Nowhere in the world is there a greater collection of chateaux than in the Loire Valley. Over one thousand chateaux, manor houses, intricately decorated castles and imposing feudal fortresses create a fascinating landscape. This region, with broad meandering rivers, the Cher, the Indre, the Vienne and the Loire, is ideal for exploring by low-level balloon. The extensive vineyards and interesting pattern of multicolored crops provide a striking setting for these wonderful attractions around which so much of French history is entwined. We have chosen an impressive array of notable chateaux for you to explore, along with elegant daily luncheons in celebrated restaurants (including the 2 Micheline star restaurant of Jean Bardet in Tours. Sightseeing and late afternoon balloon adventures are followed by twilight landings and lavish after flight dinner parties, prepared by our own private chefs and served in romantic, fire-lit medieval settings—The perfect complement to the elegant, yet cozy and convivial ambiance of this decidedly French itinerary.
Day One
After settling in, we’ll depart for our late afternoon balloon adventure, drifting slowly through the very pretty countryside with its meadows, vineyards and concentration of Royal chateaux. Evening dinner party at our lovely hotel.
Day Two
Elegant lunch in Amboise at 18th century Chateau Choiseul, followed by a visit to famous Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci. It contains furnishings of da Vinci’s time, examples of his sketches and an astonishing display, created by IBM, of models of da Vinci’s many remarkable inventions. Late afternoon balloon adventure, landing at twilight, with dinner prepared by our own chef in an 11th century fortress.
Visit the wonderfully friendly goats at a cheese farm then relax for a superb lunch at Chateau D’Artigny, the elegant former home of French perfume magnate, Coty. We’ll continue to Chateau Azay le Rideau, which appears to float gracefully on the Indre River, then join our pilots for a late afternoon balloon adventure, drifting gently through the chateau country’s luxuriant landscapes. Dinner this evening in a medieval setting.
Day Four
After lunch enjoy Place Plumereau, Tours’ delightful medieval quarter filled with lively cafes, boutiques and galleries. Late afternoon balloon adventure, landing at twilight, followed dinner in the fireplace-warmed and candle lit chambers of the 11th century fortress, Cinq-Mars-la -Pile.
Day Five
We will meet you in Paris at 9:00 a.m. for transfer to the Loire Valley. We’ll arrive in time for an elegant lunch at the Domaine de Beauvois, a beautifully restored manor house dating from the 15th century and our home during our four night program.
After breakfast we’ll visit one of the Loire’s most famous and loveliest chateaux, 16th century Chateau Chenonceau. This romantic architectural masterpiece with its impressive gardens spans the River Cher and is filled with period pieces and magnificent art.
Day Three
Morning visit to renowned Chateau Villandry, the last great Renaissance chateau built in the Loire Valley. Its magnificent 16th century gardens were restored to their original glory in the early 1900’s, and are resplendent with fountains, lawns, a reflecting pool, an extensive topiary garden with flowers, and a kitchen garden of fruit trees and herbs. The overall effect of this enormous display is stunning.
Morning visit to the brilliantly restored Chateau Langeais, a true Middle Ages fortress dating from 1465. An excellent example of period military architecture with richly decorated apartments, its10th century stone tower is the oldest existing “keep” in France. Lunch will be at Tours’ finest restaurant, the Michelin two-star inn of chef Jean Bardet where he and his wife, Sophie, take good care of us.
Morning visit to the imposing fairytale castle of d’Usse with its romantic white turrets, pointed towers and chimneys that inspired the writing of Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. Farewell luncheon at our hotel and transfer to Paris, arriving late afternoon.
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2008 Departures
June 4-8
$ 8,940 per person, based on double occupancy |
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