Royal Getaway in the Loire Valley

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Saumur and check-in at your hotel

  

  As soon as you arrive in Saumur, you will be immediately charmed by the atmosphere that is both historic and lively in this emblematic city of the Loire Valley. Your hotel, ideally located in the very center of town, will offer you a warm and refined setting to start your stay. Just a few steps from the Loire riverbanks, artisan shops, and lively cafés, you can settle into an ambiance that is both elegant and relaxed. After dropping off your luggage, take the time to stroll through the neighborhood, enjoy a glass of Saumur-Champigny on a terrace, or let yourself be guided by the aromas of local cuisine wafting from nearby restaurants. Here, everything comes together to ensure your stay gets off to the best possible start.

• day 2

  Discover Saumur at your own pace and bike ride along the banks of the Loire

  

  Explore the Château de Saumur, which overlooks the town and offers a breathtaking view of the Loire. Head down to the center to admire the half-timbered houses and the Horse Museum, a symbol of the local equestrian tradition. Stroll through the Saint-Nicolas district, take a break in a wine cellar to taste a Saumur-Champigny, or sit on a terrace to try local specialties such as fouaces. Then set off on the Loire à Vélo on a well-developed route that winds between wild islands, vineyards, and troglodyte villages. Ride towards Montsoreau or Bouchemaine, stop on the sandy beaches or at a wine estate for a tasting. An ideal getaway to enjoy the nature and tranquility of the Loire landscapes.

• day 3

  Embark on a guided cruise on the Loire and discover Saumur from a new perspective!

  

  Let yourself be carried away by the currents of the Loire during a one-hour boat trip, ideal for exploring the treasures of Saumur. Admire the medieval castle, historic churches, and tuffeau facades reflected in the water, while sailing between sandbanks and wild islands, havens for migratory birds. Your crew will share with you the secrets of Loire navigation and the fascinating history of the city. To end this getaway in style, enjoy a tasting of local products: a glass of Saumur Brut Bouvet Ladubay or a refreshing Combier syrup, accompanied by the famous Le Vinaillou biscuit. An immersive experience to discover the soul of Saumur!

• day 4

  Head to Blois for a 4-day immersion in the heart of royal history!

  

  You leave Saumur to head to Blois, an emblematic city on the banks of the Loire, where every stone tells a part of France's history. Cradle of the Renaissance, it was the favorite residence of several kings and preserves an exceptional heritage, dominated by its royal château, an architectural jewel with eclectic facades and sumptuous interiors. Stroll through the cobbled streets, explore its captivating museums, and enjoy the terraced gardens offering breathtaking views of the Loire. Blois, between elegance and memory, promises you an unforgettable stopover.

• day 5

  Chambord: a masterpiece of the Renaissance, between mystery and innovation

  

  Classified among the very first Historical Monuments of France in 1840 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the Château de Chambord defies the imagination. Much more than a simple palace or hunting lodge, it embodies an architectural utopia, a bold work of art whose secrets continue to fascinate. Thanks to the Histopad, immerse yourself in the world of François I and explore nine rooms of the château reconstructed in 3D and virtual reality, for a timeless immersive visit. Then, prolong the wonder in the French formal gardens, designed under Louis XIV in 1734. Spanning 6.5 hectares, they are crossed by a majestic 4.5 km axis, highlighting the mythical position of the double helix staircase. An experience where art, history, and nature meet.

• day 6

  Chenonceau, the "Château of the Ladies": a feminine and artistic legacy

  

  The history of Chenonceau is inseparable from that of the women who built, embellished, protected, and even saved it. While its medieval origins date back to the 12th and 13th centuries — of which the Marques Tower remains — it was at the beginning of the 16th century that Thomas Bohier and, above all, his wife Catherine Briçonnet, gave it its current splendor. Today, the château houses an exceptional collection of furniture, tapestries, and paintings, signed by the greatest European masters of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. These works reflect the influence of the women who shaped its history. During your self-guided tour, explore the rooms of the "Château des Dames" and immerse yourself in the destinies of these iconic figures, before escaping into its enchanting gardens. An immersion in a place where art and feminine memory blend harmoniously.

• day 7

  Chaumont-sur-Loire: an estate where art, heritage, and gardens meet

  

  Acquired by the Centre-Val de Loire Region in 2007, the Chaumont-sur-Loire estate stands out as an essential stop, combining heritage, artistic creation, and garden innovation. Its unique identity, at the crossroads of these three worlds, makes it a special place in the landscape of the Loire castles. It all began in 1875, when Marie-Charlotte-Constance Say, only 17 years old, fell under the spell of the château, exclaiming: "I want this, I want this..." She acquired it the same year and, with her husband, Prince Henri-Amédée de Broglie, transformed it into a sumptuous setting, worthy of the most lavish receptions. To fully enjoy it, plan at least half a day: between the visit of the château and the discovery of the International Garden Festival (allow about 3 hours for the walk), Chaumont-sur-Loire promises an immersive experience, between history and creativity.