France’s most famous river, the Loire, is our companion on this walk through the garden of France. We stroll across undulating countryside to visit a royal abbey, to stay in charming towns and visit troglodyte caves. Our walks take us to explore splendid châteaux surrounded by magnificent formal gardens and to vineyards where we sample the delicious wines of Chinon, Vouvray and Saumur. In Chinon we’ll visit a medieval fortress where Joan of Arc met Charles VII and we’ll take a trip to the magnificent Fontevraud; the royal Abbey where Eleanor of Aquitaine and her son Richard the Lionheart are both buried. If you love gardens this is the trip for you they come in all shapes and sizes, formal and informal from the medieval floral garden to the meticulously laid out kitchen garden. It’s a garden and wine lover’s lover’s paradise!
Day 1 & 2 Amboise and Vouvray: Meet in the magnificent city of Amboise, one of the most beautiful settlements in the Val de Loire. Visit the cave dwellings in Rochecorbon and taste some of the delicious wines of the Vouvray appelation. Chenin Blanc takes centre stage!
Day 3 & 4 Azay-le Rideau: Wander though the forest to the magnificent renaissance castle of Chenonceaux. Enjoy lunch at a country restaurant where locally produced goats cheese features on the menu. Explore Azay-le Rideau and its romantic 16th century chateaux.
Day 5 & 6 Chinon: Walk to the troglodyte village of Les Goupillieres, visit a historic cellar to taste some of the region’s red wine. Explore the fairytale chateau of Usse, thought to have inspired the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Spend an afternoon in Chinon and visit the museum dedicated to Joan of Arc
Day 7 Fontevraud: Walk to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fontevraud, one of France’s biggest and most important abbeys. Learn about its fascinating history and stroll through its attractive walled gardens.
Duration | 7 nights/8 days |
Difficulty | Easy 6 – 10 km/day over gently rolling terrain, on excellent paths. |
Start/Finish | Amboise/Tours |
Tour Price | $3700 (single supplement $500) |
Departures | 24 September to 1 October,2025 |
Inclusions
Seven nights accommodation in comfortable, charming hotels; all breakfasts and meals as specified in the itinerary; all transfers, tips and gratuities; the services of a professional tour guide.
For more information please contact us!