Châteaux of the Loire Valley
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Jardins à la française Chateau de Chambord © Ludovic Letot
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Chateau de Chenonceau ©Chateau de Chenonceau
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Château de Villandry
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Sunlight reflecting on a wine glass
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Chateau de Cheverny
Considered to have once been the favourite region of French Kings, the Loire Valley boasts a rich and regal history. The area is full of treasures that are waiting to be discovered as it is brimming with vineyards, historic towns and architecture. The majestic châteaux that are dotted throughout are one of the main draws of the area. Each of the many châteaux has its own unique character, but all of them are equally wonderful. From geometric gardens to reflective lakes that are the stuff of fairytales, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. This stunning region features on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is one of the world’s most prolific wine producing areas.
Boasting more than 20 châteaux, you don’t have to travel far through this province before you find one. Based in Tours, at the eastern end of the valley, this tour allows you to visit the very best of them. Comic fans will recognise Captain Haddock’s home, the beautiful Château de Cheverny. While the Château de Chambord is the largest of all the castles, it was only really used as a hunting lodge! Because of this, the beautiful castle remains largely empty. You can also enjoy the glorious gardens that surround the castles. Lose yourself in the spectacular Renaissance gardens at the Château de Villandry. Furthermore, in the nearby Caves des Producteurs de Vouvray allows you to sample one of the region’s specialities – wine. The city of Tours itself is picturesque, full of historical sites. Because of its ideal location, the town of Tours is your gateway to explore the stunning Loire Valley.
Dates
Dates throughout 2025 on request
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais. Arriving in Calais, continue through France, stopping for an overnight in the Rouen area. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 2
Château de Chenonceau and Wine Tasting
En-route to Tours which will be our base for the next 4 nights, a visit will be made of the Château de Chenonceau, arguably the most impressive and memorable of all the châteaux in the Loire Valley. As soon as you start to walk down the long tree lined avenue towards the castle you will be impressed by the castle and its setting Visit both the castle and the extensive surrounding gardens, including the gardens of Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. (Entrance included/guided tours optional)
From here continue to Vouvray for a wine tasting at the Cave des Producteurs before arriving at the hotel. Enjoy dinner in the hotel and an evening at leisure.
Day 3
Tours (at leisure)
Tours is a university town but was once a Gallic-Roman settlement and is a traditional gateway for exploring the Château of the Loire Valley. Major landmarks in the town include the cathedral Saint-Gatien which a flamboyant Gothic facade. Wander around the historic centre with its half-timbered houses and the bustling Place Plumerau.
Enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening.
Day 4
Three Châteaux – One Day!
A full day exploring three of the more popular Châteaux in the Loire Valley. First a stop at the exquisite Château de Cande where Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor were married. Then its on to Château d’Azay-le-Ridieu, an excellent example of French Renaissance. Last but not least, Château de Villandry with its magnificent gardens.
Day 5
Châteaux Chambord and Cheverny
The Château de Chambord is the largest of all the Loire Châteaux, it was in fact only used as a hunting lodge. The amazing architecture is reminiscent of a fairy-tale castle and it is one of the most recognisable château in the world. Don’t miss the spectacular staircase, the centre-point of the castle. Fine furnishings and tapestries were brought into the château temporarily to impress visiting dignitaries; otherwise it remained virtually empty, as it is today.
From here, head to the Château de Cheverny, a lovely place that will be familiar to fans of the Tintin cartoons as ‘Moulinsart’, the imaginary home of Captain Haddock. The Château has belonged to the same family for six centuries and was built in the early 1600s. The interior reflects the history and tastes of the family and the grounds offer an orangery, used as a safe haven for famous works of art during WW2. Listen out for the hunting hounds kept on the grounds!
Day 6-7
Return to the UK
Leaving the Loire Valley head to Rouen for an overnight stop. There will be some free time to explore the city and have some dinner. Continue the next day to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
We can provide professional and experienced guides throughout, if required
| Departure date | 7 days / 6 nights |
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| 2025 | Price on request |
Single supplement available on request
