Experiences in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is a dream destination for history buffs, while lovers of nature, fine wines, and walks along the water will not be disappointed either. Whether it’s pleasures for the mind or the body, the Loire Valley has something for everyone to enjoy.
DISCOVER THE LOIRE VALLEY IN A HOT AIR BALLOON
Discover the stunning Loire Valley from the sky during a hot air balloon flight. You can see the famous castles, manor houses, and gardens, as well as the peaceful landscapes that attracted some of the most prestigious French royalty. Your pilot will guide you through the wonders of the valley and serve you a superb gourmet appetizer. Take off from Amboise, home to the first of all the royal castles in the region, and enjoy an hour and a half of an exceptional experience.
GASTRONOMY AND WINES IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
The Loire Valley region has always been synonymous with “art de vivre” and “douceur.” The Loire became the favorite residence of the kings of France, and numerous extraordinary castles and gardens were built throughout the region. Art, vineyards, and gastronomy flourish in the courtyard and surrounding area, with extraordinary refinement and quality. It is always a pleasure for all the senses to spend a vacation in the Loire Valley.
DISCOVER THE FRENCH RENAISSANCE BETWEEN GOURMET DINNERS AND EXCLUSIVE VISITS
The Loire Valley is the cradle of French history, the region of kings, Renaissance castles, and where the purest French is spoken… Discover this incredibly rich heritage! Experience the Loire Valley in a very different way: visit the most iconic castles, but also discover private castles in a very exclusive way and immerse yourself in the gastronomy and wines that today create the region’s worldwide reputation.
DAY 1: A PRIVILEGED JOURNEY INTO FRENCH CUISINE
In the charming town of Blois, discover the Royal Castle and the famous Beauvoir Tower. These are unique settings for a tasting of local products and wines. You will also enjoy a cooking experience, preparing the region’s most emblematic recipes yourself.
DAY 2: CHEVERNY WINES AND A GOURMET BREAK IN CHAMBORD
Your day is spent between prestigious visits and discovering exceptional vineyards. Cheverny, then Chambord, are an opportunity to further improve your knowledge of the subtle flavors of the Loire.
DAY 3: CHEESE AND SAILING IN CHENONCEAU
This day focuses on local specialties from the region, with a visit to a goat farm and explanations about the cheese-making process using local names. Goat cheese tasting with Touraine wines and a picnic in the middle of the vineyards. Your day ends with a visit to the Chenonceau castle by private boat.
FROM THE LOIRE TO BORDEAUX: SPLENDORS OF THE RENAISSANCE
Come celebrate the 500th anniversary of the French Renaissance: from Leonardo da Vinci’s unique tapestry to the black and white flower beds of Chenonceau, the “Valley of Kings” is a symbol of this great period of artistic and intellectual creativity. This is also an opportunity to discover the wines of the Loire before heading to the larger estates of Bordeaux and Cognac. The journey offers a glimpse into the pleasures of French life. Whether by car, hot air balloon, bicycle, or plane, experience these regions where everything seems to be done with beauty in mind: art, cuisine, wines, rolling hills, even the quiet moments.
DAY 1: THE MAGIC OF CHAMBORD AND CHENONCEAU
Domaine des Hauts de Loire is an old hunting lodge consisting of a beautiful 19th-century castle set in a vast 70-hectare park of woods and ponds. Renowned for its chef Remy Giraud (2 Michelin stars) and 30 years of restaurant operation, the hotel also has a Clarins Spa. Every aspect of your stay revolves around your comfort and well-being.
DAY 2: THE LOIRE CASTLES SEEN FROM THE SKY
There is nothing quite like the experience of floating in a hot air balloon, where calm and serenity reign supreme. As you float past castles and parks, a sense of wonder takes over. Back on terra firma, you can visit the Chateau Royal d’Amboise to get a glimpse of royal life. You can also admire the extraordinary Last Supper tapestry created by Leonardo da Vinci.
DAY 3: TASTING THE FLAVORS OF THE TOURAINE REGION
Visit the market with your local host and discover the flavors of the Touraine terroir. Choose your products and then enjoy lunch at an old estate. You can also taste Touraine wines at an estate before visiting the sumptuous gardens of Villandry and then heading south by TGV.
