Château d'Artigny & Spa
Royal Fortress of Chinon
Chenonceau castle
The gardens & château of Villandry
Chambord Castle
Royal Amboise Castle
Langeais Castle
Azay-le-Rideau castle
Montrésor Castle
Royal Estate of Château Gaillard
Vouvray
Chinon
Bourgueil
Domaine Marc Brédif
Domaine Charles Joguet
Traditional boat trip
Traditional Valchantray boat trips
Perraudière Park
Museum of Fine Arts and garden
Saint-Gatien Cathedral
Confectionery Hallard
Parc de la Gloriette
Parc des Prébendes d’Oé
Parc de Forges
Parc du Château de Rochecotte
Les Bateliers du Cher
Les Marins du Port de Chambord
La Rabouilleuse – École de Loire
2-day itinerary for discovering Touraine while staying at the luxurious Château d’Artigny
Day 1: Châteaux and Historic Amboise
Morning: Château de Chenonceau
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Château de Chenonceau (25-minute drive from Château d’Artigny). Known as the “Château des Dames,” it spans the Cher River with elegant arches. Explore its beautifully furnished interiors and manicured gardens. English audio guides are available, and signage includes English translations. Allow 2 hours for the visit.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance to skip lines (€15-€18 per adult).
Lunch: Amboise
Drive 20 minutes to Amboise, a charming town along the Loire. Dine at a riverside restaurant like Le Patio or La Fourchette, offering local dishes such as rillettes (pork pâté) or tarte Tatin. Many menus are in English or have staff who speak it. Stroll the lively Amboise market (Friday/Sunday mornings) for local cheeses and crafts if your visit aligns.
Afternoon: Château Royal d’Amboise and Clos Lucé
Visit the Château Royal d’Amboise (10-minute walk from lunch), a Renaissance gem with panoramic Loire views and the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. English guided tours are available. Then, walk 5 minutes to Clos Lucé, Leonardo’s final home, where you can see models of his inventions. Both sites offer English brochures and tours. Allow 1.5-2 hours total.
Evening: Dinner at Château d’Artigny
Return to Château d’Artigny (30-minute drive) and dine at L’Origan, the château’s gourmet restaurant. Chef Hervé Guttin crafts dishes with local ingredients, like Loire fish or Touraine goat cheese. Menus are available in English, and the staff speaks it fluently. Pair your meal with a local Vouvray wine. After dinner, relax in the château’s elegant bar or take a stroll in its 25-hectare French gardens.
Wellness Option: Book a 2-hour spa session (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi) for €212 per couple, including breakfast.
Day 2: Vineyards and Renaissance Gardens
Morning: Château de Villandry
After breakfast at Château d’Artigny, drive 20 minutes to Château de Villandry, famous for its breathtaking Renaissance gardens. Wander through the ornamental vegetable garden, flower beds, and maze. English signage and audio guides make it accessible. Spend 1.5-2 hours here.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for garden exploration; tickets cost €12-€14.
Lunch: Vouvray Vineyard Experience
Drive 25 minutes to Vouvray, a renowned wine region. Visit a winery like Domaine Huet or Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau for a tasting of crisp white wines (Chenin Blanc). Many estates offer English-speaking tours of their troglodytic cellars. Pair your tasting with lunch at a nearby restaurant, such as Les Gueules Rouges, serving wine-paired local cuisine. Book winery visits in advance (€10-€20 per person).
Afternoon: Tours Historic Center
Drive 20 minutes to Tours, the vibrant heart of Touraine. Explore the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained-glass windows, and wander the medieval Place Plumereau, lined with half-timbered houses and cafés. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts for art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century (English descriptions available). Allow 2-3 hours.
Tip: Tours is pedestrian-friendly; many shop and café staff speak English.
Evening: Relax at Château d’Artigny
Return to the château (20-minute drive) for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a light dinner or drinks at the bar, savoring the serene ambiance. If you have energy, rent bikes at the château to explore the surrounding park or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool (summer only).
The Château d’Artigny Journey
Château d’Artigny beautifully combines luxury, heritage, and natural allure. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, it offers a serene getaway just a short distance from Paris. With its elegant accommodations, fine dining, and breathtaking views, this château provides an unforgettable experience, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration.