Legendary châteaux and tranquil countrysides.
| Journey
into the Loire Valley, also known as "La Touraine", a region with the largest
concentration of châteaux in all of Europe. A land of romance and fairy tales where once
powerful princes and kings built elegant château nestled in colorful renaissance gardens. First, visit the magnificent and imposing Chartres Cathedral, a true masterpiece of gothic architecture. The cathedral is characterized by its one hundred and fifty blue colored stained glass windows depicting biblical stories. Then discover the majestic splendor of the Château de Chambord, built by the extravagant François I, the largest and most renowned château in the Loire Valley. The château boasts over 440 rooms, 356 fireplaces and the famous double-spiral staircase designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. Visit the classical Château de Cheverny, built in white tufa, a stone that grows more beautiful with age. The château holds a sumptuous collection of furniture, tapestries and paintings dating from the 17th to the 19th century. |
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Continue
on the right bank of the Loire river to Blois, a charming town that has preserved
its medieval heritage. Discover its castle that became the central stage of courtly
intrigues during the time of Marie de Medicis. Make your way to the graceful Château de Chenonceau, constructed on a series of arches spanning the Cher river. The château was a gift from Henri II to his favorite mistress, the beautiful Diane de Poitiers. Explore the Château d’Amboise, the site of lavish and extravagant masquerade balls, hosted by François I, and the delightful manor of Clos-Lucé where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his last years. Off to the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, set in the emerald waters of the Indre river. The renaissance masterpiece is distinguished by its fairy tale turrets and tranquil surroundings. |
| Move
on to the Château de Villandry made famous by its kitchen and herb gardens. The
gardens, designed by medieval monks, cover a total of seven hectares and contain more than
80,000 different types of plants. Then visit the medieval Château de Chinon which dates back to the reign of Henri II Plantagenet, King of England. Finally, a trip to the Loire Valley would not be complete without a visit the wine cellars of Muscadet, Anjou, Saumur, Vouvray, Sancerre and Pouilly. |
