Loire Valley Castles Fly & Drive

ABOUT THE DESTINATION:

Paris, often dubbed the "City of Light," is the capital city of France and a global center for art, fashion, and culture. Renowned for its romantic ambiance, iconic landmarks, and rich history, Paris exudes elegance and charm at every turn. The city is home to architectural marvels such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, which houses masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The grand boulevards, charming cafes, and tree-lined avenues add to Paris's allure, inviting visitors to explore its enchanting neighborhoods, from the historic Marais to the bohemian Montmartre. Paris is also celebrated for its haute couture fashion, world-class cuisine, and thriving arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and music venues enriching its cultural landscape. Whether strolling along the Seine River, admiring the cityscape from atop Montparnasse Tower, or indulging in a decadent pastry at a corner patisserie, Paris captivates with its timeless beauty and irresistible joie de vivre.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: This elegant and spirited town is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, which make it a convenient base for exploring the Touraine region. Notable for being an economic and cultural core, the city draws more tourists than any other Loire town. Tours treasures a beautiful old town. Châteauneuf neighbourhood emerged in the Middle Ages around the Basilica of Saint Martin and Plumereau square. St-Gatien cathedral has beautiful 13th century windows and a quiet cloister with unusual buttresses. Above tall and simple arches lend a look of incredible height to the nave. Appetizing restaurants abound in the old quarter offering regional specialties. Tours may be the ideal starting point to unravel the secrets hidden within the Loire. Its valley, described as 'The Garden of France’, boasts unparalleled architectural heritage, with its impressive and lovely castles. The declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO of this area confirms the crucial importance and the enormous interest that this destination has for travellers.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Cheverny is a commune in the Loir-et-Cher département in central France. It lies in the Loire Valley, about 10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Blois. The commune is the site of the Château de Cheverny.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Blois is a city and the capital of Loir-et-Cher department in central France, situated on the banks of the lower river Loire between Orléans and Tours. Château de Blois The Château de Blois, a Renaissance château once occupied by King Louis XII, is located in the centre of the city, and an 18th-century stone bridge spans the Loire. As Blois is built on a pair of steep hills, winding and steep pathways run through the city, culminating in long staircases at various points. To the south of the city, the Forêt de Russy is a reminder of the thick woods that once covered the area. The house of magic La Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin is a museum fronting on the Château. As a museum of France, it is the only public museum in Europe which incorporates in one place collections of magic and a site for permanent performing arts, and is directly reflects the personality of Robert-Houdin.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: This elegant and spirited town is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, which make it a convenient base for exploring the Touraine region. Notable for being an economic and cultural core, the city draws more tourists than any other Loire town. Tours treasures a beautiful old town. Châteauneuf neighbourhood emerged in the Middle Ages around the Basilica of Saint Martin and Plumereau square. St-Gatien cathedral has beautiful 13th century windows and a quiet cloister with unusual buttresses. Above tall and simple arches lend a look of incredible height to the nave. Appetizing restaurants abound in the old quarter offering regional specialties. Tours may be the ideal starting point to unravel the secrets hidden within the Loire. Its valley, described as 'The Garden of France’, boasts unparalleled architectural heritage, with its impressive and lovely castles. The declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO of this area confirms the crucial importance and the enormous interest that this destination has for travellers.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: The castle of Chenonceau (in French, château de Chenonceau), also known as the "castle of the ladies", 1 is a residential style castle of the sixteenth century located in the French commune of Chenonceaux, in the department of Indre and Loire , and that is part of the series of castles commonly known as ;castles of the Loire.; Chapel. La Tour des Marques, the only surviving part of the primitive pre-Renaissance castle. On the other hand, it is the most visited Private Monument in private hands of all France, and includes several gardens, a park and a wine plantation. The castle, which replaced a previous one, not only has importance as a work of art, but has also enjoyed an active presence in the history of France.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Chaumont is a commune of France, and the capital of the Haute-Marne department. The city stands on the Marne River and is situated on the railway linking Paris and Basel. To enjoy a beautiful view of the basilica's towers and the old town's façades, at the Square Philippe Lebon, in the middle of which stands a stone statue of Philippe Lebon. Also worth seeing is the Crèche Museum. The House of Books and Posters contains an exceptional collection of old and contemporary posters, and hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences and workshops throughout the year. Every year in May-June, the graphic arts are honoured at the international festival of posters and graphic design, which is held at various locations in the town.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: It is often said that Amboise has the most Italian flair of all the Loire Valley cities. The presence of many tourists from the other side of the Alps is a cheerful reminder of what the Italian Renaissance brought to the area five centuries ago. Amboise is a serene, easygoing town, true to the image of splendour that characterised that blessed era. Pedestrians will appreciate the shopping areas as well as the esplanades located along the riverbanks of the Loire, the best place to take in fantastic views of the river. Must-see attractions in the area include the royal castle, Clos-Lucé (where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days), and the Chanteloup pagoda. The city is also home to one of the largest markets in the area, every Friday and Sunday morning.