You will be chauffeured by our driver-guide to a wonderful day
in the Loire Valley. Discover famous castles and
gardens of the Renaissance:
CHAMBORD
This marvelous chateau began its construction under Francois
I in 1519 and was completed until much later by Henri II,
Charles IX and Henri III. 1800 - 2000 men worked on the
construction during Francois I. Though this castle went
through many owners, nobody actually made this place a
permanent resident.
Francois I himself lived in this place for 6 months. It was
mainly used by the kings as for retreat or as a hunting
lodge. There are no official records as to who the architect
was. Legend has it that Leonardo da Vinci, then living at
the Clos Lucé in Amboise, made several plans and models used
for the construction of the chateau.
It also has an extremely close tie to some of the projects
by Domenico da Cortona, and Italian architect. During the
reign of Louis XIV, the famous play by Moliere, Monsieur de
Pourceaugnac and Le bourgeois Gentilhomme were first
produced here.
AMBOISE - The cradle of the
Renaissance
One of the first truly "royal" residences of its
kind, chateau Amboise was built during the 15th and the 16th
centuries on the orders of Charles VIII, Louis XII and
François 1.
Following in the footsteps of the great kings of France, you
will discover a magnificent example of Gothic and
Renaissance architecture. Today, the Chateau still
houses an exceptional collection of furniture which
has been admirably preserved.
CHENONCEAU - The ladies
Castle
By building chateau Chenonceau on the Cher river in the
1513, Thomas Bohier razed the castle-keep and the FORTIFIED
MILL of the Marques family only keeping the dungeon. It is
sad that he never managed to see the finished castle and was
completed by his wife and son.
Later, it became crown property. Henri II offered this
castle to his favourite, Diane de Poitiers. She then
decided to have a bridge built, linking the castle to
the right bank of the river. This was done by Philibert de
l'Orne, the resident architect.
Following
the death of Henri II, Catherine de Medicis took over
the ruling and forced Diane de Poitieirs to return the
chateau Chenonceau to crown. During her reign and as the
Queen mother, Catherine commissioned a great gallery
to be built on the bridge.
THIS TOUR WILL NOT BE CONDUCTED ON
DECEMBER 24TH, 25TH, 31ST AND JANUARY 1ST
Season: All Year Round
Scheduled days:
(No minimum passenger required)
Daily departure available with a minimum of 6 passengers.
Departures: From 6.30 am
Duration: Approximately 12 hours
Pick up point:
From your accommodation in Paris
Return point:
To your accommodation in Paris
