CHATEAUX AND WINES OF THE LOIRE
8 days at GBP749 land only
Tripcode: ADL
Discovering the chateaux, towns countryside and wines of the Loire Valley
The Loire chateaux provide one of the classic images of France, with their turrets and flamboyant architecture reflected in the waters of the river. Created for the French kings and aristocracy by Flemish and Italian craftsmen during the Renaissance, they and their intricate gardens help to make the Loire one of the most beautiful regions of France. The landscape of the area includes famous vineyards, orchards, pastures and remnants of royal hunting forests, and we explore much of this on foot with four optional half-day walks. Our relaxed itinerary covers the most famous chateaux of the valley. From the small Sologne town of Bracieux we visit Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceaux. For the second half the of week we are based in the larger Chinon, a lovely mediaeval town spanning the Vienne river. Away from the walking and sightseeing there is plenty of time to enjoy the gastronomic delights of France, and sample a glass or two from the multitude of vineyards.
| Day 1 | Start Blois (1 hour by fast train from Paris); transfer to Bracieux, where we spend 3 nights. |
| Day 2 | Gentle walk through forest to fairytale Chateau de Chambord. |
| Day 3 | Discover pretty village of Cour-Cheverny, and chateau. We approach on foot, walking through vineyards, and the afternoon includes wine-tasting at a small local producer. |
| Day 4 | Travel west to the chateau of Chenonceaux, and visit city of Tours for lunch for exploration. |
| Day 5 | Explore on foot some of the best vineyards of the Loire and the forest of Chinon. |
| Day 6 | Free morning to discover weekly market at Chinon. Afternoon visits to feudal chateau and troglodyte houses. Optional side trip to moated chateau at Azay-le-Rideau. |
| Day 7 | Travel to Fontevraud Abbey, once the largest monastic city in Western Europe, and the burial place of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Afternoon walk to confluence of Vienne and Loire rivers, and stone villages of Cande Saint Martin and Mon |
| Day 8 | End Chinon. |
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The Chateau of Chennonceaux on the River Cher
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