Walking past châteaux & vineyards, France
West of Tours, the Loire and its many tributaries meander through the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Park, an area of vineyards, rolling farmland, hunting forests and limestone cliffs where magnificent châteaux await discovery.
From £725pp based on 2 people sharing
Crowning these picturesque landscapes are some of the Loire’s most splendid châteaux, from elegant Renaissance palaces such as that of Azay-le-Rideau to sturdy fortresses like that of Chinon. As the walking, accessible to all, is relaxed and leisurely, you have time to visit both these châteaux on this holiday, as well as the château at Ussé, the abbey at Fontevraud and other places of interest such as vineyards and mushroom caves (pay locally in all cases).
Le Grand Monarque, Azay-le-Rideau
Run by the friendly Monsieur Forest, this is an attractive hotel with a good restaurant that serves dishes incorporating local products such as pike-perch and duck. In summer you dine al fresco in the shaded courtyard.
Le Clos d'Ussé, Ussé
Although the rooms are rather simple, the welcome here from the Duchemin family is warm and genuine, and there is a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.
Hotel de France, Chinon
This hotel is a beautifully renovated, 16th century building complete with stylish, comfortable rooms. The hotel is well-located in the central medieval quarter of the town.
La Croix Blanche, Fontevraud
A former coaching inn situated in the centre of the village and opposite the famous abbey. The hotel has a formal dining room and a friendly brasserie, as well as an outdoor swimming pool.
What price includes
- Visit some of the region’s most romantic châteaux
- Pause for wine-tastings
- 7 nights' dinners B&B, 3 picnics
- Luggage transported
- Route notes and maps
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Le Grand Monarque, Azay-le-Rideau
St Pierre des Corps
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Taxis to the hotel can be prebooked and prepaid through Inntravel
How to get there:
Train from London to St Pierre des Corps (via Paris)
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
La Croix Blanche, Fontevraud
St Pierre des Corps
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
Taxis to the railway station can be prebooked and prepaid through Inntravel
How to get back:
Train from St Pierre des Corps to London (via Paris)
