Loire Valley Tour Itinerary : 6 Day Tour

Best Adventures in Loire Valley

Detailed Day-by-Day Loire Valley Tour Itinerary

France with Friends! Tours That Feel Like Traveling With Friends!

Loire Valley Tour itinerary at a glance followed by complete day-by-day details…

The Loire Valley is where our story began 32 years ago—and it remains the heart of our “France with Friends” philosophy. The hoteliers, chefs, winemakers, and local hosts you’ll meet are not simply our partners; they are lifelong friends and extended family who welcome our guests into their hotels, kitchens, wineries, and homes.

Along with magnificent castles, celebrated wines, and memorable French cuisine, we’ll take you beyond traditional sightseeing with the fascinating, surprising, scandalous, and sometimes delightfully spicy stories of what French kings, queens, royal favorites, and mistresses were really doing behind closed doors.

DAY 1 — Welcome to the Loire Valley: Settle in for five nights at one of our friends’ charming 4-star boutique hotels in historic Amboise—either Guillaume and Julia’s hotel or Grégoire’s hotel. No hotel hopping—unpack once for the entire tour. This evening, join our friend Aurélien for a welcome cocktail and scenic Loire River float aboard a traditional wooden toue, followed by a magical, privately hosted dinner on an island in the river. – D

DAY 2 — Chenonceau, Cooking, Wine & Cheese: Discover the beauty of Château de Chenonceau through the powerful women, royal romances, rivalries, and spicy stories that shaped its history. Later, join our friend Chef Damien in his professional kitchen for a hands-on culinary experience, a guided “Tour de France” wine and cheese tasting, and a delightful gourmet dinner together. – B, D

DAY 3 — Chambord, Leonardo da Vinci & Amboise: Explore magnificent Château de Chambord while hearing the fascinating behind-closed-doors stories of King Francis I, Louis XIV, and life at the French court. Return to Amboise for leisure time, artisan shopping, or a visit to Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final home. This evening, gather at one of our favorite local spots for a festive French-style apéritif dînatoire. – B, Apéritif Dînatoire

DAY 4 — A Private Winery Experience with Friends: Go behind the scenes with our friends Fred and Louisa at their family winery, where Fred’s family has been making wine since 1508. Tour the winery, taste their wines, and enjoy a privately hosted wine-pairing lunch inside their historic family home. This afternoon, choose between a guided visit to the Royal Château of Amboise—complete with more royal intrigue and spicy stories—or leisure time in the village. – B, L

DAY 5 — Villandry & Dinner at Home with Our Chef Friends: Discover the elegant château and spectacular gardens of Villandry, followed by a leisurely afternoon in Amboise for shopping, cafés, independent exploration, or a visit to Clos Lucé. This evening, our lifelong friends, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chef Christophe and Chef Angélique, welcome us into their family home for a warm, hands-on culinary experience and memorable farewell dinner. – B, D

DAY 6 — Farewell: After breakfast, our tour concludes with a scheduled group transfer from Amboise to the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station. – B

B = Breakfast · L = Lunch · D = Dinner

Small-Group Travel That Feels Genuinely Personal: Limited to just 10–12 guests, our Loire Valley tour is about far more than group size—it is brought to life by our stellar guiding team, including a specialist in 14th- to 19th-century France, the House of Valois kings, and the delightfully spicy history of royal life behind closed doors. Our team also includes a native of the Sologne region whose specialty in historical period pieces, decorative arts, and château interiors complements the fascinating stories you’ll hear.

Ready to experience the Loire Valley with friends? Explore our 2027 tour dates and reserve your place on this unforgettable six-day journey – Click here to see 2027 Loire Valley Tour Dates

Detailed Day-by-Day Loire Valley Tour Itinerary

Day 1 — Welcome to the Loire Valley

Amboise · Loire River Float · Private-Island Welcome Dinner

Today’s Experiences

• 2:00 p.m. group pick-up at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station
• Check-in for five nights at our 4-star boutique hotel in Amboise
• Welcome cocktail aboard a traditional Loire River boat
• Privately hosted dinner on an island in the Loire River

TOUR BEGINS: Group transfer at 2 pm from St. Pierre des Corps TGV rail station, Tours, France, to the hotel in Amboise.

