Day excursions

Your quest for authenticity will begin with a visit to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, known by experts as the jewel of the Loire Valley. You'll enjoy lunch in the heart of a vineyard, in an enchanting setting, with a meal crafted from seasonal local produce, paired with organic wine from the estate. The highlight of the day will be exploring the Château de Villandry and, above all, its gardens, among the most renowned and admired in France.

We will start our day by visiting the Chateau of Langeais, the oldest forteress of the Loire Valley with its 10th century donjon (keep). Its main facade still has medieval characteristics yet, its opposite part has been renovated in the 16th century, which gives it a Renaissance charm. In 1491, Charles the 7th and Anne of Brittany’s marriage signed the annexation of the Duchy to French kingdom. A collection of tapestry, furniture and objects from the 15th century awaits you there.   We will cross over the Loire river to go to the Chateau of Villandry, known for its French gardens that makes it one of the most beautiful garden in France. It is divided in 3 patios: the 1st one is a mix of vegetables, fruit trees and vines, the 2nd one is made of sculpted bushes, and the last one is a water garden.   After the lunch break, we will continue our memorable day by visiting the Chateau of Chenonceau, also known as the « Ladies’ Chateau » which was embellished by famous women, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. This elegant structure built on the river will mesmerize you with its unique Renaissance architecture, furniture and gardens that will make you daydream. We will finish our excursion by visiting the Royal Chateau of Amboise, which was Francis the 1st’s main residence. With its Gothic and Renaissance styles, the chateau will make you fall in love its panoramic view on the valley. And you must not forget about the St. Hubert’s chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci rests in peace.

A day to visit the 3 châteaux of Amboise and the not-to-be-missed Château de Chenonceau. Departing from Tours, you will head for Amboise to discover: Château de Chenonceau (visit & lunch: 3h15): majestically set on the Cher, this masterpiece of the French Renaissance is famous for its elegant arches spanning the river and its gardens set in breathtaking natural surroundings. Lunch at leisure in the château's restaurants or in the village. Château Royal d'Amboise (visit: 1h30): majestically overlooking the Loire Valley, the château combines medieval splendour with Renaissance elegance, testifying to its historic role as the residence of the kings of France and a place of artistic creation. Clos Lucé (visit: 1h30): the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci, is a place steeped in history where you can discover the fascinating world of the Italian genius through his inventions, his works and his magnificent gardens. Morning tour operated by Touraine Evasion.

We will start our day with Acco Dispo with the visit of the Chateau of Chaumont-sur-Loire - known for its International Garden Festival since 1992. Each year, internationally renowned landscape architects, compete on a specific theme. Before Catherine de Medici used this Chateau to evict Diane de Poitiers from the Chateau of Chenonceau, she and Nostradamus dwelled there. After the lunch break, we will get back to the Cher valley in order to visit the Chateau of Chenonceau, also known as the « Ladies’ Chateau » which was embellished by famous women, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. This elegant structure built on the river will mesmerise you with its unique Renaissance architecture, furniture and gardens that will make you daydream. We will finish up our day with the visit of the Clos Lucé - a royal present from Francis the 1st to Leonardo da Vinci, where he spent his last 3 years of his life. You will enter his privacy as you roam his study, and will discover a large collection of models based on his sketches, as well as his bedchamber where he took his last breath at the age of 67.