From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. At 6:30 a.m., well set off by coach for the Chteau de Chambord, one of the most recognizable chteaux in the world because of its very distinctive architecture blending traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. Enjoy a tour of this majestic castle and its grounds. Well then continue on to Chenonceau, stopping for lunch in a local restaurant. Our afternoon will be spent visiting the Chteau de Chenonceau, one of the best-known and most-visited chteaux in the Loire Valley with an architecture mixing late Gothic and early Renaissance.After our visit, well head to Nantes, arriving in the evening. Well welcome our passengers on board upon your arrival. After comfortably settling into your cabins, well introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.

This morning, join us for an optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: Saint-Nazaire, a seaside town. Well begin our visit with EscalAtlantic, which traces the history of Norman and French ocean liners. Well then visit the actual Saint-Nazaire shipyard as it is today. Once the birthplace of the most outstanding French transatlantic liners, it is now the construction site for modern, elegant cruise ships. While following a tour designed especially for understanding the complexity of constructing these veritable floating palaces, youll discover the immensity of this site (267 acres), the stunning logistics, and the high technology put in place to build the ships (This excursion must be booked in advance through your travel agency. Each passenger will be asked to produce a valid passport in order to book the excursion and gain access to the shipyard).

This morning, join us for the optional excursions proposed:- CLASSIC: Guided tour of Nantes and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.- DISCOVERY: Nantes, the Machines de lle(3), secret courtyards and covered passageways.This afternoon, join us for the optional excursions proposed:- CLASSIC: The Muscadet Wine Route and the medieval village of Clisson. We'll pass through many of the villages attesting to the region's vigorous wine culture. We'll continue toward La Chapelle Heulin and stop at the Chteau Cassemichre (or similar site). This exceptional site invites you to discover its history-filled vineyards, visit its cellars and taste the dry, light, fruity and aromatic wine. Our next stop will be Clisson, a charming medieval city with 15th century ruins and an Italian flair.- DISCOVERY: Soar over the Loire in a helicopter (you must register for this excursion at your travel agency before your departure).(2) An unforgettable experience! Catch a bird's eye view of Ancenis, its hills and castle, the 14th-century tower in Oudon, the chteaux de Clermont and de la Turmelire, etc.

Today will be dedicated to an offered full days excursion to the Chteaux of the Loire Valley.Departure by coach towards the Chteau dAzay-le-Rideau. Built on an island in the middle of the Indre River, the structure as it stands today was erected during the reign of Francis I by a wealthy financier, Gilles Berthelot, who sought to combine Italian innovations with French architectural art. Listed as a historic monument, the Chteau d'Azay-le-Rideau embodies all the refinement of an early French Renaissance chteau. Continuation to Villandry for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll through the gardens of the Chteau de Villandry: spread over three levels, they combine aesthetics, diversity, and harmony. Then, visit the Chteau de Villandry. Through its furniture, dcor, and atmosphere, it stands as a living testament to French heritage. The estate of Villandry has evolved over the centuries. Acquired by Jean Le Breton, it transitioned from a medieval fortress to a residence enriched with Renaissance elements. In the 18th century, the Marquis de Castellane transformed it into a comfortable and luminous place, reflecting the art of living of the time. In the 19th century, it was saved by Joachim Carvallo and Ann Coleman, who restored it to its Renaissance state. Today, Henri Carvallo continues this legacy by combining preservation with the enhancement of the site. (The coach transfer time is estimated at approximately 4 hours round trip.) Well return on board in Chalonnes-sur-Loire.

In the morning, optional excursions proposed:- CLASSIC: Visit the historical sections of Angers and see the legendary Apocalypse Tapestry(3). Capital of the Anjou region, Angers has many artistic and historic treasures and has become famous as much for its rich heritage as for its modernity and excellent quality of life. We'll visit the Chteau d'Angers, which dominates the old town, and admire the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry(3), one of the most important collections of medieval tapestries in the world. And we'll finish up with a tour of the cathedral area, combining Roman art ruins and rich Gothic-style architecture.- DISCOVERY: Tour of the Chteau de Brissac and wine tasting (4). We'll leave by coach for the Chteau de Brissac and visit the seven-story, 204-room splendid residence. The castle's spectacular decorations and the breathtaking Belle poque theater are definitely not to be missed! At the end of our tour, we'll discover the castle cellars and enjoy a wine tasting.We'll return on board.Well spend the afternoon cruising to Ancenis.Tonight is our gala evening. We'll be cruising to Nantes.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast before disembarking at 09:00 a.m. Transfer by coach from Nantes to Paris. End of our services.