DAY 4: COGNAC
Take a ride in the iconic 2CV through the vineyards and countryside of the southwest. Discover an amazing musical carousel in a medieval monastery. In the afternoon, you are the guests of a major cognac house and will discover some of the secrets that go into its production.
DAY 5: THE FREEDOM OF THE OCEAN, THE CHARM OF RÉ
It’s a short hop from Cognac to La Rochelle, as well as to the Ile de Ré, which is popular with stylish Parisians. From the fortress of La Rochelle, which the Protestants defended, to bike rides along the ocean, you can experience the relaxed atmosphere of the island.
DAY 6: ÎLE DE RÉ BY BIKE: DISCONNECTION AND AUTHENTICITY
On Île de Ré, everyone cycles along the small paths that crisscross the island. Follow the small, flat paths of the locals to visit chic beaches and authentic villages.
DAY 7: SAINT EMILION AND BORDEAUX
Your driver will take you to Saint Emilion, where you will discover one of the most prestigious terroirs in the world before immersing yourself in the 18th-century atmosphere of Bordeaux.
DAY 8: BORDEAUX
After a lovely breakfast overlooking the Opera, you can visit the streets of the old town with your guide and stroll along the banks of the river. Here you will discover the heritage of medieval Bordeaux, enriched by its considerable wine trade with the English. The beautiful buildings date back to the 18th century, and you can also wander along the grand boulevards dating back to the city’s golden age. Your meal will of course be accompanied by a bottle of fine Bordeaux!
DAY 9: EXTEND YOUR STAY
With its huge dune plunging into the clear water, fragrant pine trees, and fishermen’s huts on stilts, the Bassin d’Arcachon has become a popular holiday destination. Enjoy aperitifs with oysters and white wines, sea excursions, picnics on a Maldives-style sandbank, and the elegant atmosphere of small villages that attract businesspeople and media moguls.
WINES AND CASTLES – AN EXCEPTIONAL VALLEY OF THE LOIRE
The banks of the Loire River have always been associated with “douceur de vivre,” a blend of relaxed and charming atmosphere. At the end of the 15th century, it became the favorite region of the kings of France, who built the most magnificent castles after discovering the Italian Renaissance style. Chenonceaux and Chambord are the most famous, but Azay le Rideaux, Blois, Villandry, and others are also stunning. Classical French originated in this region, which is undoubtedly one of the hearts of French culture. Between gourmet dinners and exclusive visits, you are transported right into the heart of the French Renaissance.
DAY 1: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE RENAISSANCE KINGS
Discover Blois, a charming town and the first residence of the kings of this region. Access a magnificent panorama through a former prison and be joined by a wine expert who will share with you the subtle aromas of Touraine wines. You will also discover some of the principles that make the French art of living so famous since the days of the royal courts.
DAY 2: AN EXCLUSIVE MOMENT – BEAUREGARD AND CHAMBORD
You will be exclusively hosted at Beauregard, one of the most famous private châteaux in the Loire Valley. Wine tasting and lunch are part of your exceptional program at this fantastic property. Your afternoon is dedicated to the legendary Château de Chambord.
DAY 3: EXCEPTIONAL CASTLES, EXCEPTIONAL LADIES
You will immerse yourself in the spirit of the Renaissance, discovering extremely elegant residences that celebrate women: the incredible Chenonceau, but also Chaumont, both extremely refined. In Vouvray, complete your discovery of the most wonderful terroirs in Touraine before ending this exceptional day with a boat trip on the Loire River at sunset.
DAY 4: GARDENS, ELEGANCE, AND FIRST-CLASS GASTRONOMY
Start the day with a private tour of the magnificent gardens of Villandry, the most famous in this very rich region. Then head to the beautiful town of Chinon: lunch and an introduction to organic wines are on the agenda. The day ends with an exceptional gourmet dinner.
DAY 5: WINE DAY, GOOD DAY!
This day is dedicated to discovering the wines of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. Your expert guide takes you through the region, meeting winemakers who show you their exceptional properties and share all the secrets of their products.
Each tour is exclusive! We make your dreams come true!