Arrival in Amboise

Our Loire Valley tour begins at *2:00 p.m. at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station, where we’ll meet for our scheduled group transfer to Amboise.

We’ll check into one of two charming 4-star boutique hotels owned by our local friends—either Guillaume and Julia’s hotel or Grégoire’s hotel. Both are ideally located in the heart of historic Amboise village.

There’s no hotel hopping on this tour. Unpack once and settle in for all five nights.

*Details on where we meet at the station are included in the detailed tour information package we send you thirty days before the tour departure date.

Evening on the Loire River

Later this afternoon, we’ll travel along the Loire River heading to the port of Chaumont-sur-Loire, where we’ll meet up with local friend Aurelien along the banks of the Loire River. Aurelien and his team welcome us aboard their traditional wooden, flat-bottom boat, called a “toue,” a uniquely designed boat adapted to the river that has been used for transportation on the Loire River since the Middle Ages.  

These flat-bottomed boats have navigated the shallow waters of the Loire for centuries. As we float peacefully downriver, we’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail and introduction to the week while taking in the surrounding landscapes, wildlife, and château views.

DINNER: Our boat ride leads us to a private island in the middle of the river, where one of our favorite regional chefs will prepare a privately hosted welcome dinner exclusively for our group. Think of it as an elegant Loire Valley interpretation of an African bush dinner—intimate, atmospheric, and wonderfully unexpected.

After dinner, we’ll continue downriver toward Amboise, where the Royal Château appears above the village—especially magical when illuminated by the colors of sunset.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 — The Women of Chenonceau and the Flavors of France

Château de Chenonceau · Hands-On Cooking · Wine and Cheese Tasting · Gourmet Dinner

Today’s Experiences

• Guided visit to Château de Chenonceau and its gardens
• Independent lunch in Amboise
• Hands-on culinary experience with our friend Chef Damien
• Guided “Tour de France” wine and cheese tasting
• Gourmet dinner featuring the recipes prepared together

BREAKFAST

Morning at Château de Chenonceau

This morning, we visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceau, one of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful and historically fascinating castles. A castle brought to life by women, this castle represents the most significant accomplishments of royal women during the French Renaissance. Enjoy little-known stories of the most powerful and influential women at the French court, racy stories of queens and their love affairs, royal seduction, secret world of favorites and mistresses, the first-ever fireworks display in France, extravagant parties and deception, and how royal debt led to the negotiation of a marriage to save the castle from being confiscated by the French state.

LUNCH:  Enjoy an independent lunch at a local restaurant in Amboise, known for its charming streets and delicious cuisine.

Afternoon in the Kitchen with Chef Damien

Get ready for a hands-on cooking class and demonstration with our friend, Michelin-star Chef Damien, in his professional kitchen. Damien’s career has taken him on culinary adventures around the world, but he ultimately returned to his native Loire Valley to share his knowledge and passion for French cuisine.

This is more than a cooking demonstration—you’ll have the opportunity to participate, learn new techniques, and prepare part of our evening meal together. No previous cooking experience is necessary.

“Tour de France” Wine and Cheese Tasting

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE – A “Tour de France” French wine and cheese tasting wraps up our cooking class experience. Embark on a sensory journey as we explore the rich history and production of cheese in France. We’ll taste a variety of cheeses, each with its own unique flavor profile, all accompanied by carefully selected regional wines.

DINNER: Following the tasting, we’ll raise a glass together and enjoy a gourmet dinner featuring the dishes prepared during our class.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3 — Chambord, Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise and Village Life

Château de Chambord · Amboise · Clos Lucé · French Apéritif Dînatoire

Today’s Experiences

• Guided visit to Château de Chambord
• Independent lunch at Chambord
• Leisure time and artisan shopping in Amboise
• Optional visit to Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final home
• Hosted French-style apéritif dînatoire

BREAKFAST.

