Take a guided tour of the Loire Valley Castles. You’ll discover some of the most enchanting castles in the world, surrounded by an abundant landscape of rolling hills and vineyards, and steeped in history. If you’ve ever dreamt of living the chateau life or are drawn to their magnificent architecture and the elegant life of a bygone time, then why not explore some of the Loire’s most enchanting châteaux and live the chateau lifestyle!
Take a guided tour of the Loire Valley Castles
Le Magnifique is a seven-day tour that takes you to the most beautiful corners of this stunning corner of France, all transport and meals and tickets are included – and you’ll be living like a Duke or a Duchess whilst staying in two dazzling chateaux.
Château de Rochecotte
For the first three nights of the tour, you stay near the historic city of Tours at the 17th century 4* Hotel Château de Rochecotte, once owned by the Prince de Talleyrand, an aristocrat who survived the French Revolution and became a leading minister for Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1828, the chateau was bought by Duchesse Dorothée de Dino who transformed it into a stunningly elegant home in the style of a vast Italian villa with columns, pergolas and a shimmering white façade.
The chateau’s long list of distinguished guests includes a Russian Tsar, the great French writer Balzac, the politician Adolph Tiers and the Cuban interior designer Emilio Terry Sanchez. But while the corridors may echo of yesteryear’s creativity, romance and intrigue, these days, the rooms are sumptuously styled, and the hotel is steeped in luxurious charm.
Enjoy tea on the terrace with magnificent views across the garden and valley, slip into the heated pool and enjoy gourmet dining in their two gastronomic restaurants (think authentic French cuisine made with local produce in neo-classical decor style or with views of the parkland).
Château de Chissay
Between Montrichard and Chenonceaux, Château de Chissay was once a fortified castle dating back to the 12th century but refurbished in the 16th century in Renaissance style. Chateaux this old always come with an interesting history, and when you stay here for the second half of the tour, you follow in the footsteps of both Charles VII, Louis XI and General Charles de Gaulle.
Stroll in the park, sip drinks in the courtyard or on the terraces and dine under the magnificent, vaulted ceiling of their restaurant.
Immerse yourself in the great chateaux
This superb tour will take you on a deep dive into the incredible architecture of the region and the chateaux you’ll visit include:
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: Built on an island of the Indre River at the beginning of the 16th century in Renaissance style. The Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau is surrounded by water to create the impression that it’s floating. It also has a stunning stone staircase, lavishly decorated rooms and a beautiful park.
Château d’Ussé: This chateau inspired Charles Perrault to write Sleeping Beauty and it’s not hard to see the connection. The gardens are also remarkable and were designed by André Le Nôtre, who also designed the gardens of Versailles for King Louis XIV.
Château de Villandry: Dating back to the 11th century, Villandry was once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, Jerome, King of Westphalia, and is particularly known for its gardens. After many redesigns, they are currently impressively ornate in the French style with a water garden, ornamental flower gardens, vegetable gardens, labyrinths and fruit trees.
Château de Chenonceau: This is one of the best-known of the Loire châteaux. Built in late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, it was the home of Catherine de Medici and before that, of her rival, her husband King Henri II’s mistress Diane de Poitiers. Inside, it is breathtaking, with period furniture, tapestries and paintings by European masters from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Château de Chaumont: Built on the site of a former fortress, this magical 15th century chateau has incredible views and fascinating architecture, and one of the most famous and fabulous gardens in France.
Château Royal d’Amboise: The resting place of Leonardo da Vinci who so epitomises the Renaissance era. Close by, the lovely Château du Clos Lucé, with its exquisite gardens is where da Vinci lived his last years.
Château de Chambord: Designed and built by King Francis I, known as the Renaissance King and patron of Leonardo da Vinci, this incredible chateau is vast, ornate and utterly breathtaking. With 440 rooms, you can descend the unusual staircase (which may have been designed by da Vinci), at the same time as someone else and not actually seem them! The rooftop has spires, turrets and chimneys designed to resemble the skyline of Constantinople.
Château de Cheverny: Built in 1634 and privately owned, Cheverny is known as one of the most elegantly furnished castles in the Loire Valley.
What makes this tour extra special?
There is so much about this tour that makes it extra special. For a start, everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive, from breakfast and lunch to dinner reservations, to transport and tickets. All you have to do is soak up the local culture and atmosphere and indulge yourself in the incredible architecture, gastronomy and wine.
And on this tour, you have a chance to experience those little pockets of the Loire that make it so unique and compelling. Explore the narrow-cobbled streets of historic Chinon, a Medieval town with ancient houses and a 12th century fortress on rocky spur overlooking the town. You’ll sample local produce and eat at Michelin-rated restaurants (like Les Années Trente and L’Ecluse) as well as experience traditional style bistros.
You can enjoy wine tasting paired with local chocolate at the Château de Minière and you can explore stunning Old Tours with its bustling markets, half-timbered houses and impressive cathedral, and Amboise, with its narrow streets and talented local artisans.
This tour is about indulging your senses in the great architecture of the Renaissance period and the grand opulence of that era, but also of enjoying the local detail: the great cuisine, the historic villages and towns, the local people. Live like a Duke or Duchess and really discover the Loire.
Find out more and book your spot on this magnificent tour at: loirevalleychateautours.com
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