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
4-day itinerary for discovering Touraine from Paris, staying at the luxurious Château d’Artigny
Day 1: Arrival at Château d’Artigny and Amboise Exploration
Morning: Travel from Paris to Château d’Artigny
- By Train: Take a TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Tours (approx. 1h15). From Tours, a 20-minute taxi or rental car ride gets you to Château d’Artigny in Montbazon. Book tickets in advance via SNCF (www.sncf-connect.com). Cost: ~€30-€60 one-way.
- By Car: Drive from Paris (A10 highway, exit 23 for Chambray-Montbazon, then D17 to Monts). Approx. 2h30, 240 km. Rental cars are recommended for flexibility (~€40-€70/day via Discover Cars).
- Check into Château d’Artigny, a Belle Époque masterpiece with 56 elegant rooms, a spa, and 25 hectares of gardens. Settle in and enjoy the French garden or a welcome drink at the bar.
Afternoon: Amboise
- Drive 40 minutes to Amboise, a historic town on the Loire River. Visit the Royal Château d’Amboise (€15, book online), with panoramic views and Renaissance history. Explore Clos Lucé (€17), Leonardo da Vinci’s final home, showcasing his inventions.
- Stroll Amboise’s charming streets and browse the Friday/Sunday market (if timing aligns) for local crafts and food.
Evening: Dinner at Château d’Artigny
- Dine at L’Origan, the château’s gourmet restaurant, featuring regional dishes by Chef Hervé Guttin using local produce (mains ~€30-€50). Dress code: no sportswear. Enjoy the marble-floored dining rooms and valley views.
Day 2: Châteaux of Chenonceau and Villandry
Morning: Château de Chenonceau
- Drive 30 minutes to Château de Chenonceau (€15.50, pre-book online), the “Château des Dames” spanning the Cher River. Admire its arches, Diane de Poitiers’ garden, and Renaissance interiors. Allow 2 hours.
Lunch: Tours
- Drive 25 minutes to Tours, the heart of Touraine. Eat at L’Atelier Lebeau (26 Rue Colbert, ~€20-€30/person) for modern French cuisine. Explore Tours’ historic district, including Place Plumereau, with half-timbered houses.
Afternoon: Château de Villandry
- Drive 20 minutes to Château de Villandry (€12, book online). Famous for its Renaissance gardens—decorative vegetable plots, flower beds, and labyrinths—this is a must-see. Spend 1.5-2 hours strolling the grounds.
Evening: Château d’Artigny
- Return for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a glass of local Vouvray wine at the château’s bar or take a twilight walk in the 25-hectare park. Optional light dinner at L’Origan or lounge in the Rotunde’s frescoe dome.
Day 3: Wine Tasting and Chinon
Morning: Montlouis-sur-Loire Winery
- Drive 25 minutes to a Montlouis-sur-Loire winery (e.g., Domaine de la Taille aux Loups, ~€10-€15/tasting). Tour troglodytic cellars and taste crisp white wines. Book via the winery’s website or Loire Valley tourism.
Lunch: Vouvray
- Drive 15 minutes to Vouvray for lunch at Auberge du Val de Vienne (~€25-€40/person), pairing dishes with Vouvray AOC wines. Reserve ahead.
Afternoon: Chinon and Wine Route
- Drive 45 minutes to Chinon, known for red wines. Visit a winery like Domaine de Noiré (~€12/tasting, book online) and stroll the vineyards. Explore Chinon’s medieval town and fortress (€10), linked to Joan of Arc.
Evening: Château d’Artigny
- Return for a spa session or a leisurely dinner at L’Origan, perhaps trying Touraine specialties like Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat cheese.
Day 4: Tours Culture and Return to Paris
Morning: Tours Sightseeing
- After breakfast at the château, drive 20 minutes to Tours. Visit Saint-Gatien Cathedral (free), with stunning Gothic stained glass, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts (€6), housed in a former palace with art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Wander the Jardin des Prébendes d’Oé for a peaceful break.
Lunch: Tours Market
- Head to Les Halles de Tours market for a casual lunch of regional products (cheeses, charcuterie, ~€10-€20). Buy souvenirs like local wines or saffron.
Afternoon: Château d’Azay-le-Rideau and Return
- Drive 30 minutes to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau (€11.50, book online), a Renaissance gem on an island in the Indre River. Spend 1 hour exploring its elegant architecture.
- Depart for Paris by car (2h30) or return to Tours for a TGV (1h15). Aim to leave by 3 PM to arrive in Paris by early evening.
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.