Morning at Château de Chambord

Today we travel to Château de Chambord, an extraordinary Renaissance masterpiece created during the reign of King Francis I. Its soaring towers, monumental architecture, and celebrated double-helix staircase are impressive—but Chambord’s greatest intrigue lies in the people who inhabited its royal world.

You will be introduced to the fascinating past of Chambord Castle and the region as it existed during the reign and presence in the Loire of the House of Valois and early Bourbon kings.  We share stories about two of France’s most influential Kings, Francis I and Louis XIV, their royal lifestyles, contributions, and personal guests at the castle, as well as steamy stories of what went on in the personal lives of the kings, queens, and the French court behind closed doors at the castle.

LUNCH:  Independently at Chambord Castle.

Afternoon Leisure Time in Amboise

Upon returning to Amboise, enjoy time to explore the village at your own pace. Browse artisan boutiques for French-made scarves, jewelry, handbags, and regional specialties.

You may also visit Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. Explore the home where he lived and worked, discover full-scale models inspired by his inventions, and wander through gardens celebrating his extraordinary imagination.

A French Apéritif Dînatoire

This evening, we’ll gather at one of our favorite local spots in Amboise for a hosted apéritif dînatoire.

More generous than a cocktail hour but more relaxed than a formal dinner, an apéritif dînatoire brings friends together over drinks and an abundant selection of savory bites. It’s a fun, convivial French tradition—and one of our favorite ways to spend an evening together.

Meals included: Breakfast and apéritif dînatoire

Imagine yourself here: Explore our 2027 Loire Valley tour dates and join us for magnificent castles, memorable cuisine, local friendships, and the delightfully spicy stories of French royal life –  Click here to see 2027 Loire Valley Tour Dates

Day 4 — Wine, Friendship and Royal Amboise

Private Winery Visit · Wine Tasting · Lunch at the Family Château · Optional Château d’Amboise

Today’s Experiences

• Private winery tour and tasting with our friends Fred and Louisa
• Behind-the-scenes introduction to Loire Valley winemaking
• Privately hosted wine-pairing lunch in their family home
• Choice of a guided visit to the Royal Château of Amboise or leisure time
• Independent evening in Amboise

BREAKFAST.

A Private Winery Experience with Friends

This morning, our friends Fred and Louisa welcome us to their family winery and historic home for one of the tour’s most personal experiences. Fred’s family has been making wine in the Loire Valley since 1508. Having grown up in the family business, he learned every aspect of winemaking—from tending the vines and managing the vineyard to production and bringing each vintage to market.

This is a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and witness the labor of love this couple has poured into their passion for wine-making. We’ll also taste a selection of their established favorites and newer releases.

Lunch at the Family Château

To top off this exclusive experience, we’ll continue with a traditional French apéritif in the sitting room of their 18th century château home before gathering around the family dining table for a privately hosted wine-pairing lunch.

Your Choice This Afternoon

Upon returning to Amboise, choose the experience that best suits you:

OPTION 1 —   Guided Visit of Amboise Royal Castle & Gardens

Conclude the day with a guided visit of the fairy tale Royal Castle of Amboise. You’ll be led through the grand halls, the lush gardens, and the royal chambers, hearing stories of love, heartbreak, vengeance, gore, and power struggles that echo through its walls. The castle, a spectacular masterpiece, reflects all of the refinements of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It embodies the qualities of a traditional French royal castle.

Amboise, a place of strategic importance during the reign of the Valois Kings, holds a special place in history. As we journey through its past, accompanied by intimate stories of the private lives of the French Kings, Queens, and their courts, we discover that there was so much more to royal life than military campaigns and political allegiances. This personal connection to history will engage and intrigue you.

Option 2 — Leisure Time in Amboise

Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace. Browse the boutiques, relax at a café, stroll beside the Loire, or simply savor the atmosphere of this charming historic village.

DINNER: Independent this evening. Enjoy a sunset stroll along the Loire River, a cocktail overlooking the Amboise Royal Castle (we’ll share the spot for it), and indulge in a delightful dinner at one of the many favorite places in Amboise.

