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
7-day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris
Day 1: Arrival in the Loire Valley & Royal Grandeur
Morning/Early Afternoon: Depart from Paris and travel to Château d’Artigny in Montbazon (approx. 2.5-3 hour drive). Check in and take some time to settle into the magnificent surroundings of the château.
Afternoon/Evening: Visit the Château de Villandry and its stunning Renaissance gardens. Explore the intricate ornamental vegetable garden, the water garden, and the maze, offering a beautiful introduction to the Loire’s horticultural heritage. Enjoy dinner at Château d’Artigny.
Day 2: Chenonceau’s Elegance & Amboise’s Royal History
Morning: Explore the iconic Château de Chenonceau, gracefully spanning the Cher River. Discover its fascinating history, from Catherine de Medici to Diane de Poitiers, and admire its elegant architecture and interiors.
Afternoon: Journey to Amboise. Visit the Château Royal d’Amboise, a significant royal residence with panoramic views of the Loire River. Explore the chapel housing Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb and wander through the charming town.
Day 3: Leonardo da Vinci & Wine Delights
Morning: Immerse yourselves in the world of Leonardo da Vinci at the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, his final residence. Discover his workshops, inventions, and the beautiful gardens that inspired him.
Afternoon: Experience the Loire Valley’s renowned wine culture with a visit to a local vineyard in the Vouvray appellation. Enjoy a guided tour of the cellars and a wine tasting, learning about the region’s sparkling and still white wines.
Day 4: Chambord’s Majesty & Cheverny’s Inspiration
Morning: Be awestruck by the grandeur of the Château de Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley. Admire its unique double helix staircase and explore its vast estate.
Afternoon: Visit the elegant Château de Cheverny, known for its well-preserved interiors and for inspiring Marlinspike Hall in Hergé’s Tintin comics. You might also enjoy a visit to its kennels and the daily feeding of the hounds.
Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau’s Charm & Chinon’s Fortress
Morning: Discover the enchanting Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance masterpiece built on an island in the Indre River. Admire its delicate architecture and serene setting.
Afternoon: Explore the historic town of Chinon and its imposing Royal Fortress. Learn about its significant role in French history, including Joan of Arc’s meeting with the Dauphin. Enjoy the views over the Vienne River.
Day 6: Ussé’s Fairytale & Saumur’s Art of Living
Morning: Step into a fairytale at the Château d’Ussé, said to have inspired Charles Perrault’s “Sleeping Beauty.” Explore its romantic turrets and costumed displays.
Afternoon: Visit the charming town of Saumur, known for its cavalry tradition and sparkling wine. You could explore the Château de Saumur, perched high above the town, or visit a local “maison de fines bulles” (sparkling wine producer) for a tasting.
Day 7: Return to Paris & Lasting Memories
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Château d’Artigny and perhaps a final stroll through its beautiful grounds.
Late Morning/Afternoon: Depart from Château d’Artigny and travel back to Paris (approx. 2.5-3 hour drive), filled with wonderful memories of your Loire Valley discovery.
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.