Château de Langeais

Drive through the beautiful French countryside to discover Middle Age and Gothic-inspired architecture, and learn the intriguing history of Normandy and France from an expert guide. Cross to the tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel, and soak up the refinement of prestigious Loire Valley castles, such as the vast royal Château de Chambord. Day 1 (Friday): Traveling by luxury air-conditioned coach, depart Paris via the western districts and take the Normandy motorway as far as Mont Saint-Michel. Arriving at approximately midday, stop for lunch at the 4-star Relais Saint Michel, offering fantastic views across to the island. After lunch, ascend to the Abbey on the summit of the mount for a guided visit of its Gothic and Romanesque interior. Enjoy some time at leisure exploring the narrow, hilly streets before your departure for Angers, cradle of the Plantagenet dynasty, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Hotel Mercure Lac de Maine (or similar accommodation). Day 2 (Saturday): After a hearty breakfast, drive to Langeais, passing Cunault and Saumur en route. Driving by vineyards, enjoy views of romantic castles on the horizon. Arrive at Château de Langeais to explore one of the best-known examples of late medieval architecture. Continue with a guided visit of Clos-Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last dwelling place. Stroll through the stunnning gardens of Villandry, and visit the old historic district of Tours on the lower reaches of the Loire. An evening meal will be served at your overnight stop in Tours at the Hotel Mercure. Day 3 (Sunday): Take a guide tour of the Château de Chenonceau, built on the site of an old mill across the River Cher. Continue to the decorative Château de Cheverny, used by Tintin creator, Hergé as the inspiration for his fictional Château de Moulinsart. After lunch at the Hotel Saint-Hubert, go to the Château de Chambord to explore the largest and most imposing castle in the Loire Valley. Admire the distinctive French Renaissance architecture, which blends impressively with traditional medieval forms.

Escape the busy city of Paris and immerse yourself in the French countryside on this 2 day trip. The tour departs the city and crosses the western districts of Paris along the Normandy motorway to reach your first destination. At Mont Saint-Michel, enjoy a fascinating guided visit of the abbey’s interior and marvel at the Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the building. Spend some free time exploring the rest of the abbey and surrounding village. After the abbey, head towards Château d’Angers for your overnight stay. Check into your 4-star hotel for the night and relax before the second day of the tour. On the second day, wake up to a delicious breakfast and begin your journey to the breathtaking Loire Valley. Upon arrival in the valley, visit the Castle Langeais passing by Cunault and Saumur along the way. Enjoy a guided tour of the Chenonceau and Chambord castles and learn about the rich history of the people who lived here. Finally, on the return to Paris, marvel at the stunning landscape of the countryside as you travel.

Start your tour at the Tourist Office in Tours. Pass by the city of Tours, a true gateway to the Loire Valley, which is full of unusual places that your gentleman sider will be happy to show you, comfortably seated in a magnificent vintage sidecar. Continue to Villandry, a Renaissance castle, located in the heart of three levels of tiered gardens. It is the last of the great Renaissance castles built on the banks of the Loire. Remarkable for the harmony of its architecture and its gardens, the site is best known for its gardens, spread over three levels, which combine aesthetics, diversity, and harmony. Next, pass by Langeais, the Château de Langeais, both a fortress and a princely residence, conceals multiple treasures: sculpted furniture, rich hangings, objects of art recall the life of the great lords. The reconstruction of the secret marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany which marks the attachment of the duchy to the crown of France and the remains of the oldest stone keep located in the heart of the park take you back to the times of the Middle Ages. Finally, arrive at Azay-le-Rideau, built in 1527, the castle of Azay-le-Rideau is a marvel of grace and whiteness, dominated by turrets which still recall the medieval era. Built partially on the Indre, this jewel has one of the first staircases with a straight banister - Italian style -, a decor and furniture of great richness which are distinguished by exceptional quality and a magnificent set of tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries. Around the building, an 8 ha English-style park was created from 1810. Azay-le-Rideau is also home to the Château de l'Islette, which housed the loves of Camille Claudel and Rodin.