Enjoy the famous French Art de Vivre with the visit of 2 great castles: after majestic Château de Villandry - a must-see in the Loire Valley - discover one of the rare genuine castles from the 16th century still inhabited by its current owners: a French family, whom you may have a chance to meet. Two unforgettable experiences of a French life of luxury. Get into our minivan, off to the Loire castles!
During this morning, we will visit together two gorgeous castles: one must-see among all Loire Valley, and a charming and genuine family-owned castle. By the time you step in, this will just feel like home.
We start our visit at Château de Villandry, a Renaissance jewel ranking high in French heritage. During the tour, you will time-travel from Renaissance to life in France back in the 18th century. Our tour-leader will guide you through all the rooms of the chateau, with plenty of thrilling anecdotes and just one mission: make your day a fun adventure that you will always remember! One of the highlights will be the exploration of Villandry stunning formal gardens, a beautiful and delicately-manicured landscape masterpiece. Our local expert will share all his knowledge of this garden à la française, and will show you hidden corners from where you will get the best views of this remarquable site. The ornamental kitchen garden, the Maze, the classical water garden...Don't miss any detail!
En route for the next experience! On the way, keep your eyes wide open as you drive past Azay le Rideau, a real gem among all Loire Castles. Now is time for a different, more intimate atmosphere with the visit of a castle, Chateau de l'Islette inhabited by the French family who inherited this historical monument. Your guide knows them well and is allowed to tell you everything about all the rooms of the house. He will take you to the most intimate corners like the parent's bedroom, the kids' corner, the family kitchen and even the bathrooms! A real experience to tell your friends back home, especially if you get the chance to meet our charming French hosts.
Before leaving, let's share a nice aperitif with a Loire wine, perfectly matching our careful selection of tasty local products.
Throughout the afternoon, you will not only discover Chenonceau and Clos Lucé, two of the most outstanding castles of the Loire Valley, but you will definitely experience French Art de Vivre with our local expert. His mission is to help you immerse yourself in French history in a relaxed way and to make sure you are enjoying this great experience! Anecdotes, history, architecture, exceptional points of view, and a taste of the best local food specialties.... what a day!
Start and get into our minivan, off to Amboise! On your way, you will drive through the Loire Valley, and discover all the must-see castles that contributed to the worldwide reputation of this area. Our first stop is Clos Lucé where you will meet the genius Leonardo da Vinci and learn about his fascinating world! In 1516, following his sister Marguerite de Navarre's advice, François I, King of France, invited the Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci to Amboise, where he brought his famous masterpiece: The Mona Lisa, called La Joconde in French. Discover what Clos Lucé looked like back in those days of Renaissance, and learn about the French King's admiration and total devotion to this world-famous painter, architect, and sculptor who chose to stay in Clos Lucé until his death.
As for your second stop, you will soon understand why Chenonceau is the most visited historical monument in France. Admire this unique château built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens à la Française named after the famous ladies who lived in the castle: ""Catherine de Médicis"" and ""Diane de Poitiers"". Take your time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that prevails in each room of this renowned castle, all decorated with beautiful antiques and the most divine fresh flower arrangements.
After this exceptional visit, your tour-guide will offer you to share a delightful aperitif with local products in a secret little corner of the park, with the most striking view of Château de Chenonceau. Back at the starting point.
Explore the Chinon wine route and its vineyards, full of tradition and passion! Visit 2 superb estates, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes and learn how to taste these elegant wines produced from the most well-known terroir of the Val de Loire area! Don't forget to visit the medieval city of Chinon with your passionate guide!
The program.
Start at the Tourist Office in Tours and get into our minivan, off to Chinon! Discover this beautiful wine area full of passion-driven winegrowers! It is now time for a wine-tasting workshop. Get to know and understand better the diversity of Loire wines thanks to our wine educator and become a wine-expert in 45 minutes!
“Intense colour, oaky aromas, strong tannins…” Oops!! What is this all about?! Through this workshop, you will learn the different steps of wine-tasting and train your nose to identify many wine aromas. Benefit from our tips and tricks and taste like a pro! This workshop ends with a thorough tasting of different French appellations: Chinon, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Côtes du Rhône ... After this, French wine-area will have no secret for you (bring your jacket it might be cold in the underground cellar).
Meet a genuine French winemaker in a charming family-run estate! Visit the traditional vat room (bring your coat, it is freezing in the vat room). During this visit, you will improve your knowledge regarding wine-making and of course wine-tasting! The terroir of this wine area allows the production of elegant and fruity red and white wines. Before saying goodbye, share an aperitif made of local products like cheese, rillettes and fresh bread, the perfect match to Chinon wines!
A stroll into the past: Enjoy a nice walk in Chinon and discover this City of Art and History, an official title delivered by French ministry of Culture. With our local expert, visit the charming heart of the city with its historical half-timbered houses and private mansions. Under Chinon castle, explore one of the underground caves that were dug from the 10th to the 12th century in order to extract the famous stone used to build all the monuments of the region. Needless to say that these long galleries are ideal to store wine.
Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. One of the highlights will definitely be a restful lunch away from tourist groups in a beautiful privately-owned castle still inhabited by the family.
Start and get into our minivan, off to Chambord! More than a castle, this work of art is a glorious historical place that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley. Your guide will make this trip back in time a fun and captivating experience. He will select for you the most emblematic rooms to visit and share with you memorable anecdotes. He will point to hidden details of interest, and will show you to breathtaking views of the castle. So get ready to travel back in time of French Renaissance! Unforgettable!
Lunch will take place off the beaten path. You will enjoy tasty local food in a charming and familial Loire Valley castle, built by Jean le Breton! Hosted by the French Countess who lives there permanently, indulge in the nice and cozy atmosphere and feel like the owner of the place!
Next step is Chenonceau! On the way, get a good look at all the must-see castles of the French Valley of the Kings such as: Chaumont, Amboise, Clos Lucé... Château de Chenonceau: this is the most visited historical monument in France after Château de Versailles. Admire this unique castle built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens à la Française named after the famous ladies who lived in the castle: "Catherine de Médicis" and "Diane de Poitiers". Take your time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that prevails in each room of this renowned castle, all decorated with beautiful antiques and the most divine fresh flower arrangements. After this exceptional visit, your tour-guide will offer you to share a delightful aperitif with local products in a secret spot, with the most striking view of Château de Chenonceau.
A spectacular day you will never forget.