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PALACES AND CHATEAUX
Fontainebleau, Chartres and Chateaux of the Loire
6 days / 5 nights
A perfect shorter tour to combine with time in Paris!
This delightful short tour of the Loire, with soupcon of fabulous mediaeval cities such as Chartres and Fontainebleau, for added taste, will surely stimulate the travel palette!
If you are passionate about delicious food and wine, magnificent architecture and local history this tour will certainly offer you the opportunity of discovering the best of French culture and sightseeing! We journey through some of France's most exquisite countryside in the Loire Valley and visit those rich palatial homes and chateaux that offer a fascinating insight into the opulent lifestyles of the French royalty and aristocracy. Enjoy a glass of wine in a beautiful winery, a typical French meal in a local restaurant and absorb your splendid surroundings on this indulgent tour.
Tour Inclusions:
- 6 nights in comfortable, traditional accommodation
- Driver/Guide companion
- All mini-coach transportation
- Full European breakfast daily
- Three-course evening meals x 3
- Entrance fees as listed
- Included Entrances:
- Palace of Fontainebleau
- Chateau d'Angers and the Apocalypse Tapestry
- Abbey of Fontevraud
- Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau
- Chateau de Villandry
- Chateau de Blois
- Chateau de Chambord
Departure dates:
Thurs 13 May, 2010 - Tues 18 May, 2010 (5 nights)
Thurs 3 Jun, 2010 - Tues 8 Jun, 2010 (5 nights)
Thurs 24 Jun, 2010 - Tues 29 Jun, 2010 (5 nights)
Thurs 15 Jul, 2010 - Tues 20 Jul, 2010 (5 nights)
Thurs 5 Aug, 2010 - Tues 10 Aug, 2010 (5 nights)
Thurs 26 Aug, 2010 - Tues 31 Aug, 2010 (5 nights)
Thurs 16 Sep, 2010 - Tues 21 Sep, 2010 (5 nights)
Thurs 7 Oct, 2010 - Tues 12 Oct, 2010 (5 nights)
Price: Twin/double: $1,935USD per person; Single occupancy: $2,255 USD
Tour departs at 08.30am and drop off (approx) at 6.00pm from Paris: Jardins d'Eiffel, 8 rue Amelie, 07 Arr., 75007 Paris
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Day 1 Chartres
Departing Paris, we start our tour with a short drive south to the Palace of Fontainebleau, one of the largest of the French royal chateaux. The work of many French monarchs, it is arranged around a series of courtyards. The Forest of Fontainebleau, around which the city grew up, is a former royal hunting park and is breathtakingly lovely. Our next stop is the town of Chartres, best known for the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Chartres, which is widely considered to be the finest gothic cathedral in France with its stunning stained glass windows. The steep, narrow streets of the old town contrast with the wide, shady boulevards of the newer city.
(D)
Day 2 Montsoreau/Saumur
Our second day sees us first driving through pleasant countryside and traditional villages to Le Mans, a well-preserved old town boasting the Cathédrale St-Julien, dedicated to St Julian of Le Mans, the city's first bishop. In the old town there are remnants of a Roman wall and Roman baths by the river. Our next stop is Angers, once the capital of the great Angevin (Plantagenet) empire of the 12th century, which extended from Scotland to the Basque country. An imposing castle dominates the medieval town, and a highlight of the day will be our visit to the famed "Apocalypse Tapestry". This amazing, hand-woven work of art dates back to the late 1300s.
(B)
Day 3 Montsoreau/Saumur
On our first full day on the Loire, we first see the fascinating hill dwellings inhabited by troglodytes in the middle ages before moving on to the celebrated abbey of Fontevraud, the burial place of Richard the Lionheart. Then onto to the wonderfully picturesque town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chinon. Chinon enjoys an illustrious history; it was the birthplace of the great comic writer Rabelais, and home of French royalty until the 16th century, most notably Henry II and Charles VII, whilst Joan of Arc was an important visitor as she tried to liberate the region from the English. We explore its old part of town and beautiful chateau as we learn more of its extraordinary history.
(B/D)
Day 4 Beaugency
The Loire Valley is justly famed for its incredibly rich châteaux and incredible wines, and you will experience both over the coming days. Today's route takes us by the Chateau d'Usse, reputed to be the inspiration behind the story of "Sleeping Beauty", to the town of Azay-le-Rideau, whose chateau is famed for its magnificent Renaissance exterior. From here a definite highlight of the day is Villandry, justly famed for its magnificent gardens. We enjoy a quick visit to Tours, famous for its medieval streets and its stunning cathedral.
(B)
Day 5 Beaugency
Today we see some of the most celebrated chateaux and their gardens, beautifully set in the wonderful landscape of the Loire valley. First we explore the Chateau of Blois with its medieval towers, gothic roofs and walls, Renaissance interiors and sumptuous interiors. Nearby is the magnificent Chateau de Chambord, one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Italian structures.
(B/D)
Day 6 Beaugency - Paris
Our final day takes us to the city of Orléans, made famous by Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans. During our visit we can explore the ancient, picturesque streets and the St-André quarter with its fine houses, or perhaps do a little shopping. We then relax as we take a leisurely drive back into Paris, with perhaps a stop or two en route.
(B)
You are dropped at a central Paris location. Accommodation in Paris is not included in your tour package but it is available for a supplemental fee.
This tour is operated by Back-Roads Touring Co Ltd
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