Go on a tour in the Loire Valley and meet the famous ones that once lived in our chateaux and cities. From Francois I to Da Vinci
Loire Valley Chateaux

Whatever your favourite architectural period, there are countless chateaux for you to discover along the Loire River. From the must-sees Chambord, Amboise, Cheverny… to other truly splendid chateaux like Chamerolles or Loches, they all have a fascinating story to tell. You will enjoy visiting our cities, from the bustling Tours to the charming town of Vendome with its bridges and canals! Stop off at Le Clos Luce in the footprints of Da Vinci and do not miss the famous jazz festival in Orleans at the end of June!

The Chateau de Cheverny The Chateau de Chamerolles
Town and Chateau of Amboise Tours
Orleans The town of Vendome

The Chateau de Cheverny

This Louis XIII-style castle was Hergé's model for Marlinspike Hall in his comics 'Adventures of Tintin'. The permanent exhibition 'the Secrets of Marlinspike Hall' is fun for parents and children alike. And this year you will discover for the first time Tintin's bedroom! The chateau is renowned particularly for its magnificent interiors and is recognized as one of the most beautifully decorated and furnished castles in the Loire Valley. Its owner was one of the first to open the chateau to the public at the beginning of the 20th century and the family still lives there. After your visit of the chateau, enjoy a tour in the ornamental garden near the 'orangerie', visit the magnificent park of the chateau using an electronic car and go on a boat ride on the canal that crosses the park.

Read more about Cheverny.
Where to stay: Chateau du Breuil Hotel*** in Cheverny.

The Chateau de Chamerolles

This is a sixteenth-century chateau built for Lancelot I and one of the few to have a draw bridge still in working order. You will be surprised to discover that it is now the home to a perfume museum that features many exhibitions documenting the history of the pampering. Based on archives from the 17th century, the Renaissance gardens of this castle whose design was inspired by the proprietor's visit to Italy have been designed to appreciate an amazing diversity of scents. With its maze, the rare plants square and the vegetable gardens full of aromatic herbs and medicinal plants, the gardens are an invitation for visitors to the discovery of perfumes.

Read more about the Chateau de Chamerolles.
Where to stay: Auberge de Combreux Hotel** in Combreux.

Town and Chateau of Amboise

Nestled on the left bank of the Loire River, Amboise has kept the traces of its royal past. The Chateau d'Amboise offers great views over the Loire and the surrounding countryside as a result of its strategic position on a promontory overlooking the Loire River. Join an off-the-beaten track tour of the chateau's passageways and the towers of the medieval fortress. A special experience! In the recently restored chapel you can see Leonardo Da Vinci' grave. You can also visit Leonardo Da Vinci's house, Le Clos Lucé where you can admire the fabulous machines he invented.
After your visit, relax on the terrace of the Pâtisserie Bigot famous for its chocolates 'Pushkin' and 'Amboisine'.

Read more about the chateau of Amboise.
Where to stay: Le Choiseul Hotel**** and le Fleuray Hotel*** in Amboise.

Tours

City of art and history, Tours is bustling with activities and cultural events with its many museums, monuments, parks and gardens. Tours really symbolizes the French art de vivre especially the old part of the city with its charming lanes and timber-framed houses. The Plumereau square is always full of people who have stopped for drink. Tours is a heaven for shoppers. The best shopping street lead off Rue Nationale, with exciting food, clothes and specialist shops. Do not miss the markets such as the Marche Gourmand, a tempting evening food market and the Flower market held every Saturday since 1874. Tours is ideally located only a few miles from the famous gardens of Villandry and the Chateau de Cande, the Chateau where on the 3rd of June 1937, the Duke of Windsor, former Edward VIII, married the American Wallis Simpson, from whom he had renounced the throne. You can also drive to Vouvray and Montlouis to sample white wines – from dry to sweet.

Where to stay: Kyriad Hotel*** and Best Western Central Hotel *** in Tours.

Orleans

Orleans, one of the oldest cities in France, played host to many historical events. Thanks to its location on the Loire River, it was also a big trading place. Now it is a mixture of modernity and tradition. Discover the heritage of the city of Joan of Arc such as the cathedral and the remains of the medieval surrounding wall. This summer, plunge into the past and find out how the Loire River was used for the transport of goods and discover the typical Loire boats during the Festival de Loire 200 boats from France and many other countries will participate. There will be some regatta, nautical steerages and many happenings to better understand the traditional trades linked to the Loire and its boats. Visitors will be able to attend many performances throughout the day, from concerts to shows performed in the streets. Celebrate music during the famous Orleans’ jazz festival from 16th to 27th June.

Read more about the Festival de Loire.
Read more about Orleans Jazz Festival .
Where to stay: Hotel des Cèdres *** in Orleans.

The town of Vendome

The Loir River (without the 'e') filters through the old town of Vendome. This pretty town has some impressive buildings and a pedestrianised centre with a few shops. Sightseeing includes a collection of historic buildings from the 12th - 17th century placed in beautiful gardens and set amongst the Loir River and lots of little bridges, all decorated with flowers. A great place of interest is the Abbey-church of the Trinity which has a fine facade in a florid Gothic style and a fascinating clock tower.


Read more about Vendome.
Where to stay: Hotel Capricorne** and Hotel Balladins** in Vendome.