Read my blog post about Anne de France: More than a Royal Daughter, A Legacy of France’s Most Powerful Woman Despite Never Being Queen (opens in a new window)

Day 5 — The Gardens of Villandry and Dinner at Home with Friends

Château de Villandry · Leisure Time · Hands-On Cooking · Farewell Dinner

Today’s Experiences

• Visit Château de Villandry and its celebrated gardens
• Independent lunch in Amboise
• Leisure time for shopping, cafés, or Clos Lucé (if you missed the opportunity earlier in the week)
• Hands-on culinary experience “cooking at home” at our friends’ family home
• Gourmet farewell dinner with Chefs Christophe and Angélique at their family home

BREAKFAST.

Morning at Château de Villandry

This morning, discover the timeless beauty of Château de Villandry, one of the Loire Valley’s most captivating destinations. While its elegant Renaissance château is a delight to explore, it is the extraordinary gardens that leave a lasting impression.

Wander through exquisitely designed ornamental gardens, vibrant kitchen gardens, tranquil water features, and fragrant pathways, where every season unveils a new masterpiece of color and texture. A visit to Villandry is more than a tour of a château—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the beauty of the French countryside, and experience one of France’s most breathtaking gardens.

LUNCH: Enjoy an independent lunch at one of the charming local eateries on return to Amboise.

A Leisurely Afternoon in Amboise

After an independent lunch in Amboise, enjoy free time to shop, relax at a café, or continue exploring the village. Guests who have not already visited Clos Lucé earlier in the week may choose to spend the afternoon discovering Leonardo da Vinci’s final home and gardens.

Dinner at Home with Our Lifelong Friends

This evening embodies everything we mean by France with Friends.

Our lifelong friends, acclaimed chefs Christophe and Angélique, will welcome us into their family home for a relaxed, hands-on culinary experience and farewell dinner.

Christophe holds the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France and has worked alongside his friend, celebrated chef Alain Ducasse. Angélique is an accomplished chef and culinary professor in the Loire Valley. Together, they share a genuine passion for French cooking and hospitality.

Over a glass of wine, we’ll help prepare a gourmet apéritif and dinner inspired by regional Loire Valley recipes, including the beloved Tarte Tatin.

No cooking experience is necessary, and everyone may participate as much or as little as they like. If cooking is not your thing, simply enjoy the wine, conversation, and pleasure of spending an evening at home with our French friends.

We’ll gather around the family table for cocktails, dinner, and a final toast to our time together. It is a warm and wonderfully personal way to celebrate an unforgettable week in the Loire Valley.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Read my blog post about The Enigmatic King Henri III: A Tale of Love, Obsession, and the Court of Mignons (opens in a new window)

Day 6 — Farewell to the Loire Valley

After breakfast, it is time to say au revoir to Amboise and the friends we’ve made along the way.

Our scheduled group transfer departs the hotel at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station at approximately 10:00 a.m.

Earlier or later private transfers may be arranged separately. Please contact us for additional information.

Meals included: Breakfast

Have a group your own group of friends or family, and want to make this tour a private departure? Email us at christy@traveloffthebeatenpath.com for details.

Download Our Loire Valley Tour Brochures

• Loire Valley Tour Brochure (PDF)

Come experience the Loire Valley with us! Spend six unforgettable days discovering magnificent castles, sharing meals in our friends’ homes, and experiencing the region through the lifelong relationships we have built over the past 32 years – Click here to see 2027 Loire Valley Tour Dates

Walking & Mobility

Our Loire Valley tour combines sightseeing, cultural activities, culinary experiences, and leisurely exploration. Although the itinerary is not strenuous, guests should be comfortable with a moderate amount of walking and standing throughout each day.

Activities include:

• Walking through villages, château interiors, and gardens
• Navigating stairs, cobblestones, and occasional uneven surfaces
• Standing for short periods during historical presentations
• Walking between our vehicles and the sites we visit

Elevators and escalators are generally unavailable at the historic châteaux. Guests who are comfortable with these everyday mobility requirements should be able to participate in and enjoy the tour.

