FOLLOWING UP THE COURSE OF THE LOIRE

DAY 1 – NANTES

Arrival in Nantes
Meet with your English speaking guide and enjoy a 2 hour walking tour through the historical centre.
Then enjoy an extraordinary adventure at the “Machines de l’Ile”, a exclusive artistic project at the crossroads of the “imaginary worlds” of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo Da Vinci and the industrial history of Nantes.
Dinner and overnight in Nantes

DAY 2 – THE PUY DU FOU

Travel to the Puy du Fou theme park. Spend the whole day visiting the park and its numerous attractions. With a unique artistic concept and innovative original creations, Puy du Fou is a one-of-a-kind theme park.
Own arrangements for dinner. Overnight in Nantes

DAY 3 – ANGERS

Travel to Angers. Visit the Chateau of Angers, a 13th century fortress where you can admire the very famous Tapestry of the Apocalypse woven towards 1735.
In the afternoon, learn the secrets of Cointreau, the famous orange-flavoured triple sec liqueur. Use your imagination to create your own signature beverage.
Dinner and overnight in Saumur

DAY 4 – SAUMUR

Visit the French National Riding School and the Cadre noir, a place where the relationship between man and horse becomes magical.
Enjoy a mushroom-themed menu with the famous “galipettes” (stuffed flat mushrooms) in a troglodyte/cave dwelling restaurant. Then visit a troglodytic dwelling where mushrooms are cultivated.
Finally visit the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, the largest monastic city in Europe where are displayed the four reclining effigies of the Plantagenet dynasty.
Own arrangements for dinner. Overnight in Saumur

DAY 5 – LE MANS

Travel to Le Mans. Discover the mythical Le Mans 24 Hours circuit and its museum.
Then visit the visitor centre of the factory Bahier that produces this famous pate named “Rillettes du Mans”.
Own arrangements for dinner. Overnight in Saumur

DAY 6 – LOIRE VALLEY CHATEAUX

Visit the Château du Rivau and discover this genuine medieval castle and botanical arts in the 6 ha gardens. Enjoy lunch in the peaceful restaurant serving local specialities and products of the gardens.
Visit the Chateau of Azay Le Rideau, a graceful Château built on an island on River Indre.
Transfer to Tours for dinner.
Enjoy a guided walk in the old city by night
Overnight in Tours

DAY 7 – LOIRE VALLEY CHATEAUX

Visit of the Château of Chenonceau famous for its hallway and for its succession of formidable female owners.
Then visit a local vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting before having lunch in a nearby restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the “Manoir du Clos Lucé”, the home and museum of Leonardo Da Vinci and stroll around the Park dedicated to Leonard Da Vinci’s inventions.
Tonight enjoy a creative dinner in a 15th century priory and taste “many palate pleasures” from Renaissance recipes.
Overnight in Tours

DAY 8 – CHAMBORD AND DEPARTURE

Visit of the Château de Chambord, the biggest castle in the region built by King François I.
Travel to CDG Airport