to explore. As Paris draws closer, we make a final stop at the wonderful Palace of Fontainebleau, once a medieval royal hunting lodge but later transformed by François I in the 16th century into a beautiful and imposing palace. We arrive back in the capital, our Loire journey at and end. Beautiful buildings, delicious wines, delectable cuisine, enchanting countryside, peace and tranquillity. Much to remember!
(B)

Tour departure
This tour departs 0830hrs and returns 1730hrs from:
Hôtel Elysées Ceramic
34 avenue de Wagram
75008 Paris

Tour Photos