  
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 91 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Christina Mannino 
 
10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Excellent tour! From the wonderful hotel accommodations and well-air-conditioned bus to all the thoughtful little touches—iced water to stay hydrated, refreshing mist sprays to cool us down in the heat, and always knowing where to find the best available bathroom—every detail was carefully considered. The small group size made the experience feel personal and relaxed, and our guides, Philippe and Summer, along with our driver, P2, were absolutely awesome! They were knowledgeable, attentive, fun, and made the entire experience so memorable. Highlights included our fabulous dinner at Catherine’s, abundant and delicious food and wine, and the fun-filled activities—making macarons, visiting a lavender distillery, and even making our own wine to bottle and take home! And a special shout-out to Summer, who doubled as our priceless personal photographer and captured so many wonderful memories along the way. Beyond the food, wine, and activities, I especially appreciated learning about the history, culture, and traditions of the region. It truly embodied the **joie de vivre** of Provence! I highly recommend this tour and look forward to taking another tour with this company in the future. My only recommendation would be to consider adding one additional day. Perhaps a half day to relax and enjoy the hotel pool or explore St. Rémy on our own, followed by another half day visiting an additional destination. It would be the perfect way to make an already wonderful experience even better!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Martha Zornes 
 
3 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+1
Truly a lovely experience.  Staying at one hotel for the entire tour and taking bus trips to the surrounding countryside was great.  It eliminated changing hotels which can be an issue on other tours.  The guides were ever present and helpful with lots of information and assistance.  My tour was in early July and the temperature was very hot, but the bus was cool and the guides had water available whenever it was needed.  The lavender fields were spectacular and there was plenty of time each day to wander the small towns we visited. The restaurants and experiences selected for the entire group provided great food and lots of fun and laughter.  The small group of travelers quickly became friends.  My only caution would be for travelers who find walking challenging.  In order to fully enjoy the towns, one needs to be comfortable walking a good distance sometimes uphill as the bus cannot always drive into the towns.  Overall, the trip was wonderful and I would happily travel again with this company.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Mary Weigel 
 
24 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
This small group tour could not have been better. Their attention to detail was remarkable. Their guides were very well informed and were very fun to be with. We took the Best Adventures in Provence trip and it was amazing. All of the tiny towns, winerys, locally owned restaurants and local businesses that they shared with us along the way were perfect. We got to see so much of the area and I only wish I had some extra time to spend in the town of Saint Remy where our hotel was located. Although we spent time in the town, there were so many neat little shops and restaurants right around there and I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed another day or two. If I did it again, I would probably add a day or two on at the beginning or end for just that. You cannot go wrong booking with the store company.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Regina Kitching 
 
24 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Wonderful tour, every last detail attended to. The itinerary was great and the guides amazing.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Susan Thompson (Hi) 
 
3 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
This was my first group travel experience and Off The Beaten Path gave my daughter and I a truly memorable immersion into Provence life, culture and beauty.   The Hotel Gournod in St. Remy was the perfect base located in the heart of town.  A lovely, authentic property, with an accommodating staff, and daily breakfast.  Coffee was excellent!. The tour staff has so much experience and carefully curated each place and restaurant we visited.  It was hard for me to let go and let  someone else handle all the details of a trip as I have always planned my trips, but I quickly learned how truly relaxing it was to allow Christy and her excellent staff to handle all of the behind the scenes details and just be carefree!  This was a small group tour and I really enjoyed the company of the other members and the kind and patient staff! I’m looking forward to another wonderful venture.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Julie Lecci 
 
1 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Great tour, very flexible and the team provided us with opportunities we would not have been able to find on our own. Well worth the cost!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Julia Sosa 
 
