Loire Valley Walking Tour, France

Country(s) visited

FRANCE

Trip Activities

Wine Tasting

Gentle Walks

People & Religion

History

Grade 1

Description

Discovering the chateaux, towns countryside and wines of the Loire Valley

The Loire chateaux provide one of the classic images of France, with their turrets and flamboyant architecture reflected in the waters of the river. Created for the French kings and aristocracy by Flemish and Italian craftsmen during the Renaissance, they and their intricate gardens help to make the Loire one of the most beautiful regions of France. The landscape of the area includes famous vineyards, orchards, pastures and remnants of royal hunting forests, and we explore much of this on foot with four optional half-day walks. Our relaxed itinerary covers the most famous chateaux of the valley. From the small Sologne town of Bracieux we visit Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceaux. For the second half the of week we are based in the larger Chinon, a lovely mediaeval town spanning the Vienne river. Away from the walking and sightseeing there is plenty of time to enjoy the gastronomic delights of France, and sample a glass or two from the multitude of vineyards.