A royal getaway: the Loire Valley and its castles
Stay in the Loire Valley: Historical discoveries and fine dining!
8 days / 7 nights
From €1,097 per person (based on two people)
Discover the Loire Valley in a different way, at the pace of its châteaux, vineyards, and landscapes.
Immerse yourself in an exceptional 8-day, 7-night trip to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where French art de vivre blends with history and nature. Bretagne Autrement offers a tailor-made getaway combining bike rides along the Loire, visits to the most prestigious châteaux (Saumur, Blois, Chambord, Chenonceau), and tastings at a renowned wine estate.
Your nights will be lulled by the charm of a hotel in the heart of Saumur, where the elegance of historic residences blends with contemporary comfort, and by the warm welcome of intimate guesthouses on the outskirts of Blois, nestled in authentic and peaceful settings.
A balanced itinerary combining culture, nature, and relaxation, designed to give you an unforgettable experience at your own pace in one of France’s most beautiful gems.
Ready to go? Let Bretagne Autrement guide you on a trip where every detail has been carefully planned for your escape.
Previous
Next
Program for your stay in the Loire Valley
Day 1 : Saumur, pearl of the Loire!
As soon as you arrive in Saumur, you will be immediately charmed by the historic yet lively atmosphere of this iconic town in the Loire Valley.
Your hotel, ideally located in the town center, offers a warm and refined setting to begin your stay. After dropping off your bags, take the time to stroll around the neighborhood, enjoy a glass of Saumur-Champigny on a terrace, or let yourself be guided by the aromas of local cuisine wafting from nearby restaurants. Here, everything comes together to ensure that your stay gets off to the best possible start.
Day 2 : A stroll along the Loire: from the Château de Saumur to the charms of the Loire Valley
In the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saumur never fails to inspire emotion. Perched on the hillside, its fairytale castle has watched over the town below for over 1,000 years. Then set off on the Loire à Vélo cycle route, a well-maintained trail that winds its way between wild islands, vineyards, and troglodyte villages. Cycle to Montsoreau or Bouchemaine, stop off at the sandy beaches or at a vineyard for a tasting. An ideal getaway to enjoy the nature and tranquility of the Loire countryside.
Day 3 : Discovery day between the Loire River and the troglodyte world
Let yourself be carried away by the waters of the Loire on a one-hour boat trip, passing sandbanks and wild islands that provide a refuge for migratory birds, before enjoying a tasting of local products.
Then, head for an original troglodytic visit: a mushroom farm dug into the tuffeau stone, where you can discover, in the cool, the cultivation of button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms and shiitakes in the heart of 500 m of spectacular galleries. The visit combines a mysterious atmosphere, simple explanations and little gourmet touches. An original and friendly getaway not to be missed!
Day 4 : Head to Blois for a four-day immersion in royal history!
You leave Saumur behind and head for Blois, an iconic town on the banks of the Loire, where every stone tells a piece of French history. The cradle of the Renaissance, it was the favorite residence of several kings and retains an exceptional heritage, dominated by its royal castle, an architectural gem with eclectic facades and sumptuous interiors. Stroll through the cobbled streets, explore its captivating museums, and enjoy the terraced gardens offering breathtaking views of the Loire. Blois, with its blend of elegance and history, promises you an unforgettable stopover.
Day 5 : Chambord: a Renaissance masterpiece!
Listed among France’s most important historical monuments in 1840 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the Château de Chambord defies imagination. Much more than a simple palace or hunting lodge, it embodies an architectural utopia, a daring work of art whose secrets continue to fascinate.
Thanks to the Histopad, immerse yourself in the world of François I and explore nine rooms of the château reconstructed in 3D and virtual reality for an immersive, timeless visit. Then, prolong the wonder in the French gardens covering 6.5 hectares. An experience where art, history, and nature come together.
Day 6 : Chenonceau, The “Ladies' Castle”: a feminine and artistic legacy
The history of Chenonceau is linked to the women who built, embellished, and saved it. From its medieval origins (Tour des Marques) to the 16th century, Thomas Bohier and Catherine Briçonnet gave it its current splendor.
Today, the château houses furniture, tapestries, and paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries, reflecting the female figures who have marked its history. Visit the “Château des Dames” at your leisure, exploring its enchanting rooms and gardens for an immersion in art and female memory.
Day 7 : Chaumont-sur-Loire : Exceptional gardens and a castle perched above the Loire River!
Acquired by the Centre-Val de Loire region in 2007, the Chaumont-sur-Loire estate combines heritage, art, and innovative gardening, making it a unique stop among the châteaux of the Loire Valley. In 1875, 17-year-old Marie-Charlotte-Constance Say fell in love with it and bought it with her husband, Prince Henri-Amédée de Broglie, transforming it into a sumptuous setting for lavish receptions. Allow half a day for a visit to the château and the International Garden Festival (a 3-hour walk) for a total immersion in history and creativity.
Day 8 : End of your trip!
It’s already the end of this wonderful trip! Would you like an extra day? A hot air balloon ride? We would be delighted to help you organize this unforgettable stay in the Loire Valley, with its troglodyte castles, river cruises, and gourmet delights. Please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can work together to design the trip that meets your needs. See you soon for an enchanting adventure !
- 3 nights in Double room with river view – Your hotel on the banks of the Loire River
- 4 nights in Double room – Charming guest house in Vineuil
- Tourist taxes
- 7 breakfasts
- Day 2 : Bicycle rental in Saumur
- Day 3 :
- Day 3 : Saumur and the wild islands of the Loire, group excursion
- Day 5 : Chambord Castle and Gardens, admission ticket
- Day 6 : The Château de Chenonceau, Ticket entrance
- Day 7 : Chaumont-sur-Loire estate – Entrance ticket
- 24/7 Assistance during the length of your trip
- Your personalised travel book with all our good addresses
- Bretagne Autrement Services
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Your travel insurance
- Entrance fees to sites unless mentioned in the program
- Transportation unless mentioned in the program
Discover other holidays and trips in Brittany and Normandy
If you enjoyed discovering this Royal Getaway – The Loire Valley and its Castles vacation, you’ll love our other vacations and trips to Brittany, the Loire Valley, and Normandy! For a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a trip with friends, get inspired!
Comments are closed.