28 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Can all of the positive reviews be true? Yes, even the one that states that too many photos were taken (more on this below). The hotel is lovely, spacious room, comfy bed & bedding, the itinerary is as stated, the meals were delicious, the workshops were fun, the van transportation was comfortable, and the members of FOTBP team are gems. You’ll soon feel like you are traveling with long-time friends. The itinerary options and free time are great perks. It’s like having a tour personalized just to your liking and capability. I never felt rushed and had ample time to absorb what was around me and to take MANY photographs. Communication with the team members before, during & after was excellent. Members of the team were always by our side and within eyesight. Didn’t hear or understand what was said? Forgot something? Wondering if you’ll get to see something not on the itinerary? Want another bottle of water? Just ask and the matter is addressed immediately as if you were the only one on the tour and without disruption to the rest of the group’s experience. This team is AMAZING!! They enjoy every step of the way with you as if they were doing it for the first time. The success of the tour is due to the impeccable teamwork of Philippe (1) the head guide, the tour assistants Summer, Isabelle and Chloe, as well as Philippe (2) the driver. Christy has handpicked outstanding individuals to form this team. Don’t doubt the MANY in-depth positive reviews, including the one that comments that the FOTBP team takes too many photos. You don’t have to participate in the group photos, and you can simply ask that photos not be taken of you. However, I welcomed this perk. Photos of me, of and with my bestie were taken without having to ask anyone to take a pic for us. It’s like having a personal photographer with you. SUGGESTIONS The Hotel Gounod features serene outdoor areas and a pool. Consider booking an extra night or two to allow you more time for lounging in these areas. This hotel has 2 rooms with bathtubs. If you need a bathtub, or rather not have to climb into one, make sure to communicate this ahead of time. At Arles, ask a team member to book a tuk tuk for you. It is the best way to get around Arles and see the maximum number of sites. The price is reasonable, the seating was comfortable, the driver spoke English, he was punctual, informative and friendly, took us to the various Roman ruins, as well as other sites, waited for us as we explored and stopped whenever we saw a photo-op. Italian restaurant Da Peppe - On one of the dinner on your own evenings, I enjoyed a delicious & hearty Burger Da Рeppe with & fries. It’s located across the street of the hotel on Avenue Fauconnet, Indoor, outdoor & 2nd floor seating as well as takeout. Do I recommend FOTB’s Provence tour? YES!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 JOYCE BRISLAWN 
 
25 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+6
I had a fantastic time in Provence with its Lavender, wine blending class, beautiful shore lines of the Mediterranean Sea and shopping the markets.Fantastic hotel, Christy and her staff were knowledgeable, kind, caring. I can’t wait for the next trip💕
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Laura Liebler 
 
23 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+6
This tour of Provence was fantastic. From booking, to planning, through execution my expectations were exceeded. Our three guides, Philippe, Isabelle, and Chloe were professional, interesting, and knowledgeable. They made each day fun, and I felt they truly cared about all of the guests having a great experience. I highly recommend this tour!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 William Fuller 
 
19 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
As a solo traveller I was one of seven participants in an  outstanding Loire Valley Tour designed and conducted this last May by Christy Destremau. For all of our five days in the Loire region we were based in the town of Amboise and stayed in a charming four star boutique hotel, Le Close d'Amboise.  We visited four of the greatest chateaux of the Loire: Chenonceaux, Chambord, Amboise and Blois, buildings renowned both for their architectural  beauty and their historical importance in the French  Renaissance and the sixteenth century French Wars of Religion. What made Christy's tour truly unique, however, was the balance it achieved between conventional sightseeing and one-of--a-kind experiences. While half of each day was devoted to a chateau, the other half featured a different, and more exclusive activity, typically centered around food or wine. These included several hours  at an excellent restaurant gastronomique in Blois, where the chef/owner gave us a cooking lesson as well as a magnificent tasting of many of the best French cheeses; a morning at a small domaine where we learned about traditional winemaking, sampled vintages and were served lunch; and an evening with a chef who had won the prestigious title of "Best artisan of France" (Meillieur Ouvrier de France) for culinary distinction and who cooked us an exquisite three course dinner in his own home.  Christy is able to incorporate such events as these into the trip itinerary because of all of the friendships she has made in decades of living and working in France. I should add that her company, Off the Beaten Path, offers similar tours of Burgundy, Provence, and Normandy.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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France with Friends!

Immerse yourself in local culture spending time with our local French friends in combination with visiting castles, learning the crazy, creepy, and salacious stories of French history, and savoring local wines and exquisite cuisine while staying in one exceptional hotel for our 6 days together in Loire Valley, France…