Day excursions

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.

We will start our day with Acco Dispo 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 in Villandry, we will go towards the Chateau of Ussé - known as the "Sleeping Beauty’s Castle”, which inspired Charles Perrault. This property is a combination between Gothic and Renaissance architectures, as well as an expansion done in Classic style. We will finish our day with the visit of the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, its elegant facades are like a jewel trapped between sky and river. You will discover its 500 years old framework, as well as furniture and tapestries from different periods, in the living rooms.

We will start our memorable day with Acco Dispo with the visit of the Château of Chenonceau, also known as the « Ladies’ Château » 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. After the lunch break, we will go towards the Sologne region in order to visit the Château of Cheverny which has been in the same family for more than 600 years. This beautiful classical edifice inspired Hergé’s Marlinspike Hall in ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ comics. We will finish our excursion with the breath taking Château of Chambord. Made of more than 400 rooms, 282 fireplaces, as well as more than 70 staircases, including the famous central double helical staircase, it was Francis the 1st’s hunting lodge. This architectural masterpiece is one of the largest Château in France, after Versailles. Throughout the day, we will show you the beautiful countryside landscapes of the Loire and Cher valleys.

Departing from the Tourist Office in Tours, set off in an 8-seater minibus for an excursion including 3 visits. THE CASTLE OF BLOIS. One of the most prestigious testimonies of Renaissance art in France, a perfect illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. After discovering the courtyard and its famous spiral staircase, built at the time of François 1er, you can discover the residence of Catherine de Médicis and Henri III, which was the scene of the assassination of the Duke de Guise and the Gaston d'Orléans wing designed by François Mansart. Lunch in a restaurant in Blois. THE CASTLE OF CHAMBORD. More than 5 centuries after its construction, it still defies the imagination: 156 meters of facade, 56 meters high, 440 rooms... It is the dream come true of a young 25-year-old king: François I, who wanted to build the most sumptuous hunting rendezvous that history has bequeathed to us. CHÂTEAU DE CHEVERNY, which served as a model for Hergé to design Moulinsart, will surprise you with the richness and density of its furniture and the authentic and refined charm of its decoration. The Domaine de Cheverny belongs to the Hurault family, great figures and advisers to Kings Louis XII, François I, Henri III and Henri IV. This excursion is available on saturday from April to November. Depending on the programming of the minibuses, the program is likely to be modified. Departure is guaranteed from 4 people, a refund will be made if the number is not reached