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: This elegant and spirited town is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, which make it a convenient base for exploring the Touraine region. Notable for being an economic and cultural core, the city draws more tourists than any other Loire town. Tours treasures a beautiful old town. Châteauneuf neighbourhood emerged in the Middle Ages around the Basilica of Saint Martin and Plumereau square. St-Gatien cathedral has beautiful 13th century windows and a quiet cloister with unusual buttresses. Above tall and simple arches lend a look of incredible height to the nave. Appetizing restaurants abound in the old quarter offering regional specialties. Tours may be the ideal starting point to unravel the secrets hidden within the Loire. Its valley, described as 'The Garden of France’, boasts unparalleled architectural heritage, with its impressive and lovely castles. The declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO of this area confirms the crucial importance and the enormous interest that this destination has for travellers.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Azay-le-Rideau is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France. The château of Azay-le-Rideau was built from 1515 to 1527, one of the earliest French Renaissance châteaux. Built on an island in the Indre River, its foundations rise straight out of the water. It is one of the best known of the châteaux of the Loire valley. There is a church dedicated to Saint Symphorien near the château that is interesting for the number of architectural periods incorporated in its design. While the newest portion dates from 1603, the current façade incorporates an older 9th century façade in the Carolingian style. The original carved figures are still visible, though an added window destroyed part of the second row. The rest of the church is of a Romanesque style. It was built between 1518 and 1527. Azay-le-Rideau is the centre of the Touraine Azay-le-Rideau AOC for white and rose wine. Azay-le-Rideau is twinned with Croston in Lancashire, England.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: This elegant and spirited town is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, which make it a convenient base for exploring the Touraine region. Notable for being an economic and cultural core, the city draws more tourists than any other Loire town. Tours treasures a beautiful old town. Châteauneuf neighbourhood emerged in the Middle Ages around the Basilica of Saint Martin and Plumereau square. St-Gatien cathedral has beautiful 13th century windows and a quiet cloister with unusual buttresses. Above tall and simple arches lend a look of incredible height to the nave. Appetizing restaurants abound in the old quarter offering regional specialties. Tours may be the ideal starting point to unravel the secrets hidden within the Loire. Its valley, described as 'The Garden of France’, boasts unparalleled architectural heritage, with its impressive and lovely castles. The declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO of this area confirms the crucial importance and the enormous interest that this destination has for travellers.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Chinon, in Indre-et-Loire, is located between Tours and Saumur. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town enjoys a privileged location in the heart of the Loire Valley. An ancient medieval town, it still retains its character thanks to the old town centre and the castle. Strolling through the narrow streets of Chinon is like a journey back in time through its beautiful half-timbered houses and old mansions. These include the Red House, one of the oldest in the town, the Bailiazgo Palace and the Palais des Etats Généraux, which houses the Museum of Ancient Chinon. As well as offering beautiful views of the city and its surroundings, the château has a history worth knowing. For example, it was here that Charles VII met Joan of Arc in 1429, before she liberated Orleans. Chinon also has beautiful religious buildings, such as the Romanesque, semi-troglodyte chapel of St Radegunda, whose late 12th century wall paintings depict the Plantagenets.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Angers is a medium sized French city which is the capital of the Maine-et-Loire department in the northwestern region of Pays de la Loire. It offers the traveler a mixture of a typical French night-life, historically rich streets and great shopping opportunities. The town also features many floral displays. Angers is positively obsessed with flowers, bringing a fine splash of color to the town and some parks and gardens, fountains and statues that bring areas of calm into this bustling modern city. The historical center also contains numerous impressive townhouses dating from the 16th-19th centuries. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS House of Adam The medieval ‘House of Adam’ (‘Maison d'Adam’), which has a collection of sculptures depicting the tree of life and the David of Angers Gallery, dedicated to one of the most famous sculptors of France and creator of busts and sculptures that adorn the main historical monuments of France. The castle of Angers It is a castle in the city of Angers in the Loire Valley. Founded in the 9th century by the Counts of Anjou, was expanded to its current size in the 13th century. It is located overhanging the river Maine. Now open to the public, the castle of Angers is home of the Apocalypse Tapestry. Terra Botanica Terra Botanica is an amusement and botanical park in Angers where all the family can enjoy. It is the first thematic park dedicated to the flora. In Terra Botanica you can find more than 40 attractions and offers more than nature spectacles in his 110.000m2 of gardens.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Chartres is a small city in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, approximately an hour south-west of Paris by train. Population is 42,000 although that rises to 100,000 when the surrounding towns are taken into consideration. The main attraction for most visitors to Chartres is the 12th century cathedral, considered by many art historians to be the finest surviving example from the High Gothic period. In the last couple of years a new mayor has overseen the modernization of the center of the town. There has provoked both positive and negative reactions from the "Chartrains", but there is no doubt that the town is undergoing a certain renewal. After you've seen the cathedral, take time to visit the rest of the town. There are other lovely churches and several museums. Chartres has charming narrow streets an interesting fruit and vegetable market and a general feel of warmth about the place. Most people come for the Cathedral and stay for the rest of the town.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION:

Paris, often dubbed the "City of Light," is the capital city of France and a global center for art, fashion, and culture. Renowned for its romantic ambiance, iconic landmarks, and rich history, Paris exudes elegance and charm at every turn. The city is home to architectural marvels such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, which houses masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The grand boulevards, charming cafes, and tree-lined avenues add to Paris's allure, inviting visitors to explore its enchanting neighborhoods, from the historic Marais to the bohemian Montmartre. Paris is also celebrated for its haute couture fashion, world-class cuisine, and thriving arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and music venues enriching its cultural landscape. Whether strolling along the Seine River, admiring the cityscape from atop Montparnasse Tower, or indulging in a decadent pastry at a corner patisserie, Paris captivates with its timeless beauty and irresistible joie de vivre.