Château de Chambord

The royal Chateau of Chambord is one of the most famous historic monuments in the world and is the largest and most famous castle in the Loire Valley.

Built by King Francois I. Chambord was the most extensive and expensive project during his life.

Chambord was a showcase of royal prestige, majesty and power. 

Some striking characteristics of the chateau are the spectacular open double spiral staircase and the roof with its forest of towers and decorated chimneys.

Originally built to act as a hunting lodge for King Francois I, means that it is fabulous for hunting with its extensive park of 13,000 acres.

The park is surrounded by a 20 mile long wall.

Since 1930 the Chambord castle has belonged to the French state and was included on the World Heritage list in 1983.

Château de Cheverny

This residence is a beautiful spot. It is a stately home in superb condition, with a wide range of collection furniture which have always been attractively  maintained.

It was built by Henri Hureau, Count of Cheverny. From 1625 on it has continued to belong to the same family, except for a period of 70 years before the French Revolution, and then bought back once the the situation had returned to normal.

The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, privately owned and occupied.

Château de Chenonceau

This delightful castle at the river Cher also belongs to the best known castles of the Loire Valley. The almost 800 year old history of the castle Chenonceau was home of various famous women and lavish festivities. That's why it is called very often the "Ladies castle". Catherina de Medici spend a fortune on it and her spectacular night time parties.

Later, the castle was purchased by the wealthy General Claude Dupin and his wife Louise. She was an intelligent, beautiful and highly cultivated woman. Guests like Voltaire and Montesquieu have visited her literary salon. She was much loved by the villagers and, thanks to that, the castle escaped the damage during the French Revolution.

Chenonceau is in superb condition, with a wide-ranging and precious collection of funiture and a large collection of antique arts. Each room in the castle is decorated with an exquisite bouquet of flowers.

To the castle belongs a huge park, which includes two beautiful Renaissance gardens. It is privately owned by the Menier family, famous for their chocolates.

Château de Blois

The Royal Chateau de Blois is built in the centre of the city Blois. Famous, because it combines several buildings from the 13th to the 17th century around the main courtyard.

After the French Revolution this huge castle was in terrible condition. The French state gave it as a present to the city Blois in 1810.

From 1845 on, in a state of nearly disrepair it had started to be restored.

The castle belongs have been extensively renovated after the French Revolution. The result is incredible.

The castle Blois became a symbol for successful restorations and other castles followed. The castle is still owned by the town Blois.

Château d'Amboise

The Royal Chateau of Amboise is located in the city Amboise, it is built on a plateau high above the city and the River Loire.

King Francois I. was raised there and during the first years of his reign the castle reached the pinnacle of its glory.

As a guest of the King, Leonardo da Vinci came to Amboise in 1516 and lived and worked in the nearby castle Clos Luce.

The chapel of Saint-Hubert belongs to the castle. It is an example of fine Gothic architecture like a piece of lacework in stone by Flemish craftsmen. High quality of sculptural decorations makes the chapel very attractive.

During the French Revolution a big part of the castle was demolished. Today, renovation and maintenance is done through the Foundation Saint-Louis.

Chateau de Villandry

The castle is located about 15 km from the city Tours. Villandry, one of the last ones built along the Loire in the style of Renaissance, including its huge gardens was completed in 1536.

During the 18th century all the facades of the castle were changed which in turn lost the castle's character. The gardens were also brought up to date according the style of Barock. 

From 1791 onwards, Villandry changed hands numerous times. Among its successive owners was Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon I’s younger brother.

In 1906, the castle was purchased by Dr. Joachim Cavallo who fell in love with  the castle and launched an extensive renovation project to give back the appearance it had had in the 16th century with all its glory.

The current owner, Henri Carvallo, is Joachim Cavallo's great-grandson.

Nowadays, Chateau de Villandry is world famous for its gardens.

Fine-Dining Restaurants

Our sightseeing tours can be combined with a lunch or dinner. All restaurants have been carefully choosen by us.

All of them offeres the classic french cuisine with vines from the region.

Charming restaurants are melting with history, culture and the french